The city of Chengdu is known for a variety of different things, two of the most notable of which are the city’s pandas and cuisine. Known widely as the “hometown of the giant panda” and the "heaven of good food", Chengdu is home to the largest captive panda population in the world and is also recognized as a UNESCO international city of gastronomy. In this tour from AbsolutePanda, our experienced team of local guides is well equipped to provide you with the perfect travel experience here in Chengdu. Over the course of one day, you will have the best opportunity to view giant pandas as well as creating and sampling some of the dishes that have made Sichuanese cuisine famous worldwide. For those who wish to see what makes Chengdu unlike any other place in the world, this itinerary is a perfect choice.


Highlights:

• See the largest captive population of pandas in the world at the Chengdu Panda Base.

• Eat like locals. Savor the spice and flavor of authentic Sichuan cuisine in popular local restaurants.

• Visit a local market with a local guide to check the fresh ingredients. 

• Learn about Chinese food culture and more stories behind in the Sichuan Cuisine Museum.

• Cooking class experience, create some of Sichuan’s most iconic dishes with the guidance of a local cooking instructor.


Introduction to trip destinations:

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Holding the distinction of the world’s largest panda base, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Chengdu Panda Base) attracts tourists and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Conveniently located a short drive away from downtown, this state of the art research facility comfortably houses more pandas that anywhere else at home and abroad. During your visit, you will see pandas ranging from young cubs to lumbering adults as well as the elusive and adorable Red Panda. Additionally, the scenic, garden-like atmosphere of the panda base is especially ideal for Urban Birding like Red-billed Leiothrix, Ruddy Shelduck, Chinese Blackbird, Spotted Dove and so on.


Culinary Workshop
For those looking to learn the age-old techniques behind Sichuan’s world-famous cuisine, this tour provides the perfect primer. Under the close instruction of our resident cooking instructor, your group will learn the ropes of cooking Chengdu’s iconic spicy delicacies. Dishes such as Kung pao Chicken, Homestyle Tofu and Double-boiled Beef are just some of the recipes that have attracted worldwide attention to this city.




Sichuan Cuisine Museum
In Sichuan Cuisine Museum you will discover the secrets of making the famed Doubanjiang（Pixian Chili Bean Paste), a spicy bean paste used in Sichuan cuisine. Then learn more at the Museum where displaying various culinary artifacts and books by authors known for their contributions to Sichuan cuisine. Hear many Sichuan food facts, from the historical developments of the cuisine to the trade and commerce related to this industry. Learn about technological advancements in pottery and cooking techniques and the culinary effects in art and literature, and see maps showing the subtle variations in flavor among the different areas of Sichuan.
 

How Can We Make This Trip Special？

• Many times of running this itinerary for western panda funs, nature and culture lovers enables us to ensure your trip is enjoyable and comfortable in the hidden area.

• A team of passionate guides specializing in panda and wildlife with rich experiences of guiding and solid knowledge about local cultures and places.

• This trip can be customized to better meet your travel style by centering on a different focus.

• 20-plus years of working in the travel industry and serving travelers from all over the world enable us to know how to make great trips for travelers of different travel styles.