Your browser does not support the running script, you cannot get a perfect browsing
HOT China Group ToursTake China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Price
  • Trip Notes
  • Accommodation
  • Photos
  • Reviews

From Giant Pandas to Giant Buddha: A Perfect Day in Chengdu

Within one day, visit the two iconic highlights of Sichuan: Giant Pandas and Giant Buddha.

Giant Pandas are one of the most beloved creatures worldwide, known for their distinctive black and white fur and playful behavior. They are indigenous to Sichuan and are recognized as a Chinese national treasure. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding provides a unique opportunity to observe these creatures up close in a habitat that closely mirrors their natural environment. When you see a panda lazily reclining against the bamboo, a stalk clasped in its paws and the peaceful Sichuan sun dappling its fur, you're struck by its calming, almost zen-like demeanor. When they are in a playful mood, they tumble around with a surprising agility and innocence that can make anyone watching chuckle with delight.

Giant Buddha is the world's largest Buddha statue in Leshan. Carved out of a cliff during the Tang Dynasty, the Buddha overlooks the confluence of three rivers, imparting a sense of tranquility and peace. People hope that Buddha would protect the boats and calm the lethal currents. Its towering height of 71 meters (233 feet) and remarkable craftsmanship make it an awe-inspiring sight for visitors from around the world. Many tourists specifically visit Leshan to see this iconic cultural treasure.

From the playful innocence of the giant pandas to the solemn quietude of the Giant Buddha, this one-day Chengdu Panda & Leshan Giant Buddha tour offers an enchanting glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Sichuan's cultural and natural heritage. Join us for unforgettable encounters with the Giant Panda and the Giant Buddha.

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour
Highlight 1: Get up close and personal with the cute and chubby pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Witness their playful antics and adorable behaviors as you immerse yourself in their world.
Chengdu Panda Base
Highlight 2: Visit the world's largest Buddha statue in Leshan, standing at an impressive 71 meters tall. Be awe-inspired by this monumental masterpiece, carved into a cliff face and overlooking the surrounding rivers.
Leshan Giant Buddha
Show MoreShow More

Itinerary at a Glance

icon View Destinations
More Options
Click to Enlarge for Details

Chengdu -Leshan-Chengdu (1 Day)

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Leshan Giant Buddha

Itinerary Day by Day

Collapse All
Day 1 Chengdu - Leshan - Chengdu | Chengdu Panda Base, Leshan Giant Buddha

In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby. Since pandas prefer cool weather and are more active in the morning, we advise you to arrive early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base), located only about 17 kilometers away from the city center. This is the closest panda base around Chengdu for you to fulfill your panda dream.

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. Discover the charming panda stars at this base, such as Hua Hua, the most adored and celebrated panda who has captured the hearts of the nation, and Zhi Ma, the real-life inspiration behind the panda mascot of the World University Games. 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. Nowadays, the panda base has also become an urban birding spot for local birders and kids to search for Red-billed Leiothrix, Black-throated Tit, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove, White-browed Laughingthrush, and more. If you're interested, you can follow your guide to discover more about pandas' secrets through the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, which is free to enter but requires advance reservation and is closed on Mondays.

After lunch, drive about 2.5 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha which is the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of Buddha in the world. Carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers: the Dadu, Min, and Qingyi, the 1200-year-old Grand Buddha at a towering height of 71 meters (233 feet) and 28m (92ft) wide. His shoulders span 28m, and each of his big toes is 8.5m long. His ears are 7m. The Buddhist monk Haitong conceived the project in AD 713, hoping that Buddha would protect the boats and calm the lethal currents.

To witness this architectural marvel from a unique and captivating perspective, you can board a boat (about 20~30 minutes) to view the statue from the water. This allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Leshan Giant Buddha. The play of light and shadow, coupled with the surrounding natural beauty, enhances the ethereal experience. Immersed in this extraordinary setting, one can't help but be reminded of the local saying: "The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain.” Indeed, he is grand.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Chengdu downtown.

DiningDining:
Lunch
AccommodationAccommodation:
None

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request
The above price is based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included?

icon
Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
icon
Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
icon
Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
icon
Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
icon
Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
icon
Accident insurance
icon
Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

What’s Excluded?

icon
International airfares
icon
Entry visa fees
icon
Personal expenses
icon
Single room supplement
icon
Recommended optional activities
icon
Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
icon
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

How do I book a private China tour?
It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Extend Your China Tour
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Transportation
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
Meals
“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Previous
Next sheet
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi... (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Chengdu Pandas
  • Chengdu Pandas
  • Leshan Giant Buddha
  • Leshan Giant Buddha
  • Leshan Giant Buddha

Latest Chengdu Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Chengdu Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Sarah Lim
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
What a 30-Day China Adventure — Exceeded My Expectation

I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional experience.

