6 Days Chengdu-Xian Speed Train Tour with Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei

After breakfast, begin your Chengdu exploration with a visit to the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the most important panda conservation and scientific research centers in the world.

Walking along the peaceful bamboo-covered paths, you will have the opportunity to observe giant pandas of different ages in their natural-style habitats. Watch these adorable animals eating bamboo, climbing trees, playing with each other, and relaxing in their enclosures. The panda nursery area offers a chance to see cute panda cubs, while the Panda Museum provides detailed information about panda protection, breeding programs, and scientific research.

Continue to Wenshu Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple hidden in the heart of downtown Chengdu. Surrounded by ancient trees and traditional architecture, the temple provides a quiet contrast to the busy city outside. Explore the elegant Buddhist halls, admire religious artwork, and stroll through the nearby Wenshufang Cultural Area, where traditional shops, tea houses, and local markets showcase Chengdu’s old-city atmosphere.

Next, experience Chengdu’s famous slow-paced lifestyle at Renmin Park (People’s Park). Sit down at a traditional teahouse, enjoy a cup of Chinese tea, and observe local residents enjoying everyday activities such as playing mahjong, chatting with friends, practicing calligraphy, dancing, or experiencing traditional ear cleaning services.

In the afternoon, visit Jinli Old Street, one of Chengdu’s most famous cultural streets. Walk through traditional-style buildings decorated with red lanterns and explore local snacks, handicrafts, folk performances, and souvenir shops. The lively atmosphere perfectly reflects Chengdu’s combination of history, culture, and modern city life.

Return to your hotel after sightseeing.

Optional Evening Activities:

• Enjoy an authentic Sichuan Cuisine or Chengdu Hotpot dinner at a local restaurant.
• Watch a traditional Sichuan Opera Performance featuring famous face-changing, fire-spitting, folk music, and theatrical arts.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, depart Chengdu and drive approximately 2 hours to Leshan to visit the world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest stone-carved Buddha statue in the world.

Built during the Tang Dynasty (AD 713–803), this magnificent statue was carved directly into the cliff of Lingyun Mountain at the meeting point of three rivers. Standing 71 meters high, the Buddha overlooks the river with a peaceful expression and demonstrates the incredible craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture and Buddhist art.

During the visit, walk along the cliffside plank road to reach the feet of the Giant Buddha for a closer view. Along the way, admire the detailed carving of the Buddha’s head, ears, hands, and robes, and learn about the historical legend that the statue was created to calm dangerous river currents and protect passing boats.

For a different perspective, you may choose an optional Leshan Giant Buddha River Cruise, which offers a panoramic view of the entire statue standing against the mountain cliff.

After lunch, continue driving about 45 minutes to Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China.

Visit Baoguo Temple, the largest and most important temple at the foot of Mount Emei. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and ancient trees, the temple houses valuable Buddhist collections, including a large porcelain Buddha statue and the famous 25-ton bronze bell, one of the largest ancient bells in China.

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred mountain area and admire the beautiful natural scenery surrounding Mount Emei.

After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel near Mount Emei and rest for the next day’s mountain exploration.

Stay overnight at Mount Emei.

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin your exploration of Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site combining outstanding natural landscapes with rich Buddhist culture.

Mount Emei is famous for its ancient temples, dense forests, diverse wildlife, and spectacular mountain scenery. The mountain is home to more than 5,000 plant species and over 2,300 kinds of wild animals, creating one of China’s most important ecological areas.

First, take your private vehicle to the Mount Emei Tourist Center, then transfer to an eco-friendly sightseeing bus that takes you through the mountain’s beautiful forest landscape to the upper mountain area. After approximately 1.5–2 hours, arrive at Leidongping (2,400m).

From Leidongping, walk about 30 minutes along stone paths to reach the cable car station. During the walk, you may have the opportunity to encounter the famous Mount Emei wild monkeys, which are often seen along the mountain trails.

Take the cable car up to the magnificent Golden Summit (3,077m), the highlight of Mount Emei. Standing on the summit, you will first see the impressive 48-meter-high golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, one of the most iconic Buddhist landmarks in China.

Explore the summit area and visit Huazang Temple, the first Buddhist temple established on Mount Emei, with a history dating back to the 1st century CE. Walk around the peaceful Buddhist buildings, admire the mountain temples, and enjoy the incredible panoramic views.

On clear days, the Golden Summit offers breathtaking views of:

• Mount Gongga (7,556m), the highest peak in Sichuan Province
• Wawu Mountain, Asia’s largest table mountain
• Winding rivers and valleys surrounding Mount Emei City
• The spectacular Sea of Clouds, one of Mount Emei’s most famous natural wonders

After approximately 1.5 hours of sightseeing on the summit, descend by cable car and return to Leidongping. Take the eco-bus back to the tourist center, where your driver will transfer you back to Chengdu (about 2.5–3 hours).

For travelers seeking deeper hiking experiences, Mount Emei also offers customized hiking routes ranging from several hours to multi-day trekking options depending on fitness level and travel schedule.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the railway station for your exciting high-speed train journey from Chengdu to Xi’an (approximately 3.5 hours).

The comfortable bullet train connects two of China’s most important historical cities, allowing you to enjoy changing landscapes from Sichuan’s mountains and countryside to the ancient plains of Shaanxi Province.

Upon arrival at Xi’an North Railway Station, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After a short rest and lunch, begin exploring the ancient capital of China.

First visit Da Ci’en Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples of the Tang Dynasty. Inside the temple stands the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 64.5-meter-high landmark built during the Tang Dynasty by the Buddhist master Xuanzang, the historical figure who inspired the character Tang Seng in Journey to the West.

Continue with a unique cultural experience — wearing traditional Hanfu costumes. Dress in ancient Chinese clothing once worn by emperors, nobles, scholars, and officials, and capture memorable photos while experiencing the elegance of traditional Chinese culture.

Next, visit the magnificent Xi’an Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this impressive structure stretches nearly 14 kilometers around the old city center. Walk along the wall and enjoy panoramic views of both historic Xi’an and the modern city skyline.

In the evening, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, one of Xi’an’s most famous cultural areas. Wander through narrow streets filled with traditional architecture, local markets, and delicious food stalls. Experience the unique blend of Chinese and Islamic cultures while tasting local specialties.

Optional Activity:

• Cycling experience on the Ancient City Wall for a different perspective of Xi’an’s historic landscape.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, drive approximately 40 km outside Xi’an to visit one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world — the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.

Created over 2,000 years ago to protect Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China, this underground army contains more than 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in three major excavation pits.

As you walk through the exhibition halls, admire the incredible details of each figure, including different facial expressions, hairstyles, armor styles, and military positions. The discovery reveals the extraordinary ambition of the Qin Dynasty and the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

Continue to Hanyangling Archaeological Museum, a quieter and less crowded archaeological site offering a different perspective on ancient Chinese burial culture. Unlike the Terracotta Warriors, Hanyangling features smaller terracotta figures representing soldiers, officials, servants, animals, and daily life scenes of the Han Dynasty.

One of the highlights is the glass viewing floor, allowing visitors to look directly over the excavation area and observe archaeological discoveries from above.

After the tour, your guide will transfer you to Xi’an Airport or Railway Station for your onward flight or train journey.

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