One-Day Car Hire with Driver: Chengdu to Leshan Round Trip

Enjoy a comfortable one-day trip from Chengdu with a private car and driver to see the famous Leshan Giant Buddha, just two hours away. Choose a direct visit to the Buddha and nearby Lingyun Temple, with the option to walk the scenic path or take a boat ride. Or start your day with a morning visit to the Chengdu Panda Base to see playful pandas before heading to Leshan in the afternoon.

What is the Arrangement?

Here is the most classic itinerary. If you have other plans - such as heading to Leshan Railway Station after the visit to continue to another city - just let us know your schedule, and we’ll arrange accordingly.

Option 1: One-Day Car Hire with Driver from Chengdu to the Leshan Giant Buddha (8 hours)

Enjoy a comfortable day trip with car rental and professional driver from Chengdu (your hotel) to the Leshan Giant Buddha, just 2 hours (150 km) away via the Chengle Expressway. Visit the world’s tallest stone Buddha (71 meters) by walking up the scenic cliffside path or opting for a boat ride on the Min River for a panoramic view.

Explore the nearby Lingyun Temple, a historic Tang Dynasty site, and enjoy famous local snacks like Qiaojiao beef and tofu pudding. Depart early (around 7:00 AM) and return to Chengdu by late afternoon. 

Option 2: One-Day Car Hire with Driver: Chengdu Panda Base + Leshan Giant Buddha (10 hours)

Enjoy a seamless and comfortable day trip with car rental and professional driver service.

Start your morning with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch the pandas during their most active hours (best between 8:00 - 10:00 AM).

Then, drive about 2 hours (150 km) via the expressway to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone Buddha statue. There, you can take a scenic boat ride for full views of the Buddha or walk the cliffside path to see the statue up close.

Enjoy a local lunch with Leshan specialties like Qiaojiao beef and tofu pudding. Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon or early evening.

Notes:

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

• Tickets to Leshan and boat ride are not included. Early booking      is advised, especially during holidays.

What type of vehicle is provided?

• 5-seat car: Suitable for up to 4 passengers.

• 7-seat Buick GL8 or similar: A popular business vehicle, accommodating up to 6 passengers.

• 9-seat Ford JMC or similar: Can carry up to 8 passengers.

If your group has more than 8 people, we offer a wider range of vehicle options. For a smoother and more enjoyable experience, we recommend hiring a tour guide for larger groups.

Do the Drivers Speak English?

Our drivers are native Chinese speakers and speak local language.

The ETripChina customer team is here to assist with communication when needed. We usually create a group chat (on WeChat) that includes you and the driver, allowing us to monitor the transfer and quickly address any issues during your trip. WeChat also offers built-in translation features for smoother communication.

If you prefer a guided experience, we can arrange professional tour guides in English, French, or Spanish. Please note that French and Spanish-speaking guides are very limited in the Chengdu area, so early booking is highly recommended.

What is the Visa Policy?

If you already have a China visa or come from a visa-free country, you are free to travel around Chengdu and the Leshan area. If you are using the 240-hour transit visa exemption policy, Leshan is also included in the list of permitted areas, so you can visit it without any issues.