One of my personal highlights of Chengdu has to be the panda sanctuary right in the city centre, which is really well done with pandas of all ages and sizes, as well as the rarer red pandas. Also, don’t leave without tucking into the dumplings and a sample (or two!) of Peking duck.
Upon arrival in Beijing you’ll be escorted to your hotel.
Start to explore this incredible destination straight away with a trip to the Forbidden City. Include a climb up coal hill for spectacular views of the site and of Beijing.
Take a sidecar tour through the Beijing hutongs. These narrow side alleys surrounding Houhai Lake expose authentic local life and great up-close views of the restaurants, bars and shops.
Continue with a visit to the Summer Palace before enjoying a tranquil paddle boat cruise on Kunming Lake.
In the evening, see a Kung Fu show in the historic Red Theatre.
Hike to the Gubeikou Great Wall learning about its military history, passing by watchtowers and beacon towers, and meeting local communities and trying local homemade food as you go.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You Travel Designer will be able to suggest activities to suit your needs prior to departure.
Take the high speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, where a local guide will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.
In the evening, head on a food tour in a private tuk tuk. Prepare to try Xian’s famous Chinese burger, noodles, and craft beer.
Start your day with a bike tour taking in the city sights and the impressive Xi’an ramparts which were constructed during the Ming Dynasty.
Afterwards, visit the famous Xi’an Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed accidentally in 1974 by local farmers, this grand discovery became one of the greatest archaeological finds in modern history.
Continuing with the cultural visits, explore part of Xi’an’s Islamic background with a visit to the Muslim Quarter. Take in the ambiance of the night market while dining on the neighborhood’s specialties of spiced lamb kebabs, flat bread, and mutton soup with noodles.
Today you’ll take the high-speed train to Chengdu.
Visit the Wenshu Temple, the best preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, and stroll through the People’s Park, catching a glimpse of the locals practicing Tai-Chi, Kung-fu, meditation, dance and gymnastics.
Visit the Panda Breeding Centre, home to just under 100 pandas and the largest centre for captive pandas in the world.
Afterwards, enjoy a cooking class learning how to make authentic Chinese dishes with a private chef. Start with a visit to the nearby local wet market, meet the vendors and learn about produce, then prepare the dishes in a cooking studio.
Today you’ll fly to Shanghai where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
In the evening, take a walking food tour to visit local eateries and taste authentic local dishes.
Head on a walking tour of this fascinating city. See the French Concession, Fuxing Park, local bazaars, the restaurants, bars and boutiