4 Day Chongqing City + Dazu Rock Carvings Tour

After breakfast, explore Chongqing with your guide who will pick you up from the hotel and drive to the day’s first stop, Chongqing Zoo. Your first highlight awaits at the zoo’s renowned Panda House. As one of China’s foremost centers for giant panda conservation, it houses one of the country’s largest populations of these beloved bears, offering a wonderful opportunity to observe them in a carefully managed habitat.

Moving on from the zoo, take time to immerse yourself in local history with a visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town. Wander through its characteristic steep alleyways, where the atmosphere of old Chongqing comes alive. Explore traditional teahouses, browse unique artisan shops tucked into narrow spaces, and sample classic local snacks from street vendors.

A tour of Chongqing is not complete without a visit to the remarkable Liziba Station. See one of the city’s most iconic sights: a metro train line that passes directly through the centre of a residential apartment building, offering a fascinating glimpse into Chongqing’s innovative adaptation to its mountainous terrain.

The best way to experience Chongqing is a stroll through Shancheng Alley, an historic lane that winds along the ancient city wall. Lined with traditional shops, quaint teahouses, and cafes, it feels like stepping back in time. Discover ruins of historical sites, including a former French church, and get a real taste of Chongqing at leisure when you take time out for a cup of tea in a teahouse overlooking the city.

Following wandering the alleys, you will go to visit Kuixinglou Square, celebrated for its distinctive architecture. A landmark that has become a symbol of the city’s dynamic spirit, Kuixinglou Square is a must see for visitors seeking insight to modern Chongqing. Head to the bustling Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, centered around Chongqing’s most iconic landmark, the Liberation Monument. This area is the commercial and cultural heart of the city, a vibrant shopping district characterised by modern malls, flagship stores, and local restaurants.

Today’s final highlight is the vibrant Hongyadong complex, a popular attraction built into the cliffs along the Jialing River. This multi-tiered labyrinth of streets is a trove of boutique shops and restaurants, inviting travelers to experience life as locals do. By night the area transforms, lighting up the city’s horizon and creating a dazzling reflection on the river. The driver and guide will return you to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast, start the day’s adventure by taking a two-hour drive by car from Chongqing to Dazu. Here you’ll have the chance to explore the Dazu Rock Carvings. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, these incredible carvings will impress. A series of elaborate Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, they were created from the ninth to the 13th century.

On arrival, the first stop will be a visit to the Baodingshan (Baoding Mountain) cluster, considered the crown jewel of the Dazu complex. Created over 70 years straddling the 12th and 13th centuries, the construction came under the careful direction of an inspired monk, Zhao Zhifeng. Remarkably, this site features over 6,000 intricate sculptures carved directly into a natural limestone amphitheatre. Unlike earlier cave temples, the carvings at Dafowan (Great Buddha Bend) unfold like a spectacular open-air storybook. Wander at your own pace to admire masterpieces, including the serene 32 meter long Reclining Buddha, depicting Shakyamuni entering Nirvana, and the awe inspiring Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteshvara. This statue, which towers seven meters, features 1,007 uniquely carved arms and is a testament to unparalleled artisan skill following an eight-year restoration.

After immersing yourself in the ancient art of the rock carvings at Baodingshan (Baoding Mountain) cluster, your guide will escort you to the modern Dazu Rock Carvings Museum located within the scenic area. This contemporary facility uses engaging multimedia and digital displays to deepen your understanding of the carvings and their importance as traditional cultural relics. The museum provides the opportunity to learn about the history of the carvings, the confluence of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs they represent, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue exploration of Dazu Rock Carvings by visiting the Beishan (Northern Mountain) cluster, appreciated for their intricate details, varied forms, and unique location in hive-like caves. Carved from 892AD to 1162AD, the statues and sculptures at Beishan are smaller and characterised by meticulous carvings that emphasize the finest detail. Be sure to take in the elegant Guanyin statues, famous Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and iconic Zhuanlun Jingzang Ku, also referred to as the Rotating Sutra Cave, each of which exhibits the finest craftsmanship associated with this site.

After a full day exploration of Dazu Rock Carvings, you will return to Chongqing and be comfortably transferred back to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will be met by your guide and transferred to the airport or the train station for your next destination. Your Chongqing tour ends here. Alternatively, you can start your own exploration journey in Chongqing. Talk to our team about connections, destinations, and flexible tour options.

Meals included: Breakfast

Travel Note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Looking for guidance about your next destination? We can help. With a network that extends all over China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Chongqing – or anywhere else while you’re in China. Kindly note a surcharge will apply.