Tour Overview
The ultimate Sichuan trifecta: volunteer with giant pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base, stand before the world's largest stone Buddha in Leshan, and ascend sacred Mount Emei to its Golden Summit. Six days of UNESCO World Heritage, wildlife encounters, and authentic Sichuan culture — a journey into the heart of China's most captivating province.
Highlights
- ✅ Panda Loving Care Program — clean enclosures, prepare food, and observe pandas up close (certificate included!)
- ✅ Leshan Giant Buddha — 71m-tall UNESCO wonder carved from a riverside cliff 1,300 years ago
- ✅ Mount Emei Golden Summit — 3,099m peak with 48m golden Samantabhadra statue and sea of clouds
- ✅ Wannian Monastery — 1,020m temple with a 62-ton bronze Puxian statue on a white elephant
- ✅ Chengdu hot pot & tea culture — taste the city's legendary numbing-spicy cuisine
What's Included
- ✅ Professional English-speaking guide
- ✅ Private vehicle with driver
- ✅ 5 nights 4-star hotel with breakfast
- ✅ All listed entrance tickets + Mount Emei cable car + shuttle bus
- ✅ Panda Loving Care Program fee ($135 value)
- ✅ Airport/train station transfers
What's Excluded
- ❌ Flights/trains to/from Chengdu
- ❌ Lunches & dinners (except listed)
- ❌ Personal expenses
- ❌ Panda volunteer uniform fee (~$20)
- ❌ Tips (optional)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu Arrival & Panda Base
Arrive in Chengdu, meet your guide at the airport or train station. Afternoon visit to Chengdu Panda Base — the world's premier giant panda research and breeding facility. See 50+ pandas in naturalistic enclosures. Evening: Welcome Sichuan hot pot dinner. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 2: Dujiangyan Panda Loving Care Program
Full-day panda volunteer experience at Dujiangyan Panda Base (8:30am–4:00pm). Activities include: cleaning panda enclosures, preparing panda cakes and bamboo, feeding pandas (under supervision), and observing panda behavior. You'll receive a certificate and a T-shirt. This is a rare opportunity to meaningfully contribute to panda conservation. Evening return to Chengdu. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha
Morning drive to Leshan (2 hours). Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha — walk the Lingyun Mountain path alongside the 71-meter colossus carved from a red sandstone cliff. Descend the cliffside staircase for awe-inspiring perspectives. Take an optional boat ride for the iconic full-Buddha-on-cliff photo. Visit the adjacent Lingyun Temple. Afternoon drive to Mount Emei foothills. Overnight at Emei.
Day 4: Mount Emei — Wannian Monastery & Qingyin Pavilion
Ascend Mount Emei via shuttle bus and cable car to Wannian Monastery (1,020m). Marvel at the 62-ton bronze statue of Puxian Bodhisattva riding a white elephant — one of China's most important Buddhist treasures. Hike down through the most beautiful stretch of Emei: Qingyin Pavilion (Pure Sound Pavilion), where twin bridges arch over crystal-clear rushing streams. Keep an eye out for wild Tibetan macaques! Overnight at Emei foothills.
Day 5: Golden Summit
Early morning ascent to Mount Emei's Golden Summit (3,099m). Take the shuttle bus and cable car to the peak. Visit Huazang Temple and the breathtaking 48-meter gilded bronze statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva with ten-faced golden heads. On clear days, witness the 'Sea of Clouds' floating below the summit and (if very lucky) 'Buddha's Halo' — a circular rainbow around your shadow. Descend and drive back to Chengdu. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 6: Chengdu Departure
Morning: Visit People's Park for a final dose of Chengdu's leisurely lifestyle — sip tea at Heming Teahouse, watch locals practicing tai chi and water calligraphy. Browse Kuanzhai Alley for last-minute souvenirs. Transfer to airport or train station for departure.