Where's Dad Going? A Father's 10-Day Fantasy Adventure Through Sichuan and Chongqing with His Child

Meta Description: Planning a parent-child trip to Sichuan and Chongqing? Discover a father's real-life "Where's Dad Going?" adventure—from Leshan Giant Buddha to Chongqing nightscapes. 10-day itinerary, tips, and FAQs inside.

Introduction: From TV Show to Real-Life Father-Son Adventure

Remember that summer of 2013 when Where's Dad Going? had us all laughing and crying as celebrity fathers fumbled through solo parenting? Eleven years later, in summer 2024, I found myself starring in my own version—a last-minute work change meant my wife couldn't join, leaving me to take our six-year-old son on a 10-day parent-child adventure through Sichuan and Chongqing.

This wasn't strictly a solo trip. For the first seven days, we traveled with another family. But the final three days were just my son and me—a true "father-son duo." From the Three Sus Shrine in Meishan to the thousand-year-old Giant Buddha in Leshan, from Dujiangyan's ancient wisdom to Mount Qingcheng's Taoist secrets, from Sanxingdui's mysterious artifacts to Chongqing's surreal nightscapes—this journey created memories we'll treasure forever.

[Link: Best family-friendly hotels in Sichuan]

Pre-Trip Preparations: Crafting the Perfect Sichuan Family Itinerary

Every summer's long-distance trip feels like a meticulously prepared feast. From early June, I dove into travel guides—browsing Mafengwo and Xiaohongshu during every spare moment. The original plan was eight days in Chengdu and surroundings. Then friends joined, my wife dropped out, and the itinerary stretched to ten days.

Key challenges I faced: - Making the route efficient for two families - Choosing hotels that suited everyone's preferences - Ensuring both kids learned something while having fun

Five days before departure, my wife confirmed she couldn't come. The family room became a double bed; the minivan became an SUV. Well, since fate arranged it this way, let's have a real Where's Dad Going? adventure!

[Link: Packing checklist for Sichuan with kids]

Day 1: A Poetic Start in Su Dongpo's Hometown

The 4 AM Airport Adventure

To maximize time, I booked a 6:55 AM flight from Tianjin to Chengdu. My son excitedly crawled out of bed at 4 AM—for a six-year-old, that enthusiasm was genuinely touching. His mom drove us to the airport, where we met our friends. The little girl was flying for the first time, and my son finally had a playmate. The two kids bounced around the waiting area, full of energy.

Sichuan Airlines' in-flight meals are often praised, but this breakfast was just okay—expectations really do set you up for disappointment. However, Tianfu Airport was a pleasant surprise. The terminal actually had a traditional Chinese garden and a people-mover system. Online reviews said Tianfu Airport was huge—they weren't kidding. If you have a layover here, allow plenty of time.

Meishan: The Flavor of Su Dongpo

After picking up a car (our friend booked a Haval H6 through a third-party platform, much cheaper than big rental companies), we headed straight to Meishan. This small city is Su Dongpo's hometown, and traces of "Dongpo" are everywhere. For lunch, we chose a Michelin-starred old establishment—Ma Wang Zi (马旺子).

While waiting for a table, they offered free chrysanthemum tea that amazed me—refreshingly sweet and cooling. I later learned it's a local specialty. The dishes were even more impressive:

• 东坡肘子 (Dongpo Braised Pork Hock) – A must-order at every table. Surprisingly, it came in a yuxiang (fish-fragrant) style—sour with a hint of spice, melting in the mouth.
• 甜烧白 (Sweet Steamed Pork Belly) – Pork belly layered with red bean paste and steamed, sweet but not greasy.
• 脆皮粉蒸肉 (Crispy Steamed Pork with Rice Flour) – Completely overturned my understanding of this dish—crispy on the outside, spicy and savory within.
• 美人椒 (Beauty Peppers) – Looked fiery but were refreshingly sweet—a purely adventurous choice that turned out delicious.

Three Sus Shrine: A Pilgrimage to Literature

The Three Sus Shrine (San Su Ci) is the former home of Su Xun, Su Shi (Su Dongpo), and Su Zhe—a father and his two sons. Just inside the main gate, a thousand-year-old ancient tree is said to have been planted by Su Shi himself, earning the title "Number One Tree in Meizhou." In the lotus pond, leaves stretched to the sky and blossoms were in full bloom, evoking Yang Wanli's poem: "The lotus leaves stretch to the sky, an endless green; the lotus blossoms under the sun, a different red."

The kids weren't particularly interested in historical explanations, but they had a blast playing among the rockeries and streams. Still, I made sure they at least knew who the Three Sus were—all three were members of the "Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties." At the souvenir shop, I bought two pocket books—Du Fu's Poetry Collection and The Book of Changes.

Leaving the Three Sus Shrine, we drove to Leshan. We checked into the Atour Hotel near Leshan Railway Station (newly opened in 2024, nice environment), and the front desk kindly provided a food guide to Leshan. As they say, "To eat well in China, go to Sichuan; to eat well in Sichuan, go to Leshan"—and it's absolutely true.

We headed straight to Jiaxing Road Food Street: - 甜皮鸭 (Sweet-Skin Duck) – Braised duck deep-fried and drizzled with syrup, crispy skin and tender meat, sweet and salty. Even I, who doesn't love sweets, couldn't resist. - 跷脚牛肉 (Qiaojiao Beef) – An herbal broth with beef offal. The soup was so fragrant that diners would stand with one foot resting on the table leg—hence the name "Cross-Legged Beef." - 钵钵鸡 (Bobo Chicken) – Spicy, numbing, and delicious, with crispy skin and tender meat. - 火爆脆肠 (Explosive Stir-Fried Crispy Intestines) – Authentic Sichuan fare—crispy and tender intestines, mouth-numbingly spicy.

