China Grand Cities & Pandas - 12 Days

Your adventure begins upon arrival in Beijing, where our friendly tour guide will greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name. We'll then escort you to your accommodation, conveniently located in the bustling heart of the city.

Your guide will meet us in your hotel lobby. Our first destination is Tian’anmen Square, where we’ll explore this iconic symbol of China’s history before proceeding to the Forbidden City, home to emperors for almost 500 years. After our visit, we’ll hike to Jingshan Park to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from the top of Coal Hill.

Following a traditional Chinese lunch, we’ll drive to the Back Lakes (Houhai) area and stroll through the lively Nanluoguxiang Alley, known for its historic Hutong architecture, trendy shops, and souvenir boutiques. We will then take a break at a local tea house.

We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on evening activities, such as a night show or a Peking duck dinner.

Today, we'll visit the iconic Great Wall of China. We will drive to the Mutianyu section, noted for its stunning scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. You can choose to hike along this ancient structure or take a cable car for a leisurely ascent and explore at your own pace.

Following our visit to the wall, we'll enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant. On our return journey to Beijing, we will pause at a jade carving factory to witness the intricate craftsmanship of this traditional Chinese art form.

Before heading back to your hotel, we'll stop for photos outside the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube, venues from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

We begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture and the largest existing structure dedicated to offering sacrifices to heaven. Then, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the nearby Hutongs, narrow alleys that offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.

After lunch at an authentic local Chinese restaurant, we will board a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, we'll be met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay in Xi'an.

In the morning, we will collect you from your accommodation and head to the Qin Terracotta Warriors, an iconic world wonder that is truly unmissable. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to see how pottery figurines are crafted during a visit to a local workshop. We'll then enjoy a Chinese lunch close by.

In the afternoon, we'll visit the Bell Tower, renowned as the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China. Next, we will explore Gao's Courtyard, where you can admire the ancient architecture and engage with local traditions, including paper-cutting and shadow puppetry.

You'll then have time to wander around the vibrant Muslim Quarter at your leisure, where you may wish to shop for souvenirs.

Check out of your accommodation and join us for a leisurely visit to the Ancient City Wall. After our tour, we'll head to the train station to catch a high-speed train to Chengdu, renowned as the home of the giant pandas. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local guide who will assist with your transfer to the hotel for check-in.

In the morning, we will pick you up and head to the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre to admire the delightful giant pandas. After our visit, we return to the city centre to enjoy a delicious lunch featuring traditional Sichuan cuisine at a well-loved local restaurant.

We then take a leisurely walk through People's Park, offering a glimpse into local life. Next, explore the historic Kuanzhai Alley before having dinner at a nearby eatery.

We begin our tour with a brief exploration of Sichuan's Culinary Art, immersing ourselves in the region's renowned flavours. Following this, we visit the Jinsha Ruins Museum, located at the historic Jinsha archaeological site. This museum offers insight into the ancient Shu civilisation that thrived in Sichuan during the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

For lunch, we enjoy a meal or perhaps a hotpot at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit Wuhou Temple, the largest museum dedicated to the Three Kingdoms Period. This tranquil spot provides a peaceful retreat within the bustling city.

Afterwards, stroll through the nearby Jinli Ancient Street, noted for its traditional architecture and lively atmosphere. Later, we fly to Guilin, where a local guide will provide a transfer service to our hotel.

Join us for a deluxe cruise along the enchanting Li River, complete with a buffet lunch on board. This well-appointed vessel offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience as we glide through the stunning river landscapes towards Yangshuo. Marvel at the fairy-tale scenery from the sundeck or enjoy the views from the comfort of your seat.

Upon arrival, explore the lively West Street or opt for a sightseeing car to the parking area. Choose to cycle around the idyllic Yulong River area, where you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside and its iconic karst hills. In the late afternoon, we return to Guilin, where you'll spend the night at a local hotel.

In the morning, we will explore Reed Flute Cave, renowned for its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites in striking shapes and colours. Later, we'll drive to Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbolic landmark of Guilin, resembling a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River. After lunch, we'll fly to Shanghai, where your local guide will assist with your transfer to the hotel.

We begin our day with a stroll through Old Shanghai, exploring the Shikumen—unique stone gatehouses that blend Western and Chinese architectural styles. Our orientation walk takes us to the historic Bund, which flourished as a trade centre in the late 19th century. Next, we visit Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of a traditional Chinese garden nestled in the heart of Shanghai.

Lunch is at a local Chinese restaurant before we head to the Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its two exquisite jade statues brought from Burma. Our visit to a silk museum provides insight into China’s famed silk production. We then venture to the Lujiazui CBD, where you can relax on the Riverside Promenade.

We continue to Shanghai Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, to enjoy sweeping views of the metropolis. After returning to the hotel, we recommend taking in the ERA Acrobatic Show, a top choice for evening entertainment.

Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace before we transfer you to the airport for your return flight. If desired, we can arrange an exhilarating ride on the Maglev train to Pudong Airport; otherwise, we will provide a direct drive to the terminal.