12-Day China Essence and Panda Tour
12 Days · From $2,899
The12-day immersive China tour experience five iconic cities from Beijing hutongs to Shanghai's buzz. Enjoy deep cultural encounters, iconic meals, and expert guides—more than sightseeing.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, your private guide will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and soak up the charm of this historic capital with its grand avenues, magnificent gates, and majestic palaces.
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Day 2: Beijing
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Continue to Tiananmen Square, the largest city center square in the world, followed by an in-depth exploration of the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
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Day 3: Beijing
Travel to the iconic Badaling section of the Great Wall, renowned for its majestic and scenic views. On the way back, enjoy a drive-by view of the National Stadium (Bird's Nest), National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), and the National Speed Skating Oval (Ice Ribbon). Continue to visit the grand Prince Gong's Mansion, a historic Qing Dynasty residence, and later experience Beijing's traditional hutong culture with a rickshaw tour around Shichahai.
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Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an
Visit the Summer Palace, one of China's largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. Highlights include Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Long Corridor, the Stone Boat, Suzhou Street, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. After lunch, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Xi'an.
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Day 5: Xi'an
Start with a visit to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. Participate in a terracotta-making experience. After lunch, explore Xi'an's Bell & Drum Towers and ride a bicycle along the ancient City Wall, while enjoying a Hanfu (traditional clothing) experience. End the day at the bustling Muslim Quarter and visit the vibrant Tang Paradise at night.
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Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu
Visit the Shaanxi History Museum or Xi'an Museum to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region. After lunch, transfer to the high-speed train station for your journey to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your Chengdu guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.
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Day 7: Chengdu
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see adorable pandas in a naturalistic environment. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Wide and Narrow Alley (Kuanzhai Xiangzi) to experience Chengdu's local life and culture.
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Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin
Start the day with a visit to Wuhou Shrine, a memorial temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, followed by a city walk to explore Chengdu's local charm. After lunch, transfer to the airport for a flight to Guilin, where your local guide will meet you and escort you to the hotel.
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Day 9: Guilin & Yangshuo
Cruise along the picturesque Li River, passing dramatic karst peaks and tranquil riverside scenery. After disembarking, transfer to Yangshuo and enjoy a relaxed stroll along West Street, a historic street blending local culture with international flair.
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Day 10: Yangshuo to Shanghai
Experience a cycling adventure through the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo, following a recommended route: Yangshuo Town → Butterfly Spring → Totem Ancient Road → Gongnong Bridge → Yangshuo Scenic Spots → Chaoyang Wharf → Xiangshui Bridge → Yangshuo Town (approx. 6 km). After lunch, transfer to the airport for a flight to Shanghai.
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Day 11: Shanghai
Discover Shanghai on a guided city walk, starting from the Bund along the Huangpu River. Ascend Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views. Continue along Nanjing Road, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden, and stroll through the charming streets of the Former French Concession.
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Day 12: Departure from Shanghai
Your guide and driver will transfer you from your hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
- ✓Costs for a private, air-conditioned business vehicle throughout the tour.
- ✓Services of a private English-speaking tour guide.
- ✓Hotels, entrance fees to scenic spots (first gate tickets), and meals as listed in the itinerary.
- ✓Travel insurance coverage during the tour (details available on the Insurance Policy page).
- ✓Inter-city flights or high-speed train travel.
- ✓24-hour customer service support during the trip.
- ✓Service fees, covering tour planning, handling, operation, and communication costs.
- ✗Chinese Visa fees.
- ✗Round-trip ticket. (We offer Air Ticket Booking Service, if you need it, please let us know.)
- ✗Personal expenses.
- ✗Meals, transportation transfers, and tourist attraction fees not listed in the itinerary.
- ✗Optional activities recommended at scenic spots or other commercial establishments.
- ✗Luggage overweight charges.
- ✗Optional activities provided by the driver or guide.
- ✗Personal Accident Insurance during Travel .
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