Start in Chengdu if you want pandas, flat streets and a gateway to wider Sichuan. Start in Chongqing if you want hills, river views and a striking night skyline. Most first-timers, and anyone travelling with grandparents, will be happier starting in Chengdu.
It is a common worry to pick wrong and lose a day. Fortunately the two cities are close by rail, so a choice here is a gentle one.
How do the two compare?
Here is the same basis for both cities, so you can read across.
| Question | Chengdu | Chongqing |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Flat, relaxed, tea houses | Hilly, dramatic, fast |
| Signature sight | Panda base | Night views by the river |
| Flights from Malaysia | Malaysia Airlines gateway | Newer routes from Penang and Kota Kinabalu |
| Walking | Easy | Steps and slopes |
| Best for | First-timers, families, grandparents | Friend groups, photographers, night owls |
Which has easier flights from Malaysia?
Chengdu is the one with a full-service airline behind it. Malaysia Airlines said in July 2026 that it serves nine China-region gateways, including Chengdu[1]. Penang’s government counted nine Chinese cities with direct flights, and both Chengdu and Chongqing are among them[2].
Chongqing’s routes come from other airlines and are newer. Chongqing Airlines began Chongqing to Penang on 9 April 2026, flying four times weekly[3], and Chongqing to Kota Kinabalu in March 2026, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday[4]. The same airline planned Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur for the end of April 2026[5], so check whether it is running. All schedules change, so confirm before you book.
Entry is the same everywhere. Malaysian ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days per stay without a visa[6].
Who should start in Chengdu?
First-timers, families with small children and grandparents. The city is flat and relaxed, and the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries were inscribed by UNESCO in 2006[7]. Read our panda base visit guide for timing, and the Sichuan overview for wider options.
Who should start in Chongqing?
Friend groups, photographers and anyone who loves a city at night. Chongqing is built on hills and rivers, and the best views come after dark. See our night-view guide before you decide how many nights to give it.
Expect steps and slopes. Stay central, take taxis between sights and plan quiet mornings.
What about halal food?
Plan both cities meal by meal. Look for the green 清真 sign and ask about the kitchen. Hot pot is a shared-pot tradition, so ask about stock and shared broth.
In February 2025 JAKIM removed the China Islamic Association from its list of recognised foreign halal certification bodies, so a Chinese halal label cannot be assumed to meet Malaysian recognition[8]. Check halal.gov.my.
Is the pair worth doing?
Yes, if you have at least five days. The Chengdu to Chongqing intercity railway opened in December 2015[9], and fast trains from Chengdu East to Chongqing West take roughly 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes[10]. That makes it an easy transfer, though allow time for station security.
Read our Chengdu and Chongqing pair guide and the high-speed train guide. Compare train and flight for your own legs with the rail versus flight tool, and browse the regions topic page for the wider picture.