7 Days Chengdu Pandas & Xian Terracotta Warriors Encounter

Set out early this morning on a short 17-kilometer drive to the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Be among the first to witness over 100 giant pandas during their most active morning hours as they munch on fresh bamboo, climb trees, and tumble playfully across sprawling green enclosures. Walk through the Sunshine and Moonlight Nursery Houses to spot tiny newborn cubs, meet charming red pandas in their open-air habitat, and visit the interactive Panda Museum to learn about ongoing global conservation efforts.

Return to the heart of Chengdu to explore Wenshu Monastery, the city's best-preserved Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple, renowned for its quiet courtyards and fragrant incense. Afterward, head into bustling Renmin Park (People's Park) to experience Chengdu's legendary slow-paced lifestyle firsthand. Sit down at a historic open-air teahouse to sip local jasmine tea, watch locals play lively games of mahjong, or observe traditional ear-cleaning artisans at work. Wrap up your afternoon with a stroll down Jinli Old Street, an 1,800-year-old Qing Dynasty-style pedestrian alleyway lined with red lanterns, traditional handicrafts, and mouthwatering Sichuan street food.

Meals: Breakfast

Expert Journey Insights:
Giant pandas are most active in the cool morning air when caretakers feed them fresh bamboo, making an early departure around 7:30 AM highly recommended for the best viewing experience. Renmin Park and Jinli Old Street feature smooth, flat stone paving, ideal for a relaxed walking tour, though comfortable shoes are essential. For your evening, consider booking a famous Sichuan Opera performance featuring face-changing acts or taking a scenic night cruise along the illuminated Jinjiang River.

Depart Chengdu early this morning on a scenic two-hour private drive south to Leshan, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved directly out of a reddish sandstone cliff face during the Tang Dynasty over 1,200 years ago, this monumental 71-meter-tall (233-foot) stone icon stands proudly at the confluence of three churning rivers. Follow your guide along winding cliffside stairways to view the towering statue from toe to head, marveling at the incredible engineering that created the largest ancient stone Buddha in the world.

Along the mountain trail near the summit, explore tranquil Buddhist shrines, ancient cliff carvings, and peaceful stone pavilions. In the afternoon, take a short 45-minute drive to the foot of Mount Emei, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Visit the ancient Baoguo Temple, the largest temple complex at the base of Mount Emei, where you can stroll through quiet incense-filled courtyards, admire historical Ming Dynasty relics, and soak in the serene spiritual atmosphere before checking into your Mount Emei hotel for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Expert Journey Insights:
Exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha on foot involves descending and ascending the famous Nine-Turn Cliff Path, which consists of steep, narrow stone staircases. For travelers who prefer an easier, non-strenuous option or wish to capture full panoramic photographs of the entire 71-meter statue from the water, an optional river cruise can easily be arranged. Baoguo Temple at the base of Mount Emei features gentle, paved walking paths and flat temple courtyards, offering a tranquil conclusion to the day.

Ascend into the sacred mist this morning for a full-day exploration of Mount Emei, a UNESCO Dual Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site and one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Board an official eco-sightseeing bus at the mountain base for a scenic two-hour drive through lush sub-tropical forests up to Leidongping. From here, enjoy a short 30-minute mountain walk through pine groves before gliding above the timberline aboard a high-speed cable car directly to the iconic Golden Summit (Jinding) at 3,079 meters above sea level.

At the summit, stand in awe before the majestic 48-meter-tall golden statue of Samantabhadra (Puxian Bodhisattva) rising above towering bronze and golden temple halls. Take time to stroll around the summit plateau, soaking in panoramic views of rolling mountain ridges and, if weather permits, the magnificent natural phenomenon of the Sea of Clouds. After taking time to explore the summit shrines and take photos, descend the mountain via cable car and park shuttle, where your private vehicle awaits to escort you on a comfortable return drive back to Chengdu for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Expert Journey Insights:
The summit of Mount Emei sits at over 3,000 meters above sea level, where temperatures are significantly cooler than at the base year-round, making a warm fleece or windproof jacket essential. The 30-minute walking path between Leidongping and Jieyin Hall consists of paved stone steps that can occasionally be slippery or occupied by wild Tibetan macaques; travelers are advised to keep snacks securely inside bags. Your private driver and guide coordinate all shuttle and cable car tickets in advance to ensure a smooth, energy-saving ascent to the top.

