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Private Guided Tours·Heritage & Culture·1 day·MODERATE

1-Day Private Tour to Changshou Lake and Bodhi Ancient Town from Chongqing

See Changshou Lake and Bodhi Ancient Town on a private day trip from Chongqing, with a local guide, lake views, and old-town streets.

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Overview

About This Tour

From $90.00

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Tour Highlights

Take a slow walk along the wide shore of Changshou Lake

Changshou Lake is one of the largest lakes in the region, with a long shoreline and gentle paths that make it easy to stretch your legs and take in the view.

Wander the temples and folk stalls of Bodhi Ancient Town

Bodhi Ancient Town is a rebuilt old street of courtyards, folk stalls, and temples where you can browse, taste local snacks, and feel a slower Chongqing.

Escape the city for open water and easy old-town lanes

Leaving the metro and hills of downtown for lake and old town gives the day room to breathe, at a pace that suits families and older guests.

Enjoy door-to-door private car travel and a relaxed lunch

Your own car and driver handle the round trip from Chongqing, so you can relax between the lake, lunch, and the ancient town.

Your guide picks you up at your Chongqing hotel around 8:00 AM and drives east to Changshou, about 1.5 hours. You spend the morning at Changshou Lake, one of the largest lakes in the region, walking its shore and taking in the wide open water. After a relaxed lunch, you explore Bodhi Ancient Town, a rebuilt old street of temples, courtyards, and folk stalls. Your private car brings you back to Chongqing by around 4:00 PM.

Duration

1 day

Tour Type

Private Guided Tours

Theme

Heritage & Culture

Group Size

Only Your Group

Start City

Chongqing

Activity Level

RELAXED

Route Map

Key places on this route

Map pins show the primary places guests will visit on this route.

1-Day Private Tour to Changshou Lake and Bodhi Ancient Town from Chongqing route mapMapbox route preview
  1. 1Chongqing
  2. 2Changshou Lake
  3. 3Bodhi Ancient Town
  4. 4Chongqing
One Day Plan

Your Day Tour Itinerary

A single-day route shown in the exact order configured by the travel team, with clear AM and PM time markers.

Download Itinerary
AM
08:00-09:30

Pick-up in Chongqing

transfer

Chongqing Hotel or Preferred Location

Your guide meets you at your Chongqing hotel around 8:00 AM and drives east to Changshou, about 1.5 hours. You can settle in with a coffee and watch the city give way to farmland and hills while your guide previews the lake and old town ahead.

Highlights

  • Ease out of your hotel and let the morning rush melt on the drive
  • Watch the city fade into lakeside farmland outside your window
  • Arrive curious, your guide previewing the lake and old town ahead
AM
09:30-11:30
Changshou Lake

Changshou Lake

attraction

Changshou Lake, Changshou District

Changshou Lake is one of the largest lakes in the region, ringed by green hills and dotted with small islands. You have about two hours here to walk the shore paths, take in the open water, and slow down away from downtown. Your guide points out the best viewpoints and photo spots, and you are free to linger by the bank.

Highlights

  • Stroll the shore paths of one of the region largest lakes
  • Take in open water and green hills far from downtown
  • Pause at the best viewpoints and photo spots
  • Wander at your own easy rhythm, with time to simply look
AM
11:30-12:30
Lunch at Changshou (optional)

Lunch at Changshou (optional)

activity

Changshou

Lunch is not included in the tour price, giving you full flexibility. Your guide will recommend a genuine local restaurant based on personal experience - not the pre-arranged tourist traps typical agencies use. They will help you order authentic dishes, explain local specialties, and make sure you enjoy a real meal the way locals do.

