Xipu → Breakfast → Lidui Park → Yangtianwo Square → Panda Valley → Guanxian Ancient Town → Lunch → Dujiangyan Scenic Area → Dinner → Blue Tears → High-speed train back to Chengdu / Accommodation
You can book high-speed train tickets using Trip. It is recommended to take the trains departing from Xipu at 07:27 or 08:11 to get to Lidu Park Station, which takes 23-28 minutes. Try to set off early in the summer; after the temperature rises, giant pandas will return indoors and cannot be seen up close. Subway Line 2 can reach Xipu Station directly, and it is advisable to choose the front carriage for quick transfers. After arriving at Xipu Station, there is no need to exit; just go through the high-speed train security check at the end of the platform to enter the transfer channel. Walking through the transfer channel takes about 3 minutes to reach the high-speed train ticket checking entrance, with clear signage throughout. After arriving at Dujiangyan High-Speed Railway Station, take the Chengdu-Dujiangyan Intercity Railway (such as train C6346), which takes about 7 minutes to reach Lidu Park Station. The high-speed train stops checking tickets generally 15 minutes before departure, so it is recommended to arrive at Xipu Station 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth transfer.
The name here originates from the local topography—this area was originally a depression formed by the alluvial deposits of the Min River. The terrain is flat and the view is wide, giving a sense of openness that feels like gazing up at the sky in the mountainous Sichuan Basin, hence it is called 'Yangtian Wo'. Historically, this area was traversed by the irrigation channels of the Dujiangyan water conservancy project, with an intertwined network of waterways and fertile fields, embodying the agricultural memory of 'water nurturing the land of abundance'. Today, Yangtian Wo has transformed from a natural landmark into a core node of cultural and tourism integration, designed with the concept of 'dialogue between tradition and modernity', combining Dujiangyan's water culture, Taoist culture, panda culture, and contemporary public art, becoming the 'first check-in point' before visitors enter the Dujiangyan scenic area, as well as a new space for citizens' leisure and cultural experiences. In the center of the square stands a super cute public art sculpture: a giant panda lying on its back using a selfie stick, approximately 26 meters long, 11 meters wide, 12 meters high, and weighing 130 tons, made of millions of coated stainless steel wires. The sculpture was jointly created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman (the father of the giant rubber duck) and UAP, capturing the essence of the panda's relaxed feeling, and reflecting the overall relaxed and joyful urban atmosphere of Chengdu. This has made it a new internet-famous landmark in Chengdu after the Chengdu IFS panda.
If you're eager to see the giant pandas, you can go see them first before having breakfast. The only issue is that you might be tempted to eat while watching the giant pandas munch on bamboo.
Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours Chengdu Panda Valley is the world's first scientific research and eco-tourism base focused on the core goal of the “wild release” of giant pandas, covering an area of 2004 acres, integrating natural scenery, research value, and cultural heritage. It also fully considers the feelings of foreign friends, supporting navigation maps and signs in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. Founded in 2010, the first phase of the project was completed in 2012 and welcomed the first batch of giant pandas. Currently, there are about 10-20 giant pandas and around 20 red pandas. Panda Valley creates a “semi-wild” environment, allowing giant pandas to live in nature with forests, streams, and bamboo groves. You can observe their climbing trees and eating bamboo through hidden walkways, experiencing the shock of “pandas in the wild.” As of 2025, four batches of a total of 8 giant pandas have completed their wilding transition training here, among which “Zhang Xiang” and “Xue Xue” successfully returned to the original forest of the Qionglai mountain range. In addition to giant pandas, the park is also home to more than 20 red pandas, which move freely in a 34-acre fully free-range area, allowing visitors to closely observe the lively figures of these “internet-famous cute pets.” Moreover, 21 species of mammals, such as rock squirrels and hog badgers, as well as 131 species of birds inhabit the valley, even recreating the ecological spectacle of fireflies dancing in the air. Although the giant pandas in Panda Valley mainly focus on wild training, their “siblings” are renowned worldwide through international cooperation projects. For example: Yuan Zai and Huan Huan: In 2012, they went to the Beauval Zoo in France to participate in Sino-French giant panda breeding research, becoming ambassadors for cultural exchange. Xing Ya and Wu Jie: During their stay at the Ouwehands Zoo in Holland, they sparked a “panda craze” in the local area, becoming symbols of Sino-Dutch friendship. Cheng Ji and Hua Mei: After living in Singapore's River Safari for several years, they returned to China, and their story was made into a documentary that has been viewed over 10 million times globally. Visiting sequence: Visitor Center → Waterfall → Anyi Bridge → Coffee House → Return Maternity Room → Panda Villa No. 1 → Panda Villa No. 2 → Panda Villa No. 3 → Observation Deck → Red Panda Ecological Free-range Area → San Sheng Temple
