2-Day Panda Base plus Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour

If you’re planning a whirlwind trip to Chengdu and want to see its top sights without the hassle of planning every detail, this 2-Day Panda Base plus Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tour might just be your ideal choice. It offers a seamless mix of wildlife encounters, historical marvels, and spiritual scenery, all wrapped into a single, well-structured package.

What we love about this tour is how efficiently it combines nature, culture, and history—saving you time while still allowing a genuine experience. The hotel pickup, guided tours, and train transfers mean you’ll spend more time enjoying the sights and less time worrying about logistics. Plus, the friendly, professional guides seem to make the experience smoother and more engaging. On the flip side, a possible downside is that this tour involves quite a packed schedule, which might be tiring for some. If you prefer a slow-paced exploration or want to linger longer at certain spots, you might find this a little rushed.

That said, this tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Chengdu’s most iconic attractions in a short span. It suits those who like organized, guided experiences and are comfortable with a full itinerary. If you’re after authentic moments like strolling through local food streets or snapping photos at Golden Summit, this tour offers plenty of those as well.

Good To Know

Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and train transfer save time and effort.
Authentic cultural insights from guides that enhance the experience.
Visiting top sights like the Chengdu Panda Base, Leshan Buddha, and Emei Mountain ensures you see Chengdu’s highlights.
Balanced itinerary caters to both wildlife lovers and history enthusiasts.
Includes accommodation and breakfast, offering good value for a two-day trip.
Limited free time at some sites might feel rushed for those wanting more relaxed exploration.

A Deep Dive into the 2-Day Chengdu Experience

Day 1: From Pandas to the Largest Stone Buddha

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, which is quite considerate considering this allows for an early start. The coach, air-conditioned and comfortable, whisks you away to the Chengdu Research Base of the Giant Panda — a must-see for animal lovers. You’ll spend several hours here, with a guided walk that promises an engaging look at the pandas’ habitat and conservation efforts. From one reviewer: “The guide was very informative, and I loved seeing the pandas up close. The base is well-organized and peaceful.” Expect to see adorable babies, playful juveniles, and mature pandas lounging or munching bamboo.

Next stop is the Leshan Giant Buddha, arriving around lunchtime. This colossal stone Buddha is a true marvel — carved out of a cliff face and considered the world’s largest stone Buddha. The tour includes the boat ride to view it from the river, which many find more impressive than just viewing from above or below. A reviewer mentioned, “The boat ride gives a different perspective and helps appreciate the size of the Buddha.” After lunch, you’ll travel to Meishan, a city at the foot of Emei Mountain, where your hotel awaits in Baoguo Temple area.

In the evening, you’ll explore the local food street, which is a delightful way to absorb Chengdu’s vibrant street food scene. The guide is usually happy to recommend tasty local dishes, so don’t be shy about trying something new. A review highlighted that the street food experience adds a nice local flavor to the trip, making it more than just sightseeing.

Day 2: Climbing the Sacred Mount Emei

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set out to explore Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. The journey begins with a shuttle bus ride to Leidongping, followed by a cable car trip up to the Golden Summit, where you can take in sweeping views if the weather cooperates. The summit features the Golden Temple Palace and Silver Palace, both offering a glimpse into the religious architecture and spiritual significance of the mountain.

The guided walk continues with visits to Wannian Temple and Jieyin Hall, with ample time for photos and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Lunch at Wannian Temple (at your own expense) provides a chance to enjoy local vegetarian fare in an atmospheric setting. One participant remarked, “Walking down the mountain was scenic and peaceful, and our guide made sure we didn’t feel rushed.”

Descending from the mountain, you’ll take the cable car back to Leidongping, then board a shuttle bus to the parking lot at the foot of Mount Emei. The tour concludes with a 50-minute bullet train back to Chengdu, arriving around 6:30 PM.

Transportation & Logistics

The coach transfer on Day 1 is smooth, with a comfortable vehicle and an experienced driver, allowing you to relax during long stretches. The bullet train on Day 2 is a highlight — offering a quick, scenic ride back to Chengdu, which adds a modern touch to this traditionally focused tour.

Group sizes are capped at 15, making it manageable for interactions with guides and fellow travelers. The hotel pickup covers over 44 downtown Chengdu hotels**, ensuring most travelers can join easily. However, if you’re outside the city center, you’ll need to go to the designated hotel (Sheraton Lido Hotel) for pickup.

Accommodation & Meals

Your stay at the Days Inn Frontier Emei is included, offering twin-share rooms with breakfast. The hotel is rated as a 3-star, providing decent comfort after busy days. Breakfast is convenient to fuel you for the day ahead. Lunch and dinner are not included, giving you flexibility—though some meals, especially on Day 1, are recommended by guides, and you might find local eateries offering great value.

Cost & Value

At $301.76 per person, this tour offers good value considering all inclusions — transfers, hotel, guided tours, and train rides. The cost for optional extras, like a photo with a baby panda, is steep but directly supports conservation efforts, and some travelers might find it worth the splurge.

Authentic Experiences & Practical Tips

Guides are praised for being friendly, informative, and ensuring travelers get the most out of each site. From insider tips on the best photo spots at Golden Summit to navigating crowded spots like the Leshan Buddha, their insights make a difference.

Many reviews note the well-organized schedule can feel a bit rushed, especially if you like lingering at sites or taking your time. Be prepared for a full, energetic itinerary, and bring comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection.

Other Considerations

• The tour does not operate during major Chinese public holidays, so plan accordingly.
• If you wish to spend more time at any site, consider extending your stay or booking a private tour.
• Since meals are not included, exploring local food options is a must—try the street food for authentic Chengdu flavors.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers wanting a rundown of Chengdu’s highlights with organized convenience. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural and spiritual sites without the hassle of logistics. The group size and guided nature make it perfect for solo travelers or small groups seeking a social experience.

If you prefer more flexibility or longer exploration at each site, you might find this schedule too packed. But for those eager to see the major attractions efficiently, it offers a balanced, value-packed experience.

FAQs

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickups are scheduled between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, so plan to be ready at your hotel lobby within that window.

Does the tour include hotel accommodation?
Yes, your stay at Days Inn Frontier Emei is included, with breakfast provided.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included. You’ll have opportunities to eat local food street-style, especially in Chengdu and at Wannian Temple.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transfers are made via air-conditioned coaches, and the bullet train is a 2nd class ride, which is efficient and comfortable.

Can I join if I am staying outside downtown Chengdu?
Pickup is only available for guests in the downtown area. Outskirts travelers should meet at the Sheraton Lido Hotel at 7:50 AM.

How long is each sightseeing stop?
The Panda Base and Leshan Buddha visits allow several hours, while Mount Emei sightseeing may take half a day, including cable cars and walking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-11 can participate, sharing a twin room with adults. Children 2 and younger are free when accompanied.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended. Be prepared for some walking and possibly weather changes at Mount Emei.

What if I want to stay longer at a site?
The schedule is quite tight, so for extra time, consider booking a private tour or extending your stay independently.

Are there any restrictions on visiting during public holidays?
Yes, the tour isn’t available during major Chinese holidays like New Year, Chinese New Year, and National Day Holidays. Check the calendar before booking.

This 2-day tour of Chengdu’s top sights offers an engaging blend of panda encounters, cultural landmarks, and mountain spirituality—all packed into an organized, enjoyable package. Whether you’re a first-timer or wanting a quick but meaningful overview, it provides a good balance of guided exploration and authentic experiences.