How to Spend 5 Days in Chongqing? Ultimate Travel Guide & Itinerary

This 5-day Chongqing itinerary focuses on the region’s top natural attractions in an efficient route.

Key highlights include exploring Wulong Karst, Black Mountain Valley, Fairy Mountain, Yuanyang Longgang, and Simianshan. Efficient transportation, recommended hiking routes, and knowing the best times to visit each scenic spot will help save time and make the trip more enjoyable.

This guide provides a detailed day-by-day itinerary, travel tips, and must-see natural attractions to help first-time visitors experience Chongqing’s stunning landscapes confidently and enjoy a complete, stress-free journey.

Chongqing Itinerary 5 Days Overview

In 2025, the city of Chongqing reported that from January to August, inbound tourist arrivals rose by 82.48% year-on-year (sources from ichongqing).

My 5-day itinerary will guide you through Chongqing's famous landmarks, peaceful mountains, and geological wonders. From the dramatic Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges to the tranquil beauty of Fairy Mountain, prepare to be amazed by the charm of Chongqing.

Chongqing Itinerary Day 1 | Wulong & Dazu Rock Carving

Day 1 Morning: Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges

Overlooking Wulong Tiensheng Three Bridges

• Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
• Ticket Price: 95 RMB (around $13 USD).
• Recommended Length of Stay: 2–3 hours.
• Location: Junction of Baiguo Township and Walnut Township, 20 km southeast of Wulong County, Chongqing.

Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges is an amazing sight located about 20 kilometers from Wulong County. Wulong Karst in Chongqing is part of the South China Karst and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007, recognising its globally outstanding karst landscapes (according to the World Heritage Convention).

The area has three enormous stone arch bridges—Tianlong (Sky Dragon), Qinglong (Green Dragon), and Heilong (Black Dragon)—which form the largest group of natural stone bridges in Asia.

The sheer scale of the bridges is incredible, with their arches towering over 100 meters above the ground. The natural beauty of the surrounding gorges and cliffs creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. It's no wonder the site has been used as a filming location for movies like Curse of the Golden Flower and Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Visitors typically start their journey at the tourist center in Xiannv Town, where you can take a shuttle bus to the site. A glass elevator takes you down into the gorge, providing an amazing perspective of the massive arches above.

Day 1 Afternoon: Dazu Rock Carving

After visiting the Wulong Tiansheng Three Bridges, Dazu Rock Carving next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Exquisite works of Dazu Rock Carvings

• Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Ticket Price: 115 RMB for Baoding Mountain and 70 RMB for Beishan Mountain (around $16 and $10 USD).
• Recommended Length of Stay: 4–5 hours.
• Location: Baoding Mountain Stone Carving Scenic Area, Baoding Town, Dazu District, Chongqing.

The Dazu Rock Carvings are a must-see for anyone visiting Chongqing. These incredible stone sculptures, tucked away in the hills of Dazu District, date back to the Tang and Song Dynasties. They’ve earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation for good reason—every carving tells a story, from Buddhist teachings to vivid depictions of everyday life.

Baoding Mountain is especially famous for its intricate carvings, like the "Six Cycles of Reincarnation" and the "Ten Stages of Hell." These works are not just art but windows into ancient beliefs about life, death, and morality. Meanwhile, Beishan Mountain showcases a quieter charm with sculptures that combine the clean lines of Tang Dynasty art and the graceful details of Song Dynasty craftsmanship.

Day 1 Evening: Grand House Chongqing

Don’t forget to book Grand House Chongqing in advance, because all the tourists head to Dazu Rock Carving love staying at it.

The Grand House Chongqing provides a great place for travelers to relax after a busy day. The Grand House Chongqing is an ideal choice for travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Chongqing.

Keeping busy is easy, with Baoding Mountain, Yuanjue Daochang Cavern and Dazu Rock Carvings Art Museum all nearby.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities. This Chongqing hotel provides parking on site.

