5 Day Chongqing City + Dazu Rock Carvings + Wulong Karst Tour

Start today’s adventure with a leisurely two-hour drive from Chongqing to the Dazu Rock Carvings.  Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Dazu Rock Carvings are an impressive series of elaborate Chinese religious sculptures and carvings dating from the 9th to the 13th century.

First stop is the Baodingshan (Baoding Mountain) cluster, the crown jewel of the Dazu complex. Built over a 70-year period straddling the 12th and 13th centuries, construction came under the careful direction of a 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 truly awesome Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteshvara. This statue, which towers seven meters, features 1,007 uniquely carved arms and is a testament to unparalleled artisanal skill following its eight year restoration.

After immersing yourself in the ancient art of the rock carvings at Baodingshan (Baoding Mountain) cluster, you will be escorted to the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum located within the scenic area. Built in a contemporary design, the museum uses engaging multimedia and digital displays to deepen 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

Kick off today’s activities with a visit to Chongqing Zoo and one of its many highlights, Panda House, one of China’s foremost centers for giant panda conservation. Housing one of the country’s largest populations of these beloved bears, Panda House offers a wonderful opportunity to observe these special creatures 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

Day three begins with the road journey to Wulong Karst. Taking around three hours from Chongqing’s centre, on arrival at Fairy Mountain Town, you’ll commence a tour of the Three Natural Bridges, the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia. Creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape, this is the perfect spot for capturing beautiful travel memories.

Enjoy a leisurely hike through the grand valley to discover the stunning limestone arches of Tianlong (Heavenly Dragon) Bridge, Qinglong (Green Dragon) Bridge, and Heilong (Black Dragon) Bridge. Gaining international attention through being featured in the movie “Transformers: Age of Extinction”, travelers come from all over to see where the action was captured.

At the base of Three Natural Bridges, discover Tianfu Postal Relay Station. Built during the Tang Dynasty as the hub for dispatch of official documents between the present-day Sichuan and Guizhou Province. In 2005, a Chinese courtyard was reconstructed for filming of Curse of the Golden Flower, directed by the renowned director Zhang Yimou of Raise the Red Lantern fame. In addition to the remarkable natural wonders of the area, Wulong Karst attracts countless film devotee tourists each year.

Continue today’s tour to Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, an alpine grassland famous for its rolling hills, expansive meadows, pine forests, and snowy landscapes. Covering an area of 8,910 hectares and at an average elevation of 1,900 meters, it is a getaway for locals to escape from the summer heat and enjoy skiing in winter.

This beautiful day in nature concludes with the return trip to your hotel in Chongqing. Enjoy a quiet evening in or liaise with your local guide for an opportunity to experience a relaxing foot massage and dinner at one of your guide’s recommended local favorites.

Meals included: Breakfast

Depending on the time of your departure from Chongqing there may be time to explore a little longer in the morning before checking out and moving on to your next destination. You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport or the train station for the next stage of your travels.

Meals included: Breakfast

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