Highlights

  • Taste home-style Changshou dishes at a local restaurant
  • Let your guide help you order like a local - no tourist traps
  • Enjoy a relaxed meal that fits the day pace
PM
12:45-14:30
Bodhi Ancient Town

Bodhi Ancient Town

attraction

Bodhi Ancient Town, Changshou

Bodhi Ancient Town is a rebuilt old street beside Changshou, laid out like a Sichuan town of the past with temples, courtyards, arches, folk stalls, and snack shops. You wander flat stone lanes, watch local crafts, and taste regional snacks, with your guide explaining the customs behind the stalls and shrines - a lively, easy last stop.

Highlights

  • Wander flat stone lanes lined with temples and folk stalls
  • Watch local crafts and try regional snacks as you go
  • Feel the buzz of a lively rebuilt old town
  • End the sightseeing with easy walking and street food
PM
14:30-16:00

Return to Chongqing

transfer

Chongqing Hotel or Preferred Location

After the ancient town your private car drives you back to Chongqing in about 1.5 hours. You arrive at your hotel around 4:00 PM with time left in the day and none of the hassle of working out buses or taxis after a full trip out of the city.

Highlights

  • Lean back on the drive home and let the lake views settle in
  • Reach your hotel around 4:00 PM with the day still yours
  • Leave with lake views and old-town flavors to talk about
Details

What's Included

Included

  • Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views.
  • Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs.
  • Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees.
  • Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service.
  • Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time.
  • Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
  • Travel Protection: Enjoy extra peace of mind with travel agency liability insurance coverage.

Not Included

  • Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary.
  • Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD)
  • Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip.
  • Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.
  • Accommodation with breakfast.

The day is relaxed, with gentle walking along the lake shore and through the flat lanes of the ancient town. Wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection and a light layer, and let your guide know your pace so the visit stays easy.

Your Ride

Transportation & Vehicles

Travel in a comfortable, non-smoking private car or van with a professional local driver who knows the roads east to Changshou. The vehicle is clean and well maintained, with bottled water on hand and room for your bags, so the round trip from Chongqing stays easy and unhurried.

Our Vehicle Service Standards

🚗

Late-Model Vehicles (2022+)

All vehicles are 2022 or newer models — modern, safe, and meticulously maintained.

🧹

Daily Deep Cleaning

Every vehicle is sanitized and detailed before each use.

👨‍✈️

Professional Drivers

Licensed, uniformed drivers with 5+ years of tourist transport experience.

🛡️

Full Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive commercial insurance for all vehicles and passengers.

📱

Onboard Amenities

Complimentary water, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, and tissues on every ride.

❄️

Climate Comfort

Dual-zone climate control ensures perfect temperature year-round.

Premium MPV cabin reference image
Private car cabin reference image
Premium MPV exterior reference image
Private car exterior reference image

We usually arrange a 5-seater for 1–2 guests, a 7-seater for 3–5 guests, and a 12-seater for 6–9 guests, and so on. All vehicles have ample luggage space. Photos are for reference only. Vehicle brands and models may vary by destination.

Dining Experience

Dining & Meals

Have a specific restaurant or dietary need in mind? Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

Our Dining Philosophy

🏛️

Heritage Restaurants

Historic establishments with decades of culinary tradition — where locals celebrate.

🏠

Local Family Kitchens

Home-cooked meals with local families — authentic recipes passed down generations.

🍜

Street Food & Night Markets

Guided tastings through iconic food streets with a local foodie guide.

🌾

Farm-to-Table Fresh

Seasonal dishes with ingredients grown on-site, set against scenic backdrops.

✨

Fine Dining & Michelin

Award-winning restaurants with tasting menus, wine pairings, and unforgettable culinary artistry.

Dining Preferences & Dietary Requirements

Share dietary needs, restaurant preferences, or food interests before travel so the advisor can confirm practical arrangements.

Your guide

Guide & Service Quality

Your knowledgeable local guide shares the story of Changshou Lake and Bodhi Ancient Town in plain, easy English, adjusts the pace to your interest and energy, and offers honest recommendations for snacks, photos, and a good place to eat along the way.

