Five days can cover one focused regional idea. Seven to nine days creates a better combined journey with less rushing.
Three to four days
Choose one city focus: Chongqing with a city day and optional Wulong extension, or Chengdu with pandas, food and Dujiangyan.
Five to six days
This works well for Chongqing plus Wulong, or a focused Sichuan route such as pandas, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. Mountain routes should not be compressed only to fit more names onto the itinerary.
Seven to nine days
This range supports a fuller northern Sichuan circuit, a western Sichuan road trip, or a combined Chengdu and Chongqing programme.
Ten days or more
Longer trips allow rest, deeper regional culture and a safer pace for high-altitude areas. They are also easier to adapt for families and mature travellers.
The right answer depends on arrival city, flight times, interests and tolerance for long drives. Share those details before finalizing the number of nights.