After the tour, please return to the Panda Valley exit. You can take a taxi or the bus to Guanyin County Ancient Town. We recommend taking a taxi whenever possible; it’s not expensive and can effectively save time and energy. Taxi: It takes about 20 minutes and costs around 20 yuan. Aim for your preferred lunch restaurant, which is about 7-8 kilometers away. If you're not hungry, you can first navigate to 'South Bridge' to experience the charm of the ancient town. Bus: It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs 2 yuan. Walk to 'Panda Valley Station', take 'Dujiangyan Line 14', and travel for 10 stops to get off at 'Rongchuang Cultural Tourism City'. Then transfer on the spot to 'Dujiangyan Line 101', travel for 7 stops to 'Lidu Community Station', and walk 600 meters to reach the 'Tianfu Source Sky Bridge' of Guanyin County Ancient Town. Cross the bridge to arrive at Guanyin County Ancient Town.
If you are hungry, you can go directly to the lunch spot. If you want to enjoy lunch later, you can first take a stroll through Guoxian Ancient Town.
After lunch or shopping, if you're tired, why not enjoy the scenery while having a cup of coffee to take a break?
Guoxian Ancient Town is the original starting point of Dujiangyan City, covering an area of 0.98 square kilometers. It dates back to the Wei period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386 AD - 534 AD) and is named because it is located in the irrigation area of the Dujiangyan water conservancy project at the entrance of Baopingkou. It is known as the 'First Town of the Tianfu Source.' In 1988, Guoxian was renamed Dujiangyan City. Today, it is a city that integrates the styles of ancient towns in western Sichuan, Three Kingdoms culture, tea culture, and Taoist culture. It is a place where mountain scenery and urban life blend, where landscapes and culture merge, and it is an old town full of life, often referred to as 'Little Chengdu.' The Dujiangyan project commenced in 256 BC, led by Li Bing and his son, transforming the Chengdu Plain into a 'land of plenty where water and drought are managed by man.' It is the world's oldest and still operational dam-free irrigation project. Here you can stroll around, experiencing the unique 'Bashi' feeling of Sichuan. You can also look across the river at the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, as there is an amazing feature of this place— the best viewpoints for scenery are all located outside the scenic area. What is 'Three Kingdoms Culture' About 2000 years ago, China was at the end of a dynasty called 'Eastern Han.' Like many ancient empires in decline: central government lost control, local powers rose, strongmen became warlords, fighting for supremacy led to years of battles, causing suffering for countless people, leading to countless families broken apart. In the end, three of the strongest forces emerged, forming a 'tripod' situation—— In the north, 'Wei,' occupying the most land and population, with great strength. Its leader was Cao Cao, who controlled the nominal emperor of the time but was regarded as a 'traitor' with a poor reputation. In the southwest, 'Shu,' located in a remote area with a small population and army, but its leader Liu Bei had excellent personal character and reputation, with a strong sense of team cohesion. He was recognized by many under the banner of 'restoring order.' In the southeast, 'Wu,' which had an advantage in naval forces, relying on the natural barrier of the Yangtze River for self-protection. Its leader was Sun Quan, who lacked ambition but once formed an alliance with Liu Bei to defeat Cao Cao decisively. These three forces fought each other for decades until they were finally unified by a new dynasty. This historical period is called the 'Three Kingdoms Period' (approximately 220-280 AD). Originally just a history of turmoil, due to later embellishments and legends, it became increasingly dramatic, with characters resembling epic heroes, filled with personal charm. These figures, combining history and legend, greatly influenced the 'cultural genes' of the Chinese people—— Liu Bei——benevolence, loving humanity, hoping to save the chaotic world and unite everyone to achieve ideals, although a tragic hero, he redefined success and failure over a larger timescale. Guan Yu——righteousness, never betraying, loyal to brothers unto death, becoming a moral benchmark for the Chinese for thousands of years. Zhuge Liang——unparalleled wisdom and strategy, loyal to ideals, diligent and dedicated, shrewd and practical, became synonymous with 'responsibility and dedication' for the Chinese. Cao Cao——although cruel, suspicious, lecherous, and power-hungry, he had grand strategies, reflecting the complexity and duality of human nature. Against the grand backdrop of this era, struggles for power, conflicts between ideals and reality, the complexity of human nature, eternal virtues, magnificent wars, tragic love, conspiracies, and scheming... almost all story models can be encapsulated, with nearly all aspects of humanity starkly revealed within. Thus, the Three Kingdoms has become the grand backdrop of countless films, games, and anime, with a large number of 'Three Kingdoms fans' around the world. Route reference: South Bridge → Ming City Wall → West Street → Confucius Temple Street → Food Street → Yulei Pavilion
After descending from Yulei Pavilion, walk towards the Li Bing Memorial Hall, and then continue straight to reach Qinyan Tower, from where you can enter Dujiangyan Scenic Area.
