Best of China With Pandas

Your Day in Detail

Today is a day to travel back in time and marvel at Chinese imperial history, as you will spend the majority of your time at the Forbidden City - the Ming and Qing Dynasties Treasure.

You'll be picked up from the hotel lobby by your guide and driven to the Forbidden City. Before entering the Forbidden City, you will have the opportunity to explore Tiananmen Square. With your experienced guide by your side, you can learn the history of the Forbidden City's intricate architecture and ornamentation. Even if you're not normally into history, you'll find that you're drawn in.

Later that day, you'll journey to the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors offered sacrifices and prayed for a bountiful crop. In addition to the impressive architecture, the area is frequented by locals for sport and recreation.

Your Day in Detail

Take a private transfer out of the city this morning for about a 2-hour drive to the scenic Mutianyu Great Wall. The recommended stretch is approximately 1.4 miles long and features 22 watchtowers.

A cable car takes you to the top, where you can walk along the wall and take in the stunning panorama of the winding Great Wall and distant mountains. Eat at one of the great neighborhood eateries. Next, you'll head to the Ming Imperial Tombs along the Sacred Road.

Your Day in Detail

Today's highlight is the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. These life-size soldiers, discovered in 1974, are among the most significant images of Chinese heritage. You'll be astounded by the sheer number of warriors when you enter the exhibition hall. Looking afar, all the warriors may appear to be the same, but each warrior has distinct facial features and styles up close. This is incredible!

Follow your private guide to learn about the Terra-cotta Army's history. Then, you'll go to the Great Mosque, one of China's largest Islamic mosques. Your tour will conclude in the bustling Muslim Quarter, where you can observe local Muslim life and try some authentic local cuisine.

Your Day in Detail

Travel to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the morning to minimize crowding; moreover, the pandas are most active around this time. The pandas may be seen eating breakfast, climbing trees, and rolling on the ground.

Later, go to Chengdu's Wenshu Temple. Sipping a cup of traditional Chinese tea in a tea house will allow you to feel the city's slower pace of life. Before returning to the hotel, take one more look at Jinli Old Street.

Your Day in Detail

Begin your Shanghai exploration at the Shanghai Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese bronzes, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, etc. Immerse yourself in ancient art before visiting the Yu Garden, which was constructed during the Ming Dynasty (16th century). After that, take a stroll through the tree-lined alleys of the Former French Concession to get a sense of the city's colonial history and modern life. Then, you'll arrive at the Bund, a city landmark with hints of old Shanghai glamour from the 1920s. End today's tour at the Shanghai Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city's skyscrapers near the Huangpu River.