Best of China Panda Experience (10 days)
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10
Highlights
During this trip you can visit the world-famous Great Wall of China, hiking along part of it. You can enter the fascinating world of the Forbidden City and discover the world’s largest royal building complex.
You can also explore forests and have encounters with cute, giant pandas. Along with a visit to volcanic landscapes that are out of this world.
For movie lovers, there’s even a chance to travel back in time to cinematic sets that make up the popular Haikou Movie Town attraction.
Itineraries
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Once you’re on the ground in Beijing, your guide will meet you at the airport, ready to get you to your hotel by private car.
Hotel Options: Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel ****
Day 2: Tiananmen Square & The Temple of Heaven
After a good night’s rest, it’s time to get your tour started.
With plenty of history, one of the best ways to start your Beijing experience is by visiting the iconic Tiananmen Square. You can then head to the Forbidden City and get to know the world’s largest royal building complex.
Not only you will see an amazing display of Chinese architecture, but you’ll also be able to learn more about the history of these well-known locations.
You will also want to check out the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors used to pray for a good harvest.
Hotel Options: Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel ****
Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall & Sacred Road
Heading out of Beijing on a two-hour dive, you will reach the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
It is a lesser-known section of the wall, which offers stunning views which will take your breath away.
You can explore on foot, or you have the option of taking a cable car up and down.
Round off your day with a visit to the Sacred Road, before heading back to the hotel.
Hotel Options: Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel ****
Day 4: Transfer to Xi’an by High-speed Train
Time to leave Beijing, taking a high-speed train to Xi’an. A journey that will take approximately 5.5 hours.
You’ll be met at the train station on arrival, from where you will be taken to your hotel.
Hotel Options: Grand Noble Hotel Xian ****
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an Art Ceramics Factory & Muslim Street
Today you’ll travel around one hour by road, to come face to face with the famous Terracotta Warriors.
There are plenty of picture opportunities here, of the life-size warriors, horses and chariots.
You can also visit the Xi’an Art Ceramics Factory to hear more about this local industry and discover and underground cave dwelling.
Be sure also to head to Muslim Street, to enjoy some great experiences.
Hotel Options: Grand Noble Hotel Xian ****
Day 6: Transfer to Chengdu by High-speed Train
You can start your day by visiting a local family, to learn about local traditions and how to prepare some authentic dishes.
Then it’s time to take another high-speed train. The destination this time: Chengdu.
Hotel Options: Tibet Hotel Chengdu ****
Day 7: Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu Museum & People’s Park
It’s time for one of the big highlights many visitors look forward to.
In the morning you’ll travel to the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you will be able to admire the cute black and white animals. You can watch the pandas having breakfast and playing around.
Then it’s onwards to the Chengdu Museum, before a walk through the People’s Park, in central Chengdu. Created in 1911, it boasts amazing gardens incorporating cultural relics.
Take some time to enjoy a nice cup of tea in the sun, or, if you fancy it, why not play mahjong with the locals.
Hotel Options: Tibet Hotel Chengdu ****
Day 8: Sanxingdui Museum & Transfer to Haikou
Before leaving Sichuan Province, head to the unique Sanxingdui Museum, by the bank of the Yazi river. The Museum displays artefacts from the famed Sanxingdui archeological site.
Then it’s time to head for the airport, to fly south to the tropical island of Hainan. When you arrive in the capital Haikou, you will be met and taken to your hotel.
Hotel Options: Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 9: Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China & Movie Town
You’ll start your day with a quick, 30-minute drive to the famous Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China.
It is a truly fascinating place, with views over volcanic landscapes and craters you may never have seen before. You can explore on foot, to take in this unique experience.
From geological wonders to the big screen. Continue your journey with a visit to Haikou’s Movie Town, a cinematic set built for the industry.
It’s extremely popular with domestic and overseas tourists. There’s lots to see here, including the Wax Museum.
Hotel Options: Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 10: Hainan Museum & Arcade Streets
No visit to Hainan is ever complete without a trip to Hainan Museum, the perfect spot to learn about the diverse history and heritage of this island.
