Chengdu Panda Leshan Buddha and Mount Emeishan 2 Days Tour

Experience the Best of Chengdu in Two Days with the Chengdu Panda, Leshan Buddha, and Mount Emei Tour

Traveling through Chengdu’s highlights doesn’t have to be a logistical headache. This 2-day tour offers a balanced mix of iconic sights, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable transportation, all bundled into one convenient package. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just eager to see some adorable pandas, this tour promises an efficient and authentic experience.

What really draws us in is how it streamlines your visit—saving hours of research and planning. Plus, with entrance tickets, accommodation, and transfers included, you get great value for the price of $210 per person. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a packed schedule, so it’s perfect if you’re comfortable with a good amount of walking and a full itinerary. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, immersive experience with an expert guide and don’t mind moving quickly between sights.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Visit pandas, Leshan Buddha, and Mount Emei in just two days, with everything organized for you.
• Convenience & Comfort: Hotel pickup, breakfast, and private transport mean less stress and more sightseeing.
• Authentic Encounters: Knowledgeable bilingual guides enhance your understanding and appreciation of each site.
• Value for Money: Entrance tickets, transportation, and accommodations are included, making it easier to budget.
• Efficient Transportation: Bullet train from Mount Emei to Chengdu saves time and adds a sense of adventure.
• Physical Activity: Expect some walking, especially at Mount Emei, so wear comfortable shoes.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Strong at Chengdu Panda Research Base

The journey kicks off early—between 7:00 and 8:00 AM—when your guide will pick you up from your hotel. We loved the way this tour simplifies logistics, with an early morning transfer that gets you directly to the Chengdu Panda Research Base. Seeing pandas in their natural habitat is a highlight of any trip to this part of China. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours wandering through enclosures where adult pandas, sub-adults, and adorable babies munch on bamboo and play, often right in front of you. As one reviewer noted, “Liu Long, our guide, was very attentive and clearly loved sharing his knowledge about pandas.”

The ticket price is included, so no need to queue—just enjoy the cuteness overload. The best time to see pandas is in the morning when they are most active, which makes this timing perfect.

Journey to Leshan and the Giant Buddha

Midday, you’ll hop into the vehicle for a scenic drive to Leshan—about 4 hours including a lunch break. The tour makes this easy by combining transport and sightseeing. Once at the Leshan Giant Buddha, you get roughly two hours to explore. You can walk along the mountain, taking in views from the head down to the toes of the colossal statue, which measures about 71 meters tall.

The optional boat ride offers a different perspective, letting you see the Buddha’s grandeur from the riverfront—an experience that many find worthwhile if time permits. The tour’s inclusion of tickets removes the usual long lines, letting you focus on marveling at the craftsmanship and scale of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Heading to Mount Emei and Evening Exploration

Later in the day, the journey shifts to Mount Emei, one of China’s sacred mountain sites. After arriving in the evening, you’ll check into your hotel near Baoguo Temple, giving you a cozy base for the next day’s adventures. The evening walk along Gourmet Street offers a chance to try local snacks and soak in the lively atmosphere—note that dinner is not included, so you can explore options at your own pace.

Soaking in the Mount Emei Atmosphere

The next morning begins early—around 7 AM—with a bus and cable car ride to the Golden Summit. While the cable car isn’t included in the price, it’s a popular addition for comfort, especially if you prefer to skip the steep climb. From the summit, the sweeping views of clouds, mountains, and forests are unforgettable. This is a favorite part for many travelers, with one reviewer praising the guide for making the journey informative and fun.

At Huazang Temple, you’ll get a chance to see intricate architecture and serene surroundings. The tour includes tickets, so no surprises there. Afterward, a sightseeing bus takes you to Wannian Temple and other scenic spots. Expect a mix of walking and relaxing rides, suitable for moderate fitness levels.

