How to Plan Your Private Chengdu Classic Tour: Panda Base and Sichuan Cuisine Research

If you’re traveling to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see the cuddly pandas and try the famous Sichuan cuisine. With the Private Chengdu Classic Tour: Panda Base and Sichuan Cuisine Research, you can have the best of both worlds in a full-day tour with a private guide and driver.

Overview

The Private Chengdu Classic Tour starts with a convenient pickup from your hotel or a designated location in Chengdu at 8:30 AM. You’ll be traveling in a comfortable private vehicle with your guide and driver to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, also known as the Panda Base, which is about an hour’s drive from the city center.

At the Panda Base, you’ll have the chance to see the giant pandas up close and learn more about these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll also see other rare and endangered species, such as red pandas, golden monkeys, and black-necked cranes.

After spending a few hours at the Panda Base, you’ll head back to Chengdu to experience the highlight of the tour: the Sichuan cuisine research. Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and generous use of spices such as Sichuan peppercorn, chili, and garlic. During the tour, you’ll visit local markets and sample some of the most famous Sichuan dishes, such as mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and hotpot.

The tour ends with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste the authentic flavors of Sichuan cuisine and discuss your favorite dishes with your guide.

What’s Included

• Private guide and driver
• Private transfer in a comfortable vehicle
• Bottled water
• Gratuities
• Dinner

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points vary depending on your hotel location or a designated location in Chengdu. You’ll select your pickup point during the booking process.

Select a Pickup Point

• Select your hotel from the list of available hotels in Chengdu
• Choose a meeting point in Chengdu city center

Start Time

The tour starts at 8:30 AM, so make sure you are ready for pickup at your designated time and location.

What To Expect

• Comfortable private transfer in a vehicle with air-conditioning
• A knowledgeable local guide who speaks English
• A visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
• A chance to see giant pandas and other rare wildlife
• A tour of local markets to sample Sichuan cuisine
• A delicious dinner at a local restaurant

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund
• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time

For more information on cancellations, please visit the tour provider’s website.

Book Your Private Chengdu Classic Tour Here

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of Chengdu’s wildlife and cuisine, book the Private Chengdu Classic Tour: Panda Base and Sichuan Cuisine Research through Viator. Don’t forget to mention your pickup point and any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chengdu

Chengdu is a beautiful city located in the southwestern part of China, in the province of Sichuan. It has been gaining popularity among tourists due to various reasons, such as its rich culture, stunning attractions, and, of course, the famous giant pandas. If you are planning a visit to this city, you might have some questions or concerns. In this blog, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Chengdu.

1. How to get to Chengdu?

Chengdu is easily accessible by air, rail, or road. If you are traveling by air, you can take direct flights to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. If you prefer to travel by train, Chengdu has several major train stations, and you can take a train from cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. If you plan to drive, Chengdu has several major highways that connect to nearby cities.

2. What is the best time to visit Chengdu?

The best time to visit Chengdu is during spring (March to June) or autumn (September to November). During this time, the weather is mild, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in peace. However, if you want to see the giant pandas, the best time to visit is from September to November, during the breeding season, when you can see baby pandas.

3. What are the must-visit attractions in Chengdu?

Chengdu has a plethora of attractions that you can visit during your stay. Some of the must-visit sites include:

a. Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

The giant pandas are an iconic symbol of Chengdu, and a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a must. Here, you can see pandas of all ages lazing around, playing, and even taking a nap.

b. Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha. The statue is 71 meters tall and is a marvel to behold.

c. Jinli Ancient Street

Jinli Ancient Street is a well-preserved ancient street in Chengdu that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Here, you can enjoy traditional Sichuan cuisine, buy souvenirs, and enjoy the bustling street life.

4. What is the cuisine like in Chengdu?

Chengdu is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, which is known for its strong flavors and distinctive taste. Some of the must-try dishes include Hot Pot, Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and Dan dan noodles. However, keep in mind that Sichuan cuisine is notorious for its spiciness, so make sure to let the waiter know your preferred level of spice.

5. What should I know before traveling to Chengdu?

a. Language: Mandarin is the official language of China, but many people in Chengdu can speak English.

b. Visa: To enter China, you will need a valid passport and a Chinese visa.

c. Cash: Cash is king in Chengdu, so make sure to have some cash on hand as many places do not accept credit cards.

d. Transportation: The easiest way to get around Chengdu is by metro or taxi. The metro system is extensive and affordable, and taxis are readily available.

In conclusion, Chengdu is a city full of surprises and is a perfect destination for travelers who are interested in history, culture, and, of course, giant pandas. Plan your trip well in advance, keep these FAQs in mind, and enjoy the beautiful city of Chengdu.