Private Tour: Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Grand Buddha

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi), No.1375 Xiongmao Avenue the Outside Northern Third Ring Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu 610081 China

Your day trip starts with hotel pickup by your private guide and driver. Head directly to the Chengdu Panda Base (aka the Panda Breeding Center, officially known as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding), located about 45 minutes outside of central Chengdu.

Arrive at the center before feeding time to observe the beloved bears when they are at their most active. Your guide leads you through different areas to see baby and adult giant pandas, as well as red pandas, cat-like animals that are not closely related to giant pandas but are still pretty cute. Learn about the protection of panda bears in the wild and recent achievements in breeding, feeding and reintroduction to the wilderness.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo), No.2435 Lingyun Street, Shizhong District, Leshan 614000 China

Next up, leave the panda base and take in the scenery during the 2-hour drive to Leshan, where you'll have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Grand Buddha, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed as 'Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area.'

Work started on the Grand Buddha in the year 713 and was completed in 803 after several delays. Carved out of a cliff next to the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers, the massive sculpture stands 233 feet (71 meters) high and measures 92 feet (28 meters) wide. It is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world by far.

Begin your tour of the site at the Grand Buddha Temple (Lingyun Temple), which sits behind the Buddha’s giant head (as you approach, note the statue’s hair, which includes approximately 1,020 coiled buns). Inside the temple, view intricate sculptures and wall decorations, and then follow your guide down a trail that leads to the base of the Buddha. The walk takes about 30 minutes, depending on how many rest and photo stops you make. Take in the enormity of the Buddha from below before ascending the steps on the opposite side; at the top of the steps sits Wuyou Temple, where you can admire numerous Buddhist artifacts and the many statues of Arhat Hall.

When you leave the Grand Buddha park, you have the option to take a 30-minute boat ride on the river for great views of the Buddha from the water (own expense). Then head back to Chengdu, where your day trip ends with hotel drop-off.

Duration: 2 hours