1 Day Chengdu Lifestyle Tour: Pandas, Teahouse, Food & Sichuan Opera

Morning Excursion with Lively Pandas
Your day begins bright and early as you meet with your guide in the hotel lobby. Your first destination is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Chengdu Panda Base is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world, accommodating over 100 pandas of different ages. You can watch pandas playing, eating, climbing, sleeping, and in autumn, even see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Besides giant pandas, the cute red pandas (rarer than giant pandas) at the Red Panda Playgrounds are also the highlight of the Chengdu Panda Base. The base can be crowded due to its popularity and the presence of various animals, so we have designed a smart route to beat the crowd and match the pandas' active period.

Dive into Local Culture at the Farmer's Market
Farmers' markets form the heart of Chengdu's community and offer an authentic taste of the city's culture. Bustling with locals purchasing fresh produce, spices, meat, and fish, the market thrives with life. Roam around and soak in the lively ambiance, observe the locals bargaining, and discover the myriad of fresh food on display.This is the perfect opportunity to observe local life and traditions. Engage with the local food culture on a deeper level by joining a food challenge that introduces the diverse and bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Identify the key ingredients that make Sichuan cuisine famous, such as its fiery chilies and unique Sichuan peppercorns.

Master Sichuan Cuisine with a Local Chef
Delve into the intricacies of Sichuan cuisine under the guidance of a local chef. Participating in a cooking class not only allows you to explore Chengdu's culinary culture but also equips you with the skills to recreate Sichuan flavors back home. If you're feeling bold, experiment with the ingredients to create your own unique recipe. This experience transcends an ordinary cooking class, inviting you to partake in the everyday lives of Chengdu's inhabitants and to share their profound love for food and cooking.

Experience Chengdu's Leisurely Pace in Renmin Park
After the cooking experience, it's time to take a leisurely stroll inside Chengdu Renmin Park (Chengdu People's Park) like a local and enjoy the city's slow lifestyle. You can watch locals square dancing, practicing Taiji, singing Chinese folk songs, playing traditional Chinese musical instruments, as well as playing Chinese chess and boating on the lake. Don’t miss the blind date corner (a marriage market) where parents of unmarried adults flock to the park to find a partner for their daughter or son. Then, order a cup of fragrant jasmine green tea (a favorite of Chengdu locals) while sitting in a time-honored tea house, such as Heming Tea House. Chat with your friends, try Chengdu Ear Cleaning by a professional ear cleaner, and see locals having fun playing mahjong. 

Discover the New Lifestyle of Chengdu at Kuanzhai Alley  (Optional)
If  you have the energy, I suggest you explore Kuanzhai Alley on your own, a charming old street located just 800 meters away from Renmin Park. Kuanzhai Alley, also known as Wide and Narrow Alley, is a vibrant microcosm of Chengdu's modern "slow lifestyle." It has become a hub for the city's youth, filled with eclectic eateries, bustling nightclubs, traditional craft stores, and trendy coffee shops.

Experience the Vibrancy of Chengdu Nightlife with the Sichuan Opera (Optional)
As evening falls, Chengdu's vibrant nightlife starts to pulse with energy. Experience this enchanting atmosphere by catching a performance of the Sichuan Opera. Known for its elaborate costumes, colorful storytelling, and unique performances such as "face-changing" and "fire-spitting", it offers a sensory feast that you won't want to miss.

Evening Hot Pot Dinner (Optional)
To conclude your day like a true Chengdunese, enjoy a hot pot dinner (optional). Sichuan hot pot is renowned for its spicy broth and a wide variety of ingredients. Select from an array of meat, vegetables, and other dishes to cook in the hot broth. Enjoy the bold flavors and camaraderie of this traditional dining experience.

Afer dinner, you will be transferred back to your hotel.