8 days in East Asia Itinerary

With one of the most populated and largest metropolitan areas in the world, Chongqing was the de facto capital of China during World War II. Its wartime political importance and post-war economic boom have left a number of attractions in Chongqing, including war memorials and museums, government buildings, and thriving commercial districts with a wealth of malls and more traditional market areas.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Tue): find something for the whole family at Wulong Karst geological park, Head underground at Hongya Cave, and then make a trip to HongYaDong JiuBa Jie.

For more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Chongqing travel itinerary planner.

Bangkok, Thailand to Chongqing is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and bus. The time zone difference moving from Indochina Time (ICT) to China Standard Time (CST) is 1 hour. Plan for cooler temperatures traveling from Bangkok in April, with highs in Chongqing at 28°C and lows at 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to catch the train to Chengdu.

The home of giant pandas for more than two million years, Chengdu's vast human history cowers in comparison to the natural heritage of the area.

Change things up with these side-trips from Chengdu: Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo) (in Leshan) and Dujiangyan (Dujiangyan Irrigation System & Dujiangyan Panda Base). There's more to do: identify plant and animal life at Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi) and get to know the fascinating history of Jinli Pedestrian Street.

For photos, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Chengdu trip itinerary builder tool.

Getting from Chongqing to Chengdu by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or fly. In April, daytime highs in Chengdu are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to fly to Songpan County.

Though the area remains largely rural and the economy mostly geared towards agriculture, tourism in Songpan County has begun to develop, with a host of scenic areas and cultural sites to explore.

To see other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Songpan County road trip website.

Traveling by flight from Chengdu to Songpan County takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. On the 15th (Sat), you'll travel to Jiuzhaigou County.

Nine villages make up Jiuzhaigou County, a valley with a wealth of natural sites protected by UNESCO. Some of the natural sites are considered holy by the local Tibetan and Qiang minorities, with many legends and anecdotes associated with each lake, waterfall, off-shoot valley, and snowcapped peak.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Jiuzhaigou County planner.

Getting from Songpan County to Jiuzhaigou County by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. You'll set off for home on the 16th (Sun).