Cruise and Panda by Rail
Cruise and Panda by Rail
Iconic China with first-class rail travel
Unforgettable experiences with China’s most iconic animal, the Giant Panda, as well as a relaxing cruise meandering along the Yangtze River, combine on this 15 day tour. With the addition of time in the illustrious capital, Beijing and the historic city of Xian, as well as vibrant Shanghai with the convenience of the efficient bullet trains between destinations make for a holiday of a lifetime.
Locations you will be visiting
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Beijing, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Beijing with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
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Xian, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Xian with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Chengdu, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Chengdu with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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The Yangtze River, China
Discover the sights and traditions for the Yangtze River with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
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Shanghai, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Shanghai with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Cruise and Panda by Rail
14 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Beijing
Take your scheduled flight from London to Beijing. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport.
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival, our representative will meet and arrange your transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon, there is time to relax, or explore the surrounding area.
DAY 3 Beijing City Tour
Your tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Temple of Heaven – where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year. Here you can witness the tradition of Tai Chi being practiced in the courtyard, which is followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and continues to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs. Here, you will gain a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Great Wall
Enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel before your visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a part of the wall with breathtaking views in a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. Back to the city and an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World Championships. In the evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Duck Dinner, in the place that gave it its name!
Following breakfast, visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a less-busy post along the wall offering breathtaking views. This will be followed by an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, architectural marvels built for the 2008 Olympics. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional treat and a culinary must.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Beijing to Xian
This morning visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views, followed by a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake, before catching your bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes) and checking into your hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Bullet train
DAY 6 Terracotta Warriors
Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army, made over 2,000 years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. This will be followed, in the afternoon, with a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, best enjoyed as a peaceful stroll
or leisurely bike ride. This evening you will sample a delicious dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 Xian to Chengdu
After breakfast, admire some of the many treasures in the Shaanxi Museum before moving on to the UNESCO-listed Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and the bustling Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the station to take a bullet train to Chengdu and a two night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Bullet train
DAY 8 Chengdu
Day at leisure to explore Chengdu inde- pendently. Perhaps explore the old town, or relax in the People’s Park watching the locals play mahjong or practising Tai Chi. You can take an option tour to see Leshan Giant Buddha.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Giant Pandas and Chongqing
After breakfast, the first stop will be the renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Here natural habitats have been created to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding the once endangered pandas. Afterwards you will be transferred to the train station to take bullet train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, have dinner at local restaurant. Transfer you to the cruise.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Bullet train
DAY 10 Yangtze River Cruise
Relax and enjoy the scenic vistas, as your vessel meanders along the Yangtze River. There is plenty to keep you occupied including excursions to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, known as “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. All meals are served on board.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 11 Yangtze River Cruise
Watch the countryside drift by, as you enjoy breakfast on board your vessel. A journey through the tranquil Goddess Stream, marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water, is today’s main highlight, before returning to the ship for the rest of the day.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transport: Cruise
DAY 12 Yangtze River Cruise and to Shanghai
As you make your way to Yichang, there is
a chance to visit The Three Gorges Dam, before lunch on board. On arrival, transfer to the station for your bullet train to Shanghai, and a two night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Cruise, Bullet train
DAY 13 Shanghai City Tour
An enjoyable breakfast at your hotel is followed by today’s Shanghai City Tour. Starting at the exquisite Yu Yuan Gardens, a horticulturalists dream, and continuing to the remarkable statues housed at the Jade Buddha Temple. The many exhibits at the Shanghai Museum, is followed by a walk along the promenade at the Bund, and later, from the top of the Shanghai World Financial Centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14 Fly to UK
Transfer to the airport after breakfast, for your return flight back to the UK.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Airplane
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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China
China: Kung Fu Show in Beijing
A dynamic kung-fu show in Beijing
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View this packageChina
China: Volunteering at the Dujiangyan Panda Base
Enjoy a morning helping the staff with the pandas, at their base in Chengdu
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China
China: Night Cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai
Marvel at Shanghai's twinkling lights on a night cruise
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View this packageChina
China: Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
Watch a magical acrobatic show in Shanghai
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2025, 2026 and 2027
Single supplement from £845
Land only from £2,755
(without international flights)
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
This tour itinerary is also available as a Private Tour. Please ask for more details.
China: Cruise and Panda by Rail
from£3,795
What's included:
- International flights in economy class
- Bullet trains in first class,
- 4★ accommodation on twin share basis
- Transfers
- English speaking guides
- Meals as specified
- Entrance fees to the sites listed
- Airport taxes
- Local tips: RMB 715 (approx £80) per person
- Yangtze ruise tips: RMB150 (approx £18 ) per person
- Personal spending
- Travel insurance
- China visa and fees
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
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