10 Days Highlights of China With Pandas

Begin your fantastic vacation from Beijing, the capital of China.

After landing at the airport, get to your downtown hotel. Have the remainder of the day at leisure to recover from the jet lag or do some exploration on your own around the accommodation.

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel or similar (4-star)

Kick off the day from the remarkable Tiananmen Square in the center of the city. Step into the nearby Forbidden City, home to emperors of the feudal Ming and Qing Dynasties. Rambling around this superb imperial palace complex, admire the magnificent wooden architecture, and listen to the most-talked stories of the royal families. Afterward, spend some time climbing up the top hill pavilion of Jingshan Park, where you will be treated to the resplendent whole view of the palace as well as the old quarters of Beijing.

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel or similar (4-star)

Embark on a scenic two-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, nestled amidst stunning landscapes. Taking round-trip cable cars to climb on this iconic structure, marveling at its ancient ramparts adorned with closely spaced watchtowers.

On your return journey downtown, take a moment to capture the Olympic Bird's Nest and Water Cube (outside view) and explore a renowned pearl store to discover exquisite local craftsmanship or select unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel or similar (4-star)

As the city wakes up, stroll around the Temple of Heaven. Once the sacrificial place, nowadays open to the public as a park, creating a resort for the locals to enjoy their spare time, playing Tai Chi, dancing with swords, or playing chess. Then, embark on a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon reaching your destination in approximately five hours, be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for refreshment.

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

Dedicate today to the world-renowned Terracotta Army. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, built a large army of over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses to protect him in his afterlife. Although buried underground for more than 2,200 years, they still look alive with vivid expressions on their faces. Nearby, you will visit the First Qin Emperor Mausoleum Museum and observe two Qin dynasty bronze model chariots closely.

For the rest of the day, get back to the city center and take some time to hang out around the bustling Muslim Street lined with shops selling interesting local delicacies, snacks, and souvenirs.

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

Leave Xi'an behind for Chengdu by high-speed train. Upon arrival about four hours later, a local guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. If you still have energy, find your way to the Wide and Narrow Alley or Jinli Pedestrian to do some exploration. Both of them, picked with traditional-style buildings selling various mouthwatering specialties, are ideal places to kill time.

Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu or similar (4-star)

Wake up early today for a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. At around 8:30 am, when pandas are more active, you will have more chances to see them eating or playing with each other.

After that, get back to the downtown and visit the ancient Wenshu Temple. Wander around its stately Chinese architecture to absorb the peaceful atmosphere here and then sit in the teahouse at the back of the complex, sipping a cup of local tea while observing local life.

Foodies may want to go out and try an authentic Sichuan hot pot in the evening. Ask your guide for some suggestions or add it straight to dinner at an extra cost.

Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu or similar (4-star)

Have some free time in the morning until your guide escorts you to the airport for the flight to Shanghai. On arrival, another guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. Settle in and have a good rest.

Accommodation: Hengshan Garden Hotel or similar (4-star)

Experience the harmonious coexistence of ancient and modern Shanghai through a full-day tour today. Stroll along the waterfront avenue of the Bund featuring colonial-era buildings of different Western architectural styles contrasting futuristic skyscrapers on the other side of the river. Walking into the classical Yu Garden, you will soak up a relaxing atmosphere with a beautiful landscape of pagodas, pavilions, rockeries, fountains, ancient trees, and precious flowers. After a stopover at a silk workshop, spend some time rambling around the Former French Concession.

For the rest of the day, immerse yourself in the large collection of rare cultural pieces inside the Shanghai Museum.

Accommodation: Hengshan Garden Hotel or similar (4-star)

Time to say goodbye to China. Get to the airport for your homebound flight and embark on your journey to your next destination.