Chengdu Pandas & Leshan Buddha: A China Adventure

We Finally Saw PANDAS in China! Amazing 48 Hours in CHENGDU 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:ChengduPopulation:16.3 million
We Finally Saw PANDAS in China! Amazing 48 Hours in CHENGDU 🇨🇳
Max and Jacqueline2025-04-2330 min

After falling in love with Dali and Lijiang, we’ve now arrived in Chengdu 成都市 — a vibrant city where ancient history and modern life collide.

In this episode, we tick off some true bucket list experiences:

🐼 Visiting Chengdu’s famous panda sanctuary to see these adorable animals up close (yes, they really do just eat and sleep!)

🗿 Exploring the Leshan Giant Buddha 樂山大佛, the largest stone Buddha in the world — an awe-inspiring sight carved directly into a cliff

🌶️ Trying authentic Sichuan cuisine, from bubbling hot pots to fiery street food that completely surprised us

This was one of the most memorable stops on our China train journey so far. If you’re planning a trip to China or just curious about this fascinating country, Chengdu might just steal your heart like it did ours.

– The Dujiangyan Panda Base 都江堰熊猫基地

– Leshan Giant Buddha

– Wide and Narrow Alley (宽窄巷子)

– Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街)

– Local hot pot & street snacks

--- Max and Jacqueline
April 23, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00China train journey begins
  2. 0:19Chengdu exploration starts
  3. 1:26Coffee and travel milestone
  4. 2:17Train to Leshan Giant Buddha
  5. 5:35Leshan Giant Buddha arrival
  6. 8:24Jinli Ancient Street visit
  7. 11:18Dinner in Chengdu
  8. 14:47Return to Chengdu
  9. 15:02Dujiangyan Panda Base
  10. 24:12Hot pot experience
  11. 25:47People's Park visit

Max and Jacqueline's Chengdu adventure: pandas, giant Buddha, delicious food! A captivating blend of iconic sights and local experiences.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Chengdu is one of China's oldest cities, over 4,000 years old, and famous for pandas, but offers so much more. (1:07)
  2. Tip 2When traveling by train in China, buy snacks at convenience stores before boarding for a long journey. (2:17)
  3. Tip 3Always carry your passport in China for train travel and tourist activities. (5:43)
  4. Tip 4China prioritizes safety; cameras are everywhere, making it feel secure, especially at night. (15:06)
  5. Tip 5The Dujiangyan Panda Base is less crowded than the Chengdu Panda Base and has free-roaming red pandas. (16:27)
  6. Tip 6The Dujiangyan Panda Base offers a calm panda experience compared to the potentially crowded Chengdu base. (22:29)
  7. Tip 7China's metro system is efficient and convenient, rarely delayed, unlike some systems in other countries. (25:23)
  8. Tip 8People's Park in Chengdu is a lively spot to enjoy tea and people-watch, offering an immersive cultural experience. (26:46)
  9. Tip 9Rose tea is popular in many parts of China; it's a good choice when unsure what tea to order. (28:37)

Max and Jacqueline's whirlwind 48 hours in Chengdu, China, was filled with iconic sights and surprising discoveries. From encountering adorable pandas at the Dujiangyan Panda Base to marveling at the Leshan Giant Buddha, their journey was a blend of bucket-list adventures and unexpected cultural immersion. Exploring ancient streets, savoring authentic Sichuan cuisine, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of People's Park, they captured the essence of Chengdu's unique charm. This video offers a captivating glimpse into a city where history meets modernity, leaving viewers eager to explore its wonders.

More about the current video:( 5 / 6 )

We Finally Saw PANDAS in China! Amazing 48 Hours in CHENGDU 🇨🇳

This China travel vlog follows Max and Jacqueline's incredible 48-hour adventure in Chengdu. Their journey begins with a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where they witness the adorable pandas in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable experience. The unique details of their encounter, like observing the pandas' eating habits and noting the lack of opposable thumbs but presence of a long wrist bone, add a layer of personal insight.

Their exploration continues to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a colossal stone Buddha carved into a cliffside. The sheer scale of the Buddha and the historical significance, built over 90 years in the 8th century, leave a lasting impression. The vlog captures the awe-inspiring sight and the surrounding landscape, highlighting the unique carvings and the convergence of three rivers.

Beyond the iconic landmarks, Max and Jacqueline immerse themselves in the local culture. They explore Chengdu's ancient streets, including Jinli Ancient Street, marveling at the unique architecture and the vibrant atmosphere. Their culinary journey includes trying authentic Sichuan cuisine, from bubbling hot pots to fiery street food, showcasing the region's rich gastronomic heritage. The vlog also captures their interactions with locals, highlighting the kindness and helpfulness they encountered.

The vlog concludes with a visit to People's Park, where they experience the bustling atmosphere and enjoy traditional tea at a local tea house. The vivid descriptions of the park's lively atmosphere and the personal touch of their tea-drinking experience add an engaging narrative. Throughout their journey, Max and Jacqueline showcase the convenience and efficiency of China's transportation system, from high-speed trains to the metro, and the pervasive use of digital payment methods. Their journey emphasizes the blend of ancient history and modern life in Chengdu, leaving viewers with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this fascinating city. The vlog is a testament to their immersive experience, capturing both the iconic landmarks and the authentic cultural moments that make Chengdu a truly memorable destination.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's a unique feature of coffee cups in China?
A: They come with little attached hats to keep the coffee warm and prevent spills while walking.
Q: How much did the train tickets cost?
A: 108 yuan for two people.
Q: What's the most surprising thing about the Leshan Giant Buddha?
A: It took 90 years to build, and the monk who started it didn't see its completion.
Q: What's the best way to experience the local culture in Chengdu?
A: Visit People's Park and enjoy tea while people-watching; it's a very immersive experience.
Q: What's special about the Dujiangyan Panda Base?
A: It's less crowded than the Chengdu Panda Base and has free-roaming red pandas.
Q: What was the food like in Chengdu?
A: We tried a delicious beef noodle soup and a bubbling hot pot with various ingredients, including unusual mushrooms and noodles.

Chengdu Pandas & Leshan Buddha: A China Adventure

After falling in love with Dali and Lijiang, we’ve now arrived in Chengdu 成都市 — a vibrant city where ancient history and modern life collide. In this episode, we tick off some true bucket list experiences: 🐼 Visiting Chengdu’s famous panda sanctuary to see these adorable animals up close (yes,...

Chengdu: Pandas, Leshan Buddha & Sichuan Delights

Max and Jacqueline's latest adventure takes them to Chengdu, China, a city where ancient history meets modern life. Their 48-hour whirlwind includes an unforgettable visit to the Chengdu Panda Base, a heartwarming encounter with these adorable creatures. They also explore the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha, a breathtaking sight carved into a cliffside. And of course, no trip to Chengdu is complete without indulging in the fiery delights of authentic Sichuan cuisine. This episode promises a captivating journey through culture, food, and stunning landscapes, making Chengdu a must-see destination on any China itinerary.

Attractions in this video: Leshan Giant Buddha, Dujiangyan Panda Base, Jinli Ancient Street, Wide And Narrow Alley, Peoples Park