Explore the Secrets of Shu Culture
Chengdu is a city with a rich history and profound cultural heritage. As well as exploring the area's ancient Shu culture, students will get up close to the adorable pandas and savor delicious Sichuan cuisine.
Our exploration of culture goes beyond mere surface visits, but deeply immerses students of all ages into the local community to further understand its essence. For example, we engage with local residents in People's Park and learn about traditional opera from backstage staff at a theater.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Superstar pandas & superstar guide
Of all our guides, Helen from Chengdu was the “superstar”. She had such enthusiasm for the pandas you couldn’t help but have a great time. She got us around the crowds to get up close to get the best photos. And was generous in telling her story about growing up in China more
Mar 2025, CJ
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Chengdu - Panda Mania
We visited Chengdu for the pandas and we were not disappointed. The whole city is filled with panda mania. Our fantastic guide Helen made sure we were ready for our visit to the pandas by presenting us with panda accessories. She knows the place so well taking us through short cuts to the various enclosures and also the spots for the best photos. Apart from the pandas, we also visited the amazing giant Buddha. And to top it all, Helen brought us for the best Sichuan lunch, of gong bao ji ding and ma po toufu, that we have eaten. more
Mar 2025, Peter
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Evan was an amazing guide. Number 1 in chendgu
Evan was an amazing tour guide. Very friendly and english was perfect. He did a great job of explaining to us the history of china as well as his experience with his family and their traditions. We did the panda experience as well as the jiuzhaigou national park. We brought 3 kids with our group and we were a total of 7. He was patient with our kids and kept them entertained. Evan made a suggestion of visiting a local tea house since our itinerary was tight and he was incredibly thoughtful and made our experience seamless. more
Mar 2025, Ashley T
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Tour 'Wow' Points
Observe Closely as a Giant Panda Quietly Enjoys His/Her Meal
Unlike pandas in other zoos that are kept in cramped spaces, the pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base live in spacious semi-open gardens. Visitors can observe these adorable creatures eating and playing more clearly and up-close.
Learn the Wisdom of Ancient Water Conservancy Engineering
Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a remarkable ancient engineering marvel that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The system operates on the principle of gravity, channeling river water into irrigation canals without the need for pumps.
Explore the Ancient Shu Civilization
Gain a captivating insight into the mysterious and sophisticated ancient Shu civilization at Sanxingdui Museum. Join a course selected from bronze casting, ancient methods of jade crafting, pattern rubbing, or simulated archaeology.
Cooking Sichuan Dishes at Sichuan Cuisine Museum
A professional teacher will teach you to how to cook three typical Sichuan dishes, so that you will gain firsthand experience of Sichuan cuisine cutting skills, control of heat, cooking processes, and some secret tips to food presentation.
Go Backstage at a Sichuan Opera
You will not only appreciate the unique techniques of Sichuan Opera, such as face-changing (bianlian), fire-spitting, and acrobatics, but also go backstage to explore the costumes and face painting.
Take a Cruise for a Perfect View of the Leshan Giant Buddha
Sit onboard a Min River cruise for an amazing outlook on the Leshan Giant Buddha. You will see the full splendor of the giant Buddha from various angles. Observing the Giant Buddha from the right distance is even more fulfilling.
Suggested Itinerary
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful school trip to Xi'an for you.
Welcome to China! Your guide, who is experienced in leading student groups, will meet you in the arrivals hall at the airport. Your group will be transferred to your hotel on our comfortable bus.
Morning:
Start your day early to maximize your visit. It takes about an hour to reach Dujiangyan Panda Base, which is less crowded than the Chengdu panda base and allows for closer observation of giant pandas in their natural habitats. Learn about panda reproduction, nurturing, genetics, and biodiversity conservation.
Enjoy a local Sichuan meal at a nearby restaurant. Try dishes like Kung Pao chicken or mapo tofu.
Afternoon:
It's a short drive (about 15–20 minutes) from the Panda Base to the Irrigation System. The system dates back to 256 BC and is still in use today! Learn about its historical significance and engineering marvels.
Morning:
Explore the ancient Sanxingdui civilization, active approximately 3,000 years ago in the Bronze Age. The Sanxingdui museum exhibits a wide array of artifacts such as bronze masks, statues, gold pieces, and jade objects. Of particular interest are the strikingly-large bronze masks with intricate designs, showcasing distinct artistic styles not seen in other ancient Chinese societies.
Afternoon:
Enroll on a course at the Ancient Shu Civilization Exploration Base. Choose from four available courses including bronze casting, ancient jade crafting techniques, pattern rubbing, and simulated archaeology, tailored to your group's interests and daily availability.
Morning:
Chengdu is a culinary paradise renowned for its spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine. Students will learn to cook Sichuan dishes at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. First, they will visit the Classic Collection Hall to explore the history of Sichuan cuisine. Then, a professional guide will teach them to prepare three typical dishes. Finally, they can taste their creations and take home the recipes' "secrets".
Afternoon:
Relax with a cup of tea at Chengdu People's Park, the city's most popular destination. There, locals engage in traditional activities like tai chi, mahjong, dancing, and playing musical instruments.
Evenning:
Experience the local art from of Sichuan Opera. Students will not only watch an opera show, but also have the chance to try on opera makeup and costumes.
Morning:
You'll need about 2 hours to reach Leshan city.
The Leshan Giant Buddha has been the largest stone-carved sitting Buddha in the world since 803 CE. It is fantastic to cruise by to get an overview of the Leshan Giant Buddha from a suitable perspective. From the water, you can see the full scale of the Buddha, along with the surrounding cliffs and lush landscapes.
Afternoon:
Then, climb up to Leshan Giant Buddha Park for an up-close view of the Buddha. Several platforms provide varying perspectives, while historical and cultural sites like Wuyou Temple and Lingyun Temple enhance the experience.
It's time to say goodbye to Chengdu! At the designated time, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure home. Safe travels!
Hotel Selection
Selected hotels with good locations.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned bus with big windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour Code: cht-et-7