China’s big. Like, really big. Cities with more people than all of Australia, layered highways, ancient temples tucked behind skyscrapers, and the best places have menus where the only thing you recognise is the photo of a duck. While the endless options are part of the charm, trying to fit it all into a few days can be the real challenge.
From previous visits to China, Jo knows first-hand it is not a destination you want to figure out as you go. Travelling with Wendy Wu Tours made it clear that having a guide who knows the stories, the shortcuts and the hidden gems makes all the difference. They also had the special privilege of Wendy Wu herself as a host!
So what does a guided China tour actually look like? Here’s how Jo’s week with Wendy Wu Tours played out.
Day 1 – Ancient Town, New Friends
Chongqing is a mountain city on steroids. Think 32 million residents, super-stacked highways and a skyline straight out of a sci-fi film.
Jo and the crew headed to Shuangjiang Ancient Town, where the entire community came out to greet them like long-lost family. Music, dancing, street parades – the whole lot. She is recognised as a major figure in the region, and while she was creating new tourism partnerships, the group was busy forging new connections of their own.
Day 2 – Sacred Stones and a Rocking Opera Night
The group explored the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,000 years of spiritual storytelling. The detailed cliffside scenes blend Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian teachings in one powerful, peaceful place.
That evening, they attended the Dazu Yungin Opera. Entire roads were cleared and police escorts guided the group to the performance, a sign of the deep respect Wendy Wu holds in the region. Jo was seated beside Wendy herself, feeling every bit the VIP.
Day 3 – Pandas, Sky High Views and a Dinner with Heat
They kicked off the day at Chongqing Zoo, where they came face-to-face with some seriously famous pandas. We’re talking panda influencers with millions of followers.
After a tasty lunch, the group watched a colourful cultural dance show at the Hualiyan Culture and Art Banquet Centre (yes, the audience got teary). Then they jumped on the Chongqing cable car and finished up at the Eye of the Cloud, 520 metres above the city. Big views, big vibes.
Dinner? A proper Chongqing hot pot feast in the birthplace of the dish. Spicy, steamy and a little chaotic in the best way. They wrapped up with a night river cruise where the Yangtze meets the Jialing River, topped off by a private drone show lighting up the sky.
Day 4 – Soaks, Snacks and Storytelling
Things got a bit more official today, but the holiday energy stayed strong. Jo joined a tourism conference where Chongqing’s top minds shared what makes the city a local favourite and how they’re now inviting the rest of the world to come see it too.
After tea and handshakes, Jo found herself soaking in the forest-surrounded Ronggui Hot Springs. She even tried a fish pedicure.
The afternoon was spent wandering the stone lanes of Ciqikou Ancient Town, stopping for teahouses, street snacks and handmade crafts. In the evening, they watched the iconic performance “1949,” a high-energy show filled with acrobatics, cinematic effects and heart-pounding history.
Day 5 – Temples, Legends and River Nights
The day kicked off in the peaceful Wanshousan area, where Jo wandered quiet temple paths and took in sweeping views from serene lookouts. A traditional lunch in Wanshou Ancient Town came with steaming dishes and postcard-perfect architecture on the side.
In the afternoon, Jo visited Chiyou Jiulu, a cultural park dedicated to the mythical tribal leader Chiyou. It was full of interactive displays that brought ancient stories to life.
That night, they sailed again on another river cruise with onboard entertainment and a live performance.
Day 6 – Giant Bridges and Big Movie Energy
En route back to Chongqing, Jo explored Wulong Karst National Geology Park, home to the awe-inspiring Three Natural Bridges: Tianlong, Qinglong and Heilong. These limestone arches were carved by nature over millions of years.
An elevator took them deep into the gorge, where misty forests and sheer cliffs created a movie-set feel. No surprise this spot featured in Transformers: Age of Extinction. Nature lovers, take note.
Day 7 – Dumplings and Departure
As the old saying goes, “Even the best banquet must come to an end.” With chopsticks down and suitcases packed, Jo squeezed in one last stroll through Ciqikou Ancient Town. A few souvenirs, a stash of snacks and one more wander through the stone lanes before it was time to go.
The group flew back with China Eastern, a comfortable four-star airline with friendly service and a smooth journey.
So…Why Plan Your China Trip With Us?
Travelling through China solo can feel like trying to pick up silken tofu with chopsticks. Not impossible, but why make it harder than it needs to be?
At Helloworld Travel Revesby, we’ve been there. We partner with top tour operators like Wendy Wu Tours and give you the kind of honest, first-hand advice that only comes from real experience.
You’ll know what’s worth seeing, what to skip and how to get the most from every moment. That’s the difference when you plan with people who’ve actually done the trip.
Drop by Revesby Workers Club or call 02 9772 2066. We know what a well-guided China tour looks like – and we’ll help you get there, too.
