Top Chengdu Day Trips

The 7:30 start was essential and William out guide was prompt and shocked us to straight to the panda centre. He astutely recommended we catch the visitors tram (30 yuan per person for all day use) so we got to the newer section of the park well before any of the crowds. We began at the Red Panda habitat and saw several running and climbing around. Over the course of the next 3 hours we worked out way back and saw multiple pandas, pairs and groups eating and playing. There were very few visitors around so it was tranquil - on a Monday morning. It was great how William answered all our questions and obviously knew the quirks and habits of the pandas - especially those at the nursery. After we had seen all points of interest William not only recommended a local restaurant, he took us to it (upstairs in a local shopping centre), asked the waitress to ensure we could be seated but also wrote down the names of dishes in Chinese. Truly he went above and beyond and as a result we had a lovely time.

This was a uniquely chinese experience at the Opera! Choice of dessert, massage or ear cleaning before the show. Offerings of bottomless tea and sunflower seeds throughout the show. A lovely mix of opera singing, musicians, puppetry, mesmerizing hand shadows and of course the face changing warriors. We had a very memorable time!

Love the pandas, loved the Buddha. Had a great day with Doris who was an excellent guide and shared so much about the sights and Chengdu in general. My only regret is not having more days to stay in Chengdu. Made the unfortunate error to go on May 1st and the sites were very busy but Doris took us to all the key locations to see the pandas, provided really good explanations (and lots of panda funfacts) and allowed us lots of time at the Buddha statue despite the early start. Long day but worth it.