Giant Panda and Leshan Buddha Day Trip from Chengdu

Chengdu , China

Giant Panda and Leshan Buddha Day Trip from Chengdu

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(6 reviews)

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take this one day Giant Panda and Leshan Buddha day trip to see the cute pandas and the hill-big Buddha. As Chinese national treasures, giant pandas live only in China, most of whom live in the Sichuan province. It is well known that Chengdu is the home of the giant panda and the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu is the best place to visit these lovely creatures. More than 90 pandas are available for you to watch them have fun and enjoy them play in the half open yard. You will also visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest Buddha statue in the world, which is said "The Buddha is a hill, and the hill is a Buddha."

Available options

Panda and Buddha Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel in city pickup and drop-off

Insurance for per person

Service charges and government taxes

Lunch will be traditional Chinese dishes local restaurant

Private transfer by air-conditioned vehicle with driver during the tour

Entrance tickets of Chengdu Giant Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha

Private English-speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your private Chengdu tour starts in the early morning around 7am when your guide and driver pick you up from your hotel or the airport.

You will then head to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in the suburb, just 10 kms north of Chengdu, where you can see the lovely pandas making various funny movements as they eat and play. There is a great possibility to visit pandas and also walk in the wide and fresh garden of bamboo, which is a pleasant experience.

Stop 2

After visiting the panda garden, drive to Leshan which is about 2 hours on the express way. The wide spreading landscape of the Chengdu plain will not be boring. For lunch, you will enjoy delicious local Chinese Cuisine.

After lunch, your tour guide will show you the wonder of the Leshan Giant Buddha located on the side of the Minjiang river, also known as " Buddha is the hill and the hill is a Buddha." First, you will visit Linyun Temple, which is to commemorate the monk Hai Tong, who collected donations 1000 years ago under difficult conditions and started the construction of this huge work. You will then walk down the zigzagging trail along the left side of Buddha. The Buddha is a small mountain, from its head to its shoulder, and from its leg to its foot is about 30 minutes hiking.

You will then hike up the right side which is a good place to view Leshan city across the intersection of Minjiang River, Dadu River and Qingyi River. At last, if time permitted, you could go on to pay a visit of Wuyou temple, where you will enjoy the statue of 500 Arhats.

After Hiking, you can take a cruise along the rivers to see the Buddha from the water (optional program - need to pay extra money about $12 USD).

In the late afternoon your driver will take 2 hours driving on the express way again. Just enough time for you to have a short nap in your vehicle. While arriving in Chengdu in the late afternoon, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel or the airport. End this excursion tour with plenty of great memories.

What's not included

The cruise of Leshan Buddha; if you want to take a cruise, you need to pay extra $12 per person

Tianfu airport pick-up or drop-off, need to pay extra accordingly.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

About Chengdu

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is renowned as the home of the giant panda and famous for its rich history, spicy cuisine, and vibrant culture. This ancient city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern urban development, with lush tea houses, bustling markets, and stunning natural landscapes.

Top Attractions

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

This world-renowned research base is home to over 120 giant pandas. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures up close and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Jinli Ancient Street

A well-preserved ancient street with traditional architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances. It's a great place to experience Sichuan's rich history and culture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (shopping and food at additional cost)

Wenshu Monastery

One of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries in China. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and vegetarian cuisine.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

An ancient irrigation system built over 2,000 years ago. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to ancient Chinese engineering.

Historical Half day ¥80

Chengdu Panda Base

A research and breeding center for giant pandas. Visitors can see pandas in a natural setting and learn about conservation efforts.

Nature 2-3 hours ¥55

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mapo Tofu

A spicy tofu dish with minced meat, typically pork or beef, and fermented black beans. It's known for its numbing spiciness.

Dinner Vegetarian versions available.

Dan Dan Noodles

Noodles topped with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions. It's a popular street food.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian.

Hot Pot

A communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a shared pot of boiling broth. Sichuan hot pot is known for its spicy broth.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Sichuan Dumplings

Steamed or boiled dumplings filled with minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables. They're often served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Rock climbing Tea house visits Spa treatments Park picnics Museum visits Temple tours

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is less crowded during these periods compared to summer.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin
Widely spoken: Sichuanese, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)

Time Zone

CST (UTC+8)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chengdu is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport • 16 km from city center
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport • 45 km from city center

By train

Chengdu Railway Station, Chengdu East Railway Station

By bus

Chengdu Long-Distance Bus Station, Chengdu North Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jinli Ancient Street Wuhou Shrine Chunxi Road Kuanzhai Alley

Day trips

Mount Qingcheng

60 km from Chengdu • Full day

A scenic mountain known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and hiking trails. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great escape from the city.

Leshan Giant Buddha

130 km from Chengdu • Full day

A massive stone statue of Buddha carved into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable feat of ancient engineering.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

340 km from Chengdu • Overnight

A stunning national park known for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers.

Festivals

Sichuan Festival • Late August Lantern Festival • February (Lunar calendar) Chengdu International Non-violence Week • October

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Visit the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning to see the pandas at their most active.
Explore the city's tea houses and experience the rich tea culture of Sichuan.
Take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng or Jiuzhaigou Valley for a stunning natural experience.