Is the Mt. Emei hike mandatory, and how difficult is it?

No — your guide provides route maps on Day 3 and you choose the difficulty level that suits you. Options range from gentle lower-slope walks to more demanding higher-elevation hikes. The presence of monkeys and monastery sites makes easier routes rewarding.

What should I expect to see and do at the Panda Breeding Centre?

You'll spend approximately 2 hours observing giant pandas in a dedicated facility. The visit focuses on viewing and photography; direct animal contact is limited per facility guidelines. Mornings offer the best activity levels.

Are meals fully included?

Breakfasts are included all 4 days. Lunches are provided on Days 2 and 3 only. Dinners and Day 1 lunch are not included, giving you flexibility to explore local restaurants.

How do I get from Mt. Emei back to Chengdu airport on the final day?

You'll be transferred by private vehicle to Emeishan Railway Station, then travel via high-speed bullet train directly to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. This journey is faster and more efficient than driving.

What makes Leshan Giant Buddha significant?

At 78 metres tall, it is the world's largest sitting Buddha statue, carved into a cliff face over 1,000 years ago. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and Buddhist artistry.

Are there any accessibility or fitness requirements?

The tour includes optional hiking on Mt. Emei; you can select a route matching your fitness level or take a gentler walk. The panda centre and Leshan Buddha viewing require moderate walking but no technical climbing. Confirm any mobility concerns with your guide during Day 1.

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Private Tour: 3-Night Sichuan Explore from Chengdu to Leshan and Mt Emei

(3)

Chengdu, China

Adventure Tours

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About this activity

A curated 4-day private journey through Sichuan's cultural and natural treasures, combining wildlife encounters, UNESCO-worthy monuments, and mountain exploration. This itinerary pairs Chengdu's iconic giant pandas and historic alleyways with the 78-metre Leshan Buddha and Mt. Emei's misty peaks and wild monkeys.

D1. Arrival Chengdu
Upon arrival Chengdu, you will be met by your guide and then transferred to your hotel in Chengdu. If time permits, you will visit Kuan and Zhai Alleys in the evening.
Overnight at 5-star Chengdu hotel
Meal: None

D2. Chengdu - Leshan - Emei by car
After hotel breakfast, you will be driven to Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu to visit the cute pandas for about 2 hours.
Then you will be driven about 2 hours to Leshan to view the Giant Buddha Stature that is 78 meter in the height, the biggest sitting Buddha in the world.
Afterwards you will be driven another 1 hour to Emei.You will visit the Baoguo Monastery, this is an old Buddhism temple located at the foot of the Emei Mountain.
Later, you will check in the hotel.
Tonight you will stay in a hot spring hotel where there are plenty of hot spring pools to spend fun time here.
Overnight at 5-Star Hot Spring Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

D3. Mt. Emei
Today you will be transferred to Mt. Eei, your guide will offer you the map of Mt. Emei and the hiking routes, you can choose the better one for you. While you are hiking in Emei, you can view the monkeys around you.
Later, you will get back to hotel.
Overnight at 5-Star Hot Spring Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

D4. Emei - Chengdu Airport by bullet train
After hotel breakfast, you will be transferred to Emeishan Railway Station to catch fast train back to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport where to catch your flight onto next destination. Trip concludes.
Meal: Breakfast

Highlights

✓Giant Panda Breeding Centre observation in Chengdu
✓Leshan Giant Buddha — world's largest sitting Buddha at 78 metres
✓Mt. Emei hiking with choice of scenic routes and monkey sightings
✓Baoguo Monastery at the mountain's base
✓Overnight stays in 5-star hot spring hotels with thermal pools
✓High-speed bullet train return to airport

Insider tips

★Choose your Mt. Emei hiking route on arrival day based on fitness and time; mid-altitude routes avoid extreme crowds while offering excellent views
★Visit the panda centre early in your Chengdu day — pandas are most active and visible in morning hours before midday heat
★The hot spring pools at your hotel are perfect for muscle recovery after hiking; arrive with swimwear ready
★Bring a light rain jacket for Mt. Emei; mountain weather changes rapidly, and misty mornings often clear by midday

Good to know

•Private guide included throughout; airport pickup and drop-off covered
•All transport via private vehicle except final bullet train to airport
•Bring comfortable hiking shoes and layers for Mt. Emei (elevation gain and temperature variation)
•Meals include breakfasts daily, plus lunches on Days 2–3; dinners are your own arrangement
•Hot spring hotel amenities allow flexible evening wind-down after physical activity

Who it's for

Wildlife and nature enthusiasts seeking close encounters with giant pandasCultural explorers interested in Buddhist heritage sites and ancient templesActive hikers comfortable with mountain trails and forest explorationLuxury-oriented travellers preferring private guides and 5-star thermal resort stays

Best time to visit

Visit September to November or March to May for mild temperatures, clearer Mt. Emei vistas, and optimal panda activity. Avoid summer monsoons (June–August) and winter fog that obscures mountain views.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Will C.

May 2026

loved it — guide Noa top notch, miles ahead of a similar tour we tried in Rome, no joke

Sam M.

Jan 2026

a stop the guide added on the fly unreal. on a rainy sunday

Tara C.

Mar 2025

Ingrid our guide very good, and a stop the guide added on the fly we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Kyoto before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

from€1,372.17€1,369.8/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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