Beijing and Chongqing Itinerary: 7 Days of Contrasting China

Two cities. One trip. A Beijing and Chongqing itinerary sounds ambitious, but it’s one of the most rewarding pairs in China. Beijing is the old soul – imperial, flat, orderly. Chongqing is the rebellious teenager – built on mountains, wrapped in fog, full of spicy chaos. I’ve guided dozens of travelers through both, and here’s the raw truth: you need solid planning, especially around payments and train tickets. Let me save you the headaches.

Why Combine Beijing and Chongqing?

Most visitors stick to Beijing + Shanghai or Beijing + Xi’an. But Chongqing offers something totally different: a vertigo-inducing cityscape, world-class hot pot, and a laid-back vibe despite the 30 million people. The high-speed rail now connects them in under 10 hours (about 500 RMB for second class). It’s long, but the scenery changes from flat plains to karst mountains – worth the ride.

Day 1: Land in Beijing – Forbidden City at Golden Hour

Touch down at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) or Daxing (PKX). Skip the taxi scams: use the official airport express train (25 RMB to Dongzhimen, then a short metro hop). Drop your bags at your hotel – I recommend the Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel near Nanluoguxiang (around 600-800 RMB/night, great location, English-speaking staff).

Head straight to the Forbidden City – but not the main entrance! Here’s the insider move: go to the East Gate (Donghuamen). The south gate queue at midday is brutal. Tickets are 60 RMB (adult), free for children under 18, but you must pre-book on the official WeChat mini-program (search “故宫博物院”). Yes, it’s in Chinese – ask your hotel receptionist to do it for you. I always tell my clients to print a screenshot of the QR code, because the network inside can be patchy. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the central axis, then exit from the north gate into Jingshan Park. Climb the hill for the postcard shot of the Forbidden City at sunset. No extra charge (just 2 RMB).

Day 2: The Great Wall – Mutianyu (No Crowds)

Skip Badaling. Seriously. It’s a tourist zoo. Take a Didi or private car to Mutianyu (about 1.5 hours, 400-500 RMB one way). Tickets are 45 RMB, plus 20 RMB for the shuttle bus to the entrance. The cable car round trip is 120 RMB – worth it if you’re short on time. But I prefer the chairlift up and toboggan down (100 RMB). It’s a blast. Arrive before 9:00 to beat tour groups. Bring water – the vendors on the wall charge double. Plan to spend 3-4 hours walking the restored sections. There’s a less crowded western section if you hike further. Note: the wall has uneven steps, not wheelchair-friendly. On the way back, stop at a local farm restaurant for a simple lunch – the roasted chicken is amazing.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs & Peking Duck

Morning: Temple of Heaven (35 RMB). Go early – locals do tai chi and sing opera in the park. The iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is under renovation sometimes, but the park itself is lovely. Exit through the south gate and walk to Hongqiao Market (the “Pearl Market”) if you want souvenirs – but bargain hard, ask for 30% of the asking price.

Afternoon: Explore Nanluoguxiang Hutong area. Rent a bike or just walk. I always take clients to a hidden courtyard called “The Schoolhouse” for a break – it’s a café with great coffee and a small museum about hutong life. Later, dinner at Dadong Roast Duck (close to the Forbidden City, 200-300 RMB per person). Their duck is crispy, not too greasy. Book a table at least one day ahead via their website (English available). Warning: they add a 10% service charge. If you’re on a budget, Liyuan Roast Duck near Qianmen is half the price but still good.

Beijing to Chongqing by High-Speed Rail

Take the G-series train from Beijing West Railway Station to Chongqing West Railway Station. Duration: about 9.5 hours. Second class: 500-550 RMB. First class: 850-950 RMB. Book on Trip.com or 12306.cn (official site, English version available). I recommend the 7:00 AM departure so you arrive in Chongqing around 4:30 PM – perfect for checking in and catching the night scene. Bring snacks and a neck pillow. The train has power outlets and Wi-Fi (often slow). Note: Chongqing West is far from the city center – take the metro (Line 5 to Line 1, about 40 minutes) or Didi (about 60 RMB).

Day 4: Arrive in Chongqing – Night Skyline

Check into JW Marriott Chongqing (central location, river view, about 900 RMB/night) or for budget, Podi Boutique Hotel near Jiefangbei (300-500 RMB). After freshening up, head to Hongya Cave – it’s a massive stilted complex of bars, restaurants, and shops. Tourist trap? A bit. But the light show at night is spectacular. Go to the 5th floor for the best view of the river. Dinner: Qi Jiang Live Fish Hot Pot (local chain, around 80-100 RMB per person). Their spicy broth is next-level. Tell them “wei la” (not too spicy) if you can’t handle Sichuan pepper. Then walk along the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street – it’s bustling until midnight.

Day 5: Ciqikou Ancient Town & Optional Wulong Karst

Morning: Ciqikou Ancient Town (free entry, but shops are touristy). Arrive by 8:30 to avoid crowds. Try the Chen Mahua (fried dough twists) – a local snack. Wander the side alleys, not just the main street. If you have energy, take a 3-hour trip to Wulong Karst (Three Natural Bridges) – it’s the location for “Transformers 4” and “Curse of the Golden Flower”. Join a day tour from Chongqing (around 300 RMB including transport and ticket). The karst formations are jaw-dropping. But it’s a full day – skip it if you prefer a relaxed pace.

Alternative afternoon: Ride the Yangtze River Cableway (20 RMB single, 30 return). The cable car crosses the river and gives a crazy view of the city’s verticality. Best time: 4 PM for golden light. Afterward, explore the Eling Erchang Cultural and Creative Park – an old factory turned into art spaces, nice for photos.

Day 6: Mountain City Hikes & Hot Pot Finale

Chongqing is called “Mountain City” for a reason. Put on good walking shoes. Start at Liziba Station – the famous metro that passes through a residential building. Watch from the outdoor viewing platform (free). Then walk downhill to Eling Park (free) for the old Soviet-era architecture and panoramic views. Lunch at Huayuan Restaurant (local canteen, 40 RMB for a full meal). In the afternoon, take a 10-minute taxi to Chaotianmen Square – the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Nothing fancy, but it’s the spot to see the two rivers meet (different colors).

Final dinner: Hou Huo (后火锅) – a legendary hot pot chain with a huge waiting queue. Go before 5:30 PM or after 9 PM. Order “jiu gong ge” (nine-grid pot), tripe, and duck intestines. They have an English menu with pictures. Average 120 RMB per person. Payment: Alipay or cash – international credit cards rarely work here. So bring enough cash or use Alipay (link your card in advance).

Day 7: Last Morning & Departure

Grab a quick breakfast of xiaomian (Chongqing noodles) at a street stall – any stall with a long line is good. Then head to the airport (CKG). Allow 1 hour by metro from the city center. If you have a late flight, consider the Three Gorges Museum (free, good for 1-2 hours) or People’s Liberation Monument for last-minute shopping.

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