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Giant pandas, Chengdu

Chengdu Tours

See the Giant Pandas up close and enjoy the nature's wonderland
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Some Chinese cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, have made a name for themselves on the international stage, while many others remain charmingly under the radar. Chengdu is poised to become the next popular destination for international tourists, offering a unique blend of traditional leisure lifestyle and trendy culture, as well as the opportunity to get close to giant pandas, explore various timeless UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and savor novel cuisine with rich flavors.

For those who prefer “going to China after work on Friday,” a 1- to 3-day tour is perfect. A private guide and a driver will lead you to enjoy Chengdu fully with adorable giant pandas, lively Wide and Narrow Alley, bustling Jinli Street, and the impressive Jinsha Site Museum. Also, they can escort you to explore famous neighboring attractions like the Giant Leshan Buddha, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and Mt. Emei. If you have more time, don’t miss our 6- to 8-day itinerary to discover the bewitching landscape of western Sichuan or extend to Tibet. Beyond appreciating the enchanting waterscapes of Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong, you can go deeper into the Tibetan areas by exploring the fairy land of Mount Siguniang and Yading. If you are visiting China for the first time and are eager for a trip of more than 10 days that includes Chengdu and other key cities such as Chongqing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai, please feel free to contact our travel consultant to tailor a personalized itinerary that suits your preferences. ... Read more

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FAQs on Chengdu Tours

How many days are recommended for a Chengdu tour package?

Normally it takes one or two full days to explore the popular attractions in Chengdu. Top of the list comes the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can get really close to the adorable pandas. Besides, the Jinsha Site Museum, Sanxindui Museum, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Wide and Narrow Alleys, as well as Jinli Street are the places most tourists choose to visit.

For those who are interested in Buddhist culture or natural scenery, you can take a Leshan and Mt. Emei tour, or a Jiuzhaigou trip. In this case, two or three more days are necessary. Any of the above sites are worth to be included in your Chengdu tours.
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How can I choose among Chengdu’s various panda bases?

As the home of giant pandas, Chengdu has four panda bases, each offering unique experiences. Refer to the table below for a straightforward comparison and choose the one that best suits your needs and schedule.
Places Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center Dujiangyan Panda Base Wolong Panda Base Bifeng Gorge Panda Base
Number of Pandas Around 200 pandas of all ages 30-40 pandas; most return from overseas 60-80 pandas Around 60 pandas; big and brave
Transportation from Downtown Chengdu
 30-min drive or direct buses 1.5-hour drive 3-hour drive 3-hour drive
Suggested Visiting Time 2-3 hours 1-2 days 2 days at least 1-2 days
Advantages Nearest to Chengdu; available to visit many panda cubs and star pandas Panda keeper volunteer program The world’s largest wild native habitat for giant pandas Along with a hike in the Bifeng Gorge
Our Ratings 5 stars 4 stars 4 stars 3 stars

What will I do in the Panda Keeper Program? Can I hold a panda for photos?

In the program, you’ll follow the staff’s guidance to clean the pandas’ enclosures, smash a large amount of bamboo for their meals, and prepare panda snacks such as apples, carrots, and steamed cornbread. You’ll do all these tasks with the help of the staff. At present, holding a panda is not available at any bases.

Can I visit Jiuzhaigou Valley at any time of the year?

Yes. Jiuzhaigou boasts different amazing sceneries in four seasons, while the best time to visit is from April to October, because the severe weather (e.g. heavy snow) sometimes in winter season will make it difficult to drive in Jiuzhaigou, especially to the Huanglong Area.

Chengdu is the major gateway to Jiuzhaigou. Both high speed trains and flights are available between these two destinations, which makes Jiuzhaigou tour much easier. For high speed trains, there are 5 to 6 schedules each day from morning till night, with a duration of 1.5 to 2 hours.

Will I experience altitude sickness while touring Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong?

The average altitude of Jiuzhaigou Valley is 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), so most travelers won’t experience altitude sickness here. However, some may feel slight dizziness when exploring the Huanglong Scenic Reserve, which has an average altitude of 3,300 meters (10,826 feet). Therefore, we suggest avoiding brisk walking and smoking to ensure a pleasant trip. Additionally, drinking enough water and eating plenty of fruits is also advisable.

Furthermore, individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease are advised against visiting the area. If you are uncertain about your physical condition, please undergo a physical examination and seek your doctor’s guidance when planning your Jiuzhaigou trip.

What are the must-try foods in Chengdu?

Chengdu’s signature dishes, including hot pots, Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and Bobo Chicken, showcase a wide variety of ingredients, effective use of diverse seasonings, unique cooking methods, and bold, spicy flavors, all of which are worth trying. Given that the climate of the entire Sichuan Basin is hot and humid, people tend to cook with plenty of chili peppers to help dehumidify their bodies. If you cannot handle spicy food, you may ask the chef to use less pepper when placing your order.

Do you recommend Sichuan opera for my Chengdu tours?

Sichuan Opera is perfect for foreign tourists because of its high-pitched singing, humorous performances, fire-breathing, and stunning face-changing. A face-changing actor can switch five masks in just three seconds. Even actors from different schools of Sichuan Opera employ various face-changing techniques. This unique skill is a “state secret”! Sichuan Opera’s costumes and makeup are distinctive, featuring various colors and patterns corresponding to different personalities. For example, red faces indicate royalty, while white faces signify trickiness, helping audiences understand the plot. Meanwhile, the actors who play “monsters” will perform splendid fire-breathing to highlight the characters.

Some theatres now offer English subtitles or commentary to assist international visitors in understanding the story. They also provide DIY face-changing masks and costume-trying opportunities after the performance. Although we do not include Sichuan opera in our Chengdu tours, we can help you book tickets if you are genuinely interested. We do not include Sichuan opera in our Chengdu tours, however, if you are really interested in this, you may just let your guide help you book the tickets.