For most first-time Malaysian visitors, Chengdu and Chongqing work well as one trip. A fast train joins them, so you do not need a second flight. Pick one trip if you have at least five days, and two separate trips if you want mountains as well.
It is natural to feel torn. Both cities are famous, both are far from home, and leave days are short.
How far apart are they really?
They are close enough to treat as one stay. The Chengdu to Chongqing intercity high-speed railway opened in December 2015 and is about 307 km long[1]. Fast trains from Chengdu East to Chongqing West take roughly 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes[2].
Timetables change, so check 12306 or your agent before fixing the day. Read our Chengdu to Chongqing train guide for how to book it.
What does each city give you?
Choose by mood rather than by fame. Here is a plain comparison.
| Chengdu | Chongqing | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Flat, leafy, slow | Hilly, dense, dramatic |
| Best for | Pandas, tea houses, gentle walks | Night views, river and bridges |
| Walking | Easy for most ages | Slopes and stairs everywhere |
| Food | Mild to medium spice, small dishes | Strong spice, hot pot at its centre |
| Day trips | Leshan, Dujiangyan, mountains | Rock carvings, karst scenery |
If anyone in your group struggles with stairs, give Chengdu the extra night. If you love city lights, give it to Chongqing.
How do the flights from Malaysia help?
You can land in one city and leave from the other. Malaysia Airlines said in July 2026 that its China gateways include Chengdu[3]. Penang’s government counts both Chengdu and Chongqing among its nine Chinese cities with direct flights[4].
Chongqing Airlines began Chongqing to Penang on 9 April 2026, four times a week[5]. Routes move, so confirm the schedule when you book. Our rail versus flight tool helps you compare an open-jaw ticket with a return to one city.
Is it too rushed?
Five days is workable, and six is comfortable. Spend two full days in each city and keep one half day for the train.
Add Leshan or Dujiangyan and you are close to your limit. Our five-day rail itinerary shows a pace that leaves room to rest, and the pace checker will tell you when your own plan is too tight.
What should you check before you go?
Keep this short list close.
- Entry: Malaysian ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days per stay without a visa[6]. Confirm on the official source before you fly.
- Trains: you need your passport to buy a ticket and to pass the platform gates[7].
- Phones: Google services and WhatsApp are blocked in mainland China[8], so set up your maps, messaging and payments before you leave.
- Halal: the Hui follow Islamic dietary laws and avoid pork[9]. Hui-run restaurants are a good first choice, but ask about the kitchen each time.
Which should you pick first?
Choose Chengdu as the base if you travel with children or grandparents. Choose Chongqing first if you want city lights and can handle slopes. Decide using our Chengdu versus Chongqing guide.
For more places to compare, browse the regions topic page. Once you tell us your dates and who is coming, we can suggest which city to start in.