Shanghai to Chengdu Panda-monium

Huang ying, welcome to China and the start of your holiday! Upon your arrival at Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The day is yours to explore and enjoy the vibrant energy of Shanghai, China's bustling metropolis that seamlessly marries tradition with modernity. Discover the city's captivating historic neighborhoods, futuristic skyscrapers, and iconic landmarks like the Bund and Yu Garden.

After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to further explore the bustling city of Shanghai. Later in the day, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Beijing, with departure scheduled for around 3-4 p.m. Upon arrival in Beijing, a welcome meeting will be held from 6 p.m. onwards. This is an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers, receive an overview of the tour, and ask any questions you may have.

The rest of the night is yours to traverse Beijing, the captivating capital of China. Exploring Beijing at night is a unique experience, as the city takes on a new and vibrant persona after dark. Why not check out the historic Houhai Lake area which comes alive with lively bars and restaurants? Or perhaps explore Beijing's modern skyline, especially around the CBD area, which showcases dazzling buildings beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Alternatively, the Temple of Heaven Park stays open in the evening, allowing for peaceful strolls and the chance to observe locals engaging in traditional activities. (B)

After breakfast, our first stop today will be the iconic Tiananmen Square, where Chairman Mao's tomb lies and various monuments to the people are located. While we won't enter the tomb, we will get to view the exterior.

Following this, we'll enter the *Forbidden City, a magnificent palace complex which served as the seat of power for Chinese emperors over five centuries. With over 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, this is one of China's best preserved historical treasures. *Tickets to the Forbidden City are limited, see trip notes for more information.

In the afternoon, delve into Beijing's hutongs, a maze-like network of ancient alleyways that form the city's historical core. Wander through these charming lanes, where generations of families have lived, and discover traditional courtyards and compact houses. Afterward, you'll take a leisurely stroll along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, a renowned shopping avenue at the heart of the city.

In the evening, enjoy a Beijing dining experience by savouring a Peking roast duck dinner, typically enjoyed wrapped in thin pancakes, with spring onions and hoisin sauce! (B/D)

Today, prepare for an exciting journey to the iconic Great Wall of China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall stands as an enduring symbol of Chinese civilization and ingenuity. Initially constructed for defensive purposes, it snakes an impressive 6,700 kilometers across diverse terrains and towering mountains.

We'll be visiting the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, known as the "Yellow Flower Great Wall." Its name originates from the vibrant yellow wildflowers that bloom along the wall during specific seasons. What sets Huanghuacheng apart is that a portion of the wall is partially submerged underwater. We'll embark on a scenic hike along the wall, offering breathtaking views and a deeper understanding of the structure's historical significance.

This evening promises an enchanting spectacle as we attend a Chinese acrobatic performance. These skilled artists will leave you spellbound with their gravity-defying feats. (B)

After breakfast this morning, we'll head to the railway station for a comfortable 2nd class high-speed train journey to Luoyang, which will take approximately 4-4.5 hours. Luoyang is one of the four ancient Chinese capitals, renowned for its magnificent peony blooms and the celestial Longmen Caves.

After meeting our local guide and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, prepare to be captivated by the Longmen Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These remarkable caves are perched densely along the cliffs lining the Yi River, and they house the world's most extensive collection of celestial art treasures, boasting the largest array of statues to be found anywhere on Earth. This enduring art form, etched into the stone, has not only withstood the test of time but has also borne witness to the reign of over 10 dynasties spanning more than 1,400 years.

In the evening, we'll take a stroll through Old City Shizi Steet, a renowned food street in old city Luoyang. Here, you'll have the chance to follow tantalizing aromas and sample a wide variety of local flavours. (B/L)

Today will begin with a visit to the vibrant Xiyuan Park. Here, residents gather to dance and sing, infusing the park with a lively burst of morning energy. It's an excellent opportunity to observe and perhaps even join in the joyful morning activities that reflect the spirit of the community.

Afterwards, brace yourself for an exhilarating adventure as we head to the legendary Shaolin Monastery, renowned as the reputed birthplace of Chinese martial arts. This sacred temple is not only a spiritual haven but also the epicenter of Kung Fu mastery. Witness a mesmerising performance that promises to entertain and awe. The skills and discipline of these martial artists are sure to leave a lasting impression.

