Panda Valley + Dujiangyan Private Tour

Explore Panda Valley and the Dujiangyan Scenic Area on a private tour from Chengdu. Watch giant pandas, enjoy a local lunch, and customize your tour with cultural experiences.

Begin your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup in Chengdu. Travel to Panda Valley, a natural wild-release base for giant pandas, located in Baima Village, Yutang Town, Dujiangyan City.

Upon arrival, explore the bunker-shaped animal houses where the adorable giant pandas temporarily reside. In the morning, the pandas are more active, allowing you to witness them eating bamboo, playing, and sleeping in a very cute and endearing way. Later, visit the red panda area on the mountain to see these lively and charming creatures.

After visiting Panda Valley, head to a nearby restaurant to savor authentic Chengdu delicacies, such as twice-cooked pork, pig's trotter soup, camphor-tea duck, crispy cakes with rich fillings, and wontons in various flavors.

After lunch, visit the Dujiangyan Scenic Area to experience the history of Dujiangyan and the ingenious design of the entire water conservancy project from the route of Lidui Park-Yan Road-Fulong Temple-Feishayan-Yuzui Dam-Anlan Cable Bridge-Erwang Temple-Songmao Ancient Road.

If you prefer to spend the afternoon experiencing Chengdu's slow life culture, choose from the following options:

Option 1: Leisure Time at People’s Park

• Heming Teahouse: Enjoy Gaiwan tea and experience Chengdu’s tea culture.

• Local Activity Experience: Participate in local leisure activities like playing mahjong and ear cleaning.

• Lakeside Walk: Stroll along the park’s lake, enjoying the tranquil natural environment.

Option 2: Cultural Tour of Kuanzhai Alley

• Historical District Exploration: Wander through Wide Alley, Narrow Alley, and Well Alley, admiring Qing Dynasty architecture.

• Local Snack Tasting: Try authentic Chengdu snacks like Zhong dumplings, Long chao shou, and Lai glutinous rice balls.

• Creative Shops Shopping: Select handicrafts from various specialty shops.

Option 3: Artistic Exploration of Wangping Creative Market

• Creative Market Browsing: Explore various creative products and feel Chengdu’s artistic atmosphere.

• Specialty Bookstore Reading: Enjoy a quiet reading time in specialty bookstores like Geometry Bookstore.

• Café Rest: Relax in various styled cafés, tasting coffee and unwinding.

In the evening, enjoy a Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Performance at Shufeng Yayun Theater. Appreciate traditional performances like face-changing and fire-spitting, experiencing the unique charm of Sichuan opera. Enjoy tea while watching performances, experiencing a unique way of theater viewing.

Please note

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Panda Valley - morning visits are best - pandas are most active during feeding hours.
Spring & Autumn (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) - pleasant weather, lush scenery.
Summer (Jun-Aug) - lively atmosphere but hotter and busier.
Winter (Dec-Feb) - fewer visitors, cool and peaceful with crisp air.

DO'S & DON'TS

Do's
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat in warmer months.
- Respect quiet areas and follow staff instructions at Panda Valley.
- Consider hiring a private guide to enrich your experience.
Don'ts
- Don't feed, touch, or disturb the pandas - interaction is strictly prohibited.
- Don't use flash photography near pandas.
- Don't litter - help preserve these protected areas.
- Don't rush your visit to Dujiangyan - it's a large site best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
- Don't expect air-conditioning - much of the tour is outdoors, so dress comfortable for the season.

ACCESSIBILITY

Panda Valley
- Easy walking paths, mostly flat with some gentle slopes.
- Not all areas fully wheelchair accessible, but main viewing zones are reachable.
- Rest areas and benches available.
Dujiangyan Scenic Area
- Larger site with stairs, bridges, and uneven paths.
- Limited wheelchair or stroller access in certain sections.
- Moderate mobility required to explore temples and suspension bridges.
General Notes
- Restrooms available, but some are basic - bring tissues or wet wipes.
- Itinerary can be customized for slower pacing or shorter walking routes.
- A private guide can assist with accessibility planning and navigation (optional).

TRAVELER TIPS

Panda Valley offers a calmer, less crowded alternative to Chengdu Panda Base.
Bring cash or mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay) - not all vendors accept cards.
Morning visits ensure the most rewarding panda experience.
With Aether Tours, transfers and logistics are arranged in advance for a smooth, worry-free day.
Meals: Local restaurants near Dujiangyan serve delicious Sichuan food (spicy hotpot, mapo tofu, snacks) - but meals are not included , giving you the freedom to choose.
A private guide can make a big difference, especially at Dujiangyan where cultural/historical background makes the visit more meaningful.

What to bring

SEASONAL TIPS

Spring - pleasant weather, but bring a light jacket for mornings/evenings.
Summer - hot and humid, with occasional rain; carry an umbrella or poncho.
Autumn - clear skies and mild temperatures - one of the best times to visit.
Winter - crisp air and fewer crowds; dress warmly for outdoor walks.
Sun protection recommended year-round.

HYDRATION & SNACKS

Reusable Water Bottle - stay hydrated throughout the day.
Light Snacks - energy bars or fruit for when food options are limited.

PERSONAL HYGIENE & COMFORT

Hand Sanitizer & Tissues - restrooms may be basic.
Wet Wipes - handy for quick refreshes.
Lip Balm - dry air, especially in winter, can affect skin.
Insect Repellent - useful in summer months near rivers and greenery.

HEALTH & MEDICATIONS

Carry personal medication.
Consider travel sickness tablets if you're sensitive to winding roads.
Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

Pro Tip from Aether Tours:
- Travel light and dress comfortably - you'll spend much of the day outdoors between pandas, riverside walks, and historic temples. A small backpack with just essentials makes your tour smooth and enjoyable.