Chengdu : Panda Base Leshan Boeddha Tour (of Halve Dag Panda Base )

Overall excellent tour if you are pressed for time and want to do the two activities together. Doris and the driver were wonderful, Doris provided us with a lot of information about the Pandas and the Buddha , we didn't get to the city till 8 pm so it was a 12 hours trip to cover both locations.

The Chengdu Panda Base: Arriving before 9 AM beat the heavy crowds. We were given option to see the “old area” vs the “new area” and given the limited time, the whole group opted to go with the “new area” so we can maximize the experience, and see as many Pandas, Red Pandas, and other animals as possible (rather than spending time on queues). Did not see HuaHua but saw cubs in trees and adults munching bamboo in natural, semi-open yards. Also saw red pandas, monkeys, and peacocks! The Transit & Guide: Smooth 2 hour expressway drive in an air-conditioned coach. Our guide Mark (who spoke good English) shared history of the Buddha context (how it’s built, and the politics and funding involved during its building). Lunch: Authentic local spot in Leshan featuring fresh veggie dishes, light chili, local rice barley tea, beef soup, and classic Kung Pao Chicken! The Leshan Giant Buddha: Towering 71-meter (233-foot) cliff-carved statue at the confluence of three rivers. I opted to hike and take the steps — which was a good cardio and exercise! The cliff stairs are OK, some massive and steep, but very doable. Took about 2 to 3 hours to see all of Buddha and temples. The other option which is to take the river boat requires a fee (not sure how much — I think it’s 70 yuan) — heard that the views were awesome. Return: Smooth 2 and a half hour expressway drive back to the city. Slept almost the entire trip with the tour ending around 8 to 8:30 PM (arrival / drop off at the Tianfu Square).

+17

In general our tour guide Doris is knowledgeable and her explanation in English is very clear and easy to understand. She also managed our group (15 pax) very well. The only let down which was a very serious one; was the bus ride was a very unsafe. The driver was speeding, show obvious sign of fatigue and composing text messages while the bus was traveling above 100km/hr. He is also very impatience and using his very loud horn excessively. For our safety we decided to abandon taking the return bus ride back to the hotel but made separate transportation arrangement ourselves.

Wonderful experience further enhanced by our guide Marina 圆圓。she is jovial, patient n knowledgeable. Enjoy the trip much.

We had a fantastic day with an excellent guide, Mark! We had just a 20 hour layover in Chengdu and this was the perfect full day tour consisting of visiting the panda research center and Leshan Buddha. Lunch was also nice with a family style setting and had both meat/fish and vegetarian options for myself. Mark is a fantastic tour guide who spoke English perfectly and answered all the questions I had about both places. The driver also drove safely and the bus was comfortable. It was the perfect day trip! Really well organized.

Panda Breeding Centre It was great seeing these magnificent animals of which sadly only a few thousand are left. The park has been done amazingly with cars whizzing you around. (Cost 30 yuan for the day.) There's 2 sections. Enclosed AC controlled and natural outdoors. Have to get there very early which is when they're most active. Also the Summer time is not the best time to visit as they prefer the cooler climate if you want to seem them outdoors. Else you'll have to see them in their AC enclosures. Leshan Buddha The boat ride needs to be in English as well for safety aspects if nothing else. Didn't know about life jacket and missed out on the commentary / history which is what you're there for. Photos they take of you are free but we didn't know till after. The walk is doable by all ages. Its not that long or strenuous and you get to see lot more vantage points.

+2

Incredible experience! I did the half day panda tour and Mark was an excellent tour guide. He took us an excellent route which avoided a lot of crowds and had great insight into pandas. He was really helpful and kind. The tour was a once in a lifetime experience.

It is something that could be improved, and I would bet on other options. The guide was not very empathetic and seemed more interested in rushing us than in paying attention.

Mark was amazing. He was patient and engaged all the people on the tour. He was upfront about the timing and walking commitments for everything. Where we ate lunch was so pretty and he was so good at ordering our food (a guest had restrictions). I would recommend anyone go to this all day tour with Mark!

All day experience with pick up at hotel and drop off in the center of town. Mark was incredible and knowledgeable. He is awesome! Communication was excellent. Be prepared for a long day. Lunch was fast and food was great!