5-Day Chengdu In-Depth Tour with Leshan & Mount Emei
Tour Overview
Bringing together three of Sichuan’s highlights, the 5-day private Sichuan tour features giant pandas, the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha and the sacred Buddhist mountain of Mount Emei.
The journey begins in Chengdu, a city defined by its easygoing lifestyle. Visit the Panda Base to watch pandas munch on bamboo. Explore the historic Du Fu Thatched Cottage. Have a cup of gaiwan tea in a teahouse at People’s Park, savoring it slowly as you watch locals chat, play chess, and enjoy their leisurely daily lives.
Head south to Leshan — walk down to the foot of the Giant Buddha and take in its immense scale. Continue to Mount Emei and ride the cable car to Golden Summit, where golden temples and the towering Buddha statue await above the clouds.
Travel destination: Chengdu, Leshan, Mount Emei
Suitable for: Nature Lovers, City Explorers, Panda Lovers
Tour type: Private
Tour at a Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1
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Chengdu
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Chengdu Arrival, Free Time to Jinli Ancient Street, Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li
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2
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Chengdu
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Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, People’s Park, Kuanzhai Alley, Optional Sichuan Opera performance
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3
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Chengdu – Leshan – Mount Emei
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Leshan Giant Buddha; Transfer to Mount Emei
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4
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Mount Emei – Chengdu
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Mount Emei: Golden Summit, Huazang Temple, Puxian Golden Statue & Wannian Temple, Return to Chengdu
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5
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Chengdu
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Chengdu Departure
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Highlights of this tour:
Meet China’s beloved giant pandas: step inside the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to get a close look at pandas’ relaxed daily routines. Watch them roll about on the grass, tuck into bamboo with gusto, or doze lazily in the treetops, and capture these charming moments at your leisure.
Marvel at the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha: stand at the foot of this 71-meter-tall stone Buddha, look up, and feel its awe-inspiring grandeur. Choose to walk down the cliffside walkway or take a boat trip along the river. Whichever way you choose, you can admire this Tang Dynasty masterpiece — which took some 90 years to complete — from different angles.
Ascend to the Golden Palace in the Clouds: take the cable car to the Golden Summit of Mount Emei. Admire the resplendent Huazang Temple and the 48-meter-tall gilded Buddha statue. High above the sea of clouds, the shimmering temple and the golden Buddha statue will bring your journey through Sichuan to a breathtaking conclusion.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Chengdu Arrival
Welcome to Chengdu! Upon arrival, a local driver will be waiting at the exit holding a sign. You will then be transferred to your downtown hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free. Take your time to settle in or explore the city at your own pace.
Recommended Activities for Your Free Time:
Located near Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street is lined with traditional western Sichuan-style architecture, much of which dates back to the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republican period.
As you stroll, discover the area's connection with the Three Kingdoms period. You can also get a glimpse of local Sichuan customs and its traditions. Then, follow the tempting aromas of street food. Sample Zhang Fei Beef, a flavorful marinated beef known for its distinctive texture. For something sweeter, try San Da Pao. These soft glutinous rice balls are coated with soybean powder.
For a modern side of Chengdu, head to Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li. Chunxi Road has been a major commercial hub in Chengdu for nearly a century. Right next to it, Taikoo Li offers a very different atmosphere. It is an open-air shopping complex. Traditional Sichuan-style architecture blends with modern design. As you explore the area, you can look for two Chengdu icons. One is the giant panda climbing the IFS building. The other is the impressive 3D screen at Taikoo Li.
Whether you prefer old streets or modern city life, these two areas offer an easy introduction to Chengdu.
Chengdu Taikoo Li scenery - Day 2: Chengdu DiscoveryVisit classic attractions in downtown Chengdu
Begin your guided visit with Chengdu's tourism card: the panda. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a leading center for panda conservation and breeding. Nowadays, it is home to over 200 giant pandas, making it one of the world's largest panda breeding and conservation centers.
Take your time to explore the base. You can see pandas of different ages. Watch the playful cubs. See adult and senior pandas munching on bamboo. You may also spot these pandas relaxing in their activity areas. Their daily routines are simple, but always fun to watch.
Continue to explore the city's cultural side after lunch. Your next stop is Du Fu Thatched Cottage. It was once the home of Du Fu, one of China's greatest poets. This poet lived in Chengdu for many years and wrote more than 200 poems there.
