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Chengdu in a Day: Pandas, Tea & Spicy Delights

Duration: 1 Day
From: 0.01 Per Pax

Tour Summary

Typical Start Time: 9:00AM

This full-day Chengdu experience is designed for travelers who want to embrace the city’s essence—from its iconic wildlife to its deep-rooted cultural traditions.

Your day begins with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you’ll have the chance to see adorable pandas playing, eating bamboo, and even napping in their naturalistic enclosures. Witness conservation efforts firsthand and learn about China’s beloved national treasure.

For lunch, savor authentic Sichuan cuisine, whether it’s a fiery hotpot experience, the famous Mapo Tofu, or flavorful Dan Dan Noodles. You’ll have the chance to sample a variety of Sichuan’s bold and numbing flavors, with plenty of options for spice levels.

In the afternoon, wander through Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), a beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty-style district filled with charming courtyards, artisan shops, teahouses, and even the famous Sichuan Opera face-changing performances.

As evening falls, head to Jinli Ancient Street, where traditional red lanterns illuminate the historic street, making for a picture-perfect setting. Try local street food delicacies, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere.

Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or panda enthusiast, this tour offers an immersive Chengdu adventure that highlights the city’s most iconic sights and flavors.

Tour Includes:

✔️ Experienced and knowledgeable local guide
✔️ Entry tickets to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
✔️ Authentic Sichuan lunch at a local restaurant
✔️ Guided tour of Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street
✔️ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔️ Optional evening Sichuan Opera performance (additional fee)

Featured Sites Included:

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a renowned conservation facility in Chengdu, China, where visitors can observe giant pandas in a naturalistic habitat and learn about ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species.
Authentic Chengdu/Sichuan Cuisine
Authentic Chengdu/Sichuan cuisine is renowned for its bold and complex flavors, characterized by the use of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and a variety of aromatic spices. Signature dishes include hotpot, Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Dan Dan Noodles, offering a unique culinary experience that balances spiciness, numbness, and savory tastes.
Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys)
Kuanzhai Alley, also known as the Wide and Narrow Alleys, is a renowned cultural and historical area in Chengdu. Comprising three parallel alleys—Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley—it offers visitors a glimpse into Qing Dynasty architecture, local teahouse culture, and a variety of Sichuan culinary delights.
Jinli Ancient Street
Jinli Ancient Street, adjacent to Wuhou Shrine in Chengdu, is a bustling pedestrian street that recreates the charm of ancient China. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Sichuan culture through its historic architecture, diverse local snacks, artisan shops, and live folk performances.

Itinerary Details

📍 Morning: Giant Panda Base Visit (8:00 AM – 11:30 AM)

  • Destination: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Highlights:
    • Observe giant pandas and red pandas in a natural-like habitat
    • Watch baby pandas in nurseries and adult pandas enjoying bamboo
    • Learn about panda conservation efforts

📍 Lunch: Authentic Sichuan Cuisine (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)

  • Recommended Spots:
    • Hotpot: Shu Da Xia, Xiaolongkan, or Da Miao Hotpot
    • Sichuan Dishes: Chen Mapo Tofu, Long Chao Shou Dumplings, or a local food market
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Hotpot (spicy or mild options available)
    • Mapo Tofu (spicy tofu dish)
    • Dan Dan Noodles (noodles with spicy minced pork sauce)

📍 Afternoon: Cultural Exploration at Wide and Narrow Alleys (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM)

  • Destination: Kuanzhai Alley
  • Highlights:
    • Enjoy traditional tea at a local teahouse
    • Watch an authentic Sichuan Opera face-changing performance
    • Stroll through historic alleyways with traditional architecture and artisan shops

📍 Evening: Strolling & Street Food at Jinli Ancient Street (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM)

  • Destination: Jinli Ancient Street
  • Highlights:
    • Experience the enchanting night ambiance with traditional red lanterns
    • Sample local street food like Three Cannon Balls, Spicy Rabbit Head, and Cold Noodles
    • Explore local craft markets for unique souvenirs

📍 Optional: Sichuan Opera Experience (8:00 PM – 9:30 PM)

  • Destination: Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera Theater
  • Highlights:
    • Witness the mesmerizing “face-changing” performances
    • Enjoy traditional Sichuan musical performances
    • Experience the art of shadow puppetry and fire-spitting act

Send Us an Inquiry

Additional Options for this Tour

This tour comes with several options that can be selected when you book your tour, including:

Sichuan Opera Experience

Sichuan Opera Experience offers an immersive cultural experience showcasing traditional Sichuan Opera. Audiences are captivated by performances such as the enigmatic face-changing, dynamic fire-spitting acts, and intricate shadow puppetry, reflecting the rich heritage of Sichuan's performing arts.