I was incredibly lucky to be invited on a 10-day tour of China with Wendy Wu Tours – and what an adventure it turned out to be! We flew from London with Air China who were far better than expected: plenty of legroom in economy, great service and meals very much in keeping with local cuisine (think chicken and rice or beef and noodles!).
After landing in Chengdu, we boarded the high-speed Bullet Train to Chongqing, reaching an impressive 348 km/h. I’d highly recommend the experience to anyone travelling in China – just remember the 20kg luggage limit and combined suitcase size of 160cm.
Day One – Tongnan & Dazu
Our first day took us to Tongnan Ancient Town, a beautiful area filled with pagoda-style buildings, temples, shops and street performances. We even stumbled upon a wedding ceremony, giving us a lovely glimpse into local life.
From here, we continued to Dazu, home to the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings, including the famous “Golden Buddha with Many Hands”. Dating back to the 9th–13th centuries, this site is a must-see for anyone visiting Chongqing.
Dinner was a classic Sichuan hotpot – a bubbling bowl of spicy and plain broth where you cook your own meats, fish and vegetables. It’s a cornerstone of local cuisine and absolutely delicious! In the evening, we enjoyed the colourful and engaging Sichuan Opera, told through music, dance and vibrant costumes.
Day Two – Giant Pandas & The Yangtze
Today was the one everyone had been waiting for – a visit to Chongqing Zoo to see the Giant Pandas! They were absolutely adorable, and I’d recommend going in the morning when they’re most active.
Lunch was at the Chongqing Hualiyan Culture and Art Banquet, where we enjoyed traditional dishes alongside music, dance and storytelling.
We then visited the Eye of the Clouds observation deck for 360° city views, followed by a cable-car ride across Chongqing.
That evening, we took a breathtaking Yangtze River cruise, complete with a spectacular light and drone show – truly unforgettable. I also squeezed in a visit to the Ronghui Hot Springs, which has over 15 pools and stays open until midnight. A perfect way to end the night.
Day Three – Conference & Ciqikou Ancient Town
We attended the 2025 Chongqing International Travel Agent Conference, held in a different Chinese city each year with attendees from around the world.
Afterwards, we explored Ciqikou Ancient Town, a maze of streets packed with street food, artisan shops and, unexpectedly, a beer pump station in the square where you can pour your own drink from over 15 varieties!
In the evening, we watched “Chongqing 1949”, a powerful and emotional theatrical production telling the story of the events leading up to the city’s Liberation Day.
Day Four – Mountain Landscapes & Miao Culture
With an overnight bag packed, we took the Bullet Train into the mountains. Our first stop was Wanshoushan in Shizhu County, known for its ties to legendary female warriors of the Ming Dynasty, including Hua Mulan. The scenery was breathtaking.
We then travelled to Chiyou Jiulicheng in Pengshui County, the largest Miao architectural complex in China and said to be an inspiration for the Kung Fu Panda films. With temples, traditional buildings and dramatic landscapes, it was a highlight of the trip. We stayed overnight and enjoyed a peaceful Jiuli night cruise along the Wujiang River.
Day Five – Wulong Karst & Liziba Station
Today we explored the Three Natural Bridges Gorge in Wulong – a stunning hike through landscapes featured in Transformers: Age of Extinction. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to escape the city and experience China’s natural beauty. The local street food here was also fantastic.
Back in Chongqing, we visited the famous Liziba Station, where the metro line passes straight through a residential building. It’s fascinating to watch!
Days Six to Eight – Shanghai
We ended our adventure with three days in the amazing city of Shanghai – a cosmopolitan blend of old and new. During our stay we:
- Walked along The Bund
- Explored Chinatown and the French Quarter
- Visited Yu Garden
- Saw the Temple of the Jade Buddha
- Rode the Maglev Train
- Went up the Shanghai Tower (the 3rd tallest building in the world)
- Enjoyed an evening Huangpu River cruise, admiring the neon skyline and iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Shanghai was a definite favourite – I’d recommend it to anyone.
Top Tips for Travelling in China
- Use a Holafly eSIM — it has a built-in VPN, so you can use all your usual apps.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture and food.
- Download Google Translate or a similar app — English isn’t widely spoken.
- Travel with a tour for the smoothest experience.
Final Thoughts
China truly exceeded my expectations. The people were friendly, the food was fantastic, and I felt safe everywhere we went.
The country is rich in culture, history and natural beauty — and I know I’ll be going back one day. It was simply incredible.
