Chengdu’s Giant Pandas and the Leshan Giant Buddha offer a captivating blend of nature and culture. This guided day tour provides an efficient way to experience both, with organized transfers and an expert guide. Visitors can observe the adorable pandas up close and marvel at the colossal Buddha statue. The tour’s flexibility and inclusions make it an appealing choice for those seeking a well-rounded introduction to Chengdu’s top attractions. What else might this excursion have in store?
Key Points
- This 8-hour group day tour from Chengdu provides the opportunity to observe Giant Pandas and explore the Leshan Giant Buddha.
- The tour is priced at €144.82 per person and is available for groups of 4-15 people in English and Chinese.
- The itinerary includes visiting the Chengdu Panda Base, a 1-hour lunch break in Leshan, and exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha.
- Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide are included, with optional add-ons like a visit to Mount Emei.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain, and is ideal for active travelers with comfortable walking shoes.
Tour Overview
This Chengdu Giant Panda and Leshan Buddha Tour offers an 8-hour group day trip from Chengdu, priced from €144.82 per person.
The tour is available for groups of 4-15 people and is offered in English and Chinese.
Pickup is included from hotels within the second ring or the Chengdu Sheraton Lido Hotel lobby.
Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour is flexible, allowing you to book now and pay later.
Flexible booking options let you reserve now and pay later for this Chengdu and Leshan tour.
Key highlights include seeing giant pandas and the Leshan Giant Buddha, one of the world’s largest Buddha statues.
Looking for more options in Chengdu? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary
The day begins with hotel pickup between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. After a 30-minute drive, guests arrive at the Chengdu Research Center of Giant Panda Breeding around 8:30 AM. Here, they spend around 2.5 hours observing the adorable pandas in their natural habitat. The tour then departs for Leshan, a 1-hour drive away. Lunch is provided from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. After lunch, the group explores the Leshan Giant Buddha on foot for 2 hours. The tour concludes with the drive back to Chengdu, arriving near Tianfu Square around 6:30 PM.
| Time | Activity |
|————|——————————————|
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Hotel pickup |
| 8:30-11:00 AM | Visit Chengdu Panda Breeding Center |
| 11:00 AM-1:00 PM | Drive to Leshan |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:00-4:00 PM | Visit Leshan Giant Buddha |
| 4:30-6:30 PM | Drive back to Chengdu |
Highlights of the Tour
The tour offers visitors a chance to witness two of China’s most iconic attractions – the adorable Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center and the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha.
The highlights include:
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Observing the Giant Pandas in their natural habitat and learning about the center’s conservation efforts.
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Exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha, one of the largest stone Buddha statues in the world, and marveling at its impressive scale and craftsmanship.
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Convenience with organized transfers to and from the sites.
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Optional add-ons, such as a visit to the scenic Mount Emei.
What’s Included
Although the tour price may seem high, the package includes a number of valuable services and experiences.
The entrance fees to both the Chengdu Panda Base and the Leshan Giant Buddha are covered. The tour also provides official vehicles and an English-speaking guide to ensure a convenient and informative experience.
While tips for the guide and driver are optional, visitors have the flexibility to add on extras like the bus ride to Mount Emei or a boat tour at the Giant Buddha site.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Moving on to the important details, this tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain at some of the sites.
However, it’s perfect for active travelers. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
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Be sure to bring your passport or ID, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture the stunning sights.
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Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
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No tours are available on Mondays or from October 1-7 each year.
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The itinerary is subject to change, and some visitors may continue to Emeishan with a guide while others return directly to Chengdu.
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Visiting the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center
As the first stop on the tour, visitors get to experience the wonder of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center. The center is home to over 80 pandas, the largest population in the world. Visitors can observe the pandas’ daily activities, like eating bamboo and napping. The pandas’ cuteness and playfulness are a delight to see.
| Panda Facts | | |
|—|—|—|
| Habitat | Bamboo Forests | Central China |
| Diet | Bamboo | 20-40 lbs of Bamboo Per Day |
| Lifespan | 15-20 Years | In the Wild |
The Chengdu Panda Breeding Center is a must-see for any visitor to Chengdu, offering a chance to witness these remarkable creatures up close.
Exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha
After visiting the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, the tour proceeds to the Leshan Giant Buddha, one of the largest Buddhist statues in the world.
Carved into the side of Mount Emei, the 233-foot-tall Buddha statue is an impressive sight.
Visitors can:
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Admire the colossal scale of the Buddha
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Explore the surrounding landscapes and temples
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Opt for a boat ride to view the statue from the river
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Continue the journey to the scenic Mount Emei after the Buddha visit
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a highlight of this comprehensive day tour, offering a chance to marvel at this extraordinary feat of ancient engineering and spirituality.
Optional Visits and Additions
Visitors have the opportunity to extend their day trip with optional add-ons. After visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha, guests can choose to continue on to the nearby Mt. Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. The bus fare to Emeishan is RMB 25 per person. Guests may also opt to take a sightseeing boat along the river to view the Buddha from the water, costing RMB 70 per person. Plus, visitors can enjoy a local lunch for RMB 50 per person. These optional activities allow travelers to customize their experience.
| Option | Price (RMB) |
| — | — |
| Bus to Emeishan | 25/person |
| Buddha Sightseeing Boat | 70/person |
| Lunch | 50/person |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Refund if the Weather Is Bad?
Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance, regardless of the weather. The tour operator offers free cancellation and a full refund with no penalties.
Will the Tour Guide Speak My Native Language?
The tour guide will speak both English and Chinese on this group tour. The languages offered are specified in the tour overview, so you can expect the guide to communicate effectively with participants in your native language.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour is not specifically designed for young children. While families are welcome, the long walking involved and lack of dedicated child facilities may make it challenging for younger kids. Parents should consider their child’s stamina and interests before booking.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Panda Center?
Yes, the Chengdu Panda Base has a gift shop where visitors can purchase panda-themed souvenirs like plush toys, keychains, and t-shirts. The proceeds from these purchases help support the panda conservation efforts at the center.
How Long Is the Drive Between Chengdu and Leshan?
The drive between Chengdu and Leshan takes approximately 2 hours according to the tour itinerary. Visitors will depart Chengdu around 11:00 AM and arrive in Leshan around 1:00 PM for lunch before exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha.
The Sum Up
This small group day tour offers an enriching experience in Chengdu. Visitors can observe the adorable Giant Pandas and explore the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha. With hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide, it’s a hassle-free way to discover the city’s natural and cultural highlights. This tour is a must-do for nature and culture enthusiasts visiting Chengdu.
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