For first time visitors, should you choose Chengdu or Chongqing?
This is a very common question from our friends.
It depends on what you like, both are China cities but the vibes are vastly different! Yes, we could tell the difference even though we spend only 9D8N in China! (1N JiuZaiGou, 3N Chongqing, and 4N Chengdu)
We spend 3 nights in each city and there are plenty more to explore.
You really have to decide which city’s vibes appeal to you.
Image belows gives an estimate of the distance between Chengdu, Chongqing, Jiuzaigou and nearby attractions. (1) Chengdu, (2) JiuZaigou, (3) Chongqing and (4) ZhangJiajie
Chongqing is buzzing 7×24, with many stunning architecture wonders. It is fast pace and packed with high rise. Super polular for your Instagram photos.
However, Chongqing has more to offer if you venture out!
Try Wulong!
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Chengdu on the other hand, is very much more CHILL!
We prefer the more laid back vibes, even cars horn LESSER on Chengdu roads.
We prefer Chengdu’s food options, compared to Chongqing (more salty and spicy). Food and palette is always very subjective.
I will be adding more tips and details over time. Hopefully, this would help you plan your own itinerary and craft more memories too.
I have uploaded our photos from our Chengdu, JiuZaiGou and Chongqing trip on my Facebook albums. Take a look at decide which city is more suitable for you and family.
Both Chengdu and Chongqing would be stunning for first timers.
Photo albums from Facebook:
Day 1 – Singapore to Chengdu, Train and car to Jiuzaigou
Day 2 – JiuZaigou full day, train to Chengdu one night
Day 3 – Train to Chongqing (x3 nights)
Day 4 – Chongqing – Wulong (day trip) – Highly recommended
Day 5 – Chongqing City tour and viral motorbike(!)
Click to view That Viral Chongqing motorbike!
Day 6 – AM in Chongqing, then train to Chengdu
Day 7 – Chengdu day trip to DuJiangYan (water works and panda valley)
Additional Tips:
1.China is a big country, once you have day trips outside of city. Travel time would be easily 2 to 3hours one wat (200-300km). The recent expansion of trains help to ease travel fatigue. But you still have to factor in TRAVEL time in your your itinerary.
2.Which apps did we use in China? (wip)
