Guided Day Trip: Chengdu Pandas and Leshan Giant Buddha9 hours
From€72.18per person
Listing ID : 56619
Guided Day Trip: Chengdu Pandas and Leshan Giant Buddha
9hDuration
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration9 Hours
Group SizePrivate Tour
Starts AtChengdu
LanguagesEnglish
Chengdu Day Tour
Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha Private Day Tour
Two of Sichuan's most celebrated UNESCO-listed landmarks, explored in a single unforgettable day.
This private day tour connects you with the heart of Sichuan's natural and cultural heritage, beginning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and continuing south to the extraordinary Leshan Giant Buddha. Transportation is provided in a clean, air-conditioned private vehicle with a dedicated driver-guide from hotel pickup to drop-off.
The itinerary is designed to make the most of the morning hours at the panda base, when giant pandas are most active and visible during feeding time. After a midday break, the journey continues to Leshan, where the world's largest pre-modern stone Buddha presides over the confluence of three rivers.
Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Mount Emei, and the site rewards visitors with both a dramatic hiking route along the cliff face and optional river cruise views. A guide accompanies the group throughout both stops, providing context and narrative at each location.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a world-class conservation facility home to giant pandas, red pandas, and nursery areas.
Arrive at the panda base during the morning feeding window, when pandas are at their most active and approachable for viewing.
Explore the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter stone statue carved into a cliff face and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Option to view the Buddha from a river cruise at the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers for a full panoramic perspective.
Private round-trip transportation from your Chengdu hotel ensures a comfortable and flexible travel experience throughout the day.
Visit Lingyun Temple, the Shakyamuni Hall, and the Lingbao Tower within the Leshan scenic area.
Descend the nine-winding plank road carved into the cliff alongside the Buddha for a close-up encounter with this ancient monument.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup in Chengdu
Your driver-guide meets you at your centrally located Chengdu hotel within the Third Ring Road. Guests staying outside the Third Ring Road should contact the operator in advance to arrange pickup details.
2
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Spend approximately two and a half hours exploring the panda base, including the Giant Panda Pavilion, Red Panda Pavilion, Butterfly Pavilion, the Mother and Baby Room, and the Giant Panda Wildlife Area. Morning visits coincide with active feeding periods.
3
Lunch Break
A break is scheduled for lunch at your own expense before the drive south to Leshan. This provides time to rest and refuel before the afternoon portion of the tour.
4
Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area
Arrive at Leshan and spend approximately two hours exploring the UNESCO-listed scenic area. Recommended options include a river cruise for a full frontal view of the 71-meter Buddha, as well as the nine-winding plank road descent, Lingyun Temple, and Lingbao Tower.
5
Return to Chengdu
After sightseeing concludes, the vehicle returns to Chengdu. Drop-off is at your original hotel or, upon request, at Tianfu Square.
What Is Included
Included
Private round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Driver-guide service throughout the day
Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Third Ring Road
Guide narration at both Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha
Not Included
Chengdu Panda Base entrance ticket
Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area entrance ticket
Optional river cruise ticket at Leshan
Lunch and all meals
Personal expenses and gratuities
Surcharge for hotels outside the Third Ring Road
Important Information
This is a private tour. All transport is exclusively for your group. Confirm pickup location details with the operator at least 24 hours before departure, particularly if your accommodation is outside the Third Ring Road.
Duration
Approximately 9 hours, including travel time between Chengdu and Leshan.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, particularly for the Leshan plank road descent. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and cash for entrance tickets and lunch.
Cancellation
Please review the operator's cancellation policy at the time of booking. Contact the operator directly for rescheduling requests.
Accessibility
The Leshan Giant Buddha plank road involves steep stair descents and uneven terrain. The panda base includes paved walking paths. The tour is rated Easy overall but involves moderate walking at both sites.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children and elderly travelers are welcome, though parents should supervise young children near cliff-side walkways at Leshan.
Reserve Your Spot Today
Secure your private tour combining the Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha in one day. Availability is limited for private vehicles, so early booking is recommended.
Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?▼
This is a fully private tour. The vehicle and guide are exclusively for your group throughout the entire day.
Are entrance tickets to the panda base and Leshan included?▼
No, entrance tickets to both the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately on the day.
Can I take a river cruise at Leshan to see the Buddha?▼
A river cruise is recommended for the best panoramic view of the Buddha statue and is available at Leshan. The cruise ticket is not included and must be paid for separately; availability may be subject to conditions on the day.
What happens if my hotel is outside the Third Ring Road?▼
Guests staying outside the Third Ring Road should contact the operator before the tour date. Pickup can be arranged, though an additional charge paid directly to the driver will apply.
What is the best time to see the pandas?▼
Morning is the optimal time to observe giant pandas, as they are most active and are typically being fed during early hours. This tour is specifically scheduled to arrive at the base in the morning to take advantage of this window.
Where will I be dropped off at the end of the tour?▼
The default drop-off point is your original hotel. Alternatively, you may request to be dropped at Tianfu Square in central Chengdu at the end of the day.
Chengdu Day TourGiant Panda TourLeshan Giant BuddhaSichuan UNESCOPanda Base VisitPrivate China TourChengdu AttractionsRed PandaLeshan Boat TourSichuan TravelChengdu to LeshanChina Heritage Site
This tour operates in Sichuan Province, southwestern China. The first stop, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, is located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, the provincial capital and a major gateway city in western China. The second stop, Leshan Giant Buddha, is situated in Leshan City, approximately 130 kilometers south of Chengdu, at the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers. Leshan falls within the Mount Emei Scenic Area and Leshan Giant Buddha UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most visited cultural landmarks in China. The route between Chengdu and Leshan follows major expressways through the Chengdu Plain, a fertile basin surrounded by mountain ranges including the western fringe of the Qinling-Daba mountain system.
Region: Sichuan Province, China | Cities: Chengdu, Leshan | Tour Type: Private Day Tour | Theme: Wildlife Conservation, Cultural Heritage, UNESCO World Heritage | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 9 Hours | Landmarks: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area | Transport: Private Vehicle with Driver-Guide
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.