Private Chengdu Experience: Giant Pandas and the Sanxingdui Museum

Chengdu , China

Private Chengdu Experience: Giant Pandas and the Sanxingdui Museum

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About this experience

Get to the heart of Sichuan culture on this 9-hour private day trip that introduces you to the iconic giant panda and the ancient kingdom of Shu. Start by exploring the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, then progress to the Sanxingdui Museum, home to spectacular artifacts dating back to China's ancient Shu culture, over 3,000 years ago.

Available options

Private Chengdu Experience: Giant Pandas and the Sanxingdui Museum

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

Entrance fee

Lunch

Private day tour

English-speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your personal tour guide and private driver will collect you from your hotel at 8 am. Your first stop is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a conservation facility that's spearheaded the preservation of this endangered species and Chinese icon: it's around half an hour from downtown Chengdu.

The pandas are at their most active in the mornings, so you should be able to watch the bears feasting on bamboo. At most times of year, you'll also be able to see the baby pandas, and learn how they grow from tiny pink creatures the size of a mouse to gigantic adults that often weigh over 220 pounds (100 kilograms). The landscaped base is also home to red pandas and a lake with swans and koi carp.

Stop 2

Your guide will recommend some good choices for lunch, including local specialties, which is at your own expense. After lunch, take a step back in time. It's a little under an hour's drive to the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan. This beautifully designed contemporary museum is home to relics from the ancient walled city of Sanxingdui (Three-Star Mound), founded around 3,600 years ago. The stunning bronzework and artifacts date back to 1200-1100BC and are highlights of China's ancient Shu culture, one of the nation's earliest civilizations.

From here, it's about an hour's drive back and drop off at your hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

Important notes

Voucher is for booking confirmation, local guide will help you to get the entrance ticket on site

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.