Itinerary
Welcome to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province and home to China’s beloved giant pandas! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly local guide and driver will greet you. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore. You could take a leisurely stroll through nearby parks or neighbourhoods to get a feel for the city or sample some authentic Sichuan cuisine at a local restaurant.
Chengdu is well-connected to major cities across China. You can easily reach it by:
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Stay in Chengdu
Start your day with an unforgettable visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Witness over 100 pandas in their natural habitat, munching on bamboo and playing. Don’t miss the adorable cubs in the kindergarten area. The on-site Panda Museum offers fascinating insights into these beloved creatures.
Next, explore the tranquil Wenshu Temple, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Admire its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens. Browse the nearby Wenshufang bazaar for local crafts and snacks.
Experience Chengdu’s famous laid-back lifestyle at Renmin Park. Sip tea and watch locals engage in various activities, from mahjong to impromptu dance sessions.
End your day at the vibrant Jinli Old Street, where you can sample local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs.
Dinner will be a traditional Sichuan hotpot, followed by an optional Sichuan Opera featuring face-changing and fire-spitting performances (20:00-21:30).
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Stay in Chengdu
Departing Chengdu early, you’ll head to the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha. This colossal Tang Dynasty masterpiece, carved over 90 years, stands 71 metres high, with its head alone measuring 15 metres. The Buddha was created to calm the turbulent waters where three rivers meet, once a perilous spot for boats.
To truly appreciate its grandeur, descend the Nine Bends Plank Road, a narrow 217-step path from head to toe, offering a close-up view of its intricate details and sheer scale.
Next, travel by car to Mount Emei, another sacred Buddhist site. Visit Baoguo Temple at the mountain’s base, where you’ll find serene gardens, an extensive sutra library, and a stunning porcelain Buddha. Don’t miss the temple’s 25-ton bronze bell, one of China’s largest.
As evening falls, settle into your Mount Emei hotel, preparing for tomorrow’s mountain exploration.
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Stay in Emei
After breakfast, set off for Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its natural beauty and cultural importance. As one of China’s Four Great Buddhist Mountains, Mount Emei is home to over 5,000 plant species and 2,300 animal species, showcasing remarkable biodiversity.
Your journey begins with a private transfer to the tourist centre, followed by a scenic 1.5-2 hour eco-friendly bus ride up the mountain. At Leidongping (2,400m), enjoy a 30-minute walk along stone steps to the cable car station.
Take a short 5-minute cable car ride up to the Golden Summit (3,077m), the crown jewel of Mount Emei. Marvel at the towering 48-metre golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and visit the historic Huazang Temple, dating back to the 1st century CE.
Spend around 1.5 hours exploring the summit, taking in breathtaking views, including the possibility of Mount Gongga and Wawu Mountain on clear days. If you’re fortunate, you might witness the awe-inspiring sea of clouds, a phenomenon Mount Emei is famous for.
Afterward, descend via cable car and eco-bus, before returning to Chengdu by private car (approximately 2.5-3 hours).
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Stay in Chengdu
Your guide will meet you at the hotel and assist you with your transfer to the airport, ensuring you arrive in time for your scheduled flight to your next destination.
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Sichuan Hotpot – A fiery and flavorful hotpot with a variety of meats and vegetables. Kung Pao Chicken – A classic spicy chicken dish with peanuts and vegetables. Mapo Tofu – Tofu in a spicy, numbing sauce with minced meat. Dan Dan Noodles – A popular noodle dish with a spicy, sesame-based sauce. Chengdu-style Dumplings – Filled with seasoned meat, often served in chili oil.
The ideal times to visit Chengdu are typically in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is comfortable, featuring pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring the city and nearby attractions like Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is particularly stunning in the fall.
Yes, generally, a visa is required to visit Chengdu. However, the city offers a 144-hour Visa-Free Transit policy, allowing travelers from specific countries to stay in Chengdu and other designated areas of Sichuan Province for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have onward travel plans to a third country or region. Our travel experts can assist you in verifying the latest information on visa requirements, ensuring a smooth trip to China.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: See pandas in their natural environment. Leshan Giant Buddha: The world's tallest stone Buddha. Sanxingdui Museum: Artifacts from an ancient civilization. Jinli Ancient Street: Traditional architecture and street food. Wenshu Monastery: A peaceful Buddhist site. Kuanzhai Alley: Historic streets with modern touches. Chengdu Renmin Park: A spot to experience local leisure activities.
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Great Experience!
Mia Wilson –
The Chengdu Panda Base was my favourite part, of course! But Leshan Giant Buddha was jaw-dropping too. Mount Emei was a lovely end to the trip. JustChinaTour really knows how to show you the best parts of Chengdu. Great day trips, amazing guide, and unforgettable sights!
A Must-Do in Chengdu!
David O’Connor –
I had the best time on this tour! The pandas were so fun to watch, and the Buddha was a real highlight. Mount Emei was the perfect peaceful end to the day. JustChinaTour made everything easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour!
Unforgettable Views!
Sophia Williams –
The giant pandas were so cute, and the Leshan Buddha was massive. Mount Emei had stunning views. I really enjoyed the balance of nature and culture on this tour. JustChinaTour did an amazing job at organising everything, and our guide made the day special!