In Pursuit of Pandas

This immersive journey through China showcases the country’s most iconic cities, ancient wonders, and living traditions. Begin in Beijing, where you’ll explore the vast Tiananmen Square, the imperial splendour of the Forbidden City, and the tranquil Temple of Heaven. Venture beyond the capital to walk along the legendary Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass, followed by visits to the elegant Summer Palace and a traditional acrobat show. Travel by high-speed rail to Xi’an, home of the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, and enjoy cultural highlights including a Tang Dynasty dance performance, traditional dumplings, and a walk atop the ancient city walls. Continue to Chengdu, stopping en route at the charming Yuanjia Village to experience rural life, folk culture, and regional cuisine. In Sichuan, encounter China’s beloved giant pandas at both the Dujiangyan Panda Base and the Panda Conservation Centre, stroll along lively Jinli Street, visit a traditional tea house, and observe the fascinating Matchmaker’s Corner. The tour concludes in Chengdu with leisure time before departure, offering a rich blend of history, culture, scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

Highlights

• Discover the imperial treasures of Beijing
• Explore the Great Wall of China 
• Experience the spectacular Terracotta Warriors
• Spend time with the loveable Giant Pandas 

Pricing

10 Days 

from

$6,380*

per person twin share

Pricing based on 22 Mar, 5 Apr, 8 Nov 26 departures

Inclusions

• Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges  (unless a land only option is selected) 
• All accommodation
• All meals
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
• All transportation and transfers ▪ English speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) and Local Guides
• Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
• Comprehensive travel guides
• Safe and secure with IATA

The only thing you may have to pay for is personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, customary tipping, early check in or late check out and other items not specified on the itinerary. 

Itinerary Details

Days One & Two - Beijing

On arrival in Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel.  Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.  An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 2. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner. 

Day Three - Beijing

Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Sightseeing here will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven for about 1 hour.  Tonight, eat a traditional Peking duck dinner. 

Day Four -  The Great Wall

Rise early this morning and drive around 2-hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass.  Here you can take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. After walking from the coach to the first section, your group will receive an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history and a briefing on the different walking routes available, depending on your level of fitness.  You will then have approximately 2.5 hours of free time to explore at your own pace. Please note that there are many steps at the wall and certain sections are steeper than others.  Later, visit a jade factory before taking a stroll through the exquisite Summer Palace. This evening enjoy a thrilling acrobat show 

Day Five - Beijing - Xian 

This morning you will be transferred to Beijing railway station for your 5-hour bullet train to Xian.  Later, enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. 

Day Six - Xian

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the lifesized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15-minute walk.  There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs.  The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made.  This afternoon, take a walk on the ancient city wall with time to explore at your own pace. 

Day Seven - Xian – Chengdu 

Travel approximately 1.5 hours by road to Yuanjia Village, a restored settlement known for preserving the architectural charm and folk culture of old Shaanxi. Depending on the weather, you’ll have time to stroll through cobbled alleys, browse local handicraft shops, see traditional performances in the square, and visit small workshops producing vinegar, oil, and chili.  Don’t miss the lively Food Street, where you can sample a variety of regional snacks. After lunch, transfer to the train station and take a 3-and-a-half-hour bullet train to Chengdu.  

Day Eight - Dujiangyan Panda Base 

Today, see the Giant Pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base. Located in the forested Sichuanese countryside around 1 hour’s drive north of Chengdu, Dujiangyan offers refuge to Giant Pandas with the aim to reintroduce them into the wild.  Later, return to Chengdu and enjoy time to soak up the atmosphere on lively Jinli Street. Tonight, dine on a typical Sichuan meal. 

Day Nine - Chendu

This morning, visit the Giant Pandas at the Panda Conservation Centre, where you can learn more about China’s celebrated bear. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day.  Sightseeing involves approximately 1 and a half hours on foot and there are electric carts offered by private vendors that can be organised at your own cost.  Later, visit Matchmaker’s Corner where you can watch parents search for suitable suitors for their children, and visit a traditional tea house where you can try traditional Chinese tea (cup of tea included).

Days Ten & Eleven - Depart Chengdu 

After breakfast and check out any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight arriving home the same or following day.  

Terms and Conditions

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes and are subject to change. Correct as of 1 June 2025

Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.

Customary tipping amount is paid locally in China of approximately RMB 400 pp (2025), RMB 495 pp (2026 & 2027)

Land Only from $4,880 (Beijing - Chengdu)  Single Supplement from $800

Based on departures from Auckland. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request

Price listed is based on new bookings only

For further T & C's vivsit the Sendy Wu website. www.wendywu.co.nz