Ticket price: 80 yuan/person Summer opening hours 8:00-17:30, winter 8:30-17:00. Recommended visit time: 3 hours This great water conservancy project is located on the Min River in the western Chengdu Plain, with a total of 7 scenic groups and 56 scenic spots, including natural landscapes and cultural sites. It was built around 256 BC and has a history of more than two thousand years, still functioning today. It is the oldest existing water conservancy project in the world that draws water without a dam. It holds dual identities as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and World Natural Heritage site, but this does not fully explain its greatness. Why is Dujiangyan called a miracle project? More than 2000 years ago, China was in the Warring States period, and the Qin state ruled the Sichuan Basin. At that time, the Qin king was accumulating national strength to eliminate the other six states vying for supremacy and unify all of China, so he hoped to turn the Chengdu Plain into his granary. Therefore, he appointed Li Bing as the administrative chief here, ordering him to construct water conservancy to develop agriculture and consolidate Qin’s rule here. During that time, the Chengdu Plain was threatened by floods from the Min River year-round, with excessive water in summer causing disasters and insufficient water in winter causing droughts, severely affecting agricultural production. Thus, Li Bing and his son spent a long time studying the Min River’s water flow, discovering that the river had a large flow in summer, which would destroy downstream farmland. In contrast, during the dry season, the flow would be minimal, leading to droughts. Following the conventional management approach, it seemed necessary to build a dam to store water in the rainy season and release it in the dry season. However, being located on a plain, with the engineering level and technical capabilities over 2000 years ago, it was impossible to build a sufficiently large reservoir, and the Min River’s massive flow could turn the dam into a consumable item. These problems seemed unsolvable at the time, but Li Bing and his son adopted a more ingenious solution—since a dam couldn’t be built, let’s not build it! The core design philosophy of Li Bing and his son was to divert, drain, and automatically regulate the water, using the terrain and the water flow to manage water instead of blocking it directly. Thus, they mobilized 100,000 people to build three major projects over eight years, along with supporting river dredging and irrigation channel systems, forming a vast water management system— Fish Mouth—Dividing Weir This is a dividing weir parallel to the Min River, splitting it into two tributaries: the “Inner River” and the “Outer River,” and is the core “black technology” of Dujiangyan. It is built at a bend in the Min River, where centrifugal force affects the water flow, allowing the clear surface water with lower sediment to flow into the Inner River, while the sediment-laden bottom water flows into the Outer River, naturally achieving the effect of “sediment separation.” More remarkably, it also automatically adjusts the flow rates of the Inner and Outer Rivers based on water volume, as described below— The role of the Outer River is to drain floodwater and sediment; it is shallow and wide. When the water volume is high, 60% of the water will flow out from the Outer River and not surge into the Inner River, thus avoiding harm to the Chengdu Plain. The role of the Inner River is irrigation; it is narrow and deep. During the dry season, 60% of the water flow will direct towards the lower terrain of the Inner River, providing enough irrigation water for crops in the Chengdu Plain. Flying Sand Weir—Flood Drainage Channel Located in the middle reaches of the Inner River, it is an overflow channel. When there is too much water, excess water and sediment will drain back to the Outer River from here, preventing blockage and floods in the Inner River. Bottle Mouth—Water Intake Located at the end of the Inner River, it is as narrow as the mouth of a bottle. It can control the inflow amount, stabilizing the water flow without damaging the downstream channels. These three components work together to allow Dujiangyan to achieve the functions of automatic diversion, sediment discharge, and stable water flow without using sluice gates or blocking river water, making the Chengdu Plain a high-yield grain-producing and populous “Land of Abundance.” Even today, it still irrigates over 6600 square kilometers of land. If you didn’t understand the above explanation, that’s okay; shortly, we will witness the magic of all this firsthand. Recommended order of visit: Dujiangyan Scenic Area ticket office → Qingxi Garden → Wo Tie → Yan Gong Road → Fu Long Guan → Li Dui → Fei Sha Yan → Fish Mouth (Sightseeing Car) → Jingang Dike → Anlan Suspension Bridge → Qin Yan Tower → Er Wang Temple → Yu Lei Pass → Bu Yun Corridor Escalator → Yu Lei Pavilion → West Gate → Bottle Mouth → Ancient City West Street
After a day of intense activity, you definitely need to replenish your energy. We have prepared unique local delicacies for you, and there are performances to enjoy.
