Chengdu , China

Chengdu Highlights Private Day Tour

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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

This tour covers two must-sees of Chengdu, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda and the Leshan Giant Buddha. Both of them are outside the city, so it will be much convenient taking this tour to explore them both. Giant pandas are a Chinese national treasure for a reason. They are just so cute that you want to take one home. While the Giant Buddha is worth to check out for its historical and cultural importance.

Available options

Chengdu Highlights Private Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Professional licensed driver

Hotel pickup and drop-off

English-speaking tour guide

Bottled water

Entrance ticket fees

Local lunch

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your private tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00am. You will firstly visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda, also known as Panda Base. An early start is arranged because the pandas are very active in the morning. You may see lovely giant pandas eating and playing with each other. The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people from the world. It feels so nice just gazing at them teasing.

Stop 2

After spending a period of time there, you will head to Leshan. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. It’s an opportunity to try out Sichuan cuisine with the aid of the guide.

Then you will take a cruise to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. It was listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 together with Mount Emei. Located at the joint of Minjiang River, Dadu River and Qingyi River, Leshan Giant Buddha is sitting faced with Leshan City across the river. It is no doubt the largest cliff rock carving Maitreya Buddha statue in the world. The total height of the Buddha is 71 meters. Its head is 14.7meters high and 10 meters wide and its ear only is 7meters high. Its insteps can hold over a hundred people.

At the end of the tour, your guide and driver will transfer you back to the city and drop you off at your hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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.