Wolong Panda Base from Chengdu/back to Dujiangyan: taxi?

Question

Hi all

We had a fantastic time in Chengdu last October year and are headed back again this year.

We didn't get to Wolong Panda base last time, and are wanting to visit this time. To reduce travel time we are looking at overnighting in Dujiangyan to reduce some of the travel time, as follows:

Tuesday:

Taxi at 7am from Chengdu to Wolong panda base, arriving approx. 9.30am.

Day at the panda base, then taxi (or bus?) from there to Dujiangyan

Wednesday:

Taxi to Dujiangyan Panda Base for the morning, then taxi from there to Panda Valley at lunch-time

Taxi from Panda Valley back to Chengdu

My question is, will taxis be available at these places or do we need to pre-book? Companies online seem to be very costly.

My other concern is with having someone drive us all the way to Chengdu, as they will then need to return; is it appropriate in this case to cover some of their return journey via tip?

I have looked at buses but it will make the journey quite long and complicated so I'm not overly keen.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

TIA

Answer

Visiting Wolong Panda Base and Dujiangyan using taxis is definitely possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Availability of taxis:

At Wolong Panda Base, taxis are not commonly waiting outside for immediate hire. The area is more remote, so relying on “grab-a-taxi-on-the-spot” is risky, especially for long-distance rides like Wolong → Dujiangyan. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
At Dujiangyan Panda Base and Panda Valley, taxis are similarly limited. You will likely need to arrange a driver in advance rather than expecting to find one waiting.
In Chengdu city itself, taxis are plentiful, but for day trips to these scenic areas, booking through a trusted taxi or car service is safer and more convenient.

Pre-booking options:

You can book a local driver or private car through apps like Didi (Chinese version), local tour agencies, or your hotel concierge. The advantage is flexibility, fixed price, and reliability.
Rates can vary, but it is often cheaper to book directly with a driver locally than through international online companies. Expect to pay for both legs of travel and any overnight standby if you want them to wait while you visit sites.
Another option is to hire a driver for multiple days, covering all legs (Chengdu → Wolong → Dujiangyan → Chengdu) as one package. This avoids the need to find taxis mid-trip and ensures timing aligns with your plans.

Driver etiquette and tips:

It is reasonable to tip the driver for long trips, especially if they are waiting for you overnight or driving you back to Chengdu empty. While not mandatory, a small token of appreciation is customary.
Clarify in advance if the fare includes the return journey or waiting time, and discuss tips separately so there are no misunderstandings.

Summary recommendation:

Pre-book a driver for each segment or consider a multi-day hire covering all legs.
Do not rely on taxis being available on-site at Wolong, Dujiangyan, or Panda Valley.
Be prepared to offer a reasonable tip for the driver’s time, especially for longer drives or waiting overnight.

Using taxis this way is convenient and much faster than public buses, and will allow you to stick to your desired itinerary while avoiding complicated connections.

Wolong Panda Base from Chengdu/back to Dujiangyan: taxi?

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