Start the day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, watching pandas at their most active feeding hour. Then head to the Hehuachi herbal medicine market in Jinniu district — Chengdu's largest, where the region's prized herbs change hands. After a pulse-diagnosis session, close the day over a medicinal hotpot: Sichuan pepper, chilli and ginger are not just flavour — in TCM they are herbs that warm, move and open the body.
Highlights
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — pandas at feeding hour
- Hehuachi herbal medicine market — Chengdu's largest, in Jinniu district
- A pulse-diagnosis session with a TCM practitioner
- Sichuan's food-as-medicine: Sichuan pepper, chilli and ginger as herbs
- A medicinal hotpot dinner to close the day
What's included
- English-speaking TCM-trained guide
- Panda base entry ticket
- Guided walk through the Hehuachi herbal market
- Pulse-diagnosis session
- Medicinal hotpot dinner
Itinerary
- 09:00
Giant panda base
Watch giant pandas at their morning feeding — the liveliest hour of the day.
- 12:00
Hehuachi herbal market
Wander Chengdu's largest herbal market and meet the herbs behind Sichuan cuisine.
- 14:00
Pulse diagnosis
A practitioner reads your pulse and offers a gentle reading of your constitution.
- 16:00
Medicinal hotpot dinner
Close the day over a hotpot where Sichuan pepper, chilli and ginger work as warming herbs.
Common questions
Is the hotpot very spicy?
We offer mild and non-spicy broth options — the medicinal broth can be enjoyed without heat.
How early should I book the panda visit?
We handle the panda base tickets for you; just book the tour at least 3 days ahead.
More tours
TCM Citywalk: Wangfujing to Qianmen
The signature introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine in the heart of Beijing.
TCM Half-Day: Pulse, Tea & Medicinal Lunch
The full Citywalk, plus hands-on pulse diagnosis, a tea ceremony and a medicinal lunch.
TCM Full-Day: Immersion & Imperial Medicine
The deepest TCM day in Beijing — imperial medicine, acupuncture or tuina, and a private consultation.
Lingnan Herbal Soup & Food Citywalk
The taste of Cantonese wellness — herbal markets, cooling tea and China's oldest-running pharmacy.
Hangzhou Tea & Medicine Day Tour
Huqingyutang's "King of Medicine" pharmacy, a Longjing tea garden and the art of tea-as-medicine.