Join the Tour to Explore a Different Pandas’ Homeland

Adorable giant pandas Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries in Southwest China is a carrier of stunning scenery and a place where the ancient and the modern cultures collide. The giant panda, the national treasure of China, is the most adorable creature here.

Sichuan, the Land of Abundance, provides comfortable habitats for giant pandas, including the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, and Bifeng Gorge. In the journey, you will be deeply captivated by the start giant pandas such as “Beibei,” “Meilan,” “Reganmian,” and “Danhonggao,” as well as the authentic Chengdu culture, the profound Ba and Shu culture and interesting Sichuan stories, which will make you feel a different Sichuan.

Eating wherever you go is the right way to enjoy Sichuan at ease. The “Dining with Pandas Tour” will guide you to visit the cities famous for Sichuan food, such as Chengdu, Meishan, Leshan, Zigong, etc. Various snacks and diverse Sichuan cuisine make up the daily life of Sichuan People. The tasty, delicious, and spicy Sichuan food is waiting for you to experience!

The two routes, the Star Pandas Visit Tour and the Pandas’ Dining Table Tour will offer you two different kinds of experiences! You deserve to have a Sichuan that is fun and a Sichuan that satisfies your appetite!

Panda Experience Tour

1. Star Pandas Visit Tour

Kuanzhaixiangzi Alley Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

Chengdu ‒ Kuanzhaixiangzi Alley ‒ Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding ‒ Dujiangyan Panda Valley ‒ Mount Qingcheng ‒ Bifeng Gorge in Ya’an City ‒ Qingyijiang River ‒ Mount Mengding ‒ Chengdu

Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan Scenic Area Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

Itinerary: a. In the heart of Chengdu, you can walk through the Kuanzhaixiangzi Alley to feel the city's casual life and take a stroll through the remaining streets of the Qing Dynasty. (About 5 km)

b. Then you can go to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the pandas’ homeland nearest to downtown Chengdu, and see the world’s first captive-bred twin panda cubs, “Reganmian” and “Danhonggao,” who were born in March 2020. They are now mostly lying in beds, occasionally stepping on each other to strengthen their “friendship.” After watching the star pandas, you can buy original panda-themed souvenirs at shops in the park to bring the “pandas” back to your hometown! (About 16 km)

c. Starting from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, you can go directly to the research center for free-range pandas of the base ‒ Dujiangyan Panda Valley. Walking into the “paradise” for the pandas, you can see the star panda “Meilan,” a beauty with a big head, fluffy and slightly fur, and is slightly more yellow than the pandas of her same age. She loves to play in the water and being pampered. With fashionable appearance and pleasing personality, “Meilan” has gained many fans. Bypassing the residence of “Meilan,” you can walk straight into the Giant Panda Science Museum to learn about their habits. Then, Walking out of Dujiangyan Panda Valley and crossing a few streets, you will arrive at the Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan Scenic Area, where you can feel the culture of Taoism and experience the shock brought by the world-class water conservancy system. (About 70 km)

d. Leaving Mount Qingcheng, you can head to the Bifeng Gorge Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Ya’an City. The panda “Beibei” is a highly photographed “oversea-born panda” came back from the US, and you can see his “performance” up close at the Oversea-Born Panda Paradise. With a round head and broad face, he is good at eating bamboos and has already a cyberstar of the base. Besides, in China’s first ecological Wildlife Park, you can take a scenic bus ride into the fierce animal area, meet African lions head-on, and have a “close encounter” with a large black bear across the bus. After touring the Bifeng Gorge, you can head to the neighboring Mount Mengding to experience the tea culture and slow down to enjoy the slow life before returning to Chengdu. (About 200 km)

Features: The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries is rich in history and culture, and its inclusive personality and leisurely lifestyle can be felt everywhere. The itinerary connects the remnants of the original architectural pattern of the ancient Chengdu for a hundred years. You can feel the diligence, bravery, and wisdom of the working people at the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and appreciate the unique flavor of Sichuan Tea culture. More than 100 adorable pandas in every giant panda base also delight the tourists’ hearts.

Tour Options: Package tour or road trip.

2、Pandas’ Dining Table Tour

Chengdu – People’s Park – Jinli – Meishan San Su Shrine – Leshan Grand Buddha – Zigong Shenhai Well – Yibin Shunan Bamboo Forest – Chengdu

Itinerary: a. In the morning, the fragrance of a cup of covered tea signifies the ease and relaxation of the People’s Park. You can enjoy Sichuan Opera and snacks at Jinli Street, or sip covered tea while watching the face-changing stunt. You can also have a wide range of local specialties such as Dan Dan Noodles, Chengdu Style Wonton, Zhong’s Dumplings, Three Artillery, etc. (About 10 km)

b. Leaving Jinli Street, you will head to San Su Shrine in Meishan City to learn about the stories of Su Shi, a historical and cultural celebrity. Then enjoy Dongpo Style Hock, Longan Pastry, and refreshing pickles at an authentic local restaurant. (About 80 km)

c. leaving Meishan, you will head to Leshan. The largest stone cliff statue in China, the Leshan Grand Buddha, stands at the confluence of Dadu River, Qingyi River, and Minjiang River, waiting for tourists. In addition to fun attractions, Leshan is a city famous for gourmet food, such as Pot Chicken, Jellied Tofu, Leshan-Style Beef Burger, Leshan Barbecue, Ice Jelly, Beef Hot Pot, and Chuanchuanxiang, etc. You will feel it is not enough to experience the Leshan food once! (About 70 km)

d. Saying goodbye to Leshan, you will head to Zigong, a City of Salt. You can enjoy the Shenhai Well, the world’s first deep well of over 1,000 meters, to know more about the “Salt City of the Millennium.” Zigong food is also fantastic, such as  Cold Rabbit Meat with Pepper, Translucent Beef Slices, and Fushun Tofu Jelly, etc., and they are definitely quality dishes of the tour.

e. The culinary tour continues to extend to the Yibin Shunan Bamboo Forest, the world’s largest natural bamboo forest. Walking through the natural “green oxygen bar,” having a feast of bamboos, and experiencing the “pandas’ staple food,” your eyes and appetite will be satisfied, plus a glass of authentic Sichuan Liquor – Wuliangye Liquor ‒ the culinary journey reaches a climax.

Features: As one of the four major Chinese cuisines, Sichuan Cuisine holds an important place in Chinese culinary history, with many delicious foods popular at home and abroad.

Enjoying hotpot embracing a panda-doll Photo: Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism

During the Giant Panda Habitat Tours, to have a bite of various Sichuan food is a must. From Chengdu to Meishan, Leshan, Zigong, Yibin, and other cities, the itinerary collects most classic Sichuan food. You can enjoy the taste of Sichuan and get to know the different panda homeland at the same time.

Tour Options: High-speed train trip or road trip.