Explore Cultural Wonders: 2-Day Tours in Chongqing Featuring Dazu Rock Carvings

Day1 Chongqing

Start your adventure in Chongqing with a warm greeting from your private guide at the Chongqing Railway Station or your hotel in the downtown area. Look for the "Your Way Holiday" sign, which marks the beginning of your exciting day ahead. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned private vehicle as you embark on a personalized sightseeing tour. Share your interests with the guide, and let them customize the itinerary to suit your preferences, whether you're passionate about history, culture, or nature. With expert commentary and a tailored experience, you'll discover the best of Chongqing in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

Our next stop on the tour takes us to Bai Xiang Ju, a historical gem located in the heart of Chongqing. Originally a traditional residence, this beautifully preserved site now functions as a museum, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of old Chongqing. As you wander through the residence, you'll be captivated by its architectural elegance, where classic Chinese design blends seamlessly with local artistic influences. Our knowledgeable guide will accompany you through the impressive hallways, tranquil courtyards, and finely decorated rooms, offering in-depth commentary about the house’s history and cultural significance. You'll learn about the iconic white elephant symbol, the storied past of the residence, and how it has shaped local traditions. The guide will also delve into the rich history of Chongqing, enhancing your understanding of the artifacts, furniture, and artwork displayed within this historic home.

Next, The Chongqing Yangtze River Cableway offers an unforgettable and exhilarating way to take in the stunning views of the city and the mighty Yangtze River. This iconic cable car journey provides a unique perspective of the city, allowing passengers to admire panoramic vistas of Chongqing’s dynamic skyline, the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, and the scenic hills that surround the city. Throughout the ride, a knowledgeable guide will be on hand to provide interesting insights into the history of the cableway, the city's development, and the cultural significance of the Yangtze River. You’ll learn about Chongqing’s role as a key hub in China’s history, its vital position as a river port, and its ongoing transformation into a modern metropolis, all while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the city from above.

After a morning of exploration, it's time to indulge in an authentic Chongqing feast. Our knowledgeable guide will escort you to a well-loved local restaurant renowned for its traditional Chongqing cuisine. The menu boasts a variety of iconic dishes, including the fiery and flavorful Chongqing hot pot, savory dry pot dishes, and the beloved “Chongqing noodles.” As you savor each bite, your guide will share the fascinating history and cultural significance behind these signature dishes, shedding light on the rich culinary heritage of the region. After your meal, we’ll continue our culinary journey by sampling other local delights, such as grilled skewers and Chongqing-style noodles, which offer an unforgettable taste of the city’s vibrant street food scene. For the more adventurous foodies, we can explore some classic Sichuan-style snacks, including the famous "mala" dishes. Your guide will navigate you through the lively streets, ensuring you get a true taste of Chongqing’s food culture while sharing fascinating stories along the way.

Your next destination is Xiahaoli, a picturesque and serene area of Chongqing that beautifully blends nature with the charm of local culture. After a scenic drive, our expert guide will lead you on a leisurely walk through this hidden treasure, where you’ll immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and rivers. Xiahaoli is known for its calm, idyllic environment, featuring lush greenery and traditional architecture that offers a glimpse into the authentic character of Chongqing. During your walk, your guide will share fascinating details about Haoli’s history and cultural significance, giving you a deeper understanding of the area’s roots in local traditions and customs. You’ll stroll along well-preserved streets lined with historic buildings, have the chance to interact with the welcoming locals, and learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage. Your guide will also highlight notable landmarks such as ancient temples and historical sites, providing valuable context to the area’s fascinating past.

Afterward, your journey will take you to the heart of Chongqing's vibrant shopping and entertainment scene, the Jiefangbei Commercial District. This bustling area is a perfect fusion of modernity and history, where cutting-edge retail experiences meet deep cultural roots. Your expert guide will first take you to the iconic People’s Liberation Monument, a historic landmark that commemorates the city’s revolutionary heritage. From there, you’ll wander through the lively Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, which offers a mix of global brands and local boutiques. As you stroll, your guide will share fascinating stories about the district’s evolution from a historical area to one of Chongqing’s most dynamic commercial centers, offering you a deeper understanding of how the city blends its rich past with its rapid modernization.

