Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha
Traveler rating
3.2/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha worth booking?
Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha is a 24-hour experience in Chengdu, China, from $101 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.2/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 3.2/5 (11)
- Duration
- 24 hours
- From
- $101 per person
Enjoy a trip to popular Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, Leshan Giant Buddha Statue, and Chengdu Tianfu Square. English-speaking tour guide and air-conditioned coach service.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a trip to popular Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, Leshan Giant Buddha Statue, and Chengdu Tianfu Square. English-speaking tour guide and air-conditioned coach service.
What's included
Included
- Escorted walking tour at Chengdu Panda Base
- Hotel pick-up from Chengdu downtown hotels
- Before arriving at Leshan Buddha, passengers need to vote for the choice of walking tour from the foot to head of the Buddha (Option A) or taking a boat ride (Option B). You need to make an agreement for the whole team to do together. The visiting time only allows to choose one option. By taking the boat ride, you will miss the walking tour.
- English-speaking tour guide service
- Option A for an escorted walking tour along Leshan Giant Buddha or option B of a boat ride around the Buddha.
- Transfers between attractions
Not included
- Extra cost for optional photo opportunity with baby panda by request (RMB$2,000/person, proceed goes to Panda Research and Protection Program)
- Lunch
- Optional Sichuan Opera performance at a traditional tea house in Chengdu (RMB$160/person for VIP seat; RMB$120 for regular seat)
- Gratuities for guide and driver (recommended)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chengdu
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
December to March
Winter Tour : Please provide your hotel name and address upon booking. You will be picked up from your hotel lobby, or be informed the nearest pickup hotel to meet with your tour guide Pickup included
April to June
Spring Tour: Please provide your hotel name and address upon booking. You will be picked up from your hotel lobby, or be informed the near Pickup included
September to November
Autumn Tour: Please provide your hotel name and address upon booking. You will be picked up from your hotel lobby, or be informed the near Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Century Holiday OTA
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Before arriving at Leshan Buddha, passengers need to vote for the choice of walking up to the Buddha (Option A) or taking a boat ride (Option B). You need to make an agreement for the whole team to do together. The visiting time only allows to choose one option.
- This tour is a seat-in-coach tour, with a driver and a tour guide. You will share a coach with other passengers. There is no unwelcome factory or tourist shop visit.
- Hotel information should be provided 24 hours before departure.
- The scheduled hotel pickup time is between 7:20am and 7:40am. Your tour guide will call you at your hotel before 10pm the day prior to tour departure to reconfirm exact time.
- If you do not receive a phone call from your tour guide the day before tour departure, please check with the front desk of your hotel for messages or refer to the emergency phone number on your confirmation voucher and call your tour operator.
- Please note that pickup service is only available to guests staying at hotel list in downtown Chengdu area. If you live in the outskirt of Chengdu, please go to Sheraton Lido Hotel Chengdu to join in this tour. The pickup time from Sheraton Lido Hotel Chengdu is 7:30am.
- From May to December 2019, the highway from Chengdu to Leshan is under renovation. Due to road closure, it might spend 60 minute or more on the road. You will arrive at Tianfu Square at about 19:30 to 20:00.
- Optional Evening Activity: There is an optional 1.5 hours evening Sichuan Opera performance at a traditional tea house available at 8pm. The performance includes famous face changing, fire spitting, and lights rolling tricks by the performers along with puppet and hand-shadow impression shows. There are traditional Chinese musics playing while you sipping on a cup of Sichuan jasmine tea. You will be picked up from Tianfu Square and transferred back to your hotel after the show.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Dont do it if you actually want yo visit the Buddha
The pandas were great but it was quite rushed due to the long drive to Leshan. Leshan was a massive disappointment. The listing mentions your group will vote whether to visit the Buddha or go on the boat to view it, what it doesn't mention is that you dont vote on this until you are in the bus on the way there. So if your group votes to do the boat, you are doing a 6 hour round trip in the world's oldest and crappiest bus to essentially drive past the Buddha for 10 minutes. What a waste. The vehicle is super uncomfortable and cramped, it's so old that its literally falling apart. The guide also pushes the boat option, it's way faster for them and they obviously save money when you chose this. They fail to.mention that you can visit the buddha and view it without having to do the 300 steps they emphasize to try put you off.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the pandas, but we sincerely apologize that the long journey made the day feel rushed and that the Leshan portion did not meet your expectations. We understand your frustration that the Buddha/boat choice was only discussed during the journey and that the listing did not clearly explain the available viewing options. We also regret your comments about the vehicle and guide’s recommendation. We will review the itinerary, transportation, and tour information to make these arrangements clearer and ensure guests can make informed choices in advance.
via Viator
Our guide Bella was really good...
