Go deeper. Live better.
Not a checklist. Not a crowd. Just you, China, and the people who call it home.
We Believe Travel Is More Than a Checklist
It’s about stepping into a place – its food, its stories, its rhythm.
That’s why every u2panda trip is built around three things:
Real depth
Our leaders live in the destinations they guide. They know the backstreet noodle stalls and the quiet temples that never make the guidebooks.
Real connection
You don’t just watch; you join. Cook with a family, chat with a tea farmer, walk with a craftsman. Travel becomes a conversation, not a performance.
Real evolution
We scout every route ourselves, every year. We listen to guest feedback and refine constantly. So your trip is never a template – it’s the best version we’ve ever made.
Tailor-made Tours
Personalized journeys designed around your interests, pace, and travel style.
ICSP
Industry visits and study programmes connecting global teams with China’s business, innovation, and culture.
Responsible tour
We believe travel should create lasting value for the people and places that make every journey possible. By working with local guides, family-run businesses, tea farmers, craftspeople and community hosts, we help keep more of each journey’s value within the destination.
For us, responsible travel means respecting local cultures, supporting local livelihoods and protecting the natural environments we explore.
Our story
U2PANDA was founded in Chengdu in 2016 by Charles Yang, after nearly two decades of guiding international travellers across China. He discovered that the most memorable moments often happened beyond the usual sightseeing routes—in neighbourhood teahouses, morning markets and the workshops of local artisans.
That belief continues to shape the way we travel today: helping guests move beyond simply seeing China to experiencing its people, culture and everyday life.
Our close-knit team of local guides, language educators and event specialists has welcomed embassy families, business delegations and independent travellers from around the world. We believe travel should be personal, thoughtful and built on genuine connections.


Why travel with us?
Deep Local Knowledge
Our leaders are born and raised in the places you’ll visit. They speak your language (literally) and understand your expectations.
Genuine Human Connection
Every trip is crafted from scratch, based on your interests. We never reuse a route without improving it.
Thoughtfully Refined
We work with local hosts, artisans, and familyrun businesses. Your spending stays in the communities you visit.
Travel that leaves a mark – the right kind
We don’t believe in “saving” places. We believe in being good guests.
Culture
We partner with ancient village troupes and heritage craftspeople. Your visit helps keep traditions alive, not as a show, but as a living practice.
Wildlife
We follow UNESCO Man and Biosphere principles. That means observing without disturbing, and contributing to habitat protection along the way.
Nature
We measure our footprint. We choose lowimpact transport, support local conservation projects, and educate our guests on the ecosystems we explore.
People
We employ local drivers, guides, and hosts from underrepresented groups. Travel should empower, not exploit.
ICSP – Inbound China Service Provider
Beyond leisure, we connect global professionals with China’s innovation in technology, design, healthcare and e-commerce—turning local insight into meaningful business journeys.
Our Partners & Clients
Over the years, U2PANDA has worked with travel platforms, hospitality groups and international brands to deliver reliable local services and memorable experiences across China.
Guest Voices
Real stories from travellers who explored China with us.