Starting in Beijing, everything kicked off seamlessly — airport pick-up worked well, and our guide made us feel comfortable right away. Over the month we moved through a very broad selection of China’s landscapes, cities, history and culture. From the imposing Great Wall of China and Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient capitals, ethnic minority regions, high-speed train rides, rural scenery and modern metropolises.

Some of the highlights for me:

  • Visiting the Great Wall early in the morning when it was quiet and feeling the scale of it in person.
  • Seeing ancient city walls, historic towns and temples that really brought Chinese history to life.
  • Travelling by high-speed train across regions — the logistics were smooth and we always arrived on time.
  • Staying in a mix of city hotels and countryside guesthouses which gave variety.
  • Getting to try regional cuisines — from northern Beijing specialties to southwestern flavours, each region surprised me.
read more
Sarah Lim
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional ...
GalleryGallery

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, YangtzeRiver, Xinjiang, Dunhuang/Gansu

Date of Experience: Apr 01, 2025

Tour Customized by: JoJo

You May be Interested in This Tour: 30 Days China Tour from Beijing | Ultimate China Adventure

Michael S.
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
An Incredible 21-Day China Experience - Eye-Opening & Seamless

I recently completed the “21-Day China Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from the U.S., I found the journey both impressive and very well managed.

Starting in Shanghai, our arrival went smoothly — airport pick-up, a comfortable downtown hotel, and a friendly local guide who helped us get oriented right away. From there, the itinerary took us through a carefully curated mix of China’s highlights: we explored ancient towns, visited imposing historical monuments, traveled on high-speed trains and domestic flights, and experienced both modern cities and scenic countryside.

Some of the standout moments for me:

  • Walking through the old-city lanes and seeing the contrast of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture.
  • Visiting iconic landmarks (palaces, temples, historic walls) that helped me appreciate China’s deep history.
  • Getting a taste of regional cuisine — from street-food stalls to more refined local restaurants — and discovering how varied Chinese food is.
  • Being impressed by the logistics: the hotels were well chosen, transport connections worked without major hiccups, and the guides were knowledgeable and professional.

I highly recommend this tour to fellow American travelers. It offers an excellent balance of history, nature, and city life — all arranged in a smart, hassle-free manner. Thanks to Asia Odyssey Travel for making it an unforgettable experience.

read more
Michael S.
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
I recently completed the “21-Day China Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from the U.S., I found the journey both impre...
GalleryGallery

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Jun 10, 2025

Tour Customized by: Catherine

You May be Interested in This Tour: 21 Days China Tour from Shanghai: Pandas, Yunnan, Avatar Mountains, China's Icons

Liyana T.
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
Amazing 30-Day Journey Across China — Well Organized and Truly Worth It

I just came back from the 30-Day China Panorama Tour from Guangzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever joined.

From the moment I landed in Guangzhou, everything was well-coordinated. The local guide greeted us at the airport and made us feel welcome right away. We started with classic Cantonese highlights like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lychee Bay, and traditional dim sum — a great introduction to southern China’s culture.

The route that followed was impressive. We cruised along the Li River in Guilin, cycled through Yangshuo’s peaceful countryside, and admired the Longji Rice Terraces. In Yunnan, Dali and Lijiang’s old towns were full of character, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Chengdu was all about pandas and Sichuan food, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong looked like scenes from a painting, and Chongqing’s mountain city views were unforgettable. The trip ended with Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, and Shanghai’s skyline — the perfect contrast of history and modern life.

Everything ran smoothly throughout. The guides were professional and friendly, the hotels were clean and comfortable, and transportation was efficient. My personal highlights were sharing bamboo rice with local villagers in Longji, standing by the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and watching the city lights in Chongqing after dinner.

read more
Liyana T.
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
  • star
I just came back from the 30-Day China Panorama Tour from Guangzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve e...
GalleryGallery

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu/Sichuan, Guilin/Yangshuo, Yunnan, Guangzhou/Shenzhen, Chongqing

Date of Experience: Aug 03, 2025

Tour Customized by: Coy

You May be Interested in This Tour: 30 Days Ultimate China Grand Tour Starting from Guangzhou

icon
icon
ALL
icon
Flexible Dates
icon
Trusted Route
icon
Guaranteed Experience
icon
Trip Style: Private Tour (flexible travel dates & numbers of travelers)
icon
Tour Code: AOT-TCD-009
icon
Travel Route: Chengdu - Leshan - Chengdu
icon
Features: Pandas, Nature, Architecture, World Heritages, Buddhist Culture

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.

