12-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Shanghai Tour
Experience the best of China with this 12-day Classic China Panda Experience Tour, designed to immerse you in the country's ancient history, modern culture, and scenic wonders. This tour takes you through Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai, featuring world-renowned historical sites and a special panda experience in Chengdu. Enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine and travel in comfort with expert guides, a private driver, and cherry-pick lodging and culinary experiences, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching journey.
Itinerary
Our carefully crafted 12-day China and Panda Tour package ensures you make the most of your time in China's iconic cities and enjoy unforgettable panda experiences:
Day 1: Imperial Welcome
Discover the city that was once the seat of powerful emperors. Your journey begins with a warm welcome at your hotel, followed by a charming evening reception. As the city lights shine around you, enjoy some appetizers and meet new friends, setting the mood for your exciting journey.
- Meals: Welcome dinner featuring regional specialties
- Transportation: All transfers in private vehicle
Day 2: Forbidden Treasures and Sacred Temples
Discover Beijing's imperial splendor, beginning at the vast Tiananmen Square, a global symbol of history and culture. Continue your journey through the majestic Forbidden City, a palace complex that housed 24 emperors over 500 years. Learn about its rich stories and architectural beauty. Wrap up your day at the tranquil Temple of Heaven, where emperors sought celestial guidance, and enjoy a feast of Beijing's iconic Peking Duck.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the legendary Badaling Great Wall at Juyongguan. Stand atop this architectural marvel and imagine ancient soldiers patrolling its ramparts while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial garden featuring a vast lake, pavilions, and temples. Take a peaceful boat ride across Kunming Lake for a relaxing break in nature.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Hidden Beijing and Journey to Xi'an
Discover the city's soul in its historic hutongs aboard a traditional rickshaw. Wind through narrow alleyways of Nanluoguxiang hutong to experience authentic Beijing life unchanged for generations. Try a classic Beijing hotpot filled with fresh meats, vegetables, and dipping sauces at a popular local restaurant. Then head to the airport for your flight to Xi'an, where the Silk Road begins.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight Beijing-Xi'an and private transfers from airport to the hotel
Day 5: Ancient Capital Calling
Step into history as you encounter one of humanity's most remarkable archaeological discoveries. Your day begins with an awe-inspiring visit to the Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of unique clay soldiers have guarded their emperor for over two millennia. After savoring delicacies at Xi'an Huimin Street (also called the Muslim Quarter), ascend the magnificent Ancient City Wall, where you can choose between a leisurely walk or an adventurous bike ride. As evening falls, option to attend the spectacular Tang Dynasty Show, bringing to life a historic golden age of Chinese civilization.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 6: Shaanxi History Museum and Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda
This morning, you will visit the historic Shaanxi History Museum, which showcases over 370,000 historical relics, primarily dating from the Zhou dynasty to the Tang dynasty. After lunch, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic structure built in the 7th century to house Buddhist scriptures. As evening falls, wander in the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City to explore this ever-bright city.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 7: Fly to The Heart of Sichuan
After breakfast, head to the airport to fly to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan province. After check in, your culinary adventure starts with a Sichuan-style dim sum lunch, setting the tone for the flavorful experiences ahead. In the afternoon, you'll explore the historic Wuhou Shrine and the charming Jinli Ancient Street, immersing yourself in local culture and crafts. The day culminates with a quintessential Chengdu experience - a fiery Sichuan hotpot dinner, before retiring for the night in this vibrant city.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight Xi'an-Chengdu and private transfers from airport to the hotel and between sightseeing
Day 8: Giant Panda Experience
Begin an unforgettable morning at the Panda Research Base, where you'll witness these beloved creatures playing and feeding in their natural habitat during your panda tour. After savoring a hearty lunch of traditional Sichuan noodles on the historical street, you'll be treated to the mesmerizing artistry of face-changing performances at the Sichuan Opera.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 9: Buddha Culture and Onwards to Shanghai
We leave the Chengdu city behind with a short journey to Leshan to marvel at the world's largest Buddha statue, an awe-inspiring 71-meter stone colossus carved into Mount Lingyun during the Tang Dynasty. The afternoon takes you back to Chengdu for a roughly 3-hour flight to Shanghai, concluding with an evening check-in at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Flight Chengdu-Shanghai and private transfers from airport to the hotel and between sightseeing
Day 10: The Bund and Shanghai's Modern Marvels
Take a walk along Shanghai's famous 'Bund' with our Local Specialist, where 52 magnificent Western-style buildings from the colonial era stand as testament to the city's rich trading history. For lunch, you'll savor the city's famous Xiaolongbao, known for their perfectly crafted soup dumplings with thin, translucent wrappers. The afternoon unfolds in Old Shanghai's atmospheric lanes before ascending the third-tallest building, Shanghai Tower, where you'll witness a spectacular sunset across the city from one of its three observation decks. The day concludes with an elegant dinner featuring Shanghai's refined cuisine, the signature braised pork belly.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 11: Discover Shanghai's Famous Attractions
This day unfolds with a cultural immersion at the Shanghai Museum, explore its vast collection of ancient artifacts, including pottery, jade, and calligraphy. In the afternoon, you'll step into the tranquil Yu Garden, a Ming Dynasty masterpiece featuring ornate pavilions, koi ponds, and intricate rock lined paths. As night falls, embark on a Huangpu River cruise, where the illuminated skyline of Shanghai creates a mesmerizing backdrop while you enjoy an exquisite dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Include the night river cruise and private vehicle with professional driver
Day 12: Farewell Shanghai
Spend the last half day exploring the city's cosmopolitan charm at your leisure. Our mystical encounter with China at its end. Your driver will take you to either Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport for your next destination or departure home.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private transfers from hotel to the airport
Accomodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accomodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accomodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing
- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
- The Regent Beijing
- Xi'an
- Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square
- Hilton Xi'an
- Chengdu
- Grand Hyatt Chengdu
- Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu
- Shanghai
- Hilton Shanghai City Center
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
4-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing
- Novotel Beijing Peace
- Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
- Xi'an
- Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda
- Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square
- Chengdu
- Chengdu Taihe International Hotel
- Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li
- Shanghai
- Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
- Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality (A comfortable option for 4-stars hotels is also available)
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