<p>Our guide Bella was really good. Bella had a lot of information about Chengdu, the pandas and Giant Buddha. We were given plenty of time to photograph the pandas. At the same time, Bella did a good job at keeping our group together. We were a small group of 7 people.</p>
via Viator
The tour was very well organised...
<p>The tour was very well organised, timing was perfect to enjoy both the panda base and the giant Buddha although panda lovers might want to stay at the base the whole day, but then it's not possible to combine a second attraction. The giant Buddha is a couple of hours drive from the panda base. Our tour guide Summer was extremely professional, very nice and spoke a perfect English. We recommend it if you can't spend much time in Chengdu, as it allows you to enjoy two of the most popular attractions in the area.</p>
via Viator
If there was an option to give this...
<p>If there was an option to give this tour zero stars that's what it would get. <br/> It is a mistake and waste of your time and money, and I will tell you why. <br/> First of all, please note that they sell the tour like "board an air-conditioned tour coach" and that you will have a guide. well, these 2 things are not 100% accurate amongst other ones. Please read the list below of some of the reasons why you shouldn't book this tour even if its going to the 2 places you want to go and has a reasonable price. <br/> 1. The guide was 25 minutes late in our morning pick-up and didn't even consider calling us to let us know.<br/> 2. The promised coach was a JAC mini van that the leg room was half that of a spirit airlines seat, please note you will be there for more than 5 hours in total, you will be miserable in those cramped seats.<br/> 3. The promised air conditioned wasn't turned on until I requested it, the driver would then turn it on for 5 minutes and then back off. This happened more than 5 times. We started to get upset and kept requesting it, he basically told us to shut up, that he got cold in the arms, so basically no customer service. <br/> 4. During the first 45 minutes of the ride to the buddha the guide was talking very loudly with the driver, almost like shouting. All the bus was trying to sleep and it was impossible due to the guides disrespect, we then had to ask him to please be quiet. <br/> 5. On our way back from the buddha we stopped at a gas station (because the driver couldn't fill the tank beforehand), the driver almost got in a fist fight with another driver at the station. The driver was extremely rude and unprofessional <br/> 6. The driver had no driving abilities. I'm actually glad I'm here today writing this review. He was passing cars where it was not allowed and hitting the brakes in an unsafe way.<br/> 7. The guide wasn't really a guide, he was more like a companion that was very very hard to understand, and barely gave any relevant information. </p> <p>Overall I am very disappointed that a company like Viator sells such a mediocre and misleading tour. Even though I'm aware the tour operator is not Viator you would except they do their due diligence in offering the best, safest and most fulfilling tours. <br/> Please note that this is only one of my first reviews and i will make sure that any other tourist that has the intention of booking this tour is aware of what they will be getting. <br/> Keep in mind that these are only a few reasons of why you shouldn't book it.</p>
via Viator
Amazing Tour. Loved the pandas, the...
<p>Amazing Tour. Loved the pandas, the buddah was just wonderfull und the evening show was a good finish of a great day. The tour guide was probably the best chinese tour guide I ever had.</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $101 to $890
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Century Holiday OTA, who run 100 experiences we rank across 14 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.4.
See everything Century Holiday OTA runsWhy this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chengdu.
How much does Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha cost?
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Prices start at $101 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chengdu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha take?
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Plan for about 24 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chengdu is not rushed.
Is Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.2/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chengdu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 24-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chengdu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chengdu and add a light layer if any part of the 24-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chengdu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chengdu?
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On Outty we rank every Chengdu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit, Private Chengdu Day Tour: Giant Pandas and Jinsha Site Museum, Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chengdu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chengdu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha?
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Included: Escorted walking tour at Chengdu Panda Base; Hotel pick-up from Chengdu downtown hotels; Before arriving at Leshan Buddha, passengers need to vote for the choice of walking tour f; English-speaking tour guide service; and Option A for an escorted walking tour along Leshan Giant Buddha or option B of a boat ride. Not included: Extra cost for optional photo opportunity with baby panda by request (RMB$2,000/person, pr; Lunch; Optional Sichuan Opera performance at a traditional tea house in Chengdu (RMB$160/person f; and Gratuities for guide and driver (recommended). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 207 listed pickup locations in and around Chengdu. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chengdu. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha?
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Across 11 reviews averaging 3.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Day Tour: Chengdu Panda Breeding Base and Leshan Giant Buddha?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including December to March, April to June, September to November. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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