As the day comes to an end, we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, allowing you to indulge in the flavours of Luoyang cuisine. (B/D)

Rise and shine, today we'll catch an early morning train bound for Xi'an. Enjoy a swift yet scenic journey as we head toward this ancient city. Upon arriving in Xi'an, we'll start our day with a bike ride along the Xi'an City Wall. This remarkable structure stands as one of the oldest and best-preserved among the few remaining Chinese city walls.

Afterwards, get ready for the sensory delights of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighbourhood in the heart of the city. Here, the air is thick with the mouthwatering aromas of sizzling lamb skewers and fragrant spices emanating from the food stalls that line the narrow alleys. Engage with the warm and welcoming locals, witness their skilled craftsmanship in action, and let the diverse flavours tantalize your taste buds.

Not far from the Muslim Quarter, discover the majestic courtyard of the Gao Family. Within these hallowed walls, a unique spectacle awaits—a 15-minute shadow puppetry show, an art form believed to originate from this province. These performances breathe life into simple yet vibrant leather or paper figures, spinning enchanting narratives that have captivated audiences for generations.

Then, pay your respects at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a serene contrast to the bustling Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Within this peaceful Buddhist complex, you'll discover intriguing exhibits in the Xi'an Museum.

Tonight, roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making dumplings, a local delicacy that is also a true form of culinary art. Enjoy the delicious dumplings you've created, accompanied by a refreshing drink. (B/D)

Our day begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army and Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This remarkable collection of terracotta sculptures depicts the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. These life-sized figures were meticulously modeled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army, displaying incredible attention to detail. The army consists of an astounding 8,000 life-size soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses, and each figure is unique. The purpose of this vast army was to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, entombed within a massive mausoleum complex.

Next, you'll have the opportunity to visit a Terracotta Warrior Factory. Here, you can delve deeper into the intricate production process, which remains unchanged since the time of the Qin Dynasty. Gain insights into the techniques behind these captivating artworks, adding a layer of appreciation to these ancient treasures.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll hop on a second-class high-speed train bound for Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This dynamic city is famous for being the home of China's beloved pandas and a hotspot for spicy cuisine. Chengdu showcases China's relaxed and easygoing way of life, promising an enjoyable experience over the next few days. (B/L)

Today's the day you'll get to meet China's famous fuzzy mascots - the panda! After breakfast, we'll take a short drive out of town to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

China's giant pandas are considered the most endangered mammals on the planet, with less than 1500 remaining in the wild. Of this number, 80% of them are located in Sichuan Province. This center is dedicated to breeding, research, and education. The facility covers over 92 acres, providing ample space for giant pandas and other rare and endangered animals. While here, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Panda nursery to get close to the center's infant population!

After the panda visit, explore the Wenshu Monastery, built during the Qing Dynasty under the guidance of Zen Master Ci Du Hai Yue in 1697. Make sure to visit the teahouse located inside the temple grounds, where you can enjoy a fine cup of green tea and some of the best vegetarian food in the city.

Afterwards, we'll head to Jinli Street, an ancient pedestrian street in the old city, filled with food stalls and vendors of every description. We'll also visit the Wuhou Memorial Temple, a peaceful temple set amongst expansive gardens. In the evening, enjoy an unmissable Chengdu experience – a hotpot dinner! Chengdu is renowned for its hotpot, which offers a unique combination of spiciness and numbing flavors. (B/D)

This morning, we'll embark on a trip to the Great Buddha of Leshan, which is close to Chengdu. Marvel at the iconic colossal Buddha statue, and don't forget to join the queue for a brief boat ride on the Minjiang River to capture a panoramic view of the Giant Buddha in all its glory. The statue is carved into the red sandstone face of Lingyun Hill and overlooks the treacherous confluence of the Min, Qingyi, and Dadu rivers below it. The dimensions of the Buddha are immense, with 8 meter feet, 7 meter drooping ears, a 28 meter span of shoulders, and a 5.6 meter nose.

Afterwards, we'll enjoy lunch, and if time permits, make a stop at the ancient town of Huanglongxi on our way back to Chengdu. Huanglongxi offers a glimpse into the past with its quaint streets, traditional architecture, cobbled pathways, age-old temples, and bustling market stalls.

Tonight, enjoy the evening at leisure. You can relax, explore the city further, try local foods or even consider attending a Sichuan Opera performance at the Shufengyayun Theatre! (B/L)

Today marks the conclusion of your remarkable China adventure, full of cultural wonders and tasty delicacies. After breakfast and 12pm hotel check-out, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight. (B)