Destinations: Chengdu + Baoxing + Tianquan
Where the world's first giant panda was scientifically discovered, Baoxing holds the origin of all modern panda stories. Surrounded by quiet forests, snow-capped mountains, and ancient Tibetan-Qiang villages, this region preserves the most authentic panda habitat and the deepest historical roots of panda research. On this 5-day cultural and scientific tour by PandaStudyTour, you will trace the footsteps of the pioneering naturalist Père Armand David, walk through original ecosystems, and experience a rare, crowd-free journey that combines history, ecology, folk culture and field exploration. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking depth, authenticity and unique cultural value.
Why Choose This Tour
This exclusive route is designed for cultural enthusiasts, research learners, history lovers and discerning international travelers who pursue off-the-beaten-path experiences. As the very place where the world's first giant panda was scientifically recorded in 1869, Baoxing offers unmatched historical significance and pristine natural scenery. With professional arrangements from PandaStudyTour, you will enjoy in-depth interpretation, comfortable transportation, and authentic local experiences in a quiet, less-crowded environment. This is not just sightseeing, but a real journey of tracing panda origins and understanding biodiversity.
Tour Highlights
Visit Dengchigou & Fengtongzhai, the world's first scientific discovery site of giant pandas, discovered by Armand David in 1869.
Explore the origin of panda specimens, panda evolution history and biodiversity in a well-preserved natural area.
Experience magnificent snow mountains, forests, meadows and cloud seas at Jiajin Mountain, a key panda habitat.
Join creative workshops including handmade papermaking, panda food making and bamboo craftsmanship.
Enjoy genuine Tibetan-Qiang cuisine, local customs and peaceful rural scenery with very few tourists.
Professionally arranged by PandaStudyTour with well-planned routes and comfortable service.
Day 1: Chengdu → Baoxing · Panda Ancient Town
08:30–11:30
Depart from Chengdu and head to Baoxing via National Highway 351, with a driving time of approximately 3 hours. Enjoy the changing mountain and rural scenery along the way.
11:30–13:00
Lunch in Baoxing featuring local specialties, including Tibetan-Qiang flavors, homemade preserved pork and seasonal farm dishes.
13:30–17:30
Visit Baoxing Panda Ancient Town. Stroll along the panda-themed streets and the Han white jade riverside avenue, and take photos at Panda Square. Enter the Giant Panda International Cultural Exchange Center to enjoy interactive exhibitions and popular science displays about pandas.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Baoxing county
Day 2: Baoxing · Fengtongzhai · Dengchigou – Panda Origin Place
08:30–12:00
Travel to Dengchigou, the world's first scientific discovery site of giant pandas. Visit the Giant Panda Origin Hall, the historic David's Church, and Fengtongzhai Natural Museum to learn the complete story of how Armand David discovered the giant panda in 1869.
12:00–13:30
Lunch at a countryside restaurant in Panda New Village, tasting fresh farm vegetables and local home-cooked meals.
14:00–17:30
Join the Giant Panda International Origin Camp. Enjoy views of alpine meadows and possible panda spotting, taste special David's coffee, and join natural science lectures. You can also experience handmade activities: green group papermaking, panda food preparation, and bamboo craft workshops.
Accommodation: Guesthouse or eco-camp in Dengchigou
Day 3: Baoxing · Jiajin Mountain · Snow Mountain Ecology
08:30–12:30
Drive to Jiajin Mountain, a famous Long March historic site and important giant panda habitat. Enjoy spectacular scenery including snow mountains, primeval forests, alpine meadows and sea of clouds. Your guide will explain the vertical distribution of panda habitats and local biodiversity.
12:30–14:00
Lunch at a local Tibetan family's home, experiencing authentic Tibetan meals and simple folk hospitality.
14:30–17:30
Take a gentle hiking tour, observe wild plants and small animals, and take photos of plateau scenery. The natural environment is quiet and well-preserved, ideal for nature lovers.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Baoxing or Jiajin Mountain area
Day 4: Baoxing → Tianquan · Panda Culture & Wetland
09:00–11:30
Travel from Baoxing to Tianquan and visit Labahe Nature Reserve, a typical potential giant panda habitat with rich vegetation and peaceful wetland scenery.
11:30–14:00
Lunch inside the scenic area followed by a casual walk to enjoy fresh air and forest views.
14:30–17:30
Join the Panda Culture Creation Camp. Express your journey memories through painting, writing or photography, then share your works with the group. This creative session deepens your understanding of panda culture.
Accommodation: Hotel in Tianquan or return to Baoxing
Day 5: Baoxing → Chengdu · Culture Summary & Return
09:00–12:00
Depart from Baoxing and return to Chengdu, recalling the panda origin stories and natural scenery experienced during the trip.
12:30–14:30
Lunch followed by a panda-themed sharing session to review highlights of the 5-day tour.
15:00–16:30
Free time in Chengdu for purchasing panda souvenirs and handicrafts.
17:00
Tour concludes with drop-off at your designated location.
Important Tips
Baoxing and Jiajin Mountain are at relatively high altitude with mountainous roads. We arrange SUVs and experienced drivers for safer and more comfortable travel.
Mobile signal may be weak in some remote areas; please download offline maps in advance.
Respect local Tibetan and Qiang ethnic customs and protect the natural environment.
Temperature differences are significant; bring a warm jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen and personal water bottle.