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Chengdu's lively neighborhood streets or sipping morning tea at your own pace. At the appointed time, meet your private guide in the hotel lobby for a comfortable transfer to the high-speed railway station. Board a sleek bullet train crossing mountain ranges to Xi'an, the legendary starting point of the Silk Road and capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties, arriving in just 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

Upon arrival at Xi'an Railway Station, your local guide and driver will welcome you at the exit and escort you directly to the renowned Shaanxi History Museum. Widely celebrated as "the Pearl of Ancient Dynasties," this world-class museum houses over 370,000 precious relics, spanning Western Zhou bronzes and Han Dynasty terracotta figures to intricate Tang Dynasty goldware and tomb murals. Conclude your afternoon at the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a magnificent Tang Dynasty brick structure nestled within Da Ci'en Temple, built in 652 AD to store sacred Buddhist scriptures brought from India.

Meals: Breakfast

Expert Journey Insights:
The high-speed rail ride from Chengdu to Xi'an cuts through the scenic Qinling Mountains via extensive tunnel networks, making for a smooth and scenic journey. Shaanxi History Museum enforces strict daily visitor limits and passport identity checks, so your private guide will secure advance reservations to ensure seamless entry. The courtyard grounds surrounding Giant Wild Goose Pagoda offer gentle, flat walking paths that look especially atmospheric during late afternoon when ambient lighting highlights the pagoda's ancient brickwork.

Uncover one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the ancient world this morning on a scenic one-hour drive outside Xi'an to the UNESCO World Heritage Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife, this vast underground army features nearly 8,000 individually sculpted life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots. Step inside Pit 1 to stand before thousands of infantrymen arrayed in battle formation, then explore Pit 2 and Pit 3 to admire infantry troopers, kneeling archers, and armored officers up close—each showcasing distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor details carved by ancient artisans over 2,200 years ago.

After a authentic local lunch, return to the city center to scale the monumental Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved Ming Dynasty fortifications in existence. Stroll along the expansive top ramparts to take in sweeping views of modern skyscrapers contrasted against historical bell towers and surrounding moats. Conclude your day with a sensory journey through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a famous Silk Road culinary enclave filled with glowing lantern alleys, sizzling street food stalls, aromatic spice markets, and lively local life.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Expert Journey Insights: 
The Terracotta Warriors museum complex spans three main excavation pits and an exhibit hall containing intricate bronze chariots, requiring about two to three hours of walking on flat concrete walkways. The Ancient City Wall top surface is broad and paved with historic brickwork, making it ideal for walking or renting a bicycle on-site for a complete 14-kilometer loop around the inner city. The Muslim Quarter pedestrian streets can get quite busy in the late afternoon and evening, offering an ideal opportunity to sample iconic Xi'an delicacies like Roujiamo (Chinese cured pork or beef burger) and hand-pulled Biangbiang noodles.

Enjoy a unhurried morning soaking in your final hours in China’s imperial capital. Take time to relax at your hotel, pick up last-minute Silk Road souvenirs at local markets, or enjoy a quiet stroll around nearby city parks. At the appointed time, meet your private guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a comfortable private transfer to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) or Xi'an North Railway Station for your ongoing flight or high-speed train connection.

Thank you for traveling with us to explore the historic highlights of Sichuan and Shaanxi. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey onward, and look forward to welcoming you back to Asia on your next adventure!

Meals: Breakfast

Expert Journey Insights: 
Hotel check-out time is standardly scheduled for 12:00 PM, though front desk luggage storage is readily available if your flight or high-speed train departs later in the afternoon or evening. Your private driver will coordinate your departure timing to ensure you arrive at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport three hours prior to international flights or two hours prior to domestic flights and train connections.