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Giant pandas, Chengdu

Chengdu Day Tours - 100% No Shopping Stops

Well-planned day trips · Knowledgeable guide · A pure sightseeing experience
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As Chengdu goes viral for adorable giant pandas, mouth-watering Sichuan cuisine, and numerous UNESCO world heritage, we have specially arranged various one-day tours with different highlights to meet its dense attractions in and around the city. For panda enthusiasts, itineraries that include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding or the Dujiangyan Panda Base will not disappoint, offering not only a visit but also a rare chance to be a panda keeper. For history buffs and nature lovers, the marvelous Leshan Giant Buddha, Dujiang Irrigation System, and Mt. Qingcheng are unmissable, providing a glimpse into the wisdom of humanity. What’s more, if you’re up for experiencing the local life, we can also lead you to either modern city life in the Narrow or Wide Alley or take a trip back in time to see the old-fashioned life at Huanglongxi Ancient Town.

With an experienced private guide and a dedicated car with a driver, you’ll enjoy a comfortable and efficient journey without any shopping sites. Regardless of how many attractions interest you, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll tailor a personalized, reasonable route for you. ... Read more

Chengdu Private Day Trips

FAQs on Chengdu Tours

When is the best time to visit Chengdu?

For the sake of the weather, it’s best to visit from March to June or September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant and rainfall is less frequent. Additionally, we recommend avoiding travel during the Chinese National Holiday, typically from October 1 to October 7, when most sightseeing spots experience a high influx of tourists and heavy traffic.

How can I decide between Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Dujiangyan Panda Base?

As its name suggests, the Chengdu base primarily focuses on panda breeding, with a larger scale and showcasing baby pandas to the public. Moreover, it is home to dozens of star pandas, including Hua Hua, He Ye, and Fu Bao. Located only a 30-minute car ride from Chengdu downtown, the panda base is unmissable for Chengdu day tours.

In contrast, the Dujiangyan Panda Base is a 1.5-hour drive from Chengdu’s downtown area. It is best included in a one- or two-day tour of Dujiangyan City, which also features a visit to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng. Beyond the distance, the Dujiangyan base focuses differently on pandas’ elderly care, disease prevention, and wild reintroduction in a semi-wild environment with fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere. What’s more, it set up the Panda Keeper Program for visitors to get closer touch with pandas as volunteers, which is a rare experience elsewhere. We can arrange either of them to suit your interests and provide you with an unforgettable Chengdu one day trip.

What will I experience in the Panda Keeper Program, and what should I prepare?

In this volunteer program, you can clean the panda house and activity area, prepare bamboo for the pandas, observe the keepers feeding them, assist in making steamed cornbread for the pandas, and learn about the pandas’ habits from experts and documentaries.

As it involves some physical work, only individuals between 12 and 65 years old can apply for this program. You need to prepare a Health Examination Certificate in advance. Additionally, for the pandas’ health, please refrain from wearing perfume or nail polish.

What is the best time of day to see giant pandas? Can I see baby pandas?

Pandas are most active between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., usually eating bamboo, climbing trees or playing happily. It is recommended to arrive around 8:30 am when there are fewer tourists. During the hot period from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., pandas are mostly sleeping or staying indoors to avoid the heat. At this time, you may finish the outdoor area and proceed to the Panda Museum.

If you are a fan of baby pandas, it is ideal to visit from August to October since the natural breeding season for pandas occurs from March to May, with a gestation period of approximately five months.

Can I visit both Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt. Emei in a Chengdu day trip?

Sorry, this won’t work, as a whole day is required for either of them. For your information, it typically takes about 2 hours to drive from Chengdu to the Leshan Giant Buddha, with a recommended visit duration of approximately 3 hours. You’ll then arrive at Mount Emei after a one-hour drive from Leshan in the late afternoon. The visit to Mount Emei typically lasts around 5.5 hours, and the return journey from Mount Emei to Chengdu takes approximately 2.5 hours. Therefore, it can only be arranged for another day.

How is the food in Chengdu?

As the capital of Sichuan Province and a city of gastronomy declared by UNESCO, Chengdu dishes epitomize Sichuan cuisine, renowned for its spicy taste, bold food material, and rich seasoning, characterized by the liberal use of garlic, chili peppers, and Sichuan pepper. Spicy lovers can challenge themselves with dishes like Spicy Deep-fried Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Bo-bo Chicken, Chili Oil Wontons, and Sichuan Hot Pot, while sweet and sour lovers can opt for Kung Pao Chicken, Sliced Pork with Fish Aroma, or Fish-fragrant Eggplant. There are also many vegetarian-style restaurants for vegetarians and those with sensitive palates.

For more detailed information, you can refer to our Chengdu tour packages, most of which include local delicacies recommended by in-the-know gourmets. Also, you can choose our private tour with an experienced local guide, who will suggest hidden gem restaurants for you to savor authentic Sichuan cuisine.

7-Day Chengdu Weather Forecast