Chengdu Pandas & Leshan Giant Buddha: Private Day Tour by Train

Pandas in the morning, a towering Buddha by afternoon, all in one day from Chengdu

A private day tour from Chengdu combines the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding with the Leshan Giant Buddha, connected by high-speed train. You spend the morning watching giant pandas and red pandas in a quiet setting away from crowds, then board a train to Leshan for a guided walking tour of the Buddha scenic area. Your private English-speaking guide handles the train logistics, and lunch is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding4h · entry included
2. Leshan Giant Buddha3h · entry included

Pandas and Leshan Giant Buddha tour

• Visit Chengdu Panda Base
• Take high-speed train to Leshan
• Walk Leshan Giant Buddha scenic area

The experience

The tour starts with a 3.5-hour private visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where your guide leads you to the quieter viewing spots and explains the conservation work happening there. Flash photography and loud noise are prohibited to protect the pandas' eyes and health, so the focus stays on observation. You'll see both giant pandas and red pandas in an intimate setting without the large tour groups that fill the base later in the day.

After the panda base, your guide assists with the high-speed train station procedures and travels with you to Leshan. The train ride itself is part of the day: your seat class depends on which booking option you select (1st or 2nd class), and the journey gives you time to rest before the afternoon's walking portion. Once you arrive in Leshan, a private vehicle transfers you to the Buddha scenic area.

The Leshan Giant Buddha is explored entirely on foot with your guide, who shares the history and details of the site as you walk through and stop for photos. Comfortable walking shoes matter here: the paths can be wet, especially after rain. The walking visit means you experience the Buddha from ground level rather than from a river cruise, and you set the pace with your guide. Lunch is provided during the day, and the tour ends at the Leshan railway station. Hotel drop-off back in Chengdu is not included, though you can make your own way back by train or arrange separate transport.

What’s included

• Private vehicle for local transfers in Leshan.
• round-trip high-speed train tickets between Chengdu and Leshan in your selected seat class.
• English-speaking private guide for the entire day.
• lunch.
• admission to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Leshan Giant Buddha walking visit.
• complimentary hotel pickup from central Chengdu.

Options for this experience

2 options

First-class rail (Pandas/Buddha)Guide in English · 07:30Lasting 12 hours, this private day tour includes lunch, attraction admission and first-class high-speed rail. The English guide, lunch, admission, first-class train, hotel car pickup and local transfers in Leshan are covered. Pickup is included.

Second-class rail (Pandas/Buddha)Guide in English · 07:30Lunch is part of the tour price, while dinner is not covered. The English-speaking guide, attraction admission, second-class train, hotel car pickup and local transfers in Leshan are all included. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (1 year): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 22 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by China Premier Tours & Concierge

Is this one for you?Choose 1st class rail if you prefer more spacious seating on the high-speed train. 2nd class is a more economical option and still comfortable for the journey. Both options include the same panda base visit, guide, lunch and Buddha admission. The difference is only the train seat class. If you have a spinal condition, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns, discuss this with the operator before booking, as the day involves significant walking and train travel.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (1 year): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the tour start and when does it end?

The tour begins at 8:00 am at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and runs for 10 to 12 hours total. It ends at Leshan railway station, so you'll need to arrange your own return to Chengdu or take a train back on your own schedule.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes. You must provide your full name and passport number at the time of booking because the high-speed train and attraction tickets require this information for the reservation.

What is the Leshan Giant Buddha and how is it visited?

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a massive stone Buddha carved into a cliff face, one of China's most significant religious sculptures. You explore it on foot with your guide, walking through the scenic area and stopping for photos. The tour does not include a river cruise, so you experience the Buddha from the ground-level pathways.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Complimentary pickup is available from hotels within Chengdu's 3rd Ring Road. If your hotel is outside this area, contact the operator before booking to confirm a meeting point or discuss any additional pickup fees.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be on your feet at both the panda base and the Leshan Buddha site, where paths can be wet. Bring sun protection and stay hydrated, especially if traveling during summer (June to September), when temperatures are high and crowds are larger. Flash photography is not permitted at the panda base to protect the animals.

What meals are included?

Lunch is included in the tour. Dinner is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own meal after the tour ends at Leshan railway station.