2-Day Chengdu Tour: City Tour with Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha

Day 1 Chengdu

Whether you're staying at a hotel in Chengdu, arriving at the train station, or landing at Chengdu, we provide a convenient pick-up service to ensure a smooth start to your adventure. Our professional guide will greet you at the designated location, holding a distinctive "Your Way Holiday" sign for easy identification. With in-depth knowledge of Chengdu’s culture and history, our guide will accompany you throughout the tour, offering insightful commentary and ensuring a seamless experience. From transportation to detailed explanations, every aspect of your journey is carefully planned for maximum comfort. Your guide will also cater to your personal interests, answer any questions, and make adjustments if needed, ensuring a stress-free and enriching experience.

Your journey begins with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the most renowned panda conservation centers in the world. Upon arrival, your guide will take you through the lush bamboo-filled enclosures, where you can observe pandas of all ages as they eat, play, and rest in their natural habitat. If you visit in the morning, you’ll see the pandas at their most active during feeding time, an ideal opportunity for photos. Your guide will share fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts, their dietary habits, and breeding programs that have helped protect this endangered species. You’ll also have the chance to visit the red panda enclosure, where these lively, smaller cousins of the giant panda dart through the trees. Throughout your visit, your guide will assist with navigation, point out the best photo spots, and ensure you make the most of this unforgettable experience with China’s most beloved animal.

After your panda encounter, head to People’s Park, a lively and historic public space that reflects Chengdu’s unique tea culture and relaxed lifestyle. Your guide will introduce you to the park’s century-old teahouses, where locals gather to sip tea, chat, and play mahjong. You may choose to take a break and enjoy a cup of jasmine tea or Sichuan’s famous lidded bowl tea while your guide explains the significance of tea culture in Chengdu’s daily life. As you explore further, you’ll witness traditional activities such as ear-cleaning services, calligraphy painting on the pavement, and even spontaneous dance performances. If you’re interested in learning about Chengdu’s rich history, your guide will take you to the Monument to the Railway Protection Movement, a site commemorating an important event in Sichuan’s modern history. Whether you prefer to relax with a cup of tea or immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, your guide will tailor the experience to your interests.

Next, visit the serene Wenshu Monastery, one of Chengdu’s most important Buddhist temples, known for its ancient architecture, peaceful gardens, and rich collection of Buddhist relics. Your guide will explain the history of this monastery, which dates back over 1,000 years, and introduce the teachings of Buddhism that continue to influence daily life in Chengdu. As you walk through the temple halls, admire the intricate wooden carvings and statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas, while your guide shares stories of their significance. The tranquil courtyards, shaded by ancient trees, provide a stark contrast to the bustling city outside, offering a perfect moment of reflection. If you wish, your guide can arrange for you to experience a short incense offering ritual, allowing you to take part in a local spiritual tradition. Before leaving, consider visiting the vegetarian restaurant inside the monastery, where you can try delicious plant-based dishes inspired by Buddhist cuisine.

Conclude your journey at Jinli Ancient Street, one of Chengdu’s most famous pedestrian streets, lined with traditional Sichuan-style architecture, tea houses, souvenir shops, and local eateries. As you stroll through the bustling lanes illuminated by red lanterns, your guide will introduce the history of Jinli, once a center for trade and cultural exchange during the Three Kingdoms period. This is the perfect place to sample authentic Sichuan snacks such as sweet rice balls, spicy tofu, and crispy beef pancakes, which your guide can recommend based on your preferences. You’ll also find talented street performers, from sugar painting artists to Sichuan opera face-changing performers, adding to the lively atmosphere. If you’re looking for a souvenir, your guide will help you find handmade Shu embroidery, traditional Sichuan tea, or calligraphy scrolls, ensuring a memorable keepsake from your trip.

As your tour comes to an end, your guide and driver will ensure a punctual and seamless transfer back to hotel. They will carefully plan the return journey to ensure you arrive with plenty of time for check-in and security procedures. Along the way, your guide will be available to answer any last-minute questions, share travel tips, or simply let you relax and reflect on the experiences of the day. With every detail meticulously arranged, you can board your flight stress-free, taking with you unforgettable memories of Chengdu’s pandas, history, and vibrant culture.

Day 2 Chengdu-Lehsan-Chengdu

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby to take you to Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the drive, your guide will provide insightful commentary about the history and cultural significance of this magnificent monument, enhancing your understanding of its spiritual and architectural wonders. Upon arrival, the guide will lead you through the site’s key highlights, assist with navigation, manage tickets, and answer any questions you may have, ensuring a smooth and enriching visit. Meanwhile, the driver will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey, allowing you to fully appreciate the grandeur and serenity of the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Upon arrival at the Leshan Giant Buddha, you’ll be awed by the sheer scale of this magnificent stone sculpture, famously described as “the Buddha is the hill, and the hill is a Buddha.” As the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha, this ancient marvel has stood tall for over a thousand years, overlooking the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi Rivers. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you along the winding mountain trails, providing fascinating insights into the historical, religious, and architectural significance of this UNESCO-listed site. From different vantage points, you’ll appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and spiritual presence of the statue. At the scenic viewpoint, you’ll witness the breathtaking panorama where the three rivers merge, adding to the site’s serene and sacred atmosphere. Throughout your visit, the guide will share engaging stories, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation of the Buddha’s cultural and historical importance while our driver ensures a smooth and comfortable journey.

After exploring the Giant Buddha, we will take you to a local restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious and authentic Sichuan meal, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant food culture. Leshan is not only known for its historical heritage but also for its outstanding cuisine, offering a variety of mouthwatering dishes with bold flavors. Your guide will recommend signature dishes such as Leshan’s famous sweet-skinned roast duck, tender and flavorful Bo Bo Chicken, and the locally renowned spicy tofu pudding. Each dish reflects the region’s culinary traditions, combining rich flavors and unique textures. As you savor these delicacies, your guide will provide insights into Sichuan’s food culture, explaining the ingredients, cooking techniques, and regional variations that make the cuisine so distinctive. Whether you prefer mild or spicy flavors, your guide will ensure that your dining preferences are met, making this meal not just a break in your journey but a memorable cultural experience.

Following your visit to the Giant Buddha, you will embark on a serene Boat Cruise along the Dadu River, offering a unique and breathtaking perspective of this monumental site. As the boat gently glides along the river, you will be surrounded by stunning landscapes where majestic mountains meet the tranquil waters, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. From this vantage point, you will witness the Leshan Giant Buddha rising from the cliffside, offering a striking contrast between the ancient sculpture and the flowing river below. Your guide will share captivating stories about the region’s history, cultural significance, and the engineering marvels behind the Buddha’s construction. The gentle rhythm of the water, the crisp mountain air, and the spectacular views create a moment of peaceful reflection, allowing you to fully appreciate the harmony between nature and spirituality. Throughout the cruise, your guide will be available to answer any questions and provide further insights, ensuring you have an immersive and enriching experience in this breathtaking setting.

After the tour, you'll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel by our skilled driver. They will handle all the logistics, ensuring a smooth and relaxing ride as you unwind from the day’s adventures. Your guide will accompany you to the hotel, offering any final insights about the tour and addressing any last-minute questions. Upon arrival, the guide will assist with check-in and make sure you're settled in for a restful evening. They can also provide recommendations for local dining or additional activities, ensuring your stay in Leshan is enjoyable and seamless.

Price Per Person in US Dollars