Essential Plus Panda
Pandas, the most essential Chinese experience
The perfect 12 day tour for the first time traveller to China, wanting to observe and spend time with China’s most recognised and adorable animal, the Giant Panda, as well as travelling to China’s most significant cities. These include the illustrious capital, Beijing, the modern and vibrant city of Shanghai and the historic city of Xian. There is also an opportunity to visit the ancient canal town of Zhujiajiao.
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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Shanghai, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Shanghai with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Essential Plus Panda
12 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 to check in for a three night stay.
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 practised 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 post on 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 Visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views. This is followed by a relaxing boat ride on beautiful Kunming Lake . In the evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Duck Dinner, in the city that gave it its name!
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Beijing to Xian
Transfer you to the station for you to take the first class bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes). Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel and checking into your hotel for a two night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- 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 is followed by a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, best enjoyed on a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The evening’s meal is a delicious dumpling dinner accompanied by a Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 Xian to Chengdu
Following breakfast, you’ll have free time to explore Xian yourself. You will transfer to the station to take a bullet train to Chengdu. It will take 3 hours and 10 minutes. On arrival, you will transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet train
DAY 8 Chengdu
Day at leisure to explore Chengdu independently. Perhaps explore the old town, or relax in the People’s Park watching the locals play mahjong or practising Tai Chi.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Giant Pandas and to Shanghai
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 airport for a flight to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai, where you will check into your hotel for a three night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 10 Shanghai City Tour
The first attraction of the day, after breakfast, will be the Yu Yuan Gardens, first constructed in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan. The gardens occupy an area of 5 acres and are home to beautiful pavilions, walkways, rockeries, streams, ponds, courtyards and flowers. A horticulturist’s heaven. Next stop, the Jade Buddha Temple, where you can marvel at impressive temples, both ancient and modern, housing large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. Afterwards, you will spend time at the Shanghai Museum, followed by the opportunity to visit the impressive waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11 Zhujiajiao
Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, known as the Pearl Stream, an ancient water town dating back over 1,700 years. Here you can expect to see the Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historic buildings and the Ma family Garden before heading back to Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure and a chance to pick up those last minute souvenirs.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12 Fly to UK
Following breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your 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.bei
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View this packageChina
China: Beijing Opera
Delight at a performance of traditional Beijing Opera
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View this packageChina
China: Tea Tasting
Appreciate the varying blends of Chinese tea at a tasting
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View this packageChina
China: Tai Chi Lesson
Practise this ancient martial art with a Tai Chi lesson
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View this packageChina
China: Calligraphy Lesson
Create your own piece with a class in Chinese caligraphy
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2026 and 2027
Single supplement from £545
Land only from £2,395
(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: Essential Plus Panda
from£3,495
What's included:
- International departing from London Heathrow with British Airways in economy class
- Domestic flights in economy class
- Bullet train in first class
- 4★accommodation based on twin share
- Transfers
- English speaking guides
- Meals as stated
- Entrance fees to the sites listed
- Airport taxes
- Local tips: RMB715 (approx. £80) 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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