If you demand a high level of service, our guests have indicated that this hotel has excellent standards. For guests traveling with families, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

Chongqing Itinerary Day 2: Black Valley & Wulong Karst Tourism Region

Day 2 Morning: Black Mountain Valley Scenic Area

Spring water in Black Valley

• Opening Hours: Open from 3/1-10/31,8:30am-6:30pm;Open from 11/1-2/28,9:00am-3:30pm
• Ticket Price: 60 RMB
• Recommended Length of Stay: 4-6 Hours
• Location: Within the territory of Heishan Town, Wansheng District

Black Mountain Valley Scenic Area is located in Jingxing Township, Wansheng District, Chongqing. It is a natural oxygen bar. The Black Valley area is 13 kilometers in length, separated into two sections by the north and south gates. The valley is composed of forests, bamboo seas, waterfalls, caves, and other unique landscapes. Here you can fully feel the shade of the gorge and enjoy playing in the water.

Day 2 Afternoon: Wulong Tiankeng Land Slot National Geological Park

After finishing the tour at Black Mountain Valley Scenic Area, you can head to Wulong Tiankeng Land Slot National Geological Park, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Spectacular scenery of Wulong Karst Tourism Region

• Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-4:30pm
• Ticket Price: 105 RMB
• Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days
• Location: Within the territory of Xiannv Town, Wulong County, Chongqing

Tiankeng Land Slot National Geological Park is located in the town of Wulong, Chongqing. It is a great place to see karst peaks, natural bridges, tiankeng (pits) and deep crevasses. It is a rare geological wonder. Tiankeng Land Slot National Geological Park includes two scenic areas called Three Natural Bridges and Longshui Canyon; each area requires a separate ticket. Visitors can visit the tourist center in Fairy Mountain to purchase tickets for Three Natural Bridges and Longshui Canyon.

Day 2 Evening: Tianyi Fangcaodi Holiday Hotel

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Tianyi Fangcaodi Holiday Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

The Tianyi Fangcaodi Holiday Hotel was recently opened in 2020, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Chongqing.

From the hotel, Wulong Railway Station is approximately 24km away. The nearest railway station is Wulong Railway Station, approximately 24km away. The nearby area boasts an abundance of attractions including Gingko Avenue, Fairy Mountain Town, Ice Sculpture of Wulong Fantasy Ice World and Stone Town (Rare Stone Museum).

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Chongqing hotel provides parking on site.

According to our guests, the location of this hotel is one of the best around. For guests traveling with families, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

Cozy room at Tianyi Fangcaodi Holiday Hotel

Chongqing Itinerary Day 3: Fairy Mountain National Forest Park & Jinfo Mountain

Day 3 Morning: Fairy Mountain National Forest Park

Snow scenery at Fairy Mountain National Forest Park

• Opening Hours: Open all day
• Ticket Price: 50 RMB
• Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days
• Location: Wulong County Fairy Mountain National Forest Park

A rare sight in southern China, tall mountains and grasslands are a feature of Fairy Mountain National Forest Park. Fairy Mountain National Forest Park is located in Wulong, Chongqing. In summer, the mountains are cool, making it a preferred place to avoid the summer heat. Adventurous visitors can try horse riding in the park. In winter, the peaks are covered in brilliant snow.

A ski resort is a great choice for those who like to ski and play in the snow. Many visitors to Fairy Mountain National Forest Park spend the night in Fairy Mountain and visit Three Natural Bridges and Longshui Canyon on the next day by taking the bus from the tourist center.

Day 3 Afternoon: Jinfo Mountain

Jinfo Mountain nearby is the top choice before you leave Fairy Mountain National Forest Park and hit the road.

Sunrise at Mount Jinfo

• Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,8:30am-5:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,8:10am-5:30pm;Open from 8:10am-5:30pm during Chinese public holidays
• Ticket Price: 70 RMB
• Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days
• Location: Sanhui Village, Nancheng Subdistrict Office, Nanchuan District

Jinfo Mountain is located in the Nanchuan District of Chongqing. Every late afternoon in summer and autumn, the light of the setting sun shines on the cliffs so that they look a statue of the golden Buddha with thousands of rays radiating from its body. The scene is absolutely spectacular.

Currently, the scenic area is open in the Western slope and the Northern slope. There are ropeways on both slopes, which can be accessed via the Western slope and the Northern slope. Sightseeing Jinfo Mountain generally takes at least one whole day. There are accommodations available at the West Slope, the North Slope and the Peak.

