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Giant Panda eating Bamboo, China
Home Destinations North and Central Asia China Chengdu and giant pandas

Chengdu and giant pandas

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The magical region of Sichuan in southwest China is a land of many guises.

It contains many of China’s most interesting natural wonders, wildlife preserves, archaeological sites, ancient engineering achievements, museums, and historical buildings.

Buddha on Mt Emei, Sichuan
Budda Mt. Emei, Sichuan,

Chengdu

The Capital of the region is Chengdu where people firstly come to visit the giant pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base close by. Another attraction is the Buddhist temples on Mt. Emei and the Grand Buddha carved into a cliff face. Visitors also come to Chengdu to admire the traditional, style buildings, explore the narrow streets and experience a lively local life. If you like spicy food, Sichuan cuisine is famous across the land.

Running through the Sichuan Province is the mighty Yangtze River making it possible to include this region on a Yangtze River cruise.

Sichuan Tibet Northern Line Queer Mountain
Northern Line Queer Mountain, China

Northern Sichuan

Bordering with Tibet, Northern Sichuan is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture as most of the outlying villages have a large Tibetan population. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking and the national parks of this region are well known for their clean lakes, waterfalls, colourful ponds, snowy mountains and gorges. A less visited area of Sichuan but full of magical surprises.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Sichuan Hot Pot, China
 

Dine on Sichuan Hot Pot

Spend an evening at a locally run restaurant and order a Sichuan hot pot to experience an authentic taste of the region.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Golden Monkey, China, Paul Craven
 

Adventure in Jiushaigou

Hike, ride and camp in the stunning landscapes of Jiushaigou Nature Reserve, home to wildlife including the giant panda and golden monkey.

Sichuan Opera, China
 

Experience a Sichuan Opera

Take in a Sichuan Opera, an important part of Chengdu culture.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Giant Buddha, Leshan, Chengdu, China
 

Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha

Marvel at the 71 metre tall, 1,200 year old Grand Buddha, carved from a cliff face.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Giant Panda eating Bamboo, China
 

See Giant Pandas

Observe Sìchuan’s famous residents at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

The Temple House £££££

  • China
  • City

The Temple House is home to a beautifully restored hundred-year-old Chinese courtyard building which sits boldly alongside two contemporary buildings. Within these are 100 guest rooms and 43 adjoining serviced apartments known as Residences. Elegant bamboo frames, Qing Dynasty courtyards and traditional step stones greet guests on arrival before continuing to elegant spacious rooms with a minimalist and modern vibe. The hotel is home to a dynamic collection of restaurants as well as a spa, heated swimming pool and fully equipped gym.

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Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain £££££

  • China

Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain Resort has been designed to blend regional architecture and landscaping, resulting in a hotel with a strong sense of place yet with a contemporary attitude. The spacious suites and villas are extremely comfortable with a modern twist on a traditional Chinese style. Each has a private balcony or courtyard and lovely views of the surrounding scenery.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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  • 01285 880 980
Clare infront of traditional ger.
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Clare Higginson

It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list.

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  • 01285 880 980

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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