Craft a journey with us!
icon
icon
  • United States (+1)
  • Australia (+61)
  • Singapore (+65)
  • Malaysia (+60)
  • Philippines (+63)
  • Canada (+1)
  • Italy (+39)
  • Indonesia (+62)
  • United Kingdom (+44)
  • Spain (+34)
  • Mexico (+52)
  • Hong Kong (+852)
  • Thailand (+66)
  • United Arab Emirates (+971)
  • New Zealand (+64)
  • South Africa (+27)
  • Germany (+49)
  • Brazil (+55)
  • India (+91)
  • France (+33)
  • Vietnam (+84)
  • The Netherlands (+31)
  • Saudi Arabia (+966)
  • Ireland (+353)
  • Argentina (+54)
  • Switzerland (+41)
  • Romania (+40)
  • Pakistan (+92)
  • Japan (+81)
  • Portugal (+351)
  • Bangladesh (+880)
  • South Korea (+82)
  • Puerto Rico (+1)
  • Türkiye (+90)
  • China (+86)
  • Belgium (+32)
  • Qatar (+974)
  • Greece (+30)
  • Taiwan (+886)
  • Austria (+43)
  • Poland (+48)
  • Israel (+972)
  • Chile (+56)
  • Sri Lanka (+94)
  • Nigeria (+234)
  • Peru (+51)
  • Colombia (+57)
  • Hungary (+36)
  • Nepal (+977)
  • Denmark (+45)
  • Bulgaria (+359)
  • Norway (+47)
  • Slovenia (+383)
  • Sweden (+46)
  • Kuwait (+965)
  • Costa Rica (+506)
  • Ecuador (+593)
  • Venezuela (+58)
  • Malta (+356)
  • Croatia (+385)
  • Tunisia (+216)
  • Czechia (+420)
  • Mongolia (+976)
  • Bahrain (+973)
  • Mauritius (+230)
  • Papua New Guinea (+675)
  • Cambodia (+855)
  • Dominican Republic (+1)
  • Luxembourg (+352)
  • Finland (+358)
  • Guatemala (+502)
  • Myanmar (+95)
  • Maldives (+960)
  • Slovakia (+421)
  • Laos (+856)
  • Serbia (+381)
  • Brunei (+673)
  • Oman (+968)
  • Macao (+853)
  • Panama (+507)
  • Morocco (+212)
  • Jordan (+962)
  • Georgia (+995)
  • Fiji (+679)
  • Bolivia (+591)
  • Lithuania (+370)
  • Bahamas (+1)
  • Cyprus (+357)
  • Latvia (+371)
  • Bhutan (+975)
  • Iraq (+964)
  • Iran (+98)
  • Kenya (+254)
  • Jamaica (+1)
  • Zimbabwe (+263)
  • Azerbaijan (+994)
  • Uruguay (+598)
  • Estonia (+372)
  • Andorra (+376)
  • Cameroon (+237)
  • Ghana (+233)
  • Kazakhstan (+7)
  • Nicaragua (+505)
  • Egypt (+20)
  • Russia (+7)
  • Albania (+355)
  • Réunion (+262)
  • Montenegro (+382)
  • Algeria (+213)
  • Afghanistan (+93)
  • Martinique (+596)
  • Uganda (+256)
  • Honduras (+504)
  • North Macedonia (+389)
  • Trinidad and Tobago (+1)
  • Suriname (+597)
  • Antigua and Barbuda (+1)
  • Zambia (+260)
  • Ukraine (+380)
  • Armenia (+374)
  • Barbados (+1)
  • Belarus (+375)
  • Palestine (+970)
  • Lesotho (+266)
  • Moldova (+373)
  • Ethiopia (+251)
  • French Polynesia (+689)
  • Gambia (+220)
  • Guam (+1)
  • Gibraltar (+350)
  • Isle of Man (+44)
  • New Caledonia (+687)
  • El Salvador (+503)
  • Comoros (+269)
  • Seychelles (+248)
  • Chad (+235)
  • Samoa (+685)
  • Cook Islands (+682)
  • Palau (+680)
  • Paraguay (+595)
  • DR Congo (+243)
  • Solomon Islands (+677)
icon
loadingData in submission...

Highly Recommended Tours in 2025

china group tours 2025
close
Please "click" to switch the language
whatsapp
Contact Us
top