To experience the highlights of both Chengdu and Chongqing, most travelers recommend spending between 5 and 7 days. For a focused trip, you can allocate 2 to 3 days to each city's main attractions, such as Chengdu’s panda base and teahouses, and Chongqing’s dramatic skylines and night views. If you wish to include significant day trips to surrounding areas—such as the Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Qingcheng near Chengdu, and the Wulong Karst or Dazu Rock Carvings near Chongqing—a more comprehensive 7-to-10-day itinerary is ideal. Budget-conscious or time-constrained visitors can see the core city centers in about 3 to 4 days by utilizing the efficient 1-to-2-hour high-speed rail link between the two cities, while those seeking a more relaxed "slow life" experience may prefer a longer stay to soak in the distinct cultural vibes of each megacity.