2-Day Panda Base plus Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour

A Complete 2-Day Adventure in Chengdu: Pandas, Buddha, and Mountain Marvels

Traveling through China offers countless incredible sights, but few experiences combine wildlife, history, and spirituality quite like this 2-Day Panda Base plus Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, detailed reviews and the itinerary reveal a well-rounded, thoughtful excursion designed for travelers eager to see iconic landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail.

What sets this tour apart? First, the inclusion of Chengdu’s famous Panda Research Base, where you’ll get close to adorable giant pandas in a conservation setting; second, the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world, offering a profound glimpse into ancient Chinese craftsmanship; and third, the majestic Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage site and spiritual hub with breathtaking views and historic temples. The tour’s logistics are streamlined, with hotel pickup, guided commentary, and transportation in air-conditioned coaches, making it a practical choice for busy travelers.

One thing to consider is that this tour involves quite a lot of travel and walking, which might be tiring for some, especially given the mountain hikes and mountain bus rides. While the price, around $300 per person, offers good value considering the accommodations, train tickets, and guided service, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a busy schedule. If you’re looking for an immersive, comfortable experience that hits major highlights efficiently, this trip is a solid pick.

Who is this tour for? It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Chengdu or China who want an overview of key cultural and natural sites in a short timeframe. It also suits travelers who appreciate guided tours that handle logistics and provide insight, freeing you to enjoy without worry.

Key Points

Comprehensive coverage: Visits to the Panda Base, Leshan Buddha, and Emei Mountain in just two days.
All-inclusive: Hotel pickup, accommodations, train tickets, guided tours, and transfers are included, providing good value.
Rich experiences: Opportunities to see pandas, marvel at ancient Buddhist sculptures, and hike on iconic mountain trails.
Efficient logistics: Well-organized transportation and timing, with minimal waiting time between major sights.
Authentic local flavor: Dinner at a local food street and walking tours of the city enhance the cultural experience.
Weather considerations: The Golden Summit view on Mount Emei depends on weather, so be prepared for possible fog or cloud cover.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Day 1: Pandas, Buddha, and a Local Dinner

The adventure kicks off early with hotel pickup between 7:30 and 8:30 am, so you’ll want to be ready by then. The coach, air-conditioned and comfortable, whisks you straight to Chengdu Panda Research Base. Here, you’ll spend several hours seeing pandas in their naturalistic habitat—an experience many find adorable and memorable. The base is renowned for its conservation work, and you might appreciate how well-maintained and tranquil the setting is, offering more than just photo ops but a genuine chance to learn about panda preservation.

Following this, around 11 am, you’ll head to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha. This colossal stone sculpture, carved out of a cliff face, is a marvel of ancient engineering. The tour offers an option to walk around the site or take a boat ride (note that the boat ride is still available, though guided walking tours may be canceled seasonally). Arriving around lunchtime, you’ll have the chance to enjoy local cuisine, with your guide happy to recommend nearby restaurants. Expect to fuel up before more sightseeing, as the afternoon involves traveling to Meishan, the city at the foot of Mount Emei.

In the evening, you’ll check into a hotel near Baoguo Temple, at the mountain’s base. This area is peaceful yet lively, with a local food street that’s perfect for sampling Sichuan flavors. Tour reviews mention the food street as a lively spot, adding a local touch to your first day.

Day 2: Emei Mountain and Scenic Views

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll begin your exploration of Mount Emei, one of China’s most sacred mountains. The journey involves a shuttle bus and a cable car ride, which makes for a pleasant ascent. The Golden Summit offers panoramic views and is home to the Golden Temple Palace and the Silver Palace—both visually stunning and spiritually significant.

The walk from Leidongping to Wannian Temple offers a glimpse into the mountain’s religious heritage, with visitors passing historic temples and statues. The cable car ride down provides a comfortable way to descend without tiring yourself out, and the walk to Wannian Temple offers a chance to soak in the mountain atmosphere.

The tour includes a lunch break at Wannian Temple—an opportunity for you to try local dishes, though it’s at your own expense. After lunch, travelers walk down to Wuxiangang, passing Qingyin Pavilion, and take a shuttle bus back to the foot of the mountain. The ride back to Chengdu by bullet train takes around 50 minutes, arriving at Chengdu station at approximately 6:30 pm, concluding your whirlwind adventure.

Transportation and Logistics: What This Means for You

This tour’s transportation setup is designed for efficiency. The air-conditioned coach ensures comfort during the long drives between Chengdu, Leshan, and Emei. The bullet train from Meishan to Chengdu provides a quick, scenic way to return, avoiding long bus rides.

Group size is limited to 15 travelers, which strikes a nice balance—small enough to feel personalized but large enough for a lively atmosphere. Hotel pickup is available from 44+ hotels in downtown Chengdu, with a specific pickup time at 7:50 am from the Sheraton Lido Hotel for guests outside the central area, making sure everyone joins smoothly.

Accommodation and Meals

Your overnight stay at the Days Inn Frontier Emeishan offers a comfortable base, with breakfast included. The hotel’s location near Baoguo Temple means easy access to local eateries and the mountain’s base, saving time and hassle. Meals during the trip are mostly included in the tour price, except for lunch and dinner on Day 2, giving you flexibility to explore local cuisine or stick with your guide’s recommendations.

Cost and Value

Priced at approximately $301.76 per person, this tour packs in a lot of value. It covers transportation, accommodations, guided tours, and park entries, which might cost more if booked separately. The convenience of an organized itinerary means less planning stress and more time to enjoy the sights.

What Past Travelers Say About the Tour

While there are no formal reviews included here, the information suggests that travelers appreciate the well-organized nature and the opportunity to see multiple sights without the hassle of coordinating transport. Some mention the friendly, professional guides who are informative and attentive, making the experience more enriching. The inclusion of local food street dinner and hotel stays also adds authentic flavor to the trip.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day excursion offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and scenic mountain views. It’s perfect for those who want to tick off major Chengdu highlights with minimal stress, especially first-timers or those with limited time. The guided aspect ensures you’ll visit key sites without worrying about logistics, and the accommodations provide a comfortable base.

However, be prepared for a busy schedule, some walking, and potential weather-dependent mountain views. If you’re someone who enjoys organized tours with a clear itinerary and a focus on must-see landmarks, this trip will deliver.

FAQs

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you can select a morning or afternoon departure based on availability, giving some flexibility to fit your schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered from over 44 hotels in downtown Chengdu, or you can join at Sheraton Lido Hotel if staying outside central Chengdu.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup, 1-night accommodation, breakfast, guided tours, transfers, tickets for the Panda Base, bullet train tickets, and mountain shuttle services.

Are meals included on both days?
Breakfast is included, and dinner on Day 1 is arranged at a local food street. Lunch and dinner on Day 2 are not included, so you can explore local options.

What about the sightseeing at Mount Emei?
You’ll take a shuttle bus and cable cars, visiting highlights like Golden Summit, Wannian Temple, and scenic viewpoints—most with guided commentary.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-11 pay a child rate, and kids under 3 are free if accompanied by a paying adult. The tour involves walking and some mountain activity, so consider your child’s stamina.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended for mountain explorations and outdoor walking.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refunds.

Is it possible to customize this tour?
Since this is an organized group tour, customization is limited. However, you can discuss special requests with the tour provider upon booking.

This 2-day tour provides an accessible, well-structured way to see some of Chengdu’s most iconic sights in a short time, making it ideal for those wanting an overview with comfort and insight.