China Trip With Pandas
- Duration 12 Days
- Tour Type Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style Classic
About This Trip
Experience more of China in one journey - you don't have to choose between seeing giant pandas and the natural beauty of the Li River. This 12-day itinerary adds two distinctive stops of Guilin and Chengdu to the classic Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai route, bringing together iconic historical sites, scenic landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Meanwhile, you'll be traveling with comfortable private car and knowledgeable guides in each city, all of them are patient and accommodating, so you can enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 2 | Shanghai | The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Fuxing Park |
| 3 - 5 | Guilin | Li River Cruise, Yangshuo West Street, Reed Flute Cave |
| 6 | Chengdu | Giant Panda Breeding Base, Wenshu Temple, Chengdu City Tour |
| 7 - 9 | Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Cooking with Locals |
| 10 - 12 | Beijing | Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven |
Suggested Itinerary
Greetings, and welcome to China! Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet your local guide and driver and take a private vehicle to your hotel for check-in. You can choose to relax for the rest of the day or go out and see what this bustling city of Shanghai has to offer.
- Shanghai
Yu Garden in Shanghai
Today’s Highlights
- Walk Along the Bund for Iconic Views
- Explore Chinese Aesthetics of Yu Garden
- Discover the Shanghai Museum
- Experience Local Life at Fuxing Park
- See Bugaoli's Traditional Shikumen Architecture
- Taste Dim Sum at a Local Food Market
Your Day in Detail
Start the day at the Bund, where the old bank buildings face the newer skyline across the river. From there, head to the Shanghai Museum, which hosts an excellent collection of many international-standard exhibits.
Yu Garden is the next stop, and it's artistically designed one built in the 16th century won't let you down for it fully displays the traditional design of Chinese architecture.
In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk in the area of Fuxing Park, where the locals spend their spare time dancing, playing cards, Taiji, or badminton. Continue the tour to Bugaoli to see the traditional Stone Arched Gates, with a stopover at a food market to try some popular dim sum.
Optional Activities
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Acrobatic ShowIf you'd like to continue the evening after a day of sightseeing, try the acrobatic show, which features a mix of traditional Chinese circus acts, balancing, and acrobatics, with live music and lighting.
- B L
- Shanghai
Have some free time until being transferred to the airport for a flight to Guilin. Arrival after around 2.5 hours, you will be welcomed by your local guide. Check into the hotel and then have some leisure time to explore the city on our own.
- B
- Guilin
Li River Cruise
Today’s Highlights
- Li River Cruise & Enjoy Karst Mountain Scenery
- Stroll Along West Street in Yangshuo
Your Day in Detail
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to Zhujiang Pier (about 50 minutes) and start a Li River cruise down to Yangshuo. The landscape along the way is a series of karst peaks rising from the water, with bamboo groves and small villages scattered along the banks. It's slow and scenic, and the view keeps changing.
You'll arrive in Yangshuo at about 1:30 pm (timing varies by different seasons). From the pier, you can walk through the bustling West Street, a pedestrian street lined with souvenir shops and small eateries.
Later in the afternoon, you'll travel back to Guilin by comfortable private car about 1.5 hours.
- B L
- Guilin
Check out your hotel and start the tour to the Reed Flute Cave, a typical representative of Karst topography decorated by dreamlike lights. After that, get to the airport for a flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel by your local guide and driver.
- B
- Chengdu
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Today’s Highlights
- Early-Morning Giant Panda Base Visit
- Enjoy Local Tea Culture at Wenshu Temple
- Explore Jinli Old Street & Local Flavors
Your Day in Detail
Start a stirring visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding before 8:30 am, when it is the most vigorous time of the adorable pandas. Take a leisurely walk through the bamboo framed paths and have a close encounter with the giant pandas of different ages there.
Proceed to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple - Wenshu Temple, where you can appreciate the exquisite Buddhist architecture and feel the slow life tempo of the Chengdu people nearby. Find a seat at the open-air teahouses inside the park, order a pot of tea, and sit for a while amidst the laid-back atmosphere.
Make your way to Jinli Old Street, marvel at the delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, and interesting folk shows on this lively street before the day ends.
Optional Activities
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Evening Food TourExplore Chengdu's local food scene on a tuk-tuk food tour, stopping at authentic neighborhood eateries and a hidden residential community to enjoy homemade dumplings, spicy Sichuan specialties, and a popular street snack. End the evening with a drink at a local bar, relaxing alongside locals.
- B L
- Chengdu
Have some free time and then you will be transferred to the railway station for a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
- B
- Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Today’s Highlights
- Discover Ancient Qin Army Figures of Terracotta Warriors
- Explore the Muslim Quarter & Sample Local Xi'an Snacks
Your Day in Detail
Spend the morning visiting the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, take in this extraordinary archaeological discovery of thousands of lifelike warriors, horses, and chariots.
In the afternoon, explore Muslim Quarter, a place to experience local Muslim culture and try different local snacks.
Optional Activities
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Tang Dynasty Music & Dance ShowFor those interested in Chinese history and culture, Tang Dynasty Show at night is an option to appreciate the music and dance of ancient China's golden era.
- B L
- Xi'an
Cook With a Local Family in Xi'an
Today’s Highlights
- Cook With a Local Xi'an Family & Taste of Local Cuisine
Your Day in Detail
It surely will be memorable to cook with a local family in Xi'an. Just make the most of the opportunity to learn how to make dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and some other homely dishes. If time permits, you can even go to the market with the host to choose food materials. Enjoy your cooking works as lunch.
Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight journey to Beijing.
