One Day Chengdu Itinerary Panda and Buddha Adventure
Active
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
Explore the wonders of Chengdu in a single day with this thoughtfully designed itinerary featuring the iconic Giant Pandas and the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha. Start your morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe these adorable creatures during their breakfast and playful antics. After a delicious local Sichuan lunch, journey to the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, where you can walk along the cliffside path for breathtaking views and optional boat rides for stunning photos. This adventure is perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
- Visit the Chengdu Panda Base to see pandas and red pandas
- Enjoy a lunch featuring local Sichuan cuisine
- Boat ride for panoramic views of the Buddha
- Optional Walk alongside the stunning 71m Leshan Giant Buddha
Available options
Leshan giant buddha day tour
buddha: only the leshan giang buddha <br/>English-speaking guide<br/>Duration: 8 hours<br/>lunch : lunch at a local resturant<br/>car or van <br/>Pickup included
One Day Chengdu Itinerary Panda and Buddha Adventure
Pickup included
What's included
Lunch at a local restaurant
English-speaking tour guide
All entrance tickets as noted in the tour's itinerary
Private air-conditioned car
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your Chengdu panda experience begins when your friendly English-speaking guide meets you at your hotel lobby. Together, you'll travel to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a leading conservation center dedicated to protecting these beloved black-and-white ambassadors.
Morning Highlights:
Baby Panda Nursery – Watch newborn cubs (as tiny as 100g!) learn to wobble around their incubators. By 3 months, these little fluff balls are already mastering their first steps!
Teen Panda Zone – Catch the mischievous "sub-adults" practicing their tree-climbing skills – you'll be amazed how agile these 100kg youngsters can be!
Adult Panda Enclosure – Observe the majestic giants in their prime, contentedly munching through 20kg of bamboo daily. Don't miss their signature "bamboo handstand" feeding pose!
Red Panda Forest Walk – Stroll through the treetop path where these fiery-colored acrobats nap on branches (pro tip: they're most active during cooler morning hours).
2
Stop 2
The Leshan Giant Buddha: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering
Carved into a sandstone cliff at the confluence of the Min and Dadu Rivers, the 71m (233ft) Leshan Giant Buddha is the world’s tallest pre-modern statue. Built between 713-803 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this UNESCO-listed masterpiece depicts Maitreya (the Future Buddha) and overlooks the sacred Mount Emei.
Key Highlights:
River-Taming Legend – Monk Hai Tong initiated the carving to calm deadly river currents, even sacrificing his eyes to secure funding. The removed rocks altered the water flow, miraculously making it safer for ships.
Ingenious Design – Hidden drainage pipes (still functional!) protect the statue from erosion, while its curled hair channels rainwater.
Lost Sanctuary – A 13-story wooden shelter once shielded the Buddha until Mongol invaders destroyed it in the 14th century.
What's not included
Personal expense
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
AR
EN
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Important information
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
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
