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China with Baobao and Meimei
Dates
May 6–12, 2025
Group Size
8–23 Travelers
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfilePaul Ashton
Hughug bear 🧸 based in Shanghai Entertainer and Tour Guide 🇺🇸🇨🇳
Trip Activities
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
People's Park and Heming Tea House
Leshan Giant Buddha
Tea Farm Visit & Tea Leaf Picking
Emeishan Mountain Golden Summit via Cable Car
Hiking to Qingyinge Temple and Monkey Park
Emeishan Night Market
Leshan Suji Ancient Town
Kuanzhai Street Walking Tour
Optional Activities*
Jinli Food Street
*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
Local guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Not Included
Flights (except as noted)
Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
Visas & Travel Insurance
Airport Transfers
Tips & Gratuity
What's included by Your Host
Get Togayther
Karaoke
Last Night in Chengdu!
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
dinner
Take a 15 minute transfer to a local restaurant for the welcome dinner. For tonight’s dinner, you will be enjoying authentic Sichuan style hot pot. Common ingredients include tender meat slices, vegetables, tofu, etc. The family-style pot requires each person to cook their food in it. With a yin-yang design, it divides the pot into two sections (spicy and non spicy), allowing simultaneous cooking of different broths to cater to various tastes. Beverages and additional food at your own expense. Dinner is subject to change.
Get Togayther
If you're not too jetlagged, we'll head out to a couple of the local nightlife hotspots, meeting with some local members of the rainbow scene in China's alleged "gay" capital.
Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in Chengdu.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Transfer to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Take a private transfer for the hotel to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a renowned conservation center dedicated to the protection and breeding of giant pandas. It serves as a crucial habitat for pandas, fostering their reproduction and providing care for them, with more than 100 pandas living here. The research base offers a unique opportunity to observe these iconic creatures, especially in the morning when they are more active eating breakfast and playing around. Through its efforts, the base contributes significantly to the preservation of the giant panda species.
Transfer to People's Park
Take a private transfer from Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to People's Park.
People's Park and Heming Tea House
Take a 30 minute private transfer from the Chengdu Research Base to People’s Park. Located in the city center, it offers serene lakes, lush greenery, and traditional tea houses where locals and visitors can relax and soak in the atmosphere. The park is a hub of activity, with people practicing tai chi, playing traditional Chinese musical instruments, and enjoying leisurely strolls along its picturesque pathways. You’ll enjoy a cup of tea at Heming Tea House, choosing between green tea, jasmine tea, or ‘tieguanyin’ tea (oolong tea). Then take a 15 minute private transfer back to the hotel.
Jinli Food Street (optional)
In the late afternoon/ early evening, take a 20 minute private transfer join an optional Jinli Food Street Tour. Jinli Food Street in Chengdu is a bustling culinary destination renowned for its diverse array of Sichuanese cuisine. Located in the historic Jinli Ancient Street area, it offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional architecture, lively street vendors, and aromatic spices wafting through the air. You’ll sample 2-3 types of local street food such as spicy hot pot, skewered meats, and mouthwatering snacks like Sichuan-style noodles and dumplings, etc. Exact snacks will be decided on the ground. You can pay for additional food and beverages at your own expense. Then take a 20 minute transfer back to the hotel.
Karaoke
On our second night in Chengdu, join us for karaoke and late night eats with some local friends.
Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in Chengdu.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Transfer Leshan Giant Buddha
Take a private transfer from Chengdu to Leshan Giant Buddha.
Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha, is an iconic cultural landmark located near the city of Leshan in Sichuan Province, China. Carved into the cliffs at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers, it is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, standing at an impressive height of 71 meters (233 feet). Constructed during the Tang Dynasty, it took over 90 years to complete and is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and serene expression.
Transfer to Local Team Farm
Take a private transfer from the tea farm to the hotel in Emeishan.
lunch
Lunch at the team farm is included. Lunch is typically a local family style lunch with water/ tea included. All meat and vegetables here are fresh and grown locally.
Tea Farm Visit & Tea Leaf Picking
You’ll then head over to the tea farm to pick some tea leaves yourself. Later the host will help you brew it into tea. Situated at high altitudes, this tea farm benefits from the region's unique climate and fertile soil, producing high-quality tea leaves prized for their flavor and aroma. Visitors to the farm can explore lush tea plantations, learn about traditional tea cultivation techniques, and participate in tea-tasting sessions to savor the distinctive flavors of Emeishan tea.
Transfer to Emeishan
Take a private transfer from the tea farm to the hotel in Emeishan.
Emei Hot Spring Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Overnight in Emeishan.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Transfer to Emeishan Mountain
Along with the guide, take a public shuttle to Emeishan Mountain.
