Five days is enough for Chengdu and Chongqing by high-speed rail: two days in Chengdu, one for the train, and two in Chongqing. The rail leg is short, so the trip feels like one holiday, not two.
If you are travelling with friends and worry about keeping everyone happy, this plan keeps the schedule gentle and the money simple to split.
Who is this route for?
It suits first-timers and friend groups who like food, night views and easy rail. Malaysian ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days per stay without a visa[1], so five days is well inside the limit. Confirm the rule on the official source before you fly.
For a closer look at how the two cities compare, read our Chengdu versus Chongqing guide.
What does the route look like?
- Day 1: land in Chengdu, easy evening
- Day 2: pandas and old streets
- Day 3: high-speed rail to Chongqing, night view
- Day 4: Chongqing sights and hotpot
- Day 5: slow morning, fly home
How do you fly in and out?
Chongqing Airlines began Chongqing to Penang on 9 April 2026, flying four times weekly[2]. It also began Chongqing to Kota Kinabalu in March 2026[3]. A Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur route was planned for the end of April 2026, but we cannot confirm it started, so check with the airline[4]. Malaysia and China share one time zone[5].
Day by day
Day 1: land in Chengdu
Check in and eat nearby. Keep the evening empty, because the next day is full.
Day 2: pandas and old streets
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was founded in 1987[6]. Go in the morning, then spend the afternoon in the old streets and a teahouse.
Day 3: rail to Chongqing
The Chengdu to Chongqing intercity high-speed railway opened in December 2015 and is about 307 km long[7]. Chengdu East to Chongqing West takes roughly 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes on typical fast trains[8]. G trains run up to 300 km/h[9].
Arrive by lunch, rest, and see the river lights in the evening. The Chongqing night view guide says how long to stay.
Day 4: Chongqing and hotpot
Pick two sights and a long dinner. Hotpot here is hot, so ask for a mild pot, and share a clear soup if some friends cannot take chilli.
Day 5: fly home
Leave for the airport with margin. Allow extra time for the airport transfer.
How should you manage the rail leg?
You need your passport to buy a ticket and to pass the gates[10]. Tickets usually go on sale 15 days before departure[11].
At major stations, arrive 30 to 40 minutes before departure for the bag check[12]. Luggage is limited to 20 kg for adults and 10 kg for children[13]. Our rail versus flight tool compares the options for your date.
Where should you stay?
In Chengdu, choose an area near the metro. In Chongqing, choose between the riverside and the city centre. The Chongqing hotel area guide lists options.
How can you adapt it?
- Seniors: shorten Chongqing walking days and use taxis.
- Muslim travellers: Hui-run restaurants with a green 清真 sign are the best start. JAKIM removed the China Islamic Association from its recognised list in February 2025[14], so check halal.gov.my.
- Friends splitting costs: ask for a quote per room and per person. Alipay and Weixin Pay accept Visa, Mastercard and other major cards[15], and Google services and WhatsApp are blocked, so set up a group chat on another app before you land[16].
What should you book ahead?
Book flights, hotels and the rail leg. Run your plan through the pace checker and the budget planner. The itineraries topic page lists other routes.