In Pursuit of PandasEscorted Tour, China

Journey from the imperial treasures of Beijing through atmospheric Xian with its enigmatic legions of Terracotta Warriors to reach the charming city of Chengdu, where you will meet its most famous residents – the captivating Giant Pandas.

ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: BEIJING

Fly overnight to Beijing, the capital of China, for a 3-night stay. On arrival in Beijing Capital International Airport on day 2, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. A tour introduction will be held in the hotel either this evening or the next. Food and drinks will not be served at this meeting, it is simply an opportunity for your group to meet and learn more about travelling in China.

DAY 3: BEIJING

Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Sightseeing here will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven for about 1 hour where you can watch, or take part in, an outdoor dance group. Tonight, eat a traditional Peking duck dinner. Please note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched around so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day.

DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL

You will rise early this morning to avoid the crowds and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass to take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit involves walking from the bus to the first section; once your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory and then stroll through the Summer Palace. This evening enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

DAY 5: BEIJING – XIAN

This morning you will be transferred approximately 1 hour to Beijing airport for your 2-hour flight to Xian. On arrival, take a walk on the ancient city walls before you check in. Your local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall, these are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. Later this evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

DAY 6: XIAN – CHENGDU

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, take a 3-hour bullet train to Chengdu.

DAY 7: DUJIANGYAN PANDA BASE

Today, meet the Giant Pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base. Located in the forested Sichuanese countryside around 1 hour’s drive north of Chengdu, Dujiangyan offers refuge to Giant Pandas with the aim to reintroduce them into the wild. Later, return to Chengdu and soak up the atmosphere on lively Jinli Street, before enjoying a typical Sichuan meal this evening.

DAY 8: CHENGDU

This morning visit the Giant Pandas at the Panda Conservation Centre, where you can learn more about China’s celebrated bear. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Sightseeing involves approximately 1 and a half hours on foot and there are electric carts offered by private vendors that can be organised at your own cost. Later, visit Matchmaker’s Corner where you can watch parents search for suitable suitors for their children, and visit a traditional tea house where you can try traditional Chinese tea (at your own expense).

DAY 9: DEPART CHENGDU

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)

All accommodation

All meals

All sightseeing and entrance fees

All transportation and transfers

English speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) and Local Guides

Visa fees for UK passport holders

Comprehensive travel guides

The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, tipping, early check in or late check out and other items not specified on the itinerary.

In Pursuit of Pandas is located in Escorted Tour, China. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 31/01/2019