Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Arrive in Chengdu
- Day 2 Chengdu
- Day 3 Chengdu
- Day 4 (Optional Extension) Leshan
About this Journey
Travel into the heart of the southwestern province of Sichuan, home of the panda and the pepper. Despite being the fourth largest city in China, Chengdu remains a calm metropolis with a relaxing teahouse culture. The slower pace of life in Sichuan makes it the perfect place for the laid-back giant panda to prosper. On this trip, you’ll not only get the chance to view China’s cuddly icon at a panda base, you’ll also get the chance to sample Sichuan’s famous numbing peppercorns, experience Taoist spirituality, witness the Sichuanese operatic art of face-changing, and stand in the presence of the world’s largest stone Buddha.
Tour Highlights
- Getting the chance to see China's adored giant panda in a natural setting at Chengdu Panda Base
- Immersing yourself in Taoism at Qingyang Temple, where legend has it that Taoism's founder Lao Tzu was born
- Tasting Sichuan's world famous spicy cuisine
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
- 1ChengduDirections to Leshan
- 2Leshan Optional
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu and meet your local guide • Transfer to your hotel for check-in • Savor a Sichuan hotpot dinner, dipping meats, vegetables, and adventurous local delicacies into a bubbling pot of spicy broth for a true taste of the region’s fiery spirit.
Day 2 Chengdu
Discover the Jinsha Archaeological Museum, home to 3,000-year-old treasures including gold masks and the Golden Sun Bird, the emblem of Chengdu • Visit Qingyang Taoist Temple, birthplace of Laozi, and explore its Eight Trigrams Pavilion, square foundation, and hidden idols of Taoist deities • Experience the artistry of baijiu blending at Shuijingfang Distillery, where you’ll explore unique flavors, create your own baijiu blend to take home, and enjoy refreshing cocktails • Stroll through Wangjianglou Park, where locals dance, drink tea, and invite passersby to try traditional ear cleaning.
Day 3 Chengdu
Drive 1.5 hours from Chengdu to Dujiangyan • Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base to see giant pandas in a bamboo-covered habitat designed for their rewilding, with optional volunteer activities on request • Enjoy a VIP evening at the Sichuan Opera, watching the legendary face-changing performance alongside acrobatics, comedy, and optional traditional ear cleaning.
Day 4 (Optional Extension) Leshan
Travel to Leshan, home to Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha • Stand before the 71-meter-tall Buddha carved into red sandstone cliffs in AD 713, large enough for a person to sit on its toenail • Learn how the carving’s construction calmed the river waters and explore the lush surroundings of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hotels
Upper House Chengdu
Luxury BoutiqueAn enthralling and vibrant hotel in Chengdu, Upper House Chengdu celebrates a city with a rich, fabled past and extremely exciting future through an inspiring blend of traditional heritage touches and modern comforts. With an ideal location in the heart of the city, the hotel invites travelers to unwind at the teahouse, fill up on a variety of Chinese and western cuisines, and rejuvenate with a bespoke treatment at the day spa.
Photos
Photos Face-Changing Sichuan Opera Leshan-Giant-Buddha Giant Panda in Sichuan Baijiu Blending at Shuijingfang Distillery Hotpot in Chengdu
Details
What’s Included
- All services of China Adventure Club English-speaking guide(s)
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
Request This Tour
Tell us your preferred dates, group size, and interests. We will prepare a personal proposal for your China journey.
Request the Tour