China Highlights including Giant Pandas
China Highlights including Giant Pandas
from £1,899.00Dates and Prices
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the essence of China on this remarkable 12-day adventure, blending ancient wonders with modern marvels. Begin in Shanghai with a stroll along The Bund's dazzling waterfront and explore the serene Jade Buddha Temple, bustling Old Town, and picturesque Yuyuan Garden. Journey to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with charming canals and bridges. Fly to Chengdu to encounter the adorable residents of the Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre and soak in local culture at People’s Park and Jinli Walking Street. In Xian, cycle the majestic City Wall and marvel at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, guardians of China's first emperor, while engaging in a hands-on dumpling-making class. Head to Beijing to visit the serene Temple of Heaven, the iconic Great Wall, and the storied halls of the Forbidden City. Wander through Tiananmen Square and the enchanting Summer Palace. This unforgettable tour weaves together China's rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, promising an adventure of a lifetime.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary
- 3 and star hotels inc breakfast
- Private minibus throughout
- Arrival airport transfer
- Prices based on sharing a twin room (single room option available at additional cost, this varies on trip so please get in touch to find out the cost)
- Experienced and trusted guides throughout the trip
ITINERARY
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DAY 1
Welcome to Shanghai -
DAY 2
Shanghai Sightseeing -
DAY 3
Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town -
DAY 4
Shanghai / Chengdu -
DAY 5
Chengdu & Pandas -
DAY 6
Xian City Walls -
DAY 7
Terracotta Warriors -
DAY 8
Beijing-Temple of Heaven -
DAY 9
Beijing -The Great Wall -
DAY 10
Beijing -
DAY 11
Beijing Free day -
DAY 12
Depart Beijing
YOUR ITINERARY
Welcome to Shanghai
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in which will be from 2pm. Today is an arrival day so there are no planned activities. A dinner will be arranged for the evening and on the way, you can stop to visit The Bund, Shanghai’s most famous waterfront destination, which looks very impressive at night.
Shanghai Sightseeing
After breakfast you will begin your day of sightseeing in Shanghai. During your tour, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, built between 1918 and 1928 and home to a beautiful Buddha carved from pure jade. You will also visit the Old Town and the classical Yuyuan Garden before having some free time to wander the street stalls and shops nearby.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Zhujiajiao for a day trip to visit the beautiful ancient water town. Take a walking tour over the picturesque bridges and canals that were formed 1700 years ago, as well as visiting the ancient post office. In the afternoon you will be taken back to Shanghai where you will have the rest of your day at your leisure.
Shanghai / Chengdu
Today you will be transferred to Shanghai Airport for a domestic flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the People’s Park, an interesting Chinese park with typical tea houses and lots of locals, as well as taking a walk down Jinli Walking Street, lined with traditional wooden buildings and Chinese lanterns.
Chengdu & Pandas
This morning we will be travelling to Chengdu’s Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre to see the many adorable pandas that live there. Founded in 1985, the centre is now home to 50 giant pandas! In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Wenshu Monastery, a large Buddhist monastery rebuilt during the Qing dynasty in 1697.
Xian City Walls
After breakfast, we’ll be taking a high-speed train from Chengdu to Xian Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and then we’ll head out for a visit of the stunning Xian City Wall. Also known as the ‘fortifications of Xian’, it is one of the largest and best-preserved walls in China. You will have some free time here and can cycle along the wall if you wish. Chinese dumpling making (& eating!) class in the evening.
Terracotta Warriors
After breakfast, visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Terracotta Warriors Museum to see the thousands of terracotta army sculptures, created to protect the First Emperor of China in his afterlife. You will also visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (courtyard only – you can buy tickets to climb up the pagoda on site). In the evening, you will have the option to go to a Tang Dynasty Show.
Beijing-Temple of Heaven
Today you will be transferred to the train station to catch another high-speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, constructed in the 1400’s and used by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for prayer.
Beijing -The Great Wall
After breakfast, we will be driving for around 2-hours until we reach one of the world’s seven wonders; The Great Wall of China. We will visit the Badaling section of the wall (cable car not included), and you will have around 2 and a half hours to explore this stunning structure. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to Beijing, and in the evening will have the option of seeing the Beijing Opera.
Exploring Beijing
Today you will be exploring Beijing. You will visit Tiananmen Square, a site of great cultural significance to China and home of the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Next, you will enter the Forbidden City, home to many Chinese emperors dating back almost 500 years. The last stop on today’s tour will be at the UNESCO world heritage site, the Summer Palace, a large ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces.
Beijing Free day
Today is a free day for exploring Beijing further or maybe souvenir shopping.
Depart Beijing
Bid a fond farewell to China leaving with amazing memories.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Check FCO Travel Advice and Entry Requirements
Visa Requirements
Vaccinations and Health Advice
Travel Insurance
Packing List and other Useful information
- Backpack or day bag
- Power adaptors- https:// https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/china/
- Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Travel wipes/ Hand sanitizer/Face Mask
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable Walking shoes/trainers.
- Clothing- We recommend checking the weather before packing however packing for all seasons is always recommended. .
- Medication – If you are carrying prescribed medication, you will need to carry a doctor’s note with you to verify this.
- CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS
