5-Day Chengdu Panda Base, Leshan Giant Buddha & Mount Emei Tour

The Experience:

Welcome to Chengdu, a city known for its relaxed rhythm and rich culinary culture.

Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport or railway station. Then, we will transfer you to your hotel and assist you check in.

The rest of the day, depending on your arrival time,  you can take a gentle walk through local neighborhoods, sip tea in a traditional teahouse, or explore lively pedestrian streets.

Tips

• Keep this day flexible to recover from jet lag
• Avoid overly spicy dishes on your first night if not used to Sichuan pepper

The Experience:

Today, we will start early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding during their most active time. You will watch them eat bamboo, climb, and play in spacious habitats designed to resemble their natural environment.

After that, we will transfer back to downtown, and you can slow down in People’s Park. We recommend sitting in a traditional teahouse with a cup of jasmine tea and watching locals play mahjong under the trees. For a unique local touch, you may even try Chengdu’s famous ear-cleaning service, which is a small but memorable cultural experience.

In the evening, we will stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, where old courtyard lanes glow with lantern light. You can explore boutique shops, taste Sichuan snacks, and enjoy the lively yet relaxed atmosphere that defines Chengdu.

Highlights

• Close-up panda viewing
• Chengdu’s local slow life experience

Tips

• Arrive at the panda base before 9:00 AM
• Wear comfortable walking shoes

The Experience:

Today, we will leave Chengdu and travel south to Leshan to witness the monumental Giant Buddha.

The Giant Buddha was carved into a riverside cliff during the Tang Dynasty. Standing 71 meters tall, the statue overlooks the confluence of three rivers. It is a breathtaking sight whether viewed from above or by boat.

Walking down the cliffside path brings you face-to-face with this engineering and spiritual masterpiece. Alternatively, a river cruise offers a full panoramic perspective.

After descending, we will take time to enjoy Leshan’s local cuisine.

Unlike Chengdu’s bold heat, Leshan food is fragrant and balanced. You can try sweet-skinned duck, tofu pudding, or local river fish specialties near the old town streets.

In the late afternoon, we will travel onward to the foot of Mount Emei (about 40 minutes by private vehicle). Check into your hotel near the mountain entrance and enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by fresh air and a quieter atmosphere.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Cliffside walkway experience
• Optional scenic river boat ride

Tips

• The boat ride offers the best full-body Buddha view

The Experience:

In the early morning, we will ascend Mount Emei, one of China’s most sacred Buddhist mountains. Along the way, you will see forested trails, ancient temples, and drifting mountain mist, creating an almost mythical atmosphere.

To make the journey easier, we can take eco-bus transfers and cable cars to reach the Golden Summit, where a towering golden Samantabhadra statue stands against a backdrop of clouds. On clear days, you may see a sea of clouds stretching beyond the horizon.

Then, we will descend either by bus or cable car.

After descending, we will travel back to Chengdu and return to your hotel.

Highlights

• Golden Summit panorama
• Mountain forest landscapes

Tips

• Temperatures drop at higher altitudes
• Watch for monkeys along certain hiking paths

The Experience:

Today, we will transfer you to the airport or railway station for the onward journey.

Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy a relaxed morning in Chengdu.