Private Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Grand Buddha

Chengdu , China

Private Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Grand Buddha

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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

Visit two of China's top attractions on this private full-day tour to the Chengdu Panda Base and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Grand Buddha in Leshan. Get an early start to see the pandas in action and enjoy photo ops of baby and adult panda bears. Then travel to Leshan for a guided tour of the Grand Buddha, the world’s biggest stone Buddha sculpture. Visit the Buddha’s adjacent temples, and admire the surrounding scenery of rivers and forest. Travel in comfort with a private guide and driver, lunch is included.

Available options

Private Panda and Buddha Tour

Private Tour: Private Tour: Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Grand Buddha<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

Professional English-speaking guide

Entry/Admission - Leshan Buddha

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Lunch

Entry/Admission - Chengdu Panda Base

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your day trip starts with hotel pickup by your private and friendly guide and driver. Head directly to the Chengdu Panda Base (aka the Panda Breeding Center, officially known as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding), located about 40 minutes outside of central Chengdu.

Arrive at the center before feeding time to observe the beloved bears when they are at their most active. Your guide leads you through different areas to see baby and adult giant pandas, as well as red pandas, cat-like animals that are not closely related to giant pandas but are still pretty cute. Learn about the protection of panda bears in the wild and recent achievements in breeding, feeding and reintroduction to the wilderness.

Stop 2

Next up, leave the panda base and take in the scenery during the 3-hour drive to Leshan, where you'll have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Grand Buddha, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed as 'Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area.'

Work started on the Grand Buddha in the year 713 and was completed in 803 after several delays. Carved out of a cliff next to the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, the massive sculpture stands 233 feet (71 meters) high and measures 92 feet (28 meters) wide. It is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world by far.

Begin your tour of the site at the Grand Buddha Temple (Lingyun Temple), which sits behind the Buddha’s giant head (as you approach, note the statue’s hair, which includes approximately 1,020 coiled buns). Inside the temple, view intricate sculptures and wall decorations, and then follow your guide down a trail that leads to the base of the Buddha. Make sure you got enough good photos of this wonder before head back to Chengdu, where your day trip ends with hotel or airport drop-off.

What's not included

Gratuities

Optional boat ride in Leshan ($10 per person)

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Drop-off at the Chengdu airport is possible at the end of your tour; if you would like to be dropped off at the airport, contact the local tour operator after booking; contact information will be on your confirmation voucher

Infants one year and younger are free of charge

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.