China Tour: Discover Pandas, Warriors, Great Wall

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This 10-Day China tour is a masterclass in blending ancient customs, diverse cultures, and several of the world’s most cherished wonders, including the Giant Pandas, Terracotta Warriors, and the Great Wall.

Duration: 10 days

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Arrival in Beijing, Airport Pick-up

Beijing - Upon your arrival in Beijing, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.

Beijing

Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - This morning, your tour guide will pick up you at the hotel and take you to visit Tiananmen Square. You…

Arrival in Beijing, Airport Pick-up

Beijing - Upon your arrival in Beijing, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.

Beijing

Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - This morning, your tour guide will pick up you at the hotel and take you to visit Tiananmen Square. You will see what the biggest urban city square in the world looks like.

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - From Tiananmen Square, you will enter the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City to explore its fascinating halls and pavilions. Here, you will not only learn how the emperor handled political affairs and lived their lives, but appreciate numerous ancient art treasures.

At noon, an a la carte welcome lunch will be served at a superb local restaurant, where you can have a taste of authentic Chinese food.

Lama Temple (Yonghegong) - After lunch, continue the visit to Yonghe Temple, the best preserved lamasery in Beijing. It has a unique architectural style, integrating Han, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan.

Temple of Heaven - Afterwards, you will see the Temple of Heaven with its unique architectures, where the emperors worshiped the heavens in hopes of good harvests.

China Great Wall Tour

Mutianyu Great Wall - This morning you will be taken to Mutianyu Great Wall to experience at first hand the wonder of the Great Wall. The round-trip cable car will be arranged. Standing on the wall and looking at it stretching up and down into boundless distance is an exciting experience and will leave you a life-long memory.

Niaochao National Stadium - In the afternoon, drive you back to downtown and stopover at the Olympic National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest. You will see its unique appearance and take nice photos at a distance.

Hutong Tour - Then you will take a rickshaw ride through Hutong alleys. Hutongs are narrow alleys lined with old residential courtyards. Wander along these winding lanes and immerse yourself in the peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.

After that, you will be escorted to the hotel.

Beijing to Xi’an by High Speed Train

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - The first stop of today’s itinerary is the Summer Palace - the largest existing imperial garden with a graceful landscape and magnificent constructions.

Xi’an - In the afternoon, you will take a high speed train to Xi’an for around 4.5 hours. You are recommended to bring some fruits or snacks, prepare a book or a movie device in order to spend a happy time on the train. Your guide and driver in Xi’an will greet you at the railway station and escort you to the hotel.

Xi’an

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses - The visit to the magnificent Terracotta Army will begin your day’s journey. In the museum, there are three excavated pits displaying amazing warrior figures and Chinese ancient weapons.

After, your guide will lead you to the home of Mr. Yang Zhifa, the farmer who discovered the first terracotta warrior in 1974, which is where the underground army was unveiled to us. You will also take a fun DIY class at a local workshop, where you can follow an artisan to make a mini terracotta figure in about 40 minutes.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) - Then, return to downtown and visit an ancient landmark of Xi’an- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It is a square brick pagoda, the biggest of its kind. Although it has gone through more than 1,300 years of vicissitudes, the pagoda looks still elegant and exquisite with its original features.

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City - The final destination is the Grand Tang Ever Bright City, located to the south of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It’s a popular tourist street for both locals and foreigners, where people dress in traditional Chinese clothing. Your guide will assist you in getting dressed in Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Chinese Han group. Actually, it is the most popular costume among locals and tourists visiting the antique block.

Finally, send you back to the hotel.

Xi’an to Chengdu by High Speed Train

Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - The day begins with a leisure visit to the City Wall Park, where you can observe the day-to-day life of the locals. After that, you will pay a visit to the City Wall. It is the most complete existing urban fortification in China. Cycling on the ancient wall is an exciting experience that many people like to try (bike rental fee is not included).

Xi’an Mosque - The Great Mosque in Xi’an is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China.

Muslim Quarter - Then, you will have time to explore the surrounding Muslim Quarter. There are lots of handicraft souvenirs are on sale. Enjoy all kinds of snacks and halal foods by yourselves.

Chengdu - Later, your guide and driver will take you to the North Railway staion and a high-speed train will take you from Xian to Chengdu in about 4 hours. Your Chengdu guide will meet you at the railway station and help you check in at your hotel.

Giant Panda Tour

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi) - This morning, you will be escorted to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see the rare and endangered animals – the Giant Pandas. Today’s pickup is a bit earlier as pandas are more active in the morning during their feeding time. You may have an opportunity to close appreciate the daily life of this cute species. Lunch is not included today, but your guide is happy to take you to a popular local restaurant.

Chengdu to Shanghai by Flight

Pudong International Airport - In the morning, you will be escorted to the Chengdu airport for the flight to Shanghai. On arrival, your local guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in.

The Bund - After, drive to visit the Bund on the west bank of Huangpu River. It is the most prosperous area of Shanghai in early 20th century, still preserving many western style buildings.

Huangpu River - Next, take a one-hour cruise trip on the Huangpu River. You will witness the city’s past through exotic buildings on the west and marvel at the city’s modernity and rapid development through numerous skyscrapers on the east Pudong. Then, transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay.

Shanghai City Tour

Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan) - This morning, Your local tour guide will pick you up at your hotel. You will visit one of the four largest museums in China, Shanghai Museum, which specializes in exhibiting art works from ancient times.

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) - After that, explore Yu Garden. The symbol of the Garden is the Nine Zigzag Bridge built of granite and grass-white jade and the quaint, elegant mid-lake pavilion.