The 'Blue Tears' of Dujiangyan is a popular attraction loved by countless people. It is not natural; rather, it is a light and shadow feast created using neon lights. Every sunset, when the sky completely darkens, the lights turn on, and under the illumination of the lights, the rushing Minjiang River is given a dreamy color. From 'Baopingkou' to the Zao Ma Yuzui area are all viewing spots, but there are generally more people at the South Bridge, while Tianfu Yuan Langqiao is relatively less crowded. The Blue Tears in the summer flood season are more beautiful, while during the dry season, they are not as impressive. The time for the lights to turn on varies according to the sunset time, generally between 19:40 and 20:20. Be mindful of mosquitoes in the summer.
If you choose to return to Chengdu, the last high-speed train is at 21:03. You can book it yourself using Trip, and try to ensure that you book it at least half a day in advance. It takes about twenty minutes to take a taxi from Blue Tears to the high-speed train station, and ticket checking will stop five minutes before departure. So if you purchase the 21:03 high-speed train, considering the time needed for entry and ticket checking, it’s best to leave by 20:20. If you miss the high-speed train, there is a bus station at the entrance of the Dujiangyan scenic area, costing 35 yuan per person, and it takes about 90 minutes to get directly to Chunxi Road/Kuan Zhai Alley. If you want to play here for another day, you can choose to stay at nearby homestays or hotels, with an average cost of around 200 yuan, which is quite good. We also have a travel article called “Ask the Tao of Qingcheng” available for you, located not far away at Qingcheng Mountain.
Setting off from the morning light of Xipu, bidding farewell in the shimmering waves of the blue tears at Nanqiao. The cute panda sculpture at Yangtianwo holds its 'selfie stick', while the pandas in Panda Valley roll around hugging bamboo branches in a clumsy manner. The harmony at the 'fish mouth' of Dujiangyan, where it divides water with the Minjiang River for a thousand years, the sound of 'playing dragon gate' wafts from the tea fragrance of the ancient city of Guanxian, and when the lights come on, the water conservancy project from 2000 years ago embraces the gentle shadows of modernity. These scattered pearls do not just string together a journey; they are also a shared interpretation of 'ease' between nature and civilization. The pandas’ wisdom in choosing bamboo as food and the flood control philosophy of Li Bing and his son, are fundamentally the same life awareness— not imposing a change on the world but knowing how to find the code for coexistence in complying. Just like the Minjiang River, after flowing through the fish mouth, nourishes thousands of acres of fertile farmland and transforms into the shimmering waves in the night scene of Nanqiao; the balance of hardness and softness has always been the softest response to the world. In this ever-moving era, this journey should leave us with more than just some cute, soft, and magnificent pictures. We hope that the clumsiness of pandas and the sound of the ancient dam in your memory can transform into a power drawn from nature and civilization, becoming our ‘Dujiangyan’— In the anxious days to come, may we all remember the tranquility of pandas munching on bamboo, the composure when the Minjiang water floods over the ancient dam, and let this gentle yet firm strength protect our souls, allowing it to remain as the waters of the Chengdu Plain, never flooding and never drying up. Good night. If you were satisfied with today’s itinerary, please feel free to give us a good review. It will be very helpful for others who are thinking of traveling to China. Of course, if there’s anything that dissatisfied you, please let us know in a timely manner. This can urge us to continuously improve our service. Thank you very much.
