Sichuan Food Tour: Chengdu, Leshan & Mount Emei

Chengdu welcomes you with a laid-back vibe. After you arrive and check in, the rest of the day is yours to relax.

If you feel like going out in the evening, a casual local dinner is a relaxed way to ease into the city. You may try signature Chengdu snacks include Dan Dan Noodles with sesame and chili sauce, or Long Chao Shou, Chengdu-style wontons served in a light broth. These dishes give you an easy first taste of Chengdu's everyday food culture.

This morning begins at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, set among bamboo groves and shaded pathways on the city's outskirts. Giant pandas can be seen climbing, feeding, and resting throughout the day, offering a close introduction to one of China's most iconic animals.

A brief stop is made at Wenshu Monastery before continuing to a classic Chengdu hotpot lunch, a defining part of the city's cuisine, featuring rich broth, fresh ingredients, and bold Sichuan flavors.

In the afternoon, People's Park offers a relaxed look at local life, with residents gathering for tea, conversation, and mahjong under the trees. A visit to a traditional teahouse follows, offering covered bowl tea in a relaxed communal setting.

If you're in the mood to explore, Jianshe Road Night Food Street is an easy place to visit on your own in the evening. It's a popular spot for grabbing local snacks and soaking up the lively nighttime atmosphere.

The journey south continues to Leshan, home to the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into the cliffs where three rivers meet. Experience the site from two distinct perspectives: a river cruise offering panoramic views of the colossal statue and a walk along the hillside paths providing a closer appreciation of its scale, craftsmanship, and dramatic riverside surroundings.

Leshan is also known for its local food scene. Around lunchtime, you may try regional specialties such as Bobo Chicken, chilled chicken skewers dressed in a spicy sesame sauce, or Qiaojiao Beef, a comforting soup with tender slices of beef in a fragrant broth. If you'd like something sweet, the local Glutinous Rice Wine Soup makes a traditional dessert.

In the evening, you will stay overnight in Leshan, with time to explore nearby local dining options at leisure.

Today, depart from your hotel in Leshan for a full-day excursion to Mount Emei, one of China's most revered Buddhist mountains. Known for its forested slopes, layered peaks, and shifting mountain mist, Emei combines natural scenery with centuries of spiritual heritage.

Spend time exploring the mountain's historic temples and scenic walking paths, where Buddhism has shaped daily life for generations. Around midday, enjoy a vegetarian lunch prepared in the style of traditional Buddhist cuisine. Made with fresh seasonal ingredients and simple flavors, it reflects the mountain's long-standing monastic traditions.

In the afternoon, continue your visit of the mountain before returning to Leshan for an overnight stay.

On the journey back to Chengdu, make a stop in Meishan, the historic hometown of Su Dongpo, one of China's most influential ancient poets, writers and food lovers.

Visit the China Pickle Museum for an interactive introduction to one of Sichuan's most iconic food cultures. Explore traditional fermentation methods, learn how local vegetables are prepared through seasoning and brining techniques, and take part in a hands-on experience preparing seasonal vegetables.

Enjoy a local lunch featuring Meishan specialties inspired by Su Dongpo's culinary legacy, including Dongpo-style braised pork and Dongpo-style fish, both closely associated with the region's culinary identity.

Return to Chengdu in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Your journey ends with breakfast and a transfer to the airport, carrying with you the lasting impression of Sichuan's bold cuisine, layered flavors, and authentic food culture.