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From Giant Pandas to Giant Buddha: A Perfect Day in Chengdu
Within one day, visit the two iconic highlights of Sichuan: Giant Pandas and Giant Buddha.
Giant Pandas are one of the most beloved creatures worldwide, known for their distinctive black and white fur and playful behavior. They are indigenous to Sichuan and are recognized as a Chinese national treasure. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding provides a unique opportunity to observe these creatures up close in a habitat that closely mirrors their natural environment. When you see a panda lazily reclining against the bamboo, a stalk clasped in its paws and the peaceful Sichuan sun dappling its fur, you're struck by its calming, almost zen-like demeanor. When they are in a playful mood, they tumble around with a surprising agility and innocence that can make anyone watching chuckle with delight.
Giant Buddha is the world's largest Buddha statue in Leshan. Carved out of a cliff during the Tang Dynasty, the Buddha overlooks the confluence of three rivers, imparting a sense of tranquility and peace. People hope that Buddha would protect the boats and calm the lethal currents. Its towering height of 71 meters (233 feet) and remarkable craftsmanship make it an awe-inspiring sight for visitors from around the world. Many tourists specifically visit Leshan to see this iconic cultural treasure.
From the playful innocence of the giant pandas to the solemn quietude of the Giant Buddha, this one-day Chengdu Panda & Leshan Giant Buddha tour offers an enchanting glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Sichuan's cultural and natural heritage. Join us for unforgettable encounters with the Giant Panda and the Giant Buddha.
View Destinations
Chengdu -Leshan-Chengdu (1 Day)
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Leshan Giant Buddha
In the morning, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in your hotel lobby. Since pandas prefer cool weather and are more active in the morning, we advise you to arrive early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base), located only about 17 kilometers away from the city center. This is the closest panda base around Chengdu for you to fulfill your panda dream.
Chengdu Panda Base is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world, accommodating over 100 pandas of different ages. You can watch pandas playing, eating, climbing, sleeping, and in autumn, even see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Discover the charming panda stars at this base, such as Hua Hua, the most adored and celebrated panda who has captured the hearts of the nation, and Zhi Ma, the real-life inspiration behind the panda mascot of the World University Games. Besides giant pandas, the cute red pandas (rarer than giant pandas) at the Red Panda Playgrounds are also the highlight of the Chengdu Panda Base. Nowadays, the panda base has also become an urban birding spot for local birders and kids to search for Red-billed Leiothrix, Black-throated Tit, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove, White-browed Laughingthrush, and more. If you're interested, you can follow your guide to discover more about pandas' secrets through the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum, which is free to enter but requires advance reservation and is closed on Mondays.
After lunch, drive about 2.5 hours from Chengdu to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Leshan Giant Buddha which is the largest and tallest stone-carved statue of Buddha in the world. Carved into a cliff face overlooking the confluence of three rivers: the Dadu, Min, and Qingyi, the 1200-year-old Grand Buddha at a towering height of 71 meters (233 feet) and 28m (92ft) wide. His shoulders span 28m, and each of his big toes is 8.5m long. His ears are 7m. The Buddhist monk Haitong conceived the project in AD 713, hoping that Buddha would protect the boats and calm the lethal currents.
To witness this architectural marvel from a unique and captivating perspective, you can board a boat (about 20~30 minutes) to view the statue from the water. This allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Leshan Giant Buddha. The play of light and shadow, coupled with the surrounding natural beauty, enhances the ethereal experience. Immersed in this extraordinary setting, one can't help but be reminded of the local saying: "The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain.” Indeed, he is grand.
After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Chengdu downtown.
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Mark & Fran
New Zealand
We had a fantastic time on the 16 day china tibet tour, very well organised, great tour guides , so much to see, highlights the Great Wall and views of Mount Everest All made possible with the help and support of Runny , answering all our questions about booking , hotels and on line when we had queries. We would highly recommend Asia Odyssey if you are considering a trip to china
Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet, Chengdu/Sichuan
Date of Experience: Sep 26, 2024
Tour Customized by: Runny
You May be Interested in This Tour: 15 Days Classic China, Panda & Holy Tibet Tour in Small Group
Winnie Leng
Singapore
Destination(s): Tibet, Chengdu/Sichuan
Date of Experience: Jun 03, 2024
Tour Customized by: Tani
You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour
Michelle Tan
Singapore
Destination(s): Chengdu/Sichuan, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing
Date of Experience: May 16, 2024
Tour Customized by: Isaac
You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour
Price: Request
(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)
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