Here’s a comprehensive travel plan for visiting Chengdu, including a visit to the Giant Panda Base:
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
- Morning: Fly from Beijing to Chengdu. Upon arrival, take a private transfer from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. If time permits, explore the nearby area or visit Jinli Old Street to experience local culture and enjoy some authentic Sichuan cuisine.
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, trying dishes like Sichuan hotpot and other regional specialties.
Day 2: Chengdu City Tour
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to Wuhou Memorial Temple, dedicated to the famous historical figure Zhuge Liang. Then, explore Jinli Old Street, where you can buy souvenirs and taste local snacks.
- Afternoon: Head to People’s Park, a popular spot for locals to relax and socialize. Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea and watch people play mahjong or practice calligraphy.
- Evening: Stroll through Kuanzhai Alleys, a historic area with traditional architecture, local food, and cultural performances.
Day 3: Giant Panda Base Visit
- Morning: Take a Didi ride to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Arrive early to avoid crowds and see the pandas when they are most active. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous panda celebrity, HuaHua.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the panda base, observing different pandas and red pandas in their enclosures. The base also has beautiful bamboo forests and peaceful walking paths.
- Evening: Return to downtown Chengdu and enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Day Trip to Dujiangyan
- Morning: Take a short trip to Dujiangyan, an ancient irrigation system and UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about this engineering marvel and its historical significance.
- Afternoon: Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you can participate in a panda volunteer program, interact with pandas, and learn about conservation efforts.
- Evening: Return to Chengdu and relax at your hotel or explore more of the city.
Day 5: Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Visit the Jinsha Site Museum to discover artifacts and relics from the ancient Shu Kingdom. This museum offers insights into the region’s rich history.
- Afternoon: Explore the Sichuan Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and historical items, including calligraphy and ceramic masterpieces.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Sichuan cuisine one last time.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend some time shopping or visiting any remaining attractions.
- Afternoon: Take a private transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for your return flight to Beijing.
This itinerary provides a balanced mix of cultural experiences, historical sites, and the highlight of visiting the Giant Panda Base. It ensures you make the most of your time in Chengdu while offering flexibility to adjust based on your interests and pace.