Overview
Experience two of Sichuan’s most iconic attractions in one seamless private day trip from Chengdu. In the morning, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see giant pandas at their most active—munching bamboo, climbing trees, and playing in the cool morning air. In the afternoon, travel to Leshan to witness the 71-meter Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha, carved into a riverside cliff over 1,200 years ago.
This is not a rushed group tour. With your own private English-speaking guide and a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll experience both sites at your own pace. Hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance tickets, the Leshan river cruise, and transfers are all included. The only thing not included is lunch, which your guide will help you arrange at a local restaurant in Leshan.
Highlights
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See giant pandas at their most active time in the morning at Chengdu Panda Base.
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Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest stone Buddha.
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Enjoy a scenic river cruise for the best panoramic view of the 71-meter Buddha—no climbing required.
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Learn the history of the Buddha and the three rivers from your English-speaking guide.
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Enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience—panda base ticket, Leshan cruise ticket, guide, and hotel transfers are all covered.
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Travel with a professional English-speaking guide who handles all communication.
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Relax with door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off within Chengdu’s 3rd Ring Road.
Full Itinerary
Morning | Hotel Pickup & Chengdu Panda Base
Your private driver and English-speaking guide will meet you in your Chengdu hotel lobby (within the 3rd Ring Road) at the confirmed time. After a short drive, you will arrive at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding just as the pandas are at their most active.
Your guide knows the best viewing spots and the pandas’ daily schedule. Walk the bamboo-lined paths and watch giant pandas eating bamboo, tumbling in the grass, and climbing trees. You’ll also have time to visit the nursery area, where you may see tiny panda cubs (depending on the breeding season).
Midday | Lunch in Leshan (at your own expense)
After the panda visit, depart Chengdu and travel to Leshan—approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by private car. Upon arrival, your guide will recommend a local restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Leshan cuisine at your own pace and budget. Leshan is famous for dishes like sweet-skin duck, bobo chicken, and qiaojiao beef—your guide will help you order.
Afternoon | Leshan Giant Buddha River Cruise
After lunch, head to the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area. Instead of climbing the steep cliffside steps, you will board a scenic river cruise (included) for a relaxed, panoramic view of the 71-meter Buddha.
From the water, you’ll see the full scale of the statue—its head, hands, knees, and the surrounding cliffs—as well as the confluence of the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers. Your guide will share the history of the Buddha, built in the 8th century by the monk Haitong to calm the dangerous waters and protect passing boats.
The cruise lasts approximately 40 minutes and is the best way to capture the entire Buddha in a single photo.
Late Afternoon | Return to Chengdu
After the cruise, your private driver will take you back to Chengdu. You will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening, completing a day that spans Sichuan’s wildlife and ancient spiritual heritage.
What’s Included
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Hotel pickup and drop-off within Chengdu’s 3rd Ring Road
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Private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day
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Professional English-speaking guide
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Chengdu Panda Base entrance ticket
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Leshan Giant Buddha river cruise ticket
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All taxes, parking fees, and fuel surcharges
What’s Not Included
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Lunch (your guide will recommend local restaurants in Leshan; pay on site)
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Personal expenses
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Gratuities for guide and driver (optional)
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Travel insurance
Pickup & Meeting Information
Pickup area: Any hotel within Chengdu’s 3rd Ring Road.
Pickup time: Confirmed via WhatsApp/WeChat one day before the tour. Morning pickup is typically between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
Meeting method: Your private driver and English-speaking guide will wait in your hotel lobby, holding a sign with your name. Please be ready 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
If your hotel is outside the 3rd Ring Road, please contact us before booking to check if pickup can be arranged.
Know Before You Go
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Duration: Approximately 11–12 hours.
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Group type: Private tour—only your group participates.
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Language: English-speaking guide throughout.
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Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The panda base involves walking, but the Leshan visit is primarily by boat.
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Morning is best for pandas: Giant pandas are most active in the morning, especially before 10:00 AM. Afternoon visits often see them sleeping.
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Leshan cruise vs. hiking: This tour uses the river cruise for a panoramic view. If you prefer to hike down to the Buddha’s feet, please let us know in advance—this can be arranged but involves steep stairs and is not suitable for everyone.
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Weather: The tour operates rain or shine. Please dress according to the season.
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Passport: Please carry your passport or a copy for ticket verification if required.
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Dietary restrictions: Inform us in advance if you have any food allergies or special requirements.
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Children: Children of all ages are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not recommended for infants under 3 due to the long day.
Cancellation Policy
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start time.
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Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour, or no-shows, are non-refundable.
Why Choose This Tour?
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Two icons in one day: See giant pandas and the Leshan Giant Buddha—Sichuan’s most famous wildlife and cultural landmarks.
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Cruise, don’t climb: Enjoy the Buddha from the water, avoiding steep stairs and crowds.
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Truly all-inclusive: Panda base ticket, Leshan cruise ticket, guide, and transfers are all covered. No hidden costs.
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Private and flexible: The pace is yours. Spend more time at the spots you love.
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Expert guidance: Your English-speaking guide brings conservation and Buddhist history to life.
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Effortless logistics: From hotel pickup to drop-off, everything is arranged.
Book your private Panda Base & Leshan Giant Buddha day trip today and experience the best of Sichuan in one unforgettable journey.
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