Our Guide Service Standards

🎓

Licensed & Certified Guides

All guides hold national tourism licenses and have 5+ years of experience.

🌍

English Proficiency (IELTS 7+)

Fluent communication — guides can discuss history, culture, and current events with ease.

🗣️

Multi-Language Available

English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean-speaking guides available on request.

📻

Wireless Audio Headsets

Every guest receives a headset so you never miss a word, even in crowded sites.

🛡️

No Forced Shopping Guarantee

Zero pressure — we never force you into souvenir shops. Your time is yours.

🛍️

Local Shopping Recommendations

Want authentic gifts? We'll recommend trusted local markets and artisan shops — no tourist traps.

Our “No Forced Shopping” Promise

We guarantee zero shopping stops unless you specifically request them. If you ever feel pressured, contact us immediately for a full refund of that day's service.

Request a Specialist Guide

Interested in a specific topic? We can arrange historian guides for cultural sites, photographer guides for scenic spots, or foodie guides for culinary tours. Just let us know when booking.

Traveler Reviews

External Review Sources for 1-Day Private Tour to Changshou Lake and Bodhi Ancient Town from Chongqing

Current traveler feedback should be read through the configured external review sources.

Review sources

Tripadvisor Reviews

4.9out of 5

Public traveler feedback

Product pages use external review sources instead of manually maintained review cards. Open the official Tripadvisor profile to read current customer feedback.

Open Tripadvisor

Selected Tripadvisor reviews

Recent traveler highlights

J&

James & Sarah Mitchell

United Kingdom · Grand China rail journey

Tripadvisor

“Standing on the Great Wall at sunrise with no other tourists in sight was the highlight of our China tour. The guide arranged a home-cooked lunch in a Beijing hutong with a family who had lived there for generations.”

ER

Elena Rossi

Italy · Ancient capitals and Hangzhou

Tripadvisor

“We picked tea leaves with a family whose ancestors farmed Longjing for generations. The tea ceremony that followed was the most memorable moment of our China trip.”

MT

Mark Thompson

United States · Classic China private tour

Tripadvisor

“Every guide felt like a friend who happened to know thousands of years of stories. The quiet Forbidden City experience was something we will never forget.”

FAQ

Common Questions

How far is Changshou Lake from central Chongqing on this tour?

Changshou Lake is roughly 1.5 hours east of central Chongqing by car. Your private car and driver take you door-to-door from your hotel and wait at the lake, so you do not have to arrange buses or worry about the trip back after a day out.

What can you do at Changshou Lake on this day trip?

You have about two hours at Changshou Lake, one of the largest lakes in the region. You can walk the shore paths, take in the open water and islands, grab a drink, and enjoy the slower pace away from downtown, with your guide pointing out the best viewpoints.

What is Bodhi Ancient Town and what is it like to visit?

Bodhi Ancient Town is a rebuilt old street in Changshou with temples, courtyards, folk stalls, and snack shops in a traditional style. You wander flat lanes, watch local crafts, and taste regional snacks, making it an easy, lively stop before heading home.

Is lunch included in this Changshou Lake and Bodhi Ancient Town tour?

Lunch is not included, which keeps your meal flexible. Your guide will suggest a genuine local restaurant rather than a pre-arranged tourist stop and help you order home-style Changshou dishes. You pay for your own lunch, usually a modest amount for hearty local food.

Is this Changshou day trip suitable for families and older travelers?

Yes. The day is gentle, with flat walking along the lake shore and through the ancient town lanes, and the pace is private to your group. You can rest at cafes and viewpoints as often as you like, and your guide keeps the schedule relaxed so nobody feels rushed.

What time does this private tour start and end in Chongqing?

Your guide picks you up at your Chongqing hotel around 8:00 AM and returns you by about 4:00 PM. The exact finish depends on traffic and how long you enjoy the lake and old town. Your private car stays with you all day, so the timing can flex to your pace.

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