The Best of Chengdu
One Day Chengdu Panda and Sichuan Cuisine Tour
This tour is recommended for a first-time visitor who seeks a day tour containing the most important features of Chengdu: pandas and Sichuan cuisine.
Highlights
- Meet pandas with a smart route
- See baby pandas in late summer before October
- Take up a food challenge at the city's last farmers' market
- Step into an experienced chef's kitchen and cook real Sichuan cuisine together
- Get a taste of local life and have fun playing mahjong
About China Highlights
Since 1998 we've guided everyone ranging from US presidents, Australian Geographic and retired backpackers. Our goal is to create unique trips that take you off-the-beaten path, helping you discover China in a more authentic way. Our motto: "Discovery Your Way!"
Amazing Tibet experience in Sichuan
Henry was an informative guide who went out of his way to ensure positive experiences. Mr Wu was not only a safe and attentive driver on sometimes rough roads but also a great photographer, capturing shots of us as we toured. Henry went out of his way to talk to anyone around to help bring the place alive through stories so we had the opportunity to meet so many locals, real people, and hear about their lives. Another highlight was the opportunity to climb a 1000 year old watchtower in Danba and meet the local family who managed it. Truly magical. Henry was also a consummate foodie who provided us with great local food recommendations along the way. more
Suggested Itinerary
Visiting the city’s panda base can be a challenge as it is easily accessible and has various animals. We’ve designed a smart route to beat the crowds while matching the pandas’ active period as much as possible for you.
If you travel in late summer, you will have a chance to see baby pandas.
So many pandas!Chengdu was named as the first city of gastronomy in Asia by UNESCO, and the local delicacies are rooted in close-to-life market.
Try some local snacks, such as pickled dishes, century eggs, Chinese rice wine, and so on.
Intergrating yourself with the locals: how to bargain like a local and how to wrap Chengdu dumplings - learn this from the shopkeepers who can easily make 100 perfect dumplings in minutes.
Authentic farmer market adventureIt is very hard to travel like an insider when you are surrounded by thousands of tourists in incredibly crowded tourist areas. Instead, a visit to a local chef’s home will be one of the best ways to get a taste of local life.
Unearth the secrets of Sichuan cuisine as you cook three typical Sichuan dishes with the chef and invent your own recipe. Try to play mahjong in the living room as well if you want to.
Learn to cook classic Sichuan cuisineTrip Notes
The weather of Chengdu is mild and humid, and it's suitable for travel all year round.
March to June is pleasant to visit with refreshing spring colors.
September to November is the coolest time to enjoy an autumn tour.
March to May is the "falling in love period" for pandas. If you visit Chengdu between late August and December, you will have a greater chance of seeing tiny newborns and cuddle babies in the Panda Breeding and Research Center.
Please avoid peak times for Chinese tour groups. Most schools start their vacation period in the middle of July.
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