Making the Most of a Short Layover

Did you know that a Chengdu tour can be as short as half a day? If you're pressed for time but still want to see Chengdu's superstar - the Giant Pandas - then a half-day tour is all you need. Even if you have a layover of just a few hours, it's still possible to visit these adorable creatures with our worry-free panda tour packages. A busy schedule never stops a panda enthusiast from seeing them. Read on to hear Karmen's story and learn how she managed to make it happen.

Take Advantage of Visa-Free Transit Policy

Karmen, who hails from Hungary, had a deep fascination for the adorable and majestic Giant Pandas. When she learned that she had a layover of less than 20 hours (arriving in the evening and departing the following noon) in Chengdu on her way to London from Singapore, she was determined to make the most of it. Chengdu 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy came to her aid, enabling her to fulfill her long-standing dream of seeing these beloved creatures up close without having to go through the hassle of getting a visa.

Use A Reliable Agency and Travel Consultant

Excited about the prospect of a half-day tour to Chengdu Panda Base, Karmen started browsing the web and came across China Discovery, a professional travel agency based in pandas' hometown Chengdu. She quickly sent an enquiry to see the possibility to arrange a half-day tour that would fit her tight schedule, and to her delight, she received a prompt reply from Rita, one of the travel consultants from China Discovery. Rita was very helpful and efficient, and she quickly put together an operable itinerary that would allow Karmen to visit Chengdu Panda Base, and still make it to the airport in time for her flight to London.

Before the tour, Karmen encountered a small issue. The official website for filling out health forms was not operational, and she had to download a China health declaration app that required a WeChat ID. Unfortunately, registering a WeChat ID requires verification from a Wechat friend. Rita was always there to patiently assist Karmen in resolving this issue and even provided some helpful suggestions.

Enjoy the Panda Visit with A Professional Travel Guide

Karen arrived in Chengdu at the night of 15 April and she took a rest in her hotel. Early in the morning, the driver and the guide named Ellen, picked Karmen up at the hotel around 7:00am. The restaurant at the hotel was not open at that time, but the hotel had prepared a boxed breakfast for her thoughtfuly, which she could enjoy on the go in the car. The driver also kindly provided her with water during the trip.

1 Day Chengdu Relaxing Panda Highlights Tour

Itinerary: Chengdu
Highlights: Chengdu Banda Base, People's Park, Jinli Old Street

Within 30 minutes' drive, Karmen got to Chengdu Panda Base and started her enjoyable trip with the Giant Pandas. As she walked through the gates of the panda sanctuary, she could hardly contain her excitement. The sight of so many giant pandas, each one cuter than the last, was almost overwhelming. From the playful cubs tumbling around to the serene adults munching on bamboo, every panda seemed to exude a unique personality.

Lovely Pandas, Photo Sharded by Karmen

And it wasn't just the giant pandas that captivated her - the red pandas were equally charming with their bushy tails and curious expressions. Additionally, the base is home to a variety of other animals, including graceful swans, colorful butterflies, a wide range of bird species, and a diverse collection of insects.

Two Cute Red Pandas, Photo Taken by Our Customer Vale

The Panda Base is large and offers many things to visit, but Karmen just focused on the sightseeing, because Ellen kept a close eye on the time to ensure that they stayed on schedule while giving Karmen many insights and interesting facts about Giant Pandas and taking many excellent photos for her. Karmen spent about 2.5 hours at the base, soaking in the sights and sounds of the panda sanctuary, before it was time to depart.

Depart with A Sweet Memory

Despite her short stay in Chengdu, Karmen was able to experience the joys of the city and the pandas. She thought it was a good option to go on a short trip like this, and she was glad that she had taken full advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy to enjoy such a quality tour. After the tour, Karmen shared her wonderful experience on TripAdvisor.com, and also sent her gratitude to Rita, saying, "I am just settling back to everyday life but I wanted to reach out to say thank you for all your kind help during the reservation process. I will definitely use your services in the future and will recommend to all my friends." She also praised Ellen's professionalism, kindness, and expertise, saying, "Ellen was also a very professional, kind and knowledgeable guide, I couldn't have wished for a better one."

Overall, Karmen's brief but memorable visit to Chengdu and the Giant Panda Base is a testament to the many wonders that China has to offer, even to those with limited time. With the help of China Discovery and the 144-hour visa-free policy, Karmen was able to make the most of her layover and create unforgettable memories that she will treasure for a long time. She said that she received a lot of kindness from her travel consultant, her hotel, her guide, and her driver, which made her want to come back and visit again.

If you find yourself in a similar situation or simply want to experience the magic of the pandas for yourself, don't hesitate to reach out to China Discovery and make your dream tour a reality. Whether you have just a few hours or several days to spare, we are ready to customize a tour that fits your schedule and interests.

Our Customers' Delighted Moments in Chengdu

(Above travel story was written by our editor, inspired by our customer Karmen's real experience and review on Tripadvisor.com.)