Up Close & Personal with Pandas

Prices 9 days Call for prices

DAYS 1-2: FLY TO BEIJING

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3: IMPERIAL BEIJING

Begin in Beijing's symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, flanked by imposing government buildings and the mausoleum of Chairman Mao then head to the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven and in the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

Signature Experience: Open-air food market
Take a tour of the open-air market and see an array of exotic food, like deep-fried insects, meaty kebabs, candied fruits and scorpions.

DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight - the Great Wall. Stretching thousands of miles from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, over all sorts of dramatic landscapes, it is one of the world's most impressive feats of engineering. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the magnificent scenery that it crosses. Later, enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional landscapes and admire exquisite architecture. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.

DAY 5: XIAN CITY WALLS

Fly to Xian. Take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th Century city walls that enclose Xian's old town and in the evening. enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Signature Experience: Bicycle ride on the ancient city wall
Follow the locals' example and take an optional bike ride on the city wall to get an even more spectacular experience and a a bird's eye view over this fantastic city.

DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

After their fortuitous discovery by local farmers in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of lifelike warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and buy a souvenir warrior (or two!) to take home. Later, take a bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

DAY 7: DUJIANYAN PANDA CONSERVATION CENTRE

This morning visit one of the world's finest panda conservation centres. Here, you will spend two hours to help to tend these adorable creatures. Later, enjoy the atmosphere of Jinli Street before sampling a delicious Sichuanese meal.

Signature Experience: Face Changing Show
Enjoy an optional evening performance of Sichuan's famous Face Changing Show.. It is said that ancient people painted their faces to scare off wild animals.

DAY 8: GIANT PANDAS

A visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears. See them up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat as they chomp through piles of bamboo. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the Reserve's breeding programme. Enjoy a hot beverage in a traditional teahouse before visiting Matchmaker's Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

DAY 9: FLY CHENGDU TO UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

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