Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Ciqikou Old Town Join in Day Tour
Active
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore the rich history and culture west of Chongqing on a full-day tour that includes visits to two ancient towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start your journey in Changzhou Ancient city, where you can stroll through stone-paved streets lined with traditional wooden houses and local temples. Then, marvel at the impressive Baodingshan section of the Dazu Rock Carvings, renowned for its stunning Buddhist art and historical significance. Finally, unwind in the lively Ciqikou Ancient Town, famous for its vibrant streets and delicious street food as lanterns light up the evening sky.
- Visit Changzhou Ancient Town and experience its rich history
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings with a knowledgeable guide
- Watch an immersive digital show about the rock carvings' history
- Enjoy local snacks and the lively atmosphere of Ciqikou Ancient Town
- Enjoy a personalized experience in a small group (max 15 travelers).
Available options
Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Ciqikou Old Town Join in Day Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Admission fee of digital films in Dazu Rock Carvings
Entrance ticket of Dazu Rock Carvings
Air-conditioned vehicle
English Speaking Local Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Your morning begins in Changzhou Ancient City, a riverside settlement in Dazu with more than a thousand years of history. Once the seat of Changzhou Prefecture, this compact old town features stone-paved streets, traditional wooden houses, guild halls and small temples that reflect its Tang and Song Dynasty roots. It is a pleasant place to stretch your legs, try local snacks and get a feel for everyday life in the Dazu area before heading to the rock carvings.
2
Next, you continue to Baodingshan, the most impressive cluster of the Dazu Rock Carvings, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their outstanding religious art and vivid scenes of daily life in medieval China. Here you follow a walkway past huge rock reliefs carved between the 12th and 13th centuries, with detailed Buddhist figures, narrative panels and expressive faces that are remarkably well preserved. Your guide will help you notice important details and explain how Buddhism, Taoism and Confucian ideas are all woven into the carvings.
After exploring the grottoes, you watch a digital film that uses projection, sound and lighting to introduce the history, symbolism and restoration of the Dazu Rock Carvings in an accessible way. This short show is a good chance to sit down, deepen your understanding of what you have just seen at Baodingshan, and see close-up reconstructions of some of the most famous scenes.
3
In the late afternoon, you drive back towards Chongqing and stop at Ciqikou Ancient Town, a lively historic quarter on the Jialing River. Once a busy porcelain port, today Ciqikou is known for its old streets, traditional courtyard houses, temples and teahouses, as well as a wide range of street food. You can wander along the stone lanes, visit a temple or riverside pier, sample local snacks and soak up the mix of history and everyday life as the lanterns start to glow.
What's not included
Meals
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
CMN
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour operates with a "Guaranteed Departure" policy, meaning that even if the minimum group size is not met, the tour will still proceed as scheduled to ensure your travel plans remain uninterrupted. You will enjoy the same high-quality service regardless of the final group number
Not recommended for babies under 1 year
About Chongqing
Chongqing, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and vibrant urban life, is a sprawling metropolis in Southwest China. The city is famous for its spicy cuisine, unique architecture, and the Yangtze River cruises that offer breathtaking views of the Three Gorges.
Top Attractions
Yangtze River Cruise
A Yangtze River cruise offers stunning views of the Three Gorges and the surrounding landscapes. The cruise typically departs from Chongqing and travels to Yichang, passing through the Three Gorges Dam and other scenic spots.
Scenic
4-5 days (round trip)
¥2,000-5,000 (depending on the cruise line and cabin type)
Hongya Cave
Hongya Cave is a historic commercial district built into a cliffside. The area is known for its unique architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and local snacks.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free (some attractions may charge entry fees)
Chongqing Zoo
Chongqing Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including giant pandas, red pandas, and golden snub-nosed monkeys. The zoo also features beautiful gardens and a small amusement park.
Nature
3-4 hours
¥50 (adults), ¥25 (children)
Three Gorges Museum
The Three Gorges Museum showcases the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Three Gorges region. The museum features exhibits on archaeology, local customs, and the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Ciqikou Ancient Town
Ciqikou Ancient Town is a well-preserved historic town with a rich cultural heritage. The town is known for its traditional architecture, local crafts, and delicious street food.
Historical
3-4 hours
Free (some attractions may charge entry fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Chongqing Hotpot
A spicy and flavorful hotpot dish featuring a broth made with Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and various meats, vegetables, and noodles.
Dinner
Contains meat and spices, not suitable for vegetarians or those with spice allergies.
Dongbei Mian
A hearty noodle dish featuring thick, hand-pulled noodles in a savory broth with various toppings like pork, vegetables, and eggs.
Dinner
Contains meat, vegetarian options may be available.
Shuizhua
A traditional Sichuan dish featuring boiled pork slices in a spicy and numbing sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil.
Dinner
Contains meat and spices, not suitable for vegetarians or those with spice allergies.
Chongqing Spicy Chicken
A spicy and flavorful chicken dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a spicy and numbing sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil.
Dinner
Contains meat and spices, not suitable for vegetarians or those with spice allergies.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Wulong Karst National Geology Park
Exploring the caves and natural landscapes of the park
Taking a Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea house
Taking a leisurely stroll along the Yangtze River
Visiting a local spa or hot spring for a relaxing massage or soak
Exploring the historic sites and temples of Chongqing
Watching a traditional Sichuan opera performance
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
These seasons offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. It's the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Widely spoken: Chongqing dialect (a variant of Sichuanese)
- English: Limited
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
China Standard Time (CST, GMT+8)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Chongqing is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps like Didi to avoid scams and ensure a safe ride.
- • Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas, and stick to well-lit and populated areas.
Getting there
By air
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By train
Chongqing Railway Station, Chongqing West Railway Station
By bus
Chongqing Bus Station, Chongqing West Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and affordable, with multiple lines connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jiefangbei
Nanbin Road
Dazu District
Day trips
Wulong Karst National Geology Park
150 km (93 miles) from Chongqing • Full day
Wulong Karst National Geology Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning limestone formations, caves, and natural landscapes. The park is known for its unique geological features and scenic hiking trails.
Fengdu Ghost City
170 km (106 miles) from Chongqing • Full day
Fengdu Ghost City is a historic and cultural site located on Mingshan Hill, featuring a collection of temples, statues, and other structures dedicated to the afterlife. The site is known for its unique and eerie atmosphere, as well as its rich history and cultural significance.
Dazu Rock Carvings
150 km (93 miles) from Chongqing • Full day
Dazu Rock Carvings are a collection of ancient Buddhist and Taoist rock carvings located in the Dazu District of Chongqing. The carvings are known for their intricate detail, historical significance, and cultural value.
Festivals
Chongqing International Sister Cities Festival • September
Chongqing Hotpot Festival • November
Chongqing Lantern Festival • February (Lunar New Year)
Pro tips
- Use a VPN to access certain websites and services, as some may be blocked or restricted in China.
- Carry small denominations of cash, as some vendors may not accept cards or may not have change.
- Be cautious when exchanging currency or paying with large bills, as counterfeit money can be an issue.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or Chongqing dialect, as English is not widely spoken and communication can be a challenge.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking, as Chongqing's hilly terrain and heavy traffic can make getting around challenging.
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per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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