Trekking and Exploring on Mount Emei

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring some of the most scenic parts of Mount Emei. Walking along the paths, you’ll pass by the Monkey Zone, Qingyin Pavilion, and WuxianGang. As we understand from travelers, this part of the tour provides a wonderful blend of natural beauty and cultural sites. One reviewer was particularly impressed by how knowledgeable the guide was, sharing insights about the temples and mountain flora during the trek.

Return to Chengdu via Bullet Train

The highlight for many is taking the bullet train back to Chengdu in the evening—an efficient and exciting way to conclude your trip. The train ride is only about 1.5 hours, providing a comfortable and quick return, leaving you with plenty of time to relax or explore Chengdu further.

What the Tour Means for You

This tour offers a comprehensive, well-balanced itinerary that takes you through some of Sichuan’s most famous attractions without the hassle of organizing everything yourselves. The inclusion of hotel stays, breakfast, and tickets adds value, especially for travelers who prefer a seamless experience.

The guides receive praise for their knowledge and attentiveness, making the visits more enriching. The small group size, capped at 10 travelers, ensures a personal touch and the ability to ask questions and get tailored insights.

While the schedule is quite packed, it’s manageable for those with a good level of fitness and enthusiasm for walking. Keep in mind that some activities, like the cable car at Mount Emei, are extra costs, but the tour’s core package covers most essentials.

Pricing and Value

At $210 per person, this tour is competitively priced considering everything included—tickets, accommodations, transport, and guided service. For travelers who want to see the highlights efficiently, it’s a cost-effective way to experience Chengdu’s top sights.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

From the panda cuddles to walking beneath the towering Leshan Buddha and hiking Mount Emei, you’ll get a genuine feel for Sichuan’s natural and cultural marvels. The inclusion of a bilingual guide means you’ll have context and stories behind each site, enriching your understanding beyond just sightseeing.

The tour’s timing and structure make it suitable for those with limited days in Chengdu but yearning for an immersive experience. It’s ideal for first-timers, couples, or small groups who appreciate personalized attention and organized logistics.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to maximize their time in Chengdu with minimal fuss. It’s perfect if you’re interested in pandas, iconic Buddhist sites, scenic mountains, and efficient travel. Those who prefer a guided experience with all tickets and transportation taken care of will find this especially valuable.

If you enjoy mixing cultural visits with natural scenery, and don’t mind some walking and sightseeing, this tour will likely satisfy. However, if your physical fitness is limited or you prefer more leisurely, unstructured exploration, you might want to consider a less intensive option.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, provided you’re looking for a well-organized, value-packed way of experiencing Chengdu’s most famous attractions. The inclusion of tickets, accommodation, and transfer details means you won’t be scrambling on your own, and the small group size ensures a more personal, engaging experience. Plus, seeing pandas, the giant Buddha, and Mount Emei in just two days makes it an efficient way to tick off some of Sichuan’s most iconic sights.

This tour is particularly suited for those eager to learn from knowledgeable guides, enjoy authentic local food (even if dinners aren’t included), and appreciate the convenience of comprehensive planning. If you’re a traveler who values comfort, cultural insights, and a balanced schedule, this will hit the mark.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup, making the start of your day smooth and stress-free.

Are entrance tickets included? Absolutely. All entrance tickets to the attractions are included in the tour price, so you won’t need to wait in lines.

What transportation is used during the tour? The tour uses private vehicles for transfers between sites, and inside Mount Emei, sight-seeing buses are included. The return trip from Mount Emei to Chengdu is via bullet train.

Does the tour involve a lot of walking? Yes, expect some walking, especially around Mount Emei and Leshan Buddha. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Are meals included? Breakfast is included each day, but lunches and dinners are not. You can explore local eateries during free time, especially at Gourmet Street in Baoguo Temple.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Less notice may result in partial or no refunds.

Is this suitable for children or older travelers? The moderate physical activity involved makes it suitable for most, but very young children or those with mobility issues should consider their comfort level before booking.

This two-day tour offers a thorough, enjoyable way to see Chengdu’s must-visit spots with expert guidance, comfort, and great value. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, you’ll come away with memorable sights and stories to tell.