Check out Haikou’s Arcade Streets to, where you can marvel at the wonderful architecture from the past. It’s also a great place to try some local delicacies and buy some souvenirs to take back home. All rounding off a perfect trip.
Immersive China: The Memorable Sights (11 Days)
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Days
11
Highlights
No visit to Beijing is complete without a stop at China’s best-preserved imperial palace. During this trip, you can enjoy exclusive access to the hidden halls in the Forbidden City.
As the sun sets, prepare for an adventure along the Great Wall, visiting the only section open at night.
Head south to Hainan Island, exploring its beautiful scenery and fascinating culture. Stop off at the Hainan Museum and explore the volcanic landscapes of Haikou’s Crater Park.
In Shanghai, don’t forget to listen to the amazing stories about the city’s Bund, one of the coolest places in town.
Itineraries
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Arriving in Beijing by air, you’ll be met upon arrival by a private tour guide and transported to your hotel by private car.
Hotel Options: Penta Hotel Beijing **** / Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town *****
Day 2: The Temple of Heaven & The Forbidden City
Today you’ll get to see some of Beijing’s most iconic sights.
08:30 – Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. As the name suggests it is an outstanding complex of religious buildings, that symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven. You will see city residents taking part in morning prayers and exercises.
12:00 – After visiting the Temple, it’s time to eat at a local restaurant. If you’re unsure what to try, your local guide will help you.
14:00 – The afternoon is the best time to visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, as there are fewer visitors. You will be taken by your guide to the hidden halls of the imperial palace, coming face-to-face with rich history and heritage.
17:00 – At the end of today’s sightseeing, you will be taken back to your hotel where you can enjoy a meal and get some well-earned rest.
Hotel Options: Penta Hotel Beijing **** / Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town *****
Day 3: Day and Night Tour of the Great Wall
08:30 – Kick off your daytime visit to the unforgettable Great Wall by heading for the Simatai section. Take a cable car up and the opportunity to walk down slowly around the lakeside, to fully appreciate the amazing views.
12:00 – Lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 – Head to the Gubei Water Town, located at the foot of the Great Wall, and refresh yourself in a hot spring. And later in the day, as the light fades, head back to the Simatai section of the Wall to get a night perspective.
19:00 – Enjoy a nice dinner at your hotel restaurant.
Hotel Options: William Edgar Hotel ***** / Beijing Water Town Hot Spring Resort *****
Day 4: The Summer Palace & High-Speed Train to Xi’an
08:30 – Nestled within marvelous gardens, the Summer Palace is yet another unmissable attraction in Beijing. Start your day exploring this masterpiece of Chinese monuments and indulge in its unique architecture.
12:00 - Lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 – After lunch, you’ll take the high-speed train to Xi'an, a journey of between 4.5 and 5 hours.
19:00 – You’ll be met by a local Xi'an guide and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel Options: Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an **** / Wyndham Grand Xi'an South *****
Day 5: The Terracotta Warriors & Traditional Cave Dwelling
08:30 – Start your day visiting the one and only Terracotta Army Museum, where you can absorb lots of fascinating history and even make your own mini terracotta warrior model!
12:00 - Lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 – You have the afternoon to explore the city area, including from the wall which has been protecting it for 600 years.
19:00 – Time to return to your hotel and have dinner, before a good night’s sleep.
Hotel Options: Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an **** / Wyndham Grand Xi'an South *****
Day 6: Xi’an City Highlights & Flight to Haikou
08:30 – Head to the Shaanxi History Museum and to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to learn more about Xi’an and China’s ancient history. Then it’s on to the Muslim Quarter.
12:00 - Lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 – Time to leave the city and head by plane for Haikou, the capital city of Hainan Island. You will be met upon your arrival in Haikou and taken to your accommodation.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 7: Hainan Museum & Temple of the Five Lords & Arcade Streets
You’ll wake up feeling the tropical vibes of Haikou.
