Classic China Tour With Panda Volunteer Experience

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

  Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, your guide eagerly awaiting you at the exit will assist you and your families with worry-free transfer to your well-selected accommodation.

  Note: Alternatively, you may choose to enter China from Shanghai. Please kindly contact your personal travel consultant for the possibility before your tour.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City

  Start your city's adventure at Tiananmen Square. As the sun rises, the Five-Starred Red Flag rises here every morning. If you wish, take your kids here before sunrise to witness a majestic flag-raising ceremony and the Chinese people's worship of their national flag.

  Near it, admire the magnificent Forbidden City, a sprawling royal palace complex, be immersed in legendary tales of royal families, and learn many architectural art details. Behind it, hike up the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and a full sight of Beijing's central axis.

  In the evening, treat yourselves to an authentic Peking Duck dinner, with the chef expertly carving the roasted duck into thin slices on-site. Take a piece of the tender duck, wrap it in a delicate pancake with some scallions, cucumber strips, and endemic tangy sauce, and let it excite your taste buds.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Great Wall Adventure

  Today, take your family to challenge one of history's greatest military defense projects, the Great Wall.

  Arrive at the Mutianyu section after a two-hour drive and ride the cable car up, enjoying the stunning views as the Great Wall winds and traces rolling mountains with its distinctive contours. With hundreds of majestic passes and thousands of watchtowers, the rampart breaks its monotony and invites exploration. Walking on it with your loved ones, feel the serenity away from the city's hustle and bustle.

  The rest of the day after returning is yours. Why not take the chance to do an optional tour of the Liyuan Theatre and enjoy a Peking Opera performance featuring elaborate costumes, expressive makeup, powerful vocals, and heroic stories?

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Flight to Xi'an

  Start the day by visiting the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture. In the spacious park around it, enjoy the leisurely sight of people carrying bird cages and listen to the soothing sounds of someone playing the erhu. Participate in a Tai Chi class together, where everyone can learn the graceful movements of this traditional martial art. Watch as your children try to mimic the fluid motions, their laughter mingling with the serene surroundings.

  Following lunch, take a relaxing tour of the hutongs, traversing the narrow alleys on a rickshaw and indulging in the distinctive ambiance of old Beijing, creating unforgettable memories for your whole family.

  Later, take a two-hour flight to Xi'an. We suggest departing from Daxing Airport, so you can spend some time exploring its elegant architecture blending traditional Chinese culture with modern technology.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Terracotta Army, Bronze Chariots & Muslim Quarter

  Begin the journey to the Museum of the Terracotta Army, where the awe-inspiring "Eighth Wonder of the World" stands before you. Each of the thousands of soldiers has a unique face and posture. In the front are crossbowmen, followed by heavily armored warriors and hundreds of chariots, all guarding the ancient Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

  Continue to marvel at the exquisite Bronze Chariots, renowned for their complete structures, luxurious decorations, and intricate carvings, which showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of Qin dynasty artisans, accurately reproducing the emperor's imperial carriage.

  Return to the city and explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, filled with local snack stalls and craft shops offering a delightful array of local treats and handmade goods.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Xi'an - Chengdu

  Today's first stop is the Drum Tower, where you can listen to a mesmerizing performance of ancient bell and drum music. Then, at the Gao's Courtyard, enjoy a captivating Shadow Puppet Show, with skilled puppeteers bringing traditional stories to life with intricate shadow play, and join a Calligraphy Class, practicing brush strokes and creating your piece of calligraphic work.

  Afterward, board a high-speed train for a scenic journey to Chengdu, which takes approximately four hours. During the trip, relax and enjoy the changing landscapes outside the window.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 7: Dujiangyan Panda Base & Jinli Old Street

  Spend a jolly day at the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a natural reserve about 76 kilometers from Chengdu dedicated to raising and caring for adorable pandas, where you can witness pandas playing - some climbing trees while others lazily munching on bamboo leaves.

  The volunteer activity officially begins at 8:30 am. Under teacher guidance, clean enclosures, collect feces, add bamboo and observe panda behaviors. Watch feeding demonstrations and behavioral training. Also here, dive into hands-on activities that the entire family will enjoy. Create large panda toys or simple crafts like painting pandas on blank fans or lanterns. The kids will revel in the creative fun and make their panda-themed souvenirs. Additionally, you can prepare bamboo snacks for the pandas.

  After that, be escorted back to Chengdu to enjoy leisure time on Jinli Old Street, lined with food stalls offering a variety of snacks like tofu pudding, crispy beef pancakes, and spicy chicken skewers. Watch traditional Chengdu artisans blowing sugar figures and molding dough figurines at work.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 8: Chengdu Museum & Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu - Shanghai

  In the morning, delve into the family-friendly Chengdu Museum. Here, interactive displays bring traditional folk customs to life. Visit Wenshu Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary with ornate eaves and wind-chiming bells, observe the many candles burning in the incense burners, and join the locals at an open-air teahouse to sample Chengdu people's laidback life.

  In the afternoon, board a flight to your next destination, the cosmopolitan Shanghai.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 9: Explore Shanghai's Highlights

  Your city exploration starts from the Bund, where you can take in its stunning skyline and enjoy a leisurely walk along the historic waterfront. Next, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to discover the city's impressive development and plans in interactive displays and models.

  Relax at Fuxing Park amid lush gardens, watch locals practicing Tai Chi, and perhaps join in a chess playing. Explore the charming neighborhood of Bugaoli, with its unique blend of Western and Chinese architecture. Discover the local life at Sipailou Market and try a variety of street snacks like dumplings, scallion pancakes, and steamed buns.

  Conclude the day by ascending to the observation deck of Shanghai Tower - the second tallest building in the world, and capturing a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and memorable photos.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 10: Shanghai - Exit

  It's time to say goodbye. Enjoy some free time to pack your luggage and gather your belongings. Once you are ready, the guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and assist with your departure. They will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport, where you can catch your flight home or to your next destination.

  Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!

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  • Shanghai