Chengdu & Leshan: Panda Base Tour with Buddha Visit & Lunch

Summary

See pandas in Chengdu then visit Leshan’s giant Buddha with a guide

You’ll start your day meeting pandas at Chengdu’s research base before heading out with your local guide for a real taste of Leshan life — including lunch in an old neighborhood spot you’d never find alone. Explore the Giant Buddha up close (or by river), and return to Chengdu with new stories and maybe even some chopstick confidence.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to feel so giddy about seeing pandas — but walking into the Chengdu Research Base early in the morning, it was impossible not to. The air smelled faintly of bamboo and wet earth, and our guide Li grinned when she spotted my excitement. “They’re more active before breakfast,” she said, leading us past sleepy red pandas (they look like cinnamon rolls with tails) to where the giant pandas were already lumbering around. There’s something oddly calming about watching them eat — just crunching away on bamboo, totally unbothered by the world.

Afterwards, we piled into the car for the drive to Leshan. It’s about two hours, but honestly it went fast — Li shared stories about growing up nearby and pointed out little things I’d have missed: old men playing cards under gingko trees, women selling steamed buns from carts. Lunch was in this tiny restaurant tucked down an alley in Leshan’s old quarter. I still think about that fish stew — spicy enough to make my nose run but so good I couldn’t stop eating. Li laughed at my chopstick skills (“You’re improving!”), which was generous of her.

The Leshan Giant Buddha is… well, huge. You can hike down beside its toes or take a boat for the full view (we picked the hike — my legs are still recovering). The stone felt cool under my hand and there was incense drifting from somewhere nearby. Kids were running around, their grandparents calling after them in Sichuanese dialect. It felt less like a tourist spot and more like a place people actually use — which maybe sounds odd? Anyway, by the time we got back to Chengdu I was tired but happy, still replaying those quiet panda moments in my head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Buddha

• Visit Chengdu Panda Breeding Center
• Explore Leshan old quarter and lunch
• Visit Leshan Giant Buddha (hike or river cruise)
• Return to Chengdu hotel

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Chengdu to Leshan take?

The tour lasts around 10-11 hours including travel time between Chengdu and Leshan.

Is lunch included on this Chengdu panda & Buddha tour?

Yes, a traditional local lunch is included at a restaurant in Leshan’s old quarter.

Are entrance fees covered for both attractions?

Yes, entry fees for both the panda base and Leshan Giant Buddha are included.

Can I choose how to see the Leshan Giant Buddha?

You can hike beside the Buddha or take a river cruise; discuss options with your guide on the day.

Is hotel pickup provided for this day trip?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off in Chengdu are included.

Are guides fluent in English?

The tour includes an experienced local English-speaking guide.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams or strollers can be accommodated.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Chengdu, all entry fees for both the panda base and Leshan Giant Buddha, an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout, private transportation just for your group, plus a traditional lunch at a neighborhood restaurant before heading back in the evening.