10 Days China Highlights Tour With Pandas

Start your morning at Tiananmen Square, admiring the surrounding cultural landmarks. From here, step into the Forbidden City, a journey feels like travelling back in time as you explore the former home of Ming and Qing emperors. Glazed tiles, intricate carvings, and even the mythical creatures lining the roofs invite you to pause and look closer.

Back in the present, wander through Beijing's hutongs. These ancient lanes tell the city's history and local life. With your guide, visit former residences of notable historical figures, then you'll watch a Peking opera demonstration while sipping a traditional drink.

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel or similar (4-star)

After breakfast, take a 2-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Ride the cable car up, then follow your guide on a walk along these historic steps. Learn its stories while enjoying seasonal views: lush green in spring and summer, golden and crimson in autumn, and snow-covered in winter.

On the way back to the city, you'll stop by the Bird's Nest and Water Cube for a photo opportunity, followed by a visit to a nearby pearl store.

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel or similar (4-star)

Start your day with a visit to a lively Beijing market. Pass by steam-filled stalls for an authentic local breakfast and see a colorful array of seasonal produce, with some so unique even locals might not name them all.

Then, walk into the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a Ming-dynasty altar for harvest prayers, it's now a popular park where locals practice tai chi and sword dancing in the morning.

Finally, take the high-speed train to Xi'an. Your local guide will meet you at the station and ensure a smooth check-in at your hotel.

Accommodation: Eastern House Boutique Hotel or similar (4-star)

Today, visit the famous Terracotta Warriors. Follow your guide into the presence of this timeless legion, where 8,000 life-sized soldiers have stood guard for over two millennia, each with a unique face. Rather than clay figures, they embody the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang and represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement in the Qin dynasty.

After the visit, return to the city and explore the Muslim Street. Let the rich aromas of spices and grilled meats lead you through the lively street, where you can sample classic flavors of northern Chinese cuisine to the fullest.

Accommodation: Eastern House Boutique Hotel or similar (4-star)

Wake up early today and visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Around 8:30 am, the pandas are at their most active, you'll get better chance to see them eating, playing, and climbing. With luck, you might even spot adorable panda cubs!

At noon, it's time for Sichuan's most beloved hotpot, you'll enjoy the feast with bold, spicy flavors. After lunch, return to the city and visit Wenshu Monastery. Red walls, bamboo shadows, and quiet courtyards create a serene, almost timeless atmosphere. Sit inside with a cup of gaiwan tea, watch locals go about their day, and savor a true taste of Chengdu's culture.

Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu or similar (4-star)

Your Shanghai walking tour begins at the Bund, where colonial-era buildings and modern Pudong skyline face each other across the river. It makes a perfect contrast of old and new for your camera. From there, step into Yu Garden, a Ming-dynasty masterpiece that feels like a living landscape painting, with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries reflecting the ancient philosophy of harmony between people and nature. After a short stop at a silk shop, the tour continues to Fuxing Park, a French-style garden where locals chat, dance and unwind. Nearby, slip into Bugaoli's narrow lanes and you'll see hanging laundry, neighbors chatting at their doorsteps, and scenes that instantly transport you back to 1930s Shanghai.

In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Museum, a world-class institution dedicated to ancient Chinese art. Its exceptional collections of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and coins await your discovery.

Accommodation: Central Hotel Shanghai or similar (4-star)