Chengdu: Chengdu Day Trip With Giant Panda and Leshan Buddha

Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province, offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. A day trip from this bustling city takes visitors to the renowned Giant Panda Breeding Reserve, where they can observe these captivating creatures up close, and the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, a colossal 8th-century statue that commands attention. This comprehensive tour promises an immersive exploration of Sichuan’s rich heritage, complete with scenic countryside vistas and authentic local cuisine. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this day trip promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• A private day trip from Chengdu to the Giant Panda Breeding Reserve and Leshan Giant Buddha, lasting 9-10 hours and priced from $314.62 per person.
• The trip includes guided tours, wildlife viewing, and photo opportunities, focusing on panda conservation efforts and cultural heritage.
• The itinerary covers a 2-hour visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, followed by a 2.25-hour drive to the Leshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area.
• At the Leshan Giant Buddha, visitors can explore the 71-meter-tall statue and learn about China’s rich history and spiritual heritage.
• The trip includes a 1.5-hour lunch break to savor authentic Sichuan cuisine before the return journey to Chengdu.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This private day trip from Chengdu offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s iconic attractions – the Giant Panda Breeding Reserve and the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Priced from $314.62 per person, the tour lasts 9-10 hours and is available in both English and Chinese. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes guided tours, wildlife viewing, and photo opportunities at the panda reserve, as well as sightseeing and guided tours at the Leshan Buddha.

This comprehensive tour provides an opportunity to learn about panda conservation efforts and experience the cultural heritage of the region.

Private Day Trip Itinerary

The private day trip from Chengdu kicks off with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

For 2 hours, visitors can experience a guided tour, observe the pandas, and capture memorable photos.

Next, the group travels to the Leshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area, which takes around 2.25 hours by car.

Upon arrival, they’ll have 2 hours to explore the 71-meter-tall Giant Buddha statue and hike along the hill or take a boat for river views.

After a 1.5-hour lunch break, the tour returns to Chengdu, completing the 9-10 hour adventure.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Visitors to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding embark on a captivating journey into the world of these beloved creatures.

During the 2-hour visit, guests are taken on a guided tour and have the opportunity to observe pandas in their natural habitats.

They’ll learn about the center’s panda conservation efforts and witness the pandas’ daily activities, including eating, playing, and resting.

The visit offers ample opportunities for photo-taking, allowing visitors to capture precious moments with these iconic animals.

With its immersive experiences and educational insights, the Chengdu Research Base provides an unforgettable encounter with the iconic giant pandas.

Travel to Leshan

After the visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, travelers embark on a 2.25-hour car journey to the city of Leshan.

This scenic drive allows them to soak in the picturesque countryside and get a glimpse of rural Chinese life. The route offers picturesque views of rolling hills, lush greenery, and quaint villages.

Upon arrival in Leshan, visitors are greeted by the towering presence of the Leshan Giant Buddha, an iconic cultural landmark carved into the mountainside in the 8th century.

This colossal 71-meter-tall statue is the world’s largest stone Buddha and a true marvel of ancient engineering.

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Leshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area

Upon arrival in Leshan, travelers are greeted by the towering presence of the Leshan Giant Buddha, an iconic cultural landmark carved into the mountainside in the 8th century.

Standing at 71 meters tall, it’s the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Visitors can spend 2 hours exploring the Leshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area, which offers guided tours and multiple vantage points to admire the giant sculpture.

Travelers can choose to hike up the hill for panoramic views or take a boat along the river to appreciate the Buddha’s full size and majesty. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into China’s rich history and spiritual heritage.

Lunch Break

Following the tour’s activities at the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, the group takes a well-deserved 1.5-hour lunch break.

This break allows everyone to refuel and recharge before the return journey to Chengdu.

Lunch options may include:

• Authentic Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spices
• Vegetarian dishes showcasing the region’s fresh produce
• Noodle dishes, a staple in the local diet
• Hearty rice-based meals, satisfying and comforting
• Regional specialties that offer a taste of Chengdu’s culinary heritage

The lunch break is a chance to savor the local flavors, recount the day’s highlights, and prepare for the final leg of the tour.

Return to Chengdu

The private day trip now heads back to Chengdu, the starting point of the excursion. After a fulfilling visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the tour group begins their return journey, which takes approximately 2 hours. This provides a chance for participants to reflect on the day’s experiences and take in the scenic countryside along the way. Upon arrival in Chengdu, the guide ensures a smooth drop-off at the original meeting point, allowing travelers to continue their exploration of the city or make their own plans for the rest of the day.

Destination	Duration	Key Activities
Chengdu	2 hours	Return journey, scenic countryside
Meeting Point	–	Drop-off, continue exploration

Booking Information

Travelers can check availability for the desired number of participants and date of the Chengdu day trip.

The meeting point details are available via Google Maps. This tour offers flexible booking options, with the ability to reserve now and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can choose between a private-guided or self-guided tour, with the private-guided option including an English-speaking guide and lunch.

The tour covers the highlights of Chengdu, including the Panda Breeding Reserve and the Leshan Giant Buddha, providing an immersive experience of the local culture and conservation efforts.

• Check availability for participants and date
• Reserve now, pay later
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Choose private-guided or self-guided tour
• Meeting point details available via Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, you can extend the duration of the tour. Travelers can request a longer itinerary to explore the destinations in more depth or add additional stops along the way. The tour provider can customize the experience based on your preferences.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

There are no specific dietary restrictions mentioned for the lunch. However, the tour provider recommends informing them of any dietary requirements in advance so they can accommodate participants’ needs.

Is There an Option to Visit the Panda Nursery?

Yes, the tour includes an opportunity to visit the panda nursery at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Visitors can observe the baby pandas and learn about the facility’s panda conservation efforts.

Can I Take a Private Boat Tour on the River?

Yes, visitors can take a boat tour on the river to view the Giant Buddha. The boat ride offers a different perspective and scenic river views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

What Is the Best Season to Visit the Giant Buddha?

The best season to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha is during spring or autumn when the weather is mild and dry. Crowds are smaller, and visitors can fully appreciate the impressive 71-meter tall stone statue.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable day trip from Chengdu offers a unique chance to observe giant pandas up close and marvel at the impressive Leshan Giant Buddha. Combining natural wonders and cultural heritage, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that showcases the best of Sichuan’s attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast, this day trip is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: