Chengdu Highlights | 4-Day Tour of Chengdu Panda Base + Wolong Panda Base + Mount Qingcheng + Dujiangyan + Kuanzhai Alley + Jinli

Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas. This morning, our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to start today's Chengdu-Wolong tour. First, you will drive about 17 kilometers to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, to see China's adorable national treasure, the giant panda, and learn about their living habits and conservation status. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, or Chengdu Panda Base for short, is home to more than 100 giant pandas, making it the base with the largest number of captive giant pandas in the world. Here, you can see giant pandas of different ages playing, eating, climbing hills, climbing trees, sleeping, and other cute and interesting scenes in the park, and you can also follow your guide to visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum to learn more stories about pandas. If you visit in autumn, you may also have the chance to see adorable giant panda cubs at the Moon Nursery and Sun Nursery. Moreover, the famous Chinese panda star Huahua lives here. She is known for her cute appearance and unique personality and is called a "top female celebrity." In addition to giant pandas, at the Chengdu Panda Base you can also see red pandas (rarer than giant pandas), Baer's pochards, golden pheasants, collared scops owls, and other rare animals. (Note: 1. Giant pandas prefer cool weather and are more active in the morning, so it is recommended that you arrive early to see more natural panda behavior; 2. Admission to the Chengdu Giant Panda Museum is free, but advance reservation is required, and it is closed every Monday.) After lunch, drive about 136 kilometers (about 2-3 hours) to Wolong (Wolong National Nature Reserve), the closest wild panda habitat to Chengdu and one of the famous World Natural Heritage sites, known as the "Hometown of Pandas." Here, like a forest ranger, you can hike and explore in a true wild panda habitat, encounter various plants and animals that live alongside pandas, such as arrow bamboo, dove trees, and golden snub-nosed monkeys, and enjoy scenery ranging from urban views at 500 meters above sea level to natural landscapes at 2,700 meters above sea level, for a truly special travel experience. In the afternoon, visit the Wolong Giant Panda Museum (also known as the Wolong Nature and Earthquake Museum), hailed as the "exclusive palace of the national treasure giant panda." This is the world's only museum themed around a single species, the giant panda. Due to reconstruction after the earthquake, the exhibits were adjusted and content related to nature and earthquakes was added, but the giant panda remains the main theme. The museum has rich exhibits, displaying more than 200 kinds of specimens of giant pandas and associated animals and plants. Among them, 15 giant panda specimens and 3 skeletons are worth viewing carefully. It also uses advanced multimedia technology to simulate the panda's natural habitat, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of panda habits and evolutionary history through interaction, as well as learn earthquake-related knowledge and disaster prevention and mitigation measures. Finally, return to your hotel in Wolong Town to rest. If time permits, you can stroll along the old street, admire the exquisite residential architecture blending Tibetan and Qiang styles, learn about the unique Tibetan and Qiang cultural customs, taste local specialty snacks, and listen to the wonderful stories of "panda guardians." Practical Tips for Traveling in Wolong 1. Altitude sickness prevention: Wolong is at a certain altitude. To avoid altitude sickness, please do not engage in strenuous exercise, such as running or walking quickly; in addition, the temperature difference between day and night is large, so keep warm to avoid catching a cold; keep your body adequately hydrated and drink warm water in small amounts several times; ensure sufficient sleep and rest well; avoid showering for one or two days after arrival to prevent accelerated blood circulation from causing oxygen deficiency; you may take medications such as rhodiola in advance to prevent altitude sickness (please follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude sickness according to your own physical condition). 2. Seek help promptly: If you feel unwell or need help, be sure to inform your guide or hotel staff immediately. Their rich experience in dealing with high altitudes can promptly provide you with the best response.

This morning, our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to start today's Wolong panda volunteer and Qingcheng Mountain kung fu tour. Since the giant panda volunteer activity starts at 8:30 a.m., we will depart at around 7:30 a.m. and drive about 25 kilometers (about 0.5 hours) to the Wolong Panda Base to complete check-in and training. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda Wolong Base, or "Wolong Panda Base" for short, is located in Gengda Town in Wolong National Nature Reserve at an altitude of about 1,700 meters. It is one of the world's famous original habitats of giant pandas, with a large number of wild giant pandas, most of which live in high mountain valleys at altitudes of 1,400 to 3,600 meters, and is known as the "Hometown of Giant Pandas." The environment here is beautiful, covered with ancient trees such as firs and spruces, dense arrow bamboo under the forest, murmuring streams among the trees, fresh air, and extremely high negative oxygen ion content, just like a "natural oxygen bar." Combined with scientific management, it has created a rare original-ecology panda paradise in the world. It is a world-class giant panda research center integrating giant panda breeding, scientific research, wild release, public education, and high-end scientific observation. It is home to 60-80 giant pandas of different ages and is a panda volunteer base with relatively fewer people, allowing you a more immersive experience of panda keeper work and close-up viewing of pandas climbing trees, rolling, eating, playing, and fighting, as well as the chance to see panda cubs outsmarting their keepers. You can find the best spots to take heart-melting panda photos. In addition, the Wolong Panda Base is an excellent place to escape the summer heat and enjoy snow. While watching giant pandas, you can also enjoy stunning natural scenery. Giant Panda Volunteer Activity Content After arriving at the Wolong Panda Base, you need to sign a safety agreement and receive a volunteer work card, clothes, and gloves. Under the guidance of the keeper, you will add fresh bamboo and bamboo leaves for the giant pandas and clean the enclosures. You can observe the pandas' daily behaviors such as eating and activities up close, learn panda feeding techniques and behavior analysis, and have the opportunity to participate in making panda cakes. If you are interested, you can also taste the keepers' lunch. Then, during a short break, you can watch a giant panda documentary to learn about panda breeding and growth. Finally, you will receive a panda volunteer certificate. After taking a group photo, remember to return your work card. If you are interested, you can spend some time learning more about the stories behind different pandas, such as celebrity pandas and returnee pandas. Panda Stars at the Wolong Panda Base 1. Fubao: Born in July 2020 at Everland in South Korea, her father is "Yuanxin" (Lebao) and her mother is "Huani" (Aibao). She is the first giant panda born in South Korea. She is widely known for her mischievous behavior, such as destroying gardens and getting her head stuck while climbing trees. She is very funny and cute and returned to China in 2024 to live at the Wolong Panda Base. 2. Xiao Qiji: Born in August 2020 at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., USA, his father is "Tiantian" and his mother is "Meixiang." He is the first panda successfully born in the United States through artificial insemination with frozen semen. "Meixiang" gave birth to him at the advanced age of 22, making her the oldest panda to give birth among giant pandas on loan to the United States. He returned to China in 2023 to live at the Wolong Panda Base. 3. Shengyi: Born in May 2021 at Zoo Negara Malaysia, she is the panda commemorating the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. Her name means "sublimating friendship." She returned to China in 2024 to live at the Wolong Panda Base. Practical Tips for the Panda Base 1. Booking notice: The number of people allowed for the panda volunteer activity is limited each day. Please contact our customer service in advance to secure your spot. 2. Age limit: The regular panda volunteer program accepts people aged 10 to 70, such as making panda cakes and watching panda documentaries. For some activities, children need adult accompaniment, subject to official requirements. 3. Physical examination report: Applying for the panda volunteer activity requires a physical examination report. You can contact our customer service to obtain the relevant panda volunteer activity physical examination details, or download it through official channels. 4. Dress requirements: The base has many slopes and slippery roads, and there are many insects in the mountains and forests. It is recommended that you wear long sleeves, long pants, and non-slip shoes. In addition, giant pandas have a very sensitive sense of smell, so it is recommended not to wear perfume or apply nail polish to avoid causing stress reactions in the pandas. If you are interested in Chinese kung fu, in the afternoon you can follow a Qingcheng Mountain martial arts master to experience an exciting Qingcheng kung fu class and feel the charm of Chinese kung fu. Qingcheng kung fu (Qingcheng martial arts) has a history of nearly 2,000 years. It originated in Qingcheng Mountain, Sichuan, and is deeply influenced by Taoist culture, embodying the concept of "overcoming hardness with softness." In 2021, it was included in China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Among its styles, Qingcheng Tai Chi has movements as gentle as flowing water and emphasizes the combination of breathing and intention. Its moves are simple and practical, with few flashy movements, making it very suitable for health preservation. Qingcheng swordplay is known for being light, agile, and swift, and there is a saying that "the sword goes to Qingcheng." In the process of experiencing Qingcheng kung fu, you can not only relax your body and mind, but also gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Chinese kung fu and appreciate the philosophy of "unity of heaven and humanity" and "the Tao follows nature."

This morning, you will visit Qingcheng Mountain, one of Chengdu's popular tourist attractions. Qingcheng Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Chinese Taoism, one of China's four famous Taoist mountains, and a famous World Cultural Heritage site. Zhang Daoling of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the founder of Taoism, established the Way of the Celestial Master here. More than ten Taoist temples still exist, including Jianfu Palace and Tianshi Cave, and it is known as the "Fifth Cave Heaven of Taoism." In addition, Qingcheng Mountain has verdant peaks and winding paths leading to secluded spots. Its trees are evergreen and lush throughout the four seasons, making it a natural oxygen bar, and it is known as "the most secluded mountain under heaven." Moreover, Qingcheng Mountain was a filming location for Kung Fu Panda 3. Based on Qingcheng Mountain's beautiful natural scenery and magnificent Taoist architecture, the film created the misty bamboo forest and the Panda Village with red walls and green tiles. You can stroll through it and immersively experience the scenery of Po's hometown in Kung Fu Panda, the Taoist immortal atmosphere, and visual wonders like a fairyland. The best way to visit Qingcheng Mountain is on foot, and Qingcheng Mountain has rich hiking routes, from easy and leisurely walking sections to highly challenging ones, taking you to fully explore Taoist culture and natural wildness. Recommended hiking route for today: Scenic area entrance -> sightseeing bus (about 10 minutes) -> Yuecheng Lake -> walk about 20 minutes, or choose a ferry -> cable car station near Yuecheng Lake -> cable car up the mountain (about 5 minutes) -> hike about 1 hour to the summit (if walking all the way up, it takes about 3-4 hours) -> pass Shangqing Palace (the largest Taoist temple on Qingcheng Mountain), Laojun Pavilion (the best viewing point on Qingcheng Mountain) -> hike about 2 hours down the mountain (passing Chaoyang Cave - the best Taoist cultivation site, Tianshi Mansion - famous for the thousand-year-old ginkgo planted by Master Zhang himself) / take the cable car down. If time permits, you can visit Jianfu Palace near the entrance. It was first built in the 12th year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (724). The 394-character Qing Dynasty long couplet hanging in the hall is praised as "a masterpiece of Qingcheng." In the afternoon, visit the famous World Cultural Heritage site Dujiangyan. Dujiangyan was built under the leadership of Li Bing, governor of Shu Commandery. It is the oldest existing dam-free water diversion irrigation project in the world, with a history of more than 2,000 years, and it is still in use today, ensuring the irrigation needs of Sichuan's granary. In 2018, it was included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures list and is known as the "source of Tianfu." Among its features, the Yuzui Water-Dividing Dike (the iconic project of Dujiangyan), Feishayan (the key to flood discharge and sand release), and Baopingkou (the "throat" controlling the water intake of the Chengdu Plain) are must-see attractions at Dujiangyan, allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of China's ancient water conservancy projects and marvel at the superb wisdom of the ancients. Cultural attractions such as Erwang Temple (an ancient temple dedicated to Li Bing and his son, a great place to learn about Dujiangyan's glorious history), Fulong Temple (whose top floor offers a panoramic view of the surging river), and Anlan Suspension Bridge (an ancient suspension bridge spanning the Min River) allow you to comprehensively understand Dujiangyan's profound cultural heritage. In addition, the Erwang Temple fair held from the 24th to the 26th day of the sixth lunar month each year and the Water-Releasing Festival at Qingming Festival attract much attention and countless visitors.

This morning, you will visit Kuanzhai Alley, hailed as one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Streets in Sichuan." This is the only remaining ancient street from the Qing Dynasty in Chengdu, preserving the authentic old Chengdu style. It is a great place to experience the genuine leisurely, slow life of Chengdu. Strolling leisurely through it, you can admire exquisite ancient architecture, taste authentic old Chengdu foods (dan dan noodles, spicy rabbit head, skewers, etc.), and take excellent travel photos. (Optional activities at your own expense: 1. You can enjoy a spectacular Sichuan opera face-changing performance in a teahouse or small theater in Kuanzhai Alley; 2. You can also go to the Panda Post Office to send a panda postcard or greeting card to family and friends.) Afterward, go to People's Park, hailed as one of the "most beautiful parks in Chengdu," to experience Chengdu's leisurely culture up close and the slow pace of local life. Here, in a century-old teahouse, you can order a cup of fragrant gaiwan tea, sit on bamboo chairs with a few friends and chat leisurely, experience intangible cultural heritage ear cleaning and enjoy the "little comfort" of a tingling sensation rushing to your head, or watch locals playing mahjong, and visit the famous marriage market. If you are lucky, you may also encounter locals dancing square dances, practicing Tai Chi, or playing traditional Chinese instruments. After lunch, you can leisurely stroll along Chunxi Road, the most prosperous and fashionable commercial street in downtown Chengdu. It is one of Chengdu's most representative city cards and a famous commercial pedestrian street in China, known as the "First Street of Southwest China." Among its sights, the climbing giant panda at Chengdu IFS is a landmark attraction on Chunxi Road. You can take a photo with it, and you can also overlook Chengdu's charming city scenery from the rooftop lawn and observation deck. Then, stroll through Taikoo Li Chengdu, where you can browse a wide variety of international luxury brand stores and distinctive local shops, and admire architecture that combines Western Sichuan residential style with modern design. In addition, the thousand-year-old Daci Temple hidden in Taikoo Li provides a peaceful oasis amid busy urban life. Here, you can enjoy tea, pray, and feel the beauty of the collision between tradition and modernity. When the sun sets, it is a good time to visit Jinli. Jinli is known as the "First Street of Western Shu" and the "Chengdu version of Along the River During the Qingming Festival." It is one of Chengdu's most representative historical and cultural districts and was once rated by CNN as one of the 21 most beautiful streets in the world. Strolling among the ancient streets and alleys, you can admire antique Ming and Qing architecture and the beautiful scene of red lanterns hanging high, appreciate the profound Three Kingdoms culture and unique Western Sichuan customs, watch wonderful Sichuan opera face-changing performances, capture beautiful moments during your trip, slowly browse specialty handicraft shops (Shu embroidery, bamboo weaving, paper-cutting, calligraphy and painting, etc.), taste authentic old Chengdu food snacks (dan dan noodles, ice jelly, sugar-oil fruit, etc.), and immersively feel the lively everyday atmosphere unique to Chengdu's old streets. After the tour, return to Chengdu. This concludes the wonderful and unforgettable 4-day Chengdu-Wolong-Qingcheng Mountain-Dujiangyan panda tour. Our driver will take you to the airport/train station or back to your hotel. If you would like to extend this trip and explore more destinations in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huangshan, Harbin, Yunnan, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Tibet, Guilin, Xinjiang, etc., you can also contact our customer service to arrange it for you.