Emeishan Mountain Golden Summit via Cable Car
The Gold Summit Emeishan Cable Car offers a scenic journey to the summit of Mount Emei, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. As one of the highest cable cars in the world, it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as it ascends to the Golden Summit. You’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of lush forests, winding rivers, and majestic peaks during the approximately 30-minute ride. The Golden Summit of Mount Emei is the highest peak of the mountain and a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in China, standing at an elevation of 3,099 meters (10,167 feet) and offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. At the summit, you can explore ancient temples, including the renowned Golden Summit Temple, which is adorned with intricate Buddhist statues and artifacts. The Golden Summit is also famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sea of clouds, making it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking tranquility and spiritual enlightenment amidst the beauty of nature. You’ll then take the cable car back down.
lunch
Take a 30 minute public shuttle to Wuxiangang Station for an included lunch at a local restaurant in the area. Lunch is typically local food shared family style. No beverages are included but can be purchased at your own expense.
Hiking to Qingyinge Temple and Monkey Park
The hike from Wuxiangang to Monkey Park in Emeishan offers an enchanting experience amidst nature's splendor. As you traverse this route, you'll encounter lush forests, streams, and perhaps even glimpses of local wildlife. Arriving at Monkey Park, you'll find yourself immersed in a habitat where playful monkeys roam freely, offering visitors a delightful opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat. The hike is 2.5mi (3.5km) each way from Wuxiangang to monkey park via Qingyinge monastery, about 5mi (7km) total. Should take about 2 hours to complete. The terrain will be flat forest trails and several sets of stairs. After the hike, you’ll take a 30 minute public shuttle from Wuxiangang back to the hotel.
Emeishan Night Market
In the evening, you’ll take a 20 minute private transfer to the night market. an eclectic assortment of tantalizing aromas and flavors awaits eager food enthusiasts. From the fiery embrace of Sichuan hot pot, filled with an assortment of fresh meats and vegetables, to the sizzle of grilled skewers adorned with savory delights, the market offers a culinary adventure. Your guide will have you try 2-3 included snacks on this walking tour. You can purchase additional food and beverages at your own expense as well. Then take a 20 minute private transfer back to the hotel.
Emei Hot Spring Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Overnight in Emeishan.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Transfer Leshan Suji Ancient Town
Take a private transfer from Emeishan Mountain to Leshan Suji Ancient Town.
Leshan Suji Ancient Town
Leshan Suji Ancient Town is a well-preserved ancient town that has a history of over 1,000 years and is known for its picturesque scenery, ancient architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The town's buildings are a mix of traditional Chinese architectural styles, with intricate details and decorative elements that showcase the town's past prosperity. The streets are narrow and winding, with cobblestone pathways and old-fashioned storefronts selling local crafts and snacks. You’ll then get a chance to visit a local family, engage in conversations with the hosts, gain insights into local customs, and savor a traditional family lunch.
lunch
Lunch with a local family is included. Lunch will typically be multiple courses family style, with local dishes including pork with fresh vegetables, chicken with fresh vegetables, different in-season vegetable dishes, like Chinese cabbage, radish, potato, beans and so on. Beverages are not included, and can be purchased at your own expense.
Transfer to Chengdu
Take a private transfer from Suji Ancient Town back to Chengdu.
Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in Chengdu.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Kuanzhai Street Walking Tour
Take a 30 minute private transfer to Kuanzhai Street, a bustling area teeming with shops, cafes, and bars—a favorite among locals, offering a glimpse into the modern side of Chengdu. You’ll be taken on an orientation walk led by your guide before immersing yourself in the charm of this lively street. Kuanzhai Street, renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture, showcasing the unique Chengdu-style courtyard houses, brick walls, and intricate wooden doors and windows. Today, visitors can explore the maze-like alleys, browsing through a variety of traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and local snacks. The street comes alive at night with colorful lights, bustling crowds, and live performances, creating a lively atmosphere that reflects the modern face of Chengdu city. Following your tour, head to a restaurant specializing in authentic Sichuan cuisine for a farewell dinner.
lunch
Lunch with a local family is included. Lunch will typically be multiple courses family style, with local dishes including pork with fresh vegetables, chicken with fresh vegetables, different in-season vegetable dishes, like Chinese cabbage, radish, potato, beans and so on. Beverages are not included, and can be purchased at your own expense.
dinner
A farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included after the Kuanzhai Street Walking Tour. Dinner will be a multiple course meal shared family style featuring authentic Sichuan Cuisine. Beverages and additional food at your own expense. Dinner is subject to change.
Last Night in Chengdu!
We'll see what's fun and happening together on our last night in the city.
Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in Chengdu.
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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FAQ
Traveling with TrovaTrip
What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?
Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.
What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:
- The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
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In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
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First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:
- Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
- Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
- Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
- Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
- We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”
Can I book solo?
Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending – 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip – Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip – Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
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Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
Do I need any vaccines?
It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.