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This is less a trip than a journey from the centre of the earth up to the clouds and then down into an eight-dimensional dream city.
The first three days belong to nature and river breezes. From the moment you land there is nothing to arrange — your Mountain City holiday begins immediately. Day two goes deep into Wulong for the sheer drama of the Three Natural Bridges sinkholes and the cool spray of Longshuixia Rift Gorge, then overnight in Wulong so the quiet of the hills washes off the day. Day three chases the wind across the alpine grassland of Xiannv Mountain, savouring the Switzerland of the East, before returning to the city for a stroll through the retro-artistic lanes of Xiahaoli and an evening on Nanbin Road watching lights come up across the water — Chongqing at its gentlest.
The final day unlocks the city's fantastical side: glide across the Yangtze on the river cableway, dive into the everyday bustle of Ciqikou Old Town, watch the monorail pass through a building at Liziba, trace the city's historical depth at the Three Gorges Museum, and finish amid the brilliant night lights of Hongyadong.
The broth is usually rendered from beef tallow, chillies and Sichuan peppercorns — hot and numbing at once. Anything can go into the pot, and everyone cooks their own ingredients until done. Fiery, fragrant, loud and generous, it is Chongqing's signature flavour.
The Three Natural Bridges in Wulong, Chongqing, are a World Natural Heritage site famous for the karst spectacle of three bridges spanning two sinkholes. The sinkholes feel like vast wells opening onto the sky, and the location appeared in Transformers: Age of Extinction.
If the Three Natural Bridges are about looking down from the cliff top, Longshuixia Rift Gorge is an expedition into the heart of the planet. Called the most beautiful crack on earth, it is a core part of the Wulong karst World Heritage site, torn open by mountain-building movements tens of millions of years ago. The walls are sheer and the gorge is deep — at its narrowest just one metre wide, leaving only a single strip of daylight overhead.
Beyond the scenery, Xiannv Mountain is made for camping, horse riding, walking and picnics. Visitors can slow right down and enjoy unhurried time on the grassland, which suits families, couples and friends alike. The facilities are well developed and the schedule is flexible; placing it mid-itinerary gives a welcome breather after several days on the road.
From the artistic lanes of Xiahaoli to the river breeze on Nanbin Road, from the airborne ride of the Yangtze cableway to the monorail threading a building at Liziba, from the everyday bustle of Ciqikou to the historical depth of the Three Gorges Museum, and finally the brilliant lights of Hongyadong — one day covers Chongqing's verticality and its depth.
Baolun Temple was first built in the Song dynasty, more than a thousand years ago. Set against Baiyan Mountain and facing the Jialing River, it is one of Chongqing's most renowned Buddhist temples. Ciqikou Old Town was once called Longyin Town, a name derived from the temple — legend holds that the Ming emperor Jianwen took refuge here, which is why Baolun Temple is also known as Longyin Temple.
As night falls, thousands of lights illuminate the tiered buildings and warm golden reflections fall across the river, closely resembling the fantastical world of Spirited Away — one of Chongqing's best-known city cards. The view from Qiansimen Bridge is the best vantage point for the full panorama, with the illuminated towers across the water stacking up in the same frame.
A private transfer meets you at the airport or station, and free time begins after check-in. No rushing — wander the streets with friends, eat an authentic Chongqing hotpot and start this easy trip beneath a brilliant night skyline.
Explore the world-class karst spectacle of the Three Natural Bridges and the drama of its sinkholes, then step into Longshuixia Rift Gorge and feel the cool of deep ravines and cascading water. The tiredness of a day outdoors dissolves in the quiet of an overnight stay in Wulong.
Three Natural Bridges
Longshuixia Rift GorgeSpend the morning on the alpine grassland of Xiannv Mountain, enjoying the breeze and taking photographs on an easygoing nature outing. In the afternoon move to Xiahaoli Old Street for its retro, artistic everyday atmosphere; in the evening stroll Nanbin Road with the river breeze and lights across the water. A relaxed day of wandering with friends.
Fairy Mountain
Xiahaoli Old Street
Nanbin Road LighthouseWake naturally, then ride the Yangtze River Cableway across the water and tick off Ciqikou Old Town, the monorail passing through a building at Liziba and the Three Gorges Museum, finishing with a photo pose amid the brilliant lights of Hongyadong. A private transfer to the airport or station closes out this light-luxury journey of nature, culture and everyday life.
Yangtze River Cableway
Ciqikou
Liziba
Three Gorges Museum
Hongya CaveFour-star equivalent rooms throughout, clean and well equipped. Different room types can be arranged on request, and every room includes daily breakfast.
