Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha

Experience the Best of Chengdu in One Day: Pandas and the Leshan Giant Buddha Tour

If you’re visiting Chengdu and want to tick off the city’s most iconic sights without spending days on the road, this full-day, small-group tour might catch your interest. It promises a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and the Leshan Giant Buddha, with an option to enjoy a Sichuan Opera performance in the evening. While it sounds straightforward and convenient, some reviews suggest it’s not without its quirks.

What we love about this tour is its personalized small-group setting, ease of transportation from your hotel, and the ability to see two of Sichuan’s most famous landmarks in one go. Plus, the guide’s knowledge and the chance to snap plenty of photos make it appealing. However, one potential drawback is that the long drive to Leshan can make the day feel rushed, especially if you’re a slow walker or want a more relaxed experience.

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to see Chengdu’s highlights efficiently. It’s also good if you’re traveling with limited time and prefer the comfort of an organized trip rather than trying to navigate public transport or hire private drivers. But if you’re a dedicated panda lover or want a deeper, more leisurely experience, you might find this tour a tad hurried.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures more personal attention and less crowding.
• Visit both pandas and the Leshan Buddha in one day, saving time and effort.
• Round-trip hotel pickup makes logistics easy for visitors staying in downtown Chengdu.
• Options for viewing the Leshan Buddha include a hike or a boat ride, but only one can be chosen.
• Timing can be tight, especially with long drives, so plan for a potentially rushed schedule.
• Additional costs include meals, optional shows, and special photo requests.

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Pickup and Transit

The day kicks off bright and early with hotel pickups from 7:20 am to 7:40 am. The tour provides a convenient start for those staying in downtown Chengdu, easing worries about transportation logistics. We appreciated the air-conditioned coach (though some reviews noted older vans without AC), which is crucial for managing the summer heat or any weather. The drive to the Panda Base lasts a few hours, and it’s worth noting that ongoing road works from May to December 2019 meant travelers could face delays of an hour or more.

Panda Breeding Base: A Panda Paradise

Once at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, the real fun begins. Known as one of the top panda sanctuaries in China, the base is set in lush surroundings with bamboo groves and tranquil lakes. Visitors can expect to see the iconic giant pandas lounging around or munching on their bamboo. The tour includes an escorted walking tour, which many reviewers found informative and engaging.

One reviewer, Colette, praised guide Bella, who had “a lot of information about Chengdu, the pandas, and the Giant Buddha.” The smaller group size (around 7 people) was noted as a plus for keeping everyone close and making sure no one missed the best photo moments. We loved the fact that there’s plenty of time to capture photos of the pandas, even catching newborns and playful pups.

However, some found the visit a little rushed, especially if you’re a big panda fan wanting to spend more time. If you prefer a leisurely panda day, this might feel like a quick zoo visit. Still, the opportunity to see pandas in a conservation-focused environment is a highlight, and the animal hospital and museum add educational value.

The Choice at Leshan: Hike Up or Boat Ride?

The biggest debate of the day involves how to view the Leshan Giant Buddha. The tour offers two options: a walking hike from the foot to the head of the Buddha or a boat ride around the statue. You need to choose one, as only one visit method fits into the schedule. The voting process keeps the group engaged, but it does mean you’ll miss the other perspective.

Reviewers’ insights reveal mixed experiences. Some enjoyed the hiking trail for the up-close view and photo ops, describing it as a “spectacular view overlooking Mount Emei”. Others preferred the boat ride for a relaxed, scenic perspective, especially if they’re less keen on walking or physically demanding climbs.

The Leshan Buddha itself, dating from the Tang Dynasty, is truly impressive—the largest stone Buddha in the world. Overlooking three rivers, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its sheer size is awe-inspiring.

Lunch and Scenic Trails

Lunchtime typically falls around noon, right after the Leshan visit. The tour guide is happy to recommend local restaurants, but meals are at your own expense. Some reviews noted the timing was tight, so a quick meal might be preferable to maximize sightseeing.

After lunch, the group can hike the trails around the Buddha, snapping panoramic photos as they overlook Mount Emei. The trails offer a chance to breathe in the scenery and get some memorable shots, but keep in mind that the walk can be steep and tiring for some.

Returning to Chengdu and Optional Evening Show

The return trip kicks off around 4:30 pm, with an estimated arrival back at Tianfu Square around 6:30 pm. The long drive can be draining, especially after a full day of sightseeing. But for those interested, the tour offers an optional Sichuan Opera performance at a traditional tea house at 8 pm, where you can enjoy face-changing acts and musical performances, a fun cultural splash to end the day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour price are hotel pickup, the guided walking tour at the Panda Base, your choice of walking or boat viewing of the Leshan Buddha, and transfers between attractions. English-speaking guides are available, enhancing your understanding of the sites.

Extras include meals, photo opportunities with baby pandas (at RMB 2000 per person), and the Sichuan Opera (RMB 160 for VIP seats). Gratuities are recommended but not compulsory.

No surprises here, but do budget for meals and optional activities, and remember that the photo fee is a significant extra if you want a picture with a baby panda—something many reviewers found worth it.

How Well Does It Value Out?

At $101.41 per person, the price is quite reasonable considering it covers transportation, guide service, and access to two major attractions. For first-time visitors eager to see pandas and the Buddha without fussing over transport or tickets, this tour delivers convenience. However, the long travel time and tight schedule might make it feel rushed for some travelers.

Some reviews called it a “very well-organized” experience with prompt timing, though others noted the older vehicle and traffic delays could impact the overall experience. Notably, the small-group size (max 15 travelers) makes it more intimate than big bus tours, which adds to the overall value.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-timers who want to tick off Chengdu’s highlights efficiently. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, hassle-free day with knowledgeable guides, you’ll find this tour quite satisfying. The small group makes for a more personal experience, and the mix of pandas and the Buddha offers a good balance of cuteness and awe.

However, if you’re a panda enthusiast craving an in-depth visit or someone who prefers a relaxed pace, you might find the time constraints limiting. The long drive and possible delays also mean it’s not ideal if you prefer a leisurely, unhurried day.

To sum it up, this tour offers great value for the convenience, guided insights, and two must-see attractions packed into one day. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager to experience Chengdu’s iconic sites without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from most downtown Chengdu hotels, making it convenient for travelers staying in central locations.

What time does the day start?
Pickups are scheduled between 7:20 am and 7:40 am, with the tour beginning shortly thereafter.

Can I choose how to view the Leshan Giant Buddha?
Yes, you need to vote on whether to hike from the foot to the head of the Buddha or take a boat ride. Only one option is available per tour.

How long is the drive to Leshan?
The drive is approximately 2 to 3 hours each way, though road works from May to December 2019 could extend this by an hour or more.

Is there enough time at the Panda Base?
Yes, the tour provides several hours, and many reviewers appreciated the time for photos and learning about pandas. However, some found it a bit rushed if they wanted a more leisurely visit.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and some cash for meals or extras. The tour guide can recommend local restaurants, but meals are not included.

Are there optional extras?
Yes, you can pay for a photo with a baby panda or attend the Sichuan Opera in the evening.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum is 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What if I want to relax after a long day?
The tour ends around 6:30 pm, but you can opt for the evening Sichuan Opera performance for a cultural finale.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable with walking and long drives, but be aware of the physical demands of hiking trails.

This small-group tour packs in big sights in a practical, accessible way—perfect for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Chengdu’s famed pandas and majestic Buddha.