After breakfast, you’ll start your day visiting the colossal Hainan Museum, packed full of interesting facts and artefacts.
Then, it’s onwards to the Temple of the Five Lords, built in memory of five famous historical figures residing in Hainan.
After a stop for lunch, you can spend the afternoon exploring the Arcade Streets, where you’ll be able to see some amazing buildings, some with some very unique architecture.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou ***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 8: Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China & Movie Town
08:30 – Start your second day in Haikou with a visit to the Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China. This national park boasts more than 40 volcanoes of Quaternary, with awesome landscapes waiting to be explored.
14:00 – After a delicious lunch, it’s time for the movies. Head to Haikou’s Movie Town, where you will feel like a star. It’s filled with buildings and streets, originally created as sets. It quickly became a visitor attraction.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou ***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 9: Flight to Shanghai
It’s time to leave Haikou. Enjoy some free time before being transported to the airport.
You’re heading for Shanghai!
Hotel Options: Sunrise On The Bund **** / Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai *****
Day 10: Shanghai Highlights & Bund Discovery
Welcome to Shanghai!
08:30 – Start your first day in the city with a tour of some of the oldest, iconic buildings. A chance to pick up some interesting insights and knowledge. Did you know Albert Einstein was once in Shanghai? You’ll get to see the room where he stayed in the past.
12:00 – Enjoy a Shanghai lunch, before heading for the tallest building in China – the Shanghai Tower. You’ll enjoy some breathtaking, panoramic views of the city.
14:00 – The afternoon is free for you to explore all that Shanghai has to offer, whether that’s shopping, more sightseeing or dropping into an art gallery.
17:00 – Time to head to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Hotel Options Sunrise On The Bund **** / Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai *****
Day 11 - Shanghai Departure
All good things must come to an end! Time for you to head home after your journey of discovery. You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Wonderful Tour of China (12 Days)
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Days
12
Highlights
With a diversity of attractions, southern China offers unrivalled experiences to both domestic and international tourists.
In Guilin, you can enjoy a lovely river cruise. While in Longsheng, you can admire the terraced rice fields. And, if you’re a culture lover, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to Zhaoxing Don Village, in Guizhou province.
Further south, Hainanese culture is on show at the Hainan Museum, where you can learn all about the island and its capital, Haikou. You’ll also have chance to check out Haikou’s Crater Park.
With a diversity of attractions, southern China offers unrivalled experiences to both domestic and international tourists.
In Guilin, you can enjoy a lovely river cruise. While in Longsheng, you can admire the terraced rice fields. And, if you’re a culture lover, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to Zhaoxing Don Village, in Guizhou province.
Further south, Hainanese culture is on show at the Hainan Museum, where you can learn all about the island and its capital, Haikou. You’ll also have chance to check out Haikou’s Crater Park.
Itineraries
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Arrival and Transfer to Guilin
Landing in Beijing, you’ll be welcomed to a world of wonders. You will have some time to rest a little after your arrival, before taking a transfer to Guilin. You’ll be met by a tour guide and transported to your hotel for the night.
Hotel Options: Sheraton Hotel Guilin *****
Day 2: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave & Night Cruise
Get set for a full-day city tour of Guilin. You’ll start off with a visit to an important landmark, The Elephant Trunk Hill, in Xiangshan Park, at the confluence of Taohua and Li rivers.
Nearby, you can also find fascinating, ancient structures such as the Puxian Pagoda, Yunfeng Temple and Sarira Dagoba.
Later, you’re invited to enter into the magical world of the Reed Flute Cave, owing its name to the reeds growing inside. In this water-eroded wonderland, you’ll find plenty of stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations, all highlighted by coloured lighting.
It’s also worth checking out the East-West Alley in Guilin’s city centre. And you can finish your day with a night cruise.
Hotel Options: Sheraton Hotel Guilin *****
Day 3: Li River Cruise & Impression Liu Sanjie
Embark on a four-hour Li River cruise, with lunch onboard, from Guilin to Yangshuo.
Once at your destination, be sure to visit West Street which, at 1,400 years old, is the oldest street in Yangshuo.
You can also take in the famous show, ‘Impression Liu Sanjie,’ at what’s billed as the world’s largest natural theatre, nestled within plants and trees, providing a unique experience.
Hotel Options: Yangshuo Resort *****
Day 4: Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces
Head to Longsheng by road for a day-long visit to the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, considered the most amazing terraces in China.
They stretch across vast areas of land, coiling from the base of Longji (the dragon’s backbone) Mountain to its summit.
You can also catch a glimpse of how local Yao and Zhuang ethnic tribes live.
Hotel Options: Ping’an Grand Hotel *****
Day 5: Lu Family Village
Back to Guilin and you can discover a unique place called Lu Family Village. It boasts 98 retro houses of Anhui construction style and Guangxi North residential style.
Tofu is a popular food here, with village residents very good at cooking it alongside soybean milk products. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local delicacies.
Hotel Options: Sheraton Hotel Guilin *****
Day 6: Travel to Zhaoxing Dong Village
Head to the train station, to catch a bullet train, from Guiling city to Congjiang station.
On arrival, you can visit the Zhaoxing Dong Village, nestled on a mountain and boasting wooden houses among other fascinating features.
Dong people love music, so don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the Dong grand song, locally known as ‘Galao.’ Women and men sing together, highlighting the sense of unity in the village. An amazing musical treat.
Hotel Options: Local Brand Hotel ****
Day 7: Tang’an Dong Village & Basha Miao Village
Day 7 will take you to Tang’an Dong village, where you can immerse yourself in history in harmony with nature.
In the afternoon, head to Basha Miao Village, which still preserves the Miao culture. The area is full of maple trees, that become even more magic when the sun, worshipped by locals, starts to set.
Hotel Options: Metro Park Kaili Hotel ****
Day 8: Langde Miao Village and Guiyang
Upon your arrival at the Langde Miao Village, you might be surprised with a traditional welcoming ceremony and performance by the local villagers. Take time to enjoy the experience before visiting the typical wooden houses.
If you’re feeling energetic, why not do some hiking around the area. But don’t use up all of your battery, as in the afternoon you’ll be heading to Guiyang.
Hotel Options: Sofitel Guiyang Hotel *****
Day 9: Qingyan Ancient Town & Jiaxiu Pavillion
As one of the most famous historical and cultural towns in Guizhou Province, the Qingyan Ancient Town, is the first stop for you today.
You’ll get to know more about the history of the province before going back to Guiyang to visit the outstanding Jiaxiu Pavilion, with a history of more than four centuries.
Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is a three-level, 20-metre-high building that perfectly represents the local architectural style. Here you can enjoy a wide collection of stone engravings, calligraphy works, paintings and woodworks.
Hotel Options: Sofitel Guiyang Hotel *****
Day 10: Transfer to Haikou
Have your breakfast and then head to the airport to take a flight to the capital city of Hainan province, Haikou.
Once you arrive, your guide will escort you to your hotel.
If you’ve got some free time, why not head off on a city tour or go shopping for some souvenirs. If you’re a golf lover, this is a paradise.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 11: Hainan Museum, Temple of the Five Lords & Arcade Streets
Hainan is steeped in history and culture and a great way to get to grips with it is by visiting the Hainan Museum. Also be sure to check out the fascinating Temple of the Five Lords, which is dedicated to five historical figures.
In the afternoon, you’re invited to lose yourself in the iconic Arcade Streets, with plenty of buildings showing off unique architectural styles you can’t miss.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou ***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 12: Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China & Movie Town
A visit to the Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China is a must-do while you’re here.
A guide will take you to discover an area rich in volcanic landscaped, local flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, you’ll do something completely different. Checking out Haikou’s Movie Town, originally built as a set for films. With time, it’s become a picture-perfect attraction for tourists.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou ***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 13: Flight to Beijing
You have a free day until your local guide takes you to the airport to take-off to Beijing. Sit down, enjoy and relax.
