Pandas, Palaces, & Portraits of China - 14 Days

On arrival at Beijing Capital Airport, our guide will be waiting for you outside customs. We then transfer by private vehicle to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your journey.

At 08:00, we meet in the hotel lobby for a short tour briefing and introductions. This morning, we explore Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, followed by a guided visit to the Forbidden City, including the Treasure Gallery. Once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing emperors, the Forbidden City offers a fascinating insight into China’s dynastic past.

We enjoy lunch at a well-regarded local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, before watching an impressive Chinese Acrobatic Show.

This evening, we enjoy a specially arranged welcome a la carte dinner at a popular restaurant, featuring Peking roast duck and other classic Beijing dishes. The dinner is included in the tour price and valued at CNY150 per person.

Today’s highlight is our visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved stretches of this ancient defence system. A round-trip cable car is included, allowing us to enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. We allow plenty of time to walk along the Wall and share a celebratory group toast with red wine.

After a buffet lunch, we return to central Beijing and stop for photos at the Olympic National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest. Later, we take a traditional rickshaw ride through the historic hutong alleys, offering a glimpse into old Beijing life, with a visit to a local courtyard home.

Beijing - Xi'an. This morning, we visit the imperial Summer Palace, famed for its classical gardens and lakeside scenery. After lunch, we transfer to the railway station for our high-speed train journey to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China.

On arrival, our local guide and driver meet us and transfer us to the hotel.

Today, we visit the world-renowned Terracotta Army Museum, home to thousands of life-sized clay soldiers created to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, we enjoy a unique family visit to the home of the first discoverer of the Terracotta Army. We then take part in a hands-on experience, making our own mini clay warrior with guidance from a local artisan.

Returning to Xi’an, we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important symbol of the city’s Buddhist heritage. In the evening, we enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, accompanied by the famous Dumpling Dinner, showcasing a variety of traditional northern Chinese dumplings.

The day begins with a relaxed visit to the City Wall Park, where we observe local residents going about their daily routines. Here, we also have the opportunity to learn basic Tai Chi movements from a local master. We then walk along the ancient City Wall itself, one of the best-preserved city walls in China.

Around midday, we explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter and enjoy an a la carte lunch featuring local specialities. In the afternoon, we visit the Great Mosque, blending Islamic and traditional Chinese architecture, followed by the Shaanxi History Museum, which traces the region’s role in Chinese civilisation.

Xi'an - Chengdu. We transfer to Xi’an North Railway Station for our morning high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. On arrival, our local guide and driver meet us and transfer us to the hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

This morning, we visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where we have ample time to observe these iconic animals in a carefully managed environment. We then visit the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu, a peaceful memorial to one of China’s most celebrated poets.

Later, we head to Renmin Park to experience the relaxed pace of local life. We sit down for a cup of tea, just as the locals do, before strolling through the historic Broad and Narrow Alleys, where you may wish to sample Sichuan snacks and cuisine

Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River. We take a morning high-speed train to Chongqing. On arrival, our guide and driver escort us to visit Liziba Light Rail Station, famous for its train running through a residential building, Kuixing Tower, and the lively Hongya Cave area.

Later, we board our five-star Yangtze River cruise ship. After a buffet dinner on board, we attend the Captain’s Welcome Party to mark the start of our river journey.

After breakfast, we disembark for an excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, known for its temples and legends linked to the afterlife. The afternoon is free for you to relax on deck and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the Yangtze River, or to take part in onboard cultural activities if you wish.

In the evening, we attend the large-scale live performance The War of the Three Kingdoms onshore.

Today is the highlight of our Yangtze journey as the ship sails through the dramatic Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges - each offering striking cliff-lined landscapes. We also enjoy an onshore excursion to the scenic Goddess Stream, reached by smaller boat.

Yangtze - Yichang - Shanghai. After breakfast, we check out and disembark for a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Following the visit, the cruise company transfers us to the Three Gorges Tourist Centre in Yichang, where our local guide meets us and escorts us to the railway station.

Due to time constraints, lunch today is arranged as takeaway from KFC or McDonald’s, with additional fruit and drinks provided. We then board our high-speed train to Shanghai. On arrival, our Shanghai guide and driver meet us and transfer us to the hotel.

This morning, we visit the Shanghai Museum, followed by a walk through Yu Garden and its surrounding traditional bazaar. Lunch is at your own choice and expense. In the afternoon, we stroll along the historic Bund, enjoying views of the city’s famous skyline, before taking a one-hour cruise on the Huangpu River.

After the cruise, we return to the hotel, where our guide bids us farewell.

Today, you make your way to the airport for your onward flight. As departure times vary, the hotel-to-airport transfer is not included, but we are happy to assist with arrangements if needed. Taxis are readily available, convenient and reasonably priced. We wish you a pleasant journey home and lasting memories of your time in China.