Overview
A 2-day private escape from Chongqing to the forested Donglashan Grand Canyon, walking river valleys and colored-leaf trails to the famed Red Stone Beach in panda country.
About This Tour
Tucked into Baoxing county on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau, the Donglashan Grand Canyon is a lush valley of clear rivers, old-growth forest and seasonal red foliage, in the heartland where the giant panda was first discovered. This 2-day private tour for your group only reaches it with an English-speaking guide and private vehicle, swapping the crowds of west Sichuan for a peaceful walk in the woods. After an overnight in the mountain town of Baoxing you spend the day on the canyon's gentle, rolling trails, passing the Animation Lake, the Flowing Shadow Bridge, the ten-mile colored-forest road and the Woodcutter Bridge before reaching the brilliant Red Stone Beach, where a rare red algae paints the boulders crimson. With both a fuller trekking route and an easy leisure option, the canyon suits active travelers and families with children who enjoy light hiking habits and want genuine forest, river and mountain scenery near Chongqing. Most beautiful in autumn when the maples turn, and green and cool in summer. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: autumn for red maple foliage; summer for cool green forest • Fitness level: moderate; the trail is gently rolling with about 6-14km options • A leisure route with a paid mini-train is available for those wanting an easier day • Bring a packed lunch, water, sun protection and rain gear • Long transfer days: roughly 6 hours of driving each way from Chongqing • Trails can be slippery after rain; wear proper hiking shoes
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Chongqing to Baoxing via Leshan
Meet your guide between 07:00 and 07:30 at exit 3B of the Jiazhou Road metro station (Line 3) to sign in; rather than a dull drive, the crew runs games and introductions on the road so the journey itself becomes part of the trip. Around 11:00 you reach Leshan, where you can explore the city center with your guide or on your own and hunt down local specialties before a free lunch. In the afternoon you continue toward Baoxing county on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, arriving to check into a local guesthouse and settling in for an early night to rest up for the canyon hike ahead. The drive covers about 500km over roughly 6 hours. Meals: self-arranged (carry trail food). Overnight: standard guesthouse in Baoxing county.
2
Day 2: Donglashan Grand Canyon | Red Stone Beach Hike
Up at 07:00 with breakfast, you reach the Donglashan Grand Canyon around 08:00 and warm up together before setting off; the scenic-area boardwalks are gently undulating and suit most travelers with a basic exercise habit. The trail threads past the Animation Lake, the Flowing Shadow Bridge, the ten-mile colored-forest road and the Woodcutter Bridge through cool old-growth forest beside a clear river. The fuller trekking route runs from the Mizhai visitor center to the Red Stone Beach finish, about 7km one way (14km round trip), while a leisure option walks from the visitor center to the Osmanthus Ancient Tree Park (about 4km one way, with an optional mini-train at 20 yuan each way) and on to the Red Stone Beach (about 3km one way). The canyon runs a check-in challenge at two points, the visitor center and the finish, with a souvenir medal for completing it. Around 13:00 you begin the return drive to Chongqing, about 500km over roughly 6 hours, where the tour concludes. Meals: self-arranged. Overnight: not included (tour ends in Chongqing).
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 1 night guesthouse in Baoxing county (twin share) Donglashan Grand Canyon entrance and scenic transport Trail support and route briefing
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Meals (self-arranged / packed lunches) Optional scenic mini-train inside the canyon Personal expenses Tips for guide and driver
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.8★★★★★Based on 65 reviews
Lena D.🇿🇦 South Africa★★★★★2026-05
Looking back, I wasn't sure how much would fit into 2 days without feeling hurried. The balance worked better than I expected. The stop at the Leshan Giant Buddha had room to breathe instead of becoming another quick photo.
Amelia Q.🇳🇿 New Zealand★★★★★2025-06
The unglamorous part: transport to the trailhead was the piece I would not have wanted to arrange myself. Once there, the day felt simple. I would keep the Chengdu and Chongqing outline as it was.
James Z.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★☆2025-03
One thing I learned: the trail is more physical than the tidy itinerary makes it sound. Proper shoes helped, and I was glad we kept water handy. For 2 days around Chengdu and Chongqing, the pace felt about right.