Day 3 Evening: Chongqing Albion Gold Buddha Mountain Resort

After visiting the glorious Jinfo Mountain, Chongqing Albion Gold Buddha Mountain Resot nearby is the best place to stay.

The Chongqing Albion Gold Buddha Mountain Resot is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Chongqing, having been recently opened in 2020.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Chongqing hotel provides parking on site.

Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service. For guests traveling with families, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

Grand exterior of Chongqing Albion Gold Buddha Mountain Resort

Chongqing Itinerary Day 4: Yunyang Longgang Scenic Spot & Youyang Taohuayuan

Day 4 Morning: Youyang Peach Blossom Spring

Scenery of Youyang Peach Blossom Spring

• Opening Hours: Summer 8:30-18:30, Admission stopped time: 16:00; Winter 8:30-17:30, Admission stopped time :15:00 .
• Ticket Price: 100 RMB
• Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days
• Location: Qingshui Township, Yunyang County, Chongqing

Yunyang Longgang National Geological Park is a 550 meter deep pit (the third deepest in China and fifth deepest in the world). Its shape has made it a natural rock quarry.

Legends abound about this historic place. Yunyang Longgang's greatest appeal lies in its beautiful scenery. It has beautiful karst landforms, rivers and canyons.

There are two glass pathways: the lunar shadow path and the hand-rail path that give viewers an even more intimate look at the scenery.

Day 4 Afternoon: Youyang Peach Blossom Spring

Youyang Peach Blossom Spring nearby is the top choice before you leave Yunyang Longgang National Geological Park and hit the road.

Serene lake scenery at Youyang Taoyuan

• Opening Hours: Open from 3/1-10/30,8:00am-5:30pm;Open from 11/1-2/28,8:00am-5:00pm
• Ticket Price: 100 RMB
• Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Hours
• Location: No. 232 Taohuayuan Road, Fuyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Youyang, Chongqing

The Youyang Peach Blossom Spring Scenic Spot is located near Shuyang County. It is mainly composed of the Peach Blossom Spring, Fuxi Cave and Youyang Ancient Town.

According to research, Tao Yuanming wrote his famous "Arcadia" in this very spot. If you come here in April, you can have a taste of the scenery that inspired the famous poem.

In April, the entrance to the scenic spot is filled with peach blossoms, as the Taohua River flows out of the cave. If you look into the cave you can see the beautiful hanging stalactites. There are many stone carvings in the cave, but they are difficult to identify because of their age.

Day 4 Evening: Youyang Taohuayuan Forest Hotel

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Youyang Peach Blossom Spring? Youyang Taohuayuan Forest Hotel is one of your top choices.

The Youyang Taohuayuan Forest Hotel is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Youyang County, having been recently opened in 2021.

The hotel is located approximately 36km from Youyang Railway Station. Youyang Railway Station is the closest option for those who prefer to travel by train, approximately 36km away. Seeing Youyang County's sights from this hotel is easy with Youzhou Ancient City, Dayou Cave and Taigu Cave all close by.

After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. Guests of this Youyang County hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

If you are looking for a convenient place to stay, our guests have told us that this location is excellent. This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling with families.

Neat room at Youyang Taohuayuan Forest Hotel

Chongqing Itinerary Day 5: Simianshan

Magnificent scenery of Simianshan

Simianshan

• Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-6:00pm
• Ticket Price: 60 RMB
• Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days
• Location: Simian Mountain Town, Jiangjin District

Simianshan, the four-faced mountain, in Chongqing’s Jiangjin District is surrounded on all sides by the verdant greens lush forest, there are also numerous waterfalls and ancient prehistoric plants. The scenic area contains the clear waters of Honghai Lake and has more than 100 large and small waterfalls, including Wangxiangtai Falls, Shuikoushi Falls and Yuanyang Falls. All of them are well worth visiting.

Deep in the mist-covered mountains you might discover a prehistoric plant—the flying spider monkey tree fern. This plant is a living fossil that has remained unchanged for over 3.5 million years. Traveling to Simianshan for holiday is convenient, with numerous farmhouse B&Bs providing food and lodging for tourists.