Private One-Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
This tour offers a rare blend of heartwarming wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring cultural heritage, all in one unforgettable day. Begin with an intimate visit to the Panda Breeding and Research Center, where you’ll observe one of the world’s most endangered and adored animals in a natural, protected setting. Watching giant pandas eat, play, or nap up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that touches visitors of all ages.
Then, step back over 1,300 years in time as you journey to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha statue. Whether you choose to hike up the mountain for a close-up view or take a scenic river cruise for a panoramic perspective, the sheer scale and serenity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you in awe.
From the gentle charm of pandas to the grandeur of ancient Chinese craftsmanship, this tour perfectly captures the natural and cultural treasures that make Sichuan truly unique.
Available options
Leshan Giant Buddha Day Tour
guide: Accompanied by an English-speaking guide<br/>Duration: 8 hours<br/>lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant<br/>car: The type of vehicle—sedan, minivan, or minibus—will be arranged based on the number of participants.<br/>only leshan buddha: Includes either the admission fee to the Leshan Giant Buddha or a boat ticket（ note: this option does not include the panda )<br/>Pickup included
Private One-Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha
Pickup included
What's included
Professional English-speaking guide
All required taxes, fees
Entry/Admission - Panda base
Lunch
Golf buggy at Panda Base
Entry/Admission - Leshan Giant Buddha or Leshan Giant Buddha ferry
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your day begins with a convenient hotel pickup and a relaxing transfer to the renowned Panda Breeding and Research Center. Once roaming across vast parts of Asia, giant pandas are now critically endangered, with the most recent survey estimating only 1,864 remaining in the wild—80% of them living in the mountainous regions of Sichuan.
At the center, you'll have the chance to see these beloved creatures during their most active time: mealtime. Pandas can eat for up to 14 hours a day, so with luck, you’ll witness them happily munching on bamboo. If not, you’ll likely catch them enjoying their second favorite activity—napping!
Established over 30 years ago, the center is home to more than 80 giant and red pandas and plays a vital role in the protection and conservation of these rare animals.
2
Stop 2
Afterwards, we’ll take a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha—the largest and tallest stone-carved Buddha in the world. Carved into the cliffside over 1,300 years ago, this monumental statue was originally built to calm the turbulent waters and protect passing boats. Today, it draws countless visitors eager to marvel at its scale and serenity. Once there, you can choose to hike to the top of the mountain for an up-close view or hop on a river cruise for a stunning panoramic perspective.
What's not included
Gratuities
personal expense
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Total tour duration includes travel time
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
