China1 day

Leshan Buddha & Tea Plantation — Day Excursion from Chengdu

A 2.5-hour drive south to China's largest seated Buddha, an old town, and hands-on tea picking — returned to Chengdu by late afternoon

This single-day excursion travels south from Chengdu to Leshan, home to a 71-meter stone Buddha carved into a hillside during the Tang Dynasty and completed after 90 years of work. The statue, carved in 713, includes a sophisticated drainage system engineered into the rock behind the head and ears. After touring the Buddha and the old town—where traditional workshops for blacksmithing, bamboo work, and other crafts still operate—the itinerary moves to a working tea plantation. There, you'll learn the regional differences between tea varieties, attempt to pick tea sprouts yourself, and taste the results. The day returns to Chengdu in the late afternoon.

Highlights

Leshan Giant Buddha (71 meters tall, carved in 713 during the Tang Dynasty)
Tang Dynasty engineering: drainage channels carved into the Buddha's head and ears
Old town workshops: blacksmith, bamboo craft, and traditional barber shops
Tea plantation: hands-on picking and regional tea tasting

Day by day

1Leshan Buddha, Old Town Workshops & Tea PlantationLeshan · tea plantation · your hotel lobby · colossal Buddha carved into a riverside cliff · preserved old town · Chengdu

Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby, then a 2.5-hour drive carries you south to Leshan and the colossal Buddha carved into a riverside cliff. The statue rises 71 meters and was begun in 713, during the Tang Dynasty, taking nine decades to complete. The carving features a well-designed drainage system at the back of the Buddha's head and ears. After time at the site, a short drive brings you to a preserved old town where traditional craftspeople—blacksmiths, bamboo workers, barbers—continue work much as they did generations ago. A local farmer then welcomes you to a tea plantation, where you'll learn to identify and pick the finest tea sprouts, understand how regional geography shapes flavor profiles (much as it does with wine), and taste the tea you've picked. The return journey to Chengdu takes the late afternoon.

Included

Included:
English speaking guide service
Private transfers in air-conditioned coach
Sightseeing tours with entrance fee

Not included

Do Not Include:
International airfare
China Visa
Hotel accommodation
Meals