Around noon, an a la carte farewell lunch will be served to you at a very nice restaurant.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town - This afternoon will be spent in the quaint Zhujiajiao Water Town. It is reputed as “Oriental Venice” because of the folk residences built along rivers. It is not modern and stylish as Shanghai, but preserves more traces of the past.

Leave Shanghai

Shanghai - According to your international flight schedule, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport on time. If you prefer to experience the maglev train ride to the Pudong Airport, we can also arrange it for you. We wish you a pleasant homebound journey!

What's Included

Breakfast and lunch included
Twin-sharing hotel accommodation
Air-conditioned transportation
High-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an and Xi’an to Chengdu
Two bottled water per person daily
Economy-class flight from Chengdu to Shanghai
Professional guide and experienced driver

What's Not Included

Gratuities to guides and drivers (recommended)
China visa fees
International airfare

Additional Information

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

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(14 Ratings)

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Lorenzo_b

Oct 23, 2024

12 wonderful days into China - We started our incredible trip to China right from the capital, spending 4 days there. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a smiling Emily who was our guide for this experience. Without his support it would have been difficult to move forward but above all to make ourselves understood. The first day we dedicated to some food tours that we had booked independently before arriving. From the second day the real discoveries began, again together with Emily, we visited the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of the Lamas. Truly magnificent structures full of history. The following day we set off for the Great Wall and even though the weather was foggy, we managed to enjoy the arduous walk and the view once we reached the highest point still accessible to tourists. In the evening there was no shortage of delicious dinner based on the famous Peking duck, a delight. Before leaving Beijing for the next stop (Xi'an) we made an inspection where the recent 2022 Olympic Games were held and then visited the Summer Palace. Thanks to Emily and her skills, in just a few days we visited the best of Beijing and were able to listen to the history of the emperors and the various dynasties that followed one another over the years. Beijing is definitely worth a visit. Thanks Emily, see you soon, who knows. Next stop, after a train trip, Xi'An. Thanks to the friendly and welcoming local guide Céline it was possible to visit the famous army of terracotta soldiers, admire the Buddhist pagoda, take a tour of the city walls and walk among the Chinese pensioners admiring how they spend their days. Not only that, we had the experience of dressing for a few hours in the typical clothes inspired by the Thang dynasty and attending a cultural show at the city theater with traditional dances, songs and music. Last but not least we visited the mosque and the Muslim quarter of the city. All enriched by the precise and detailed explanations of Céline who immediately proved to be competent and open to our questions and curiosities. There was no shortage of valuable advice on the food to taste; the dumplings and typical nudles in the Muslim quarter, a delight. Stop in Xi'an highly recommended, thank you Céline for your availability and professionalism. After another train journey we arrived in Chengdu, where the young Sherry was waiting to take us to the hotel. The stay here is short but intense. The day after arrival we spend it at the Gianta Panda Base Camp, not the only one but by far the largest and most famous in China. We were able to enjoy the sight of the adorable giant pandas and their brothers, the little red pandas. It was a super day in this immense reserve where these mammals feel truly at ease, definitely worth a visit if you are passing through Chengdu. Sherry then introduced us to a real tea house, what a relaxed and peaceful environment, a unique experience. How can you not try the typical and very spicy Hot Pot??? It's a must. Early the next day we say goodbye to Sherry and thank her for her time spent together and with a domestic flight we head towards our last half; Shanghai. Waiting for us in an unusually sultry Shanghai (30°) is Cuck, who with his gab immediately tells us about the first visit to the old Zhujiajiao village, where we taste the steecky rice with pork, mmmmh. We were then accompanied to the hotel for check-in, then we went alone into the Yu Garden area and tasted some absolutely delicious Xiaolongbao. The next day we spend it all with Chuck starting from the visit to the Yu-Garden, then we enjoy a lunch with him and with a full belly we then go to the Shanghai Tower area to steal some shots with the most impressive skyscrapers. Next we go to the imposing Shanghai Museum East, inaugurated a few months ago. It would take a day to visit it all but we are happy with a couple of hours. To conclude the cold but interesting day with Cuck (yesterday 30° - today 10°) we enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu river to admire the Bund and all the other skyscrapers. We spend the last two days free and enjoy some relaxation in the hotel and the surrounding area, visiting the Pearl Tower and the Bund in search of our last Xiaolongbao. Thanks to Cuck for the support and transfer to the airport, the time has come to return. An unforgettable experience, which we certainly recommend, especially with a guided tour planned in advance. Thanks to the guides who accompanied and supported us in this adventure.

Review provided by Viator

Tonzworld

Jul 31, 2024

Ones upon a time in Shanghai. - Although we went to more places than we had expected, it seems as though one day was not enough for our stay in Shanghai. Starting with the Shanghai Museum, we were very lucky to be able to experience the majestic Persian Exhibition. After the museum, we went to have the most exquisite lunch of our entire trip at the Shanghai Chic. Then we went to the Yu Garden. We learned about the hidden secrets of the garden that our guide, Ryan, enlightened us with about many Chinese architectural designs. Next, Ryan took us to a hidden viewpoint that showcased the stark contrast between old and new buildings in the area. The next location we went to was the Jinmao Tower. To have a very great panoramic view, which was slightly unnerving, was amazing. We had extra time, so we went to the Shanghai Aquarium. Overall, the trip was very informative, thanks to our guide, Ryan, who could speak superb English and was very knowledgeable. Another thanks to Reo who picked us up at the airport and also sent us comfortably on our way back.