EXCELLENT
Based on 178 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Heather HVerified
Stopover in Chengdu - amazing tour! My son (17 yo) and I took this day trip with Daisy. She was an amazing guide. Telling us all about the Panda and Buddhist culture. We saw a lot of very active pandas then headed on the 2 hour drive to Leshan. It was such a smooth ride by our driver Mr Chow. The Buddha was amazing to see from the short ferry ride. Then we stopped for lunch on a good street in Leshan. Such a fun experience! Daisy also provided tips for after she dropped us in central Chengdu. A wonderful experience and so easy for us. Highly recommend this tour and Daisy as an exceptional guide!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Carmen FVerified
Pleasant and Interesting Tour We were very pleased with our guide, Abby. Her English is very good, she has good communication skills, and she goes above and beyond to make your trip enjoyable.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
K WVerified
Memorable travel experience Our family thoroughly enjoyed this tour which immersed us in the culture of Leshan. For me, the draw of this tour was an opportunity to see the Giant Buddha and have a tea farm experience. I’d say the main components of the tour for us were: the drive, the Giant Buddha & tourist area, lunch, closely interacting with the local residents/business owners of Sujizhen, and going to the tea farm. Our tour guide, Patrick, and our driver were also integral to the experience. All aspects of the tour were wonderful. The tour operator was highly communicative, reaching out via WhatsApp days prior to the tour and telling us what to expect. Our driver was skilled and the van was comfortable. When we got to the Giant Buddha, Patrick helped us to secure the best places on the boat for viewing and pointed out things we wouldn’t have known on our own. My teenagers really enjoyed eating a local lunch in a 200 year old building. We all loved the food, it was a highlight. Patrick took us through the town where we got to speak with locals and even step into their homes and businesses. They were all so warmhearted, it was such a nice break from big city life in the U.S. I also loved how, in a world full of influencers and the veil of social media, we were able to see life, simply lived, and connect with others. The tea farm was very special, in my view, the most unique and treasured part of the experience. We were welcomed to a family’s home and farm, where we not only got to pick tea leaves but also see how they are pan fired, rolled, and baked. I am a tea enthusiast so this was an experience of a lifetime for me. I think it’s important to note that the experience would be very challenging for people who like glamping over camping. This tour offers a real, intimate dive into the lives of rural, or at most, non-city folk. 10/10. Thank you be to much to Patrick and Mr. Hu who are wonderful people and created such a memorable experience for our family. P.S. be sure to check out Paddy’s Home Sweet Home restaurant if you are ever in Emeishan; it is owned by Patrick’s wife!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Dennis CVerified
Well looked after A really enjoyable authentic experience. Great communication from Sheldon, the local TripAdvisor representative and wonderful friendly informative guide named Alice. From the history of the Giant Buddha of Leshan to picking and brewing tea in the terraced tea fields, a great day.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Arve Omtvedt BerntzenVerified
Two great wonders Excellent trip to two wonders in one day. I wasn't sure what to expect with the irrigation system, but it was perhaps the highlight of the tour. Abby, my guide, was very knowledgeable, nice and explained how it all worked. Highly recommended.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Jane EVerified
Highly recommended Both locations were well worth the visit. Sophie was a great guide, good quality van and safe driver. The boat was the best option for seeing the giant BuddhaPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Tracy SVerified
Amazing day! We had an amazing day! The pandas and Budda are not to be missed! Our guide, Abby, couldn’t have been better. She is so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. We would definitely recommend!!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Steve SVerified
Great educational and very enjoyable day. This tour was fantastic !! We were met on time in our hotel lobby by our wonderful guide, Abby. She was so warm and friendly from the very beginning, we felt perfectly at ease. Her wealth of knowledge about the pandas and the operation of the panda base was stunning. My wife and I learned a lot of new things about pandas and were happy to know they have such a place of importance in Chinese culture. Our driver, Chow, was also very friendly and provided excellent transportation. During our ride to Leshan, Abby provided an in-depth history of the Buddha and added some interesting anecdotes about the area. We had a wonderful lunch before the visit to the Buddha and she chose some excellent dishes for us to try. We strongly recommend U2panda for any tour from Chengdu, and particularly, Abby, the best tour guide ever. !!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
petermS5836KQVerified
A fantastic, well-organized trip! A very well organized trip - communication was very excellent. The driver was ready and waiting at the very clearly defined pick-up location. He was very competent and friendly, spoke good English and was happy to make stop if a needed to. Patrick, the tour guide, was also very friendly, spoke excellent English and clearly knew a lot about Leshan and the big Buddha. Despite bad weather, the trip to see the Buddha was well worth it and very impressive. Continuing to see the older parts of Leshan and the tea farm provided a wonderful, enlightening opportunity to see how people live.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Susan CVerified
Fun day, fascinating sights, great guide Lois took us to the Chengdu panda base and we loved it. We went on a cool day in the morning so the pandas were very active! Lois knows a lot about pandas! After a great morning we took a 90 minute ride to the giant budha. A perfect restaurant for a tasty lunch, then a short boat ride to see the carved monument up close. A 90 minute drive home completed a full day. Thanks Lois!


