In Pursuit of Pandas

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK to Chengdu

  Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Chengdu.

• Day 2 • Chengdu

  On arrival in Chengdu, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel.

• Day 3 • Chengdu

  Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Chengdu's giant pandas on one of the highlights of this tour Dujiangyan Panda Base. Watch these lovable animals playing, napping and eating as you stroll around multiple enclosures. Look out for the 'overseas returnees' - all pandas born abroad have to be returned to China by the age of 2. Next, take in centuries-old pagodas and buildings on a visit to picturesque Jiezi Ancient Town. Return to Chengdu for a flavourful Sichuan dinner.

• Day 4 • Chengdu

  Your second memorable panda experience takes you to the Panda Conservation Centre, where you'll be rewarded with a close-up viewing of baby and adult pandas lounging in enclosures built to imitate their natural habitat. Enjoy a morning to observe them at play before continuing on to the Shu Brocade Museum where you can marvel at this intricate method of embroidery. See parents playing Cupid at Matchmaker's Corner in the People's Park then sample fragrant, local teas at a traditional tea house before returning to your hotel.

• Day 5 • Chengdu to Xi'an

  Experience China's high-speed rail network as a bullet train carries you to Xi'an. After check-in and lunch at your hotel, delve into the sights of Xi'an as you stroll along the ancient city walls, built as fortifications in the 14th century. This evening, enjoy a taste of tradition as you feast on traditional Shui jiao dumplings and watch a riveting Tang Dynasty dance performance.

• Day 6 • Xi'an to Beijing

  After breakfast, uncover the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Terracotta Warriors, an 8,000-strong army created so that no two warriors look alike. Explore these cavernous underground vaults then witness how replicas of these figures are skilfully crafted at the Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Centre. This afternoon, transfer to the station for your train to Beijing, with the remainder of the day to relax after checking into your hotel.

• Day 7 • Beijing

  Marvel at one of mankind's greatest feats as you stroll the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Great Wall of China, taking in a mere portion of this formidable structure which took over 1,800 years to construct. Access the wall at the Juyongguan Pass, which also boasts beautiful waterside temples and towers. After lunch, explore the intricate pieces on display at the Jade Museum then take in the ancient royal residence of the Summer Palace. This evening, an entertaining Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.

• Day 8 • Beijing

  Discover Beijing's long, imperial history on today's full day city tour. Explore Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, under the watchful eye of Chairman Mao's large, central portrait. From here, enter the vast Forbidden Palace and wander its 9,999 rooms and chambers before travelling onward to the tranquil UNESCO listed Temple of Heaven. Later this evening, dine on fragrant Peking duck and enjoy an outdoor dance performance.

• Day 9 • Beijing to UK

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.

• Day 10 • Arrive in the UK

  Your flight lands back in the UK today.