Attractions

Do the Yangtze cable car at dusk, then Hongya Cave after dark — the two best Chongqing views in one evening.

Book the 8:30am slot exactly — the first 2,000 visitors get a near-empty Meridian Gate and the great halls to themselves.

Do the Bund at blue hour, not full dark — the skyline lights are on but the tour crowds haven't arrived yet.

Pandas are active only 08:00-10:00; after that they sleep. Go early, then go eat — that's the Chengdu rhythm.

Rent the bike on the South Gate at golden hour — a full lap is 14 km and the light is best on the west side.

The Xingping-to-Yangdi drift is the prettiest stretch — it's the exact scene on the ¥20 note.

Arrive at 8am and walk the back loop first — tour groups hit the front and exit by lunch.

Hire a DiDi for two hours along Binhai Road — it's the single best Dalian experience and public transport skips it.

Do Yuanjiajie at dawn for the mist — by 10am the tour buses arrive and the pillars lose their magic.

Wuzhizhou Island tickets sell out — book the day before online with your passport number.

Do Ice & Snow World from 4pm — you'll see the sculptures in daylight, then lit, and catch the ice slides before the crowds peak.

Do Zhanqiao Pier at sunrise and Laoshan before noon — sea fog rolls in by 2pm and kills the views.

Do Canton Tower at sunset and the Pearl River cruise after — you'll see the skyline in daylight, lit, and from the water in one evening.