Bucket-list China tour with excursions & Chengdu pandas

An awe-inspiring 12-night tour of Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an and Chengdu, with fantastic excursions, a Panda Base visit, plus breakfast and all travel

Day 1: UK/Ireland - Shanghai, China

Head to your chosen airport to embark on your overnight flight to Shanghai, where your once-in-a-lifetime China tour begins.

Days 2 - 4: Shanghai

Admire the dazzling Shanghai skyline from your plane window as you touch down in China’s largest city, a global financial hub known for its soaring futuristic skyscrapers, vibrant culture and top-notch culinary scene. Rest up after your journey or head out onto the city streets - the rest of your day is yours to spend as you wish.

On day three, your sightseeing begins after breakfast with a walking tour through some of Shanghai’s diverse neighbourhoods, from Nanjing Road to The Bund, a spectacular waterfront promenade lined with dreamy colonial architecture. Next, you’ll visit an authentic Silk Factory before heading to the bustling Old City Bazaar for a taste of local culture. In the afternoon, opt for a half-day city tour to the Shanghai Museum, Pudong area and iconic Jinmao Tower. There's also the option to experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of acrobatics and entertainment.

Spend your final day in Shanghai shopping, sightseeing and savouring street food at your leisure, or enjoy an optional tour of Suzhou Gardens - a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the ‘Venice of the East’. You can even top it all off with an optional cruise down the Huangpu River for a magical evening with spellbinding city views.

Day 5: Shanghai - Beijing

Today, you’ll begin by slicing across the landscape in a bullet train, as you depart for China’s bustling capital, Beijing. Undoubtedly one of the country’s cultural and historical hubs, the home of the Forbidden City has plenty to offer - why not start by sampling its world-renowned culinary specialty with a Peking duck dinner?

Days 6-8: Beijing

After breakfast, get a feel for the city with a tour of Beijing’s mesmerising Temple of Heaven, a stunning religious complex used by the emperors of the Qing and Ming dynasties. Watch as locals practise Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings, before setting off to visit a local pearl factory for fascinating insights into the production of these precious jewels. In the afternoon, you may wish to hop on a rickshaw for a tour of Hutong, where you’ll stop by the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and a traditional Siheyuan courtyard house to learn about the ancient art of paper cutting. Finally, opt to visit the Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Temple, which is considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved Buddhist monastery in present-day Beijing.

On day seven, get your camera and bucket-list ready - you’re headed to the legendary Wonder of the World that is the Great Wall of China. So long that it can be seen from space, you certainly won’t have to squint - though you may need to pinch yourself. On the way, admire the countryside and stop by an impressive jade workshop to see local artisans work wonders with this precious stone. Once there, you’ll have time to learn about the Wall’s impressive history, and walk a piece of it for yourself. On your way back to Beijing, you’ll visit a traditional Chinese medicine factory and stop by the famous Olympic Park, and come evening, opt for a Gold Mask show for a glimpse into Chinese legends and artistic traditions.

Your final day in Beijing is your to spend as you wish, with an optional full-day excursion to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City palace complex for a journey through China’s history, complete with a famous Peking duck dinner.

Day 9: Beijing - Xi’an

After breakfast, you’ll be transferring to the train station for another exciting bullet train journey to Xi’an. Once there, stroll around the city’s famous Muslim Quarter, and perhaps opt for an evening tour, beginning with the North Square of the Wild Goose Pagoda, before heading all the way to The Grand Tang Mall, also known as Datang Everbright City.

Day 10: Xi'an

Often described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, today’s bucket-list tour will take you to the iconic Terracotta Warriors Museum, home to some 8,000 uniquely-sculpted figures buried alongside China’s first Emperor. After marvelling at this vast artistic achievement, you’ll visit the local terracotta factory and the Yanyuan Art Museum, where you can learn about the ancient art of Chinese Calligraphy and even try it out for yourself. In the evening, opt for a Tang Dynasty show to immerse yourself in the music and dance of China’s golden age, alongside a dumpling banquet dinner for a truly unique experience.

Day 11: Xi’an - Chengdu

Today, you’ll be whisked away via bullet train to Chengdu, where you’ll be transferring straight to Panda Base, the home of China’s iconic and elusive giant pandas. One of the world’s most endangered animal species, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures roaming their huge outdoor enclosures, while afterwards a trip to the Panda Museum will get you clued-up on all-things-panda. Up next is a visit to the Shu Embroidery Museum for an insight into one of China’s most prestigious artistic traditions, and in the evening you can opt to see a colourful Sichuan Opera show.

Days 12 & 13: Chengdu

Explore Chengdu under your own steam today, whether it’s walking along the riverside, delving into the city’s fascinating history, or sampling local cuisine. Not sure where to start? Opt for a full-day excursion to Huanglongxi Ancient Town to step back in time over 1,700 years, and from there continue on to the famous Leshan Big Buddha, the world’s largest sitting stone Buddha at 71 metres high. On the way back to Chengdu, you’ll stop at a local tea plantation, and end the day with a delicious hot-pot dinner.

On day 13, spend the day at your leisure, relaxing or exploring Chengdu’s many art galleries, museums and historical monuments. Should you wish, you can embark on an exciting tour of the ancient Dujiangyan waterworks, a veritable engineering feat that is still used today. Later on, foodies will love visiting the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, where you’ll get to taste and cook classic dishes such as the legendary Kung Pao chicken.

Day 14: Homeward bound

Today you’ll be transferring from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home - with memories, selfies and panda-sightings to show for your adventures.