Today, it is surrounded by lush bamboo groves. The gardens are peaceful and elegant. Take a slow walk through the grounds. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Chinese literati.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage Then follow your guide to People's Park. Here, you will see a very different side of Chengdu. The park is one of the best places to experience the city's laid-back lifestyle. Find a seat at a traditional open-air teahouse. Order a cup of gaiwan tea. Then simply sit back and watch the city go by. Around you, locals play cards and chess. Friends chat over tea. Some people simply enjoy a slow afternoon. This is Chengdu's famous slow-paced lifestyle in its most natural form.
Our customers in People's Park Continue to Kuanzhai AlleyĀ for a glimpse into Chengduās past. The area dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It consists of Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley.
Walk through the old lanes at an easy pace. See the well-preserved Qing-era buildings. Stroll through the three historic lanes and admire the traditional courtyards and Qing-style architecture. The historic setting gives the area a strong sense of old Chengdu.
Yet Kuanzhai Alley is not stuck in the past. Historic residences now stand alongside modern cafƩs, shops, and restaurants. This blend of old and new gives the neighborhood its lively character.
Chengdu Kuanzhai Alley night view Optional Evening Activity:
For a more colorful end to the day, consider a Sichuan Opera performance. The performances are usually held in traditional teahouses. Settle into your seat with a cup of gaiwan tea and some local snacks.
The highlight is face-changing. Performers switch brightly colored masks in the blink of an eye. You may also see fire-breathing, puppet shows, and other traditional arts. It is a lively way to experience Sichuan culture. It also makes a memorable finale to your day in Chengdu.
- Day 3: Chengdu to Mount Emei Via LeshanExplore the Leshan Giant Buddha by foot or by boat
After breakfast, set off for Leshan with a drive of about 2.5 hours. Your destination is the Leshan Giant Buddha, one of Sichuan's most impressive cultural landmarks.
Carved into the cliff during the Tang Dynasty, the seated Maitreya Buddha rises about 71 meters high. That is roughly the height of a 24-story building. It took around 90 years to complete. In 1996, the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together.
You can check with your private travel advisor in advance. Depending on your preferences and physical condition, you can choose between hiking and taking a sightseeing cruise.
Option 1: Walk Along the Cliffside Boardwalk
Follow the boardwalk down the cliff for a closer look at the statue. You can appreciate the details of its head, shoulders, knees, and other features. Look closely to admire the intricate details of the Buddha's head, facial features, hands, and enormous feet from different viewpoints.
The route involves many stairs. Wear comfortable walking shoes and take care on the way down.
Option 2: Take a Sightseeing Boat
For a more relaxed experience, board a sightseeing boat at the pier. From the river, you can take in the full statue from a distance. The cruise also offers views of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers as they meet below the cliffs.
This option avoids the steep stairs. It is a good choice if you prefer a leisurely pace.
Take a Sightseeing Boat to admire the Leshan Giant Buddha After touring the Giant Buddha, continue to Mount Emei. The driver takes you to your hotel for check-in and rest. Get a good night's sleep before tomorrow's mountain adventure.
- Day 4: Mount Emei Back to ChengduExplore the Highlights of Mount Emei in Depth
Today is dedicated toĀ Mount Emei. Start with a scenic-area shuttle bus. Ride from the lower mountain to Leidongping. From there, follow the trail to Jieyin Hall where you will board the cable car. It takes you directly toĀ Golden Summit. At 3,077 meters above sea level, Golden Summit is the most iconic and celebrated viewpoint on Mount Emei.
The summit offers two unforgettable sights. One is the golden Huazang Temple, also known as the Lotus Treasury Temple. The other is the impressive 48-meter-tall Ten-direction Puxian Golden Statue.Ā ItĀ depicts Puxian (Samantabhadra) Bodhisattva, who represents practice and action in Buddhism.Ā The statueās four faces look toward the four directions. Together, they symbolize compassion and wisdom reaching in all directions.
Huazang Temple on Mount Emei After exploring Golden Summit, descend by cable car and continue to Wannian Temple. One of the oldest temples on Mount Emei, the Wannian Temple was first built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317ā420 AD). Its structures include a beamless brick hall. After visiting the temple, take the scenic transport down the mountain, where a private transfer awaits: your driver will be ready to take you back to Chengdu.
- Day 5: Chengdu Departure
Today marks the end of your Sichuan journey.Ā Your driver will pick you up from the hotel as arranged and transfer you to the airport or high-speed railway station. Have a pleasant journey!
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 5-Day Chengdu Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can selectĀ luxury 5-star hotelsĀ for unparalleled comfort,Ā cozy 4-starĀ accommodations, orĀ value-for-money 3-starĀ options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked forĀ their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped withĀ standard amenitiesĀ like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
InĀ some hotels, there are English-speaking staffĀ who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