[Link: Top 10 Sichuan dishes for families]

Day 2: Awe and Emotion at the Foot of the Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha: The Mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a Mountain

Tickets for the Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area cost 80 RMB, with half price for children. We hired an official guide for 100 RMB per session. Her commentary was a bit scripted, but she was professional and enthusiastic.

The mountain housing the Buddha is made of red sandstone, which is relatively soft and prone to weathering—those holes you see were all poked by tourists' fingers. Climbing up the hiking trail, even during a summer weekend, the difficulty was manageable. At the top, overlooking the confluence of three rivers (Min River, Dadu River, and Qingyi River), the view was magnificent.

The guide specifically warned us: The "Trapped Dragon" and "Descending Tiger" carvings at the Longqiu Huxue (Dragon Pool and Tiger Cave) are considered bad omens—don't take photos with them. The Zai Jiu Ting (Wine Pavilion) was built to commemorate Su Dongpo's poem: "I wish to drink a thousand cups at the foot of the Giant Buddha."

Pro tip for families: The downhill path to the Buddha's feet has steep, narrow stairs. Hold your child's hand tightly. The view from below—looking up at the 71-meter-tall Buddha—is absolutely worth the effort.

[Link: Leshan Giant Buddha tips for parents]

Days 3-7: Ancient Wisdom and Taoist Secrets

Dujiangyan: The World's Oldest Irrigation System

Dujiangyan, built over 2,200 years ago, is still in use today. The Fish Mouth Levee divides the Min River into inner and outer channels, preventing floods. My son was fascinated by the water flow—we turned it into a game of "Which way will the water go?"

[Link: Dujiangyan family-friendly tour guide]

Mount Qingcheng: Taoist Secrets

Mount Qingcheng is one of Taoism's birthplaces. The front mountain is crowded but beautiful; the back mountain is wilder and less visited. We chose the front mountain due to time. The kids loved the cable car ride and the ancient temples hidden in the mist.

Sanxingdui: Mysterious Artifacts

Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan is a must-visit. The bronze masks with bulging eyes and giant ears are unlike anything else in Chinese archaeology. My son kept asking, "Are these aliens?" The museum's new building (opened 2023) is world-class, with interactive exhibits that kept the kids engaged.

[Link: Sanxingdui with kids: what to see]

Days 8-10: Father-Son Duo in Chongqing

Chongqing Nightscapes: A Surreal Experience

Chongqing is known as the "Mountain City" for good reason. The Hongya Cave at night looks like a real-life Spirited Away scene—golden lights reflecting off the river. We took the Yangtze River Cableway across the river, which gave us a bird's-eye view of the city's insane skyline.

Food highlights: - Chongqing hotpot – Spicy, numbing, and addictive. We ordered a "micro-spicy" level, which was still too hot for my son. He survived on rice and cucumber slices. - 小面 (Chongqing Noodles) – Simple but perfect. The secret is the chili oil. - 酸辣粉 (Sour and Spicy Noodles) – A street food staple that my son surprisingly loved.

[Link: Chongqing with kids: 3-day itinerary]

FAQ: Planning Your Sichuan-Chongqing Family Trip

1. Is this itinerary suitable for children under 6?

Yes, but adjust accordingly. My 6-year-old managed well, but younger children might struggle with steep stairs at Leshan Giant Buddha and long walking days. Bring a carrier or stroller for toddlers.

2. What's the best time to visit Sichuan and Chongqing?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, especially in Chongqing, but the scenery is lush. Winter is cold but less crowded.

3. How do I handle the spicy food with kids?

Most restaurants offer "non-spicy" options. We ordered mild versions of dishes or asked for sauces on the side. Bring snacks from home as a backup. My son survived on rice, steamed eggs, and fruit.

4. Is it safe to travel with a child in Sichuan and Chongqing?

Yes, but take precautions: keep your child close in crowded areas, use a child locator device, and carry a basic first-aid kit. The locals are generally very friendly and helpful with children.

5. How much does a 10-day trip like this cost?

For two people (parent and child), expect to spend around 8,000-12,000 RMB (1,100-1,700 USD), including flights, accommodation, food, and attractions. Booking flights and hotels early can save significantly.

[Link: Sichuan travel budget calculator]

Conclusion: Create Your Own "Where's Dad Going?" Adventure

This 10-day journey from Sichuan to Chongqing wasn't just a vacation—it was a bonding experience that strengthened my relationship with my son. We laughed, we got lost, we ate too much spicy food, and we created stories we'll tell for years.

If you're a parent hesitating to plan a solo trip with your child, my advice is simple: just go. The chaos is part of the charm. The memories are priceless.

Ready to plan your own parent-child adventure? Start with our [Sichuan family travel guide] or [Chongqing kid-friendly attractions list]. And don't forget to pack patience, snacks, and a sense of humor!

Have you taken a solo parenting trip? Share your story in the comments below. We'd love to hear about your "Where's Dad Going?" moments.

[Link: Book family-friendly hotels in Sichuan] [Link: Top 10 things to do in Chongqing with kids] [Link: Sichuan food guide for families]