Our final stop on this exciting day tour takes us to the iconic Chaotianmen Square, one of Chongqing’s most famous landmarks. Situated at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, this expansive square offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s dynamic waterfront. As we explore the area, you'll be able to appreciate the impressive Chaotianmen Bridge, a modern architectural masterpiece that spans the two rivers, with the bustling river traffic flowing beneath it. Our knowledgeable local guide will provide you with insights into the historical importance of this area. Once a bustling dock and commercial center, Chaotianmen played a vital role in Chongqing’s growth and transformation into the thriving metropolis it is today. As you take in the view, your guide will share fascinating stories about the square’s pivotal role in the city’s development.

As the day comes to a close, our guide will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel or any specified location of your choice. Whether you're heading back to relax after an exciting day of sightseeing or exploring, we’ll make sure you're safely dropped off at your destination. Our team is dedicated to providing you with excellent service, ensuring that your day concludes with ease and satisfaction.

Day2 Dazu Rock Carvings

In the morning, your guide will be waiting in the hotel lobby with a warm welcome to greet you and ensure a smooth and comfortable start to your day. Together, you'll set off for a memorable visit to the Dazu Rock Carvings, one of China’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your guide will assist you with any last-minute needs and provide an insightful overview of the day's journey, ensuring you are well-prepared for an enriching exploration of these extraordinary ancient Buddhist sculptures and cultural treasures.

After a comfortable drive from Chongqing, your journey to the renowned Dazu Rock Carvings begins with a visit to Baodingshan (Baoding Mountain). Upon arrival, our knowledgeable guide will accompany you as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing expert commentary on its rich historical and cultural significance. Baodingshan is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved Buddhist sculptures, dating back to the 12th century during the Song Dynasty. As you walk along the intricate carvings, your guide will share insights into the religious symbolism, artistic techniques, and the fascinating stories depicted in the stone. Through their guidance, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of how these masterpieces reflect the harmonious integration of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist influences. This immersive experience ensures that you not only witness the visual beauty of the site but also connect with the profound cultural heritage that it represents.

The earliest carvings were begun in 650 AD during the early Tang dynasty, but the main period of their creation began in the late 9th century, when Wei Junjing, Prefect of Changzhou, pioneered the carvings on Mount Beishan, and his example was followed after the collapse of the Tang dynasty by local and gentry, monks and nuns, and ordinary people during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-65). In the 12th century, during the Song dynasty, a Buddhist monk named Zhao Zhifeng began work on the elaborate sculptures and carvings on Mount Baoding, dedicating 70 years of his life to the project.

After exploring the impressive Dazu Baodingshan Rock Carvings, your journey continues with a visit to the equally remarkable Beishan Rock Carvings. Our knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the journey, providing insightful commentary to enrich your understanding of these cultural treasures. Upon arrival at Beishan, the guide will lead you through the ancient site, sharing fascinating stories behind the intricate carvings and explaining their historical and religious significance. Compared to Baodingshan, Beishan offers a more intimate atmosphere, with carvings that beautifully showcase the evolution of Buddhist art during the Tang and Song dynasties. As you walk among the delicate stone figures and serene reliefs, your guide will point out important details and answer any questions you may have, ensuring a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship and cultural context of the site. This seamless experience provides an even richer perspective on the Dazu Rock Carvings as a whole, offering a truly memorable cultural exploration.

Next, our journey continues with a visit to the Dazu Museum. Our professional guide will accompany you, providing fascinating insights along the way to deepen your understanding of Dazu's rich historical and cultural background. Upon arrival at the museum, your guide will lead you through the exhibits, highlighting key artifacts and explaining the profound religious, artistic, and historical significance behind the region’s renowned stone carvings. This visit offers a comprehensive context to what you have seen at Beishan, enriching your appreciation of Dazu’s enduring cultural heritage.

After exploring the fascinating Dazu Rock Carvings Museum and gaining deeper insights into the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage, your journey will continue with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel or the railway station. Our professional guide will accompany you throughout the drive, ensuring a smooth and relaxing experience. Along the way, the guide will be available to answer any remaining questions you may have about what you've seen, share additional stories about local culture, and offer travel tips for the rest of your journey. With personalized service and attentive care, we aim to make sure your visit to Dazu concludes on a pleasant and memorable note.

Price Per Person in US Dollars