1. Close-up encounters with pandas are best at Panda Valley, as the number of visitors is small, and the pandas are in good condition, allowing for close contact where you can even hear the sound of pandas chewing bamboo. There’s also a chance to get close to red pandas.
2. Visiting pandas must be in the morning; the giant pandas are full of energy after breakfast around 8 AM, but by lunchtime, they will retreat to their rooms for a nap and will be unseen.
3. Giant pandas prefer cool conditions and are generally indoors when the temperature exceeds 26 degrees Celsius, viewable only from behind glass, so avoid visiting during the hottest months or go early for a better experience.
4. If you can’t arrive early, try to reach around 11 AM when the pandas are getting a snack; the probability of seeing them is very high.
5. Red pandas are free-range, so it may take a bit of searching to get close. If you enter the park around noon, you can arrive in the free-range area around 1:30 PM, which is feeding time when the red pandas usually appear.
6. Despite their cuteness, please refrain from feeding or touching red pandas.
7. There are two viewing platforms in the free-range area, and the one further inside will give you a better view of more red pandas.
8. Remember to bring sunscreen, an umbrella, comfortable sports shoes, a power bank, small change, water, and some snacks, as well as your passport.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 14 reviews from app travelers
Панды — всё, на что я надеялся. Долина панд тише и естественнее зоопарка — мы смотрели, как они жуют бамбук в нескольких метрах. А потом Дуцзянъянь: стоишь перед системой разделения воды, которой 2200 лет, смотришь, как река Минь расходится на рукава — без плотин, просто умные камни и инженерная мысль. Честно, мурашки. Обед из местных сычуаньских блюд — вишенка на торте. Это и есть тот Сычуань, ради которого я ехал.
Les enfants parlent encore du panda qui s'est roulé juste devant nous. La vallée des pandas est détendue et pas trop bondée, parfaite pour les enfants. Après le déjeuner dans la vieille ville de Guoxian, direction Dujiangyan, où même les petits ont compris l'idée du « creuser en profondeur, bâtir des digues basses » une fois que l'application l'a expliquée. Une journée formidable et facile en famille.
La filosofía del panda —«la suavidad vence a la dureza»— y la del dique de Dujiangyan —«cava hondo, construye bajo»— resultan ser la misma lógica: fluir con la naturaleza. Estudiante de historia del arte, me encanta esta lectura que pone cara a cara dos maneras de «estar a gusto».
This tour was a brilliant combination of nature and ingenuity. Seeing the pandas, especially the red pandas, up close at Panda Valley was a fantastic experience. They're even more charming in person. Then, we went to the Dujiangyan irrigation system. I was blown away by the sheer genius of this 2,000-year-old project that still functions today. It’s a masterpiece of engineering. This app laid out the day perfectly, making it easy to get between these two very different but equally amazing sites.
Le panda qui mâche son bambou avec son air « le monde ne me concerne pas », c’est le meilleur ambassadeur de Chengdu. Et la sagesse du « dragage profond, digues basses » à Dujiangyan, vieille de deux mille ans, a fait des ingénieurs antiques les premiers hydrologues — une histoire à écrire dans n’importe quel livre de voyage.
I came for style and stayed for pandas—unexpected, but I’m not mad about it. The Panda Valley visit was genuinely charming, and it’s the rare “cute” attraction that still feels photogenic in a sophisticated way (monochrome fur is basically couture). The pacing stayed relaxed, which mattered because I wanted time to observe rather than sprint between spots. Dujiangyan was the real surprise: the water-control history gives the landscape a purpose, and seeing the structures and viewpoints made it feel like a cultural engineering masterpiece—very satisfying even for a creative type like me. Guanxian Ancient City added a strollable, lived-in vibe, and the “Blue Tears” stop was a lovely atmospheric touch. Food was constant in the best way: dan dan noodles, sweet water noodles, panda-shaped ice jelly, plus hearty Sichuan dishes and even hotpot elements when the temperature dropped.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour