6-Day In-Depth Chengdu Private Tour: Giant Pandas, Sanxingdui and Authentic City Life

Arriving in Chengdu, the gateway to the largest population of giant pandas, you'll be greeted at the airport by your local guide, who will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.

A trip to Chengdu is incomplete without encountering its most famous residents - the giant pandas. These delightful creatures are most active in the early morning, making it ideal to arrive at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding around 8:30 am to catch them enjoying breakfast or engaging in playful antics.
After a satisfying lunch, your next destination will be the Sanxingdui Museum, dedicated exclusively to the lost civilization of the Shu Kingdom (221 - 263). Here, you'll gain a profound insight into Chinese history through a remarkable collection of unearthed relics dating back 4,500 years. Highlights include numerous striking bronzes and gold, pottery, and jade artifacts. Don't miss the towering 2.62- meter standing statue, the expansive 1.38-meter-wide bronze mask, and the impressive 3.95-meter-high bronze tree, each offering a captivating glimpse into ancient times.
Optional: you may like to watch a Sichuan opera in Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera this evening, during which you will be amazed at different facial make-ups that are changed fast and mysteriously.

Embark on a 2-hour drive to Leshan to marvel at the incredible Giant Buddha, the world's largest and tallest stone Buddha statue. You can ascend to its summit for a close-up view and experience its monumental size. For a panoramic perspective, consider an optional leisurely boat cruise along the Lejiang River, available at an additional cost.
Following this, a short 30-minute drive takes you to Mt. Emei. Upon arrival, explore Baoguo Temple, the largest temple on Mt. Emei and the gateway to the mountain. Rest for the night at a nearby hotel.

Begin your morning with a scenic 2-hour bus journey from Baoguo Temple Station to Leidongping. From there, a 30-minute walk will lead you to Jieyin Palace, where you'll board a cable car ascending to the Golden Summit. Take in the breathtaking natural vistas from this elevated vantage point.
After descending via cable car, board a bus for a 1.5-hour ride to the Wannian Temple, one of the oldest temples on Mt. Emei, and experience the tranquility of observing worshippers making offerings and listening to the monks' chants within its ancient halls.
Conclude your day with a comfortable 2.5-hour return journey to Chengdu by road, reflecting on the serene experiences of the day.

Following breakfast, embark on a cooking tour that begins at a vibrant spice market. Wander through quaint back streets to reach a traditional Sichuan Courtyard, where the cooking class awaits. Upon arrival, indulge in traditional Sichuan Gaiwan tea while immersing yourself in the local tea culture. Then, under the guidance of a skilled chef, prepare and savor a selection of authentic Sichuan dishes for lunch. Then, head to the Chengdu Museum to find a rich array of exhibits that transcend traditional history and archaeology. Explore unique themed exhibitions that change annually, alongside a diverse collection of bronzes, pottery, intricate miniatures, and AR videos depicting lively scenes from local life in bygone eras.
Later in the afternoon, delve into Chengdu's vibrant culture at People's Park, the city's oldest public park. Here, observe locals engaged in singing, dancing, and traditional activities like tea drinking at historic teahouses. Don't forget to visit the intriguing "Marriage Corner," where a unique cultural tradition unfolds as parents seek potential partners for their adult children - a fascinating glimpse into Chengdu's lively atmosphere.

As your colorful journey in Chengdu draws to a close, meet your driver at the scheduled time for your transfer to the airport, ready to embark on your next adventure.