Chengdu & Guilin Food and Culture Tour: Pandas, Hotpot & Li River

Welcome to Chengdu, the Land of Abundance! After landing, your guide and driver will be there to welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for a comfortable rest.

On your first day in Chengdu, start your day with an up-close encounter with China's national treasure - the adorable giant pandas! In the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, watch them tumble, snack, and melt your heart. Enjoy an authentic Sichuan hotpot for lunch, fiery and satisfying. In the afternoon, wander the peaceful Wenshu Temple, soaking in the incense-filled tranquility. Then head to People Park, where you can see locals chatting, dancing, and playing chess. Join locals for a game of Mahjong and savor a cup of tea, fully immerse yourself in the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu and its vibrant city culture.

Start your morning with a lively Sichuan cooking class - guided by a local chef, select fresh produce, chop, and stir-fry, experiencing how Sichuan's signature spicy flavors are created step by step. After enjoying the dishes you've crafted yourself for lunch, continue in the afternoon to the Sanxingdui Museum, where dazzling golden masks, majestic bronze tree sculptures, and exquisite artifacts transport you back to the spiritual world and artistic brilliance of the Shu civilization over 3,000 years ago.

Set off from Chengdu and hop on a high-speed train to Guilin in the morning. After arriving, enjoy free time at your own pace: whether you'd like to unwind at your hotel or venture into Guilin's lively downtown. Stroll through hidden alleys where you'll find osmanthus-flavored desserts waiting to be discovered.

Prepare your taste buds for a Foodie Tour through Guilin today! Kick off the morning with a bowl of Guilin rice noodles, served with savory meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy pickled beans - a beloved traditional breakfast for locals. Meander through a quiet neighborhood, trying some street snacks along the way.

Then, dive into Lequn Market, a bustling hub of fresh pastries, hot dishes, and seasonal fruits, ideal for a glimpse into local daily life. Later, explore Chuanshan Cave Wine Cellar, one of China's largest natural wine cellars, to taste a variety of wines brewed from rice or fruits. Conclude your day at the Tea Science Research Institute, experience every step from leaf to cup: handpick, pan-fry tender tea leaves, and brew them into a fragrant cup, savoring each sip while relaxing in the tranquil tea garden.

This morning, transfer to Yangdi Pier and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Li River, where jade-green karst peaks rise on both sides and the calm waters perfectly reflect bamboo groves like a mirror. Besides landscapes, you may occasionally spot buffalo grazing and fishermen at work.

After disembarking at Chaobanshan Pier, head to the hotel near West Street and check in. Take a brief pause before setting off on a leisurely cycling tour along the Yulong River bank, passing green rice paddies and charming villages, fully soaking in a serene, pastoral scene.

As you transfer to the airport for your departure, the unique charms of Chengdu and Guilin will remain vivid in your memory long after your journey.