8 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour
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.
Our In Pursuit of Pandas tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Walk along this incredible wall, one of the modern wonders of the world
Step back into China's dynastic past at the Imperial Forbidden City
Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors
Visit the world famous Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu
Visit the serene Temple of Heaven park for an afternoon with the locals who congregate there for a game of cards, to practice Tai Chi or simply for a chat - we will be more than welcome to join in the activities!
At the heart of Sichuan's province, the native land of the giant panda, visit the excellent Dujiangyan Panda Base where you'll learn all about China's iconic bear, the conservation projects in action to increase their numbers and, of course, see these beautiful animals for yourself.
One of Beijing's must-see shows, enjoy a Chinese acrobatic spectacular featuring many forms of dramatic arts such as contortionism, juggling and plate spinning and full of edge-of-your-seat action.
On arrival in Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner.
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. 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.
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.
This morning you will be transferred to Beijing railway station for your 5-hour bullet train 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. There is an optional night city tour of Xian this evening (payable locally). Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
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-and-a-half-hour bullet train to Chengdu. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
Today, see 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 a wander through Nanjiao Park. Tonight, dine on a typical Sichuan meal.
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). There is an optional Sichuan Opera show this evening (payable locally).
Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Chengdu Tianfu or Chengdu Shuangliu airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.
The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and a single room throughout your tour.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
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I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.
George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.Mr and Mrs Brown
"Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.
Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.Mr Andrew Charles
From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.
The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!Mr Edward Ayling
This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.
Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when neededMrs Carrick
Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!
Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.Mrs Diane Foley
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