- B L
- Beijing
Forbidden City in Beijing
Today’s Highlights
- Explore the Forbidden City & Discover Imperial History
- Visit the Temple of Heaven & See Local Activities
Your Day in Detail
Tour begins today from the Tiananmen Square, a place with cultural significance for it has witnessed many important events in Chinese history. Make your way crossing the Square, you will arrive at the magnificent Forbidden City, the former home of 24 emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties for centuries.
Continue the exploration to the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors in ancient times paid homage to Heaven and prayed for good harvests.
Optional Activities
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Kung Fu ShowA chance to immerse in a perfect combination of traditional Chinese martial arts, stories, music, dancing and acrobatics.
- B L
- Beijing
China Great Wall
Today’s Highlights
- Mutianyu Great Wall & Round-Trip Cable Car Ride
Your Day in Detail
Freshen up in the morning and drive about 2 hours to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a less-visited part of the Wall with 22 blockhouses and watchtowers offering splendid views of the meandering Great Wall and the surrounding mountains. A round-trip cable car is available here and you can have some moderate hiking once ascending the Wall.
- B L
- Beijing
Free time until be collected by your guide and driver and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
- B
Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
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Top Choice
Maxx by Steigenberger on the Bund ShanghaiAddress: 1 East Jinling Road, Shanghai, China -
Hengshan Garden HotelAddress: 516 Hengshan Road, Xuhui and Minhang, Shanghai, China
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Top Choice
Guilin Bravo HotelAddress: 14 South Ronghu Road, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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Top Choice
Guilin Shangri-la HotelAddress: 111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Lu, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel GuilinAddress: No. 8 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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Sheraton Guilin HotelAddress: 15 Binjiang Road, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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Top Choice
Xizang Hotel ChengduAddress: No. 10 North Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental PlazaAddress: 231 Zhiquanduan, East Avenue, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, China
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Dorsett ChengduAddress: 168 Xi Yulong Street, Chengdu 610041, China
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Top Choice
Grand Noble Hotel XianAddress: No. 334 East Street, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
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Eastern House Boutique HotelAddress: 300 m West of Fen Lane, South Street, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China
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Hilton Xi'anAddress: No.199 Dongxin Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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Top Choice
Beijing Novotel Peace HotelAddress: 3 Jinyu lane, Wangfujing, Beijing, China
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Top Choice
The Regent BeijingAddress: 99# Jinbao Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
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Park Plaza Beijing WangfujingAddress: 97 Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
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Fairmont BeijingAddress: 8 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
What's Included in Your Private Tour
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A dedicated travel expert will work with you to design and arrange your itinerary based on your interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Your trip can be adjusted as your plans take shape.
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Accommodation is selected based on location, quality, your preferences, and budget. Depending on the destination and itinerary, options may include international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and locally distinctive properties.
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Local guides are arranged in each destination, with strong language skills and in-depth local knowledge. Your guide will help you make the most of each destination while sharing local history, culture, and everyday life.
Guide arrangements may vary depending on your destination and itinerary. Please refer to your Tour Program for the specific guide arrangements for your trip.
If you have any special requirements for your guide, such as in-depth historical and cultural interpretation or expertise in a particular industry or subject, please let us know in advance so we can take your preferences into consideration when arranging your trip. -
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver, as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic trains as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- International flights for selected multi-country tours, as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation arrangements can be adjusted to suit your itinerary and travel needs.
*As each trip is tailor-made, transportation arrangements may vary by itinerary and destination. The final arrangements will be detailed in your Tour Program.*International flights to and from your home country are normally not included in the initial Tour Program. If you would like, your travel expert can also help arrange these flights upon request.
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- Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary
- Additional meals can be arranged upon request
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request
FAQ About the Trip
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You can expect to see giant pandas of different ages, from playful young pandas to adults feeding on bamboo. Visiting in the cool morning hours offers a better chance to see them active, playing, and interacting with each other. If the timing is right, you may also have the opportunity to see adorable panda cubs.
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Odynovo can book and arrange the optional evening activities listed in the sample itinerary for you, simply let your travel expert know which experience you'd like in advance. We also offer many other optional activities that aren’t listed in the sample itinerary, so feel free to discuss any interests or ideas with your travel expert when customizing your trip.
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The tour is designed to be compact yet comfortable, allowing you to experience the distinct character, scenery, and culture of China's major cities. Since this is a private, customizable tour, you can always discuss adjustments with your travel expert, and the itinerary can be tailored to your ideal pace - add special experiences in places that interest you most or leave more time for independent exploration where you prefer.
Your Travel Partner Every Step of the Way
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Before You Travel
- Personalized itinerary planning
- Professional advice from local experts
- Smooth booking support from start to finish
Every great journey starts with thoughtful planning. From the moment you contact us, we take the time to understand your travel style, interests, and expectations. Whether you’re looking for iconic highlights, local experiences, or a more relaxed pace, we help design a trip that truly fits you. -
While You Travel
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge
- 24/7 support for any on-the-go needs
- Flexible arrangements to suit your pace
Once your trip begins, we're right there with you behind the scenes. Our local guides, trusted partners, and support team work together to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and worry-free. From airport pickups to flexible day-to-day arrangements, we help you travel with confidence and ease. -
After You Return Home
- We welcome and value your feedback
- A travel team you can return to anytime
- Special benefits for your next journey
For us, the journey doesn’t simply end when the trip is over. We love staying connected with our travelers, hearing your feedback, and learning more about your experience. Your insights help us continue improving our services while also inspiring future travelers. Many of our guests travel with us again, or recommend us to family and friends, and that’s something we truly value.
Before You Travel
While You Travel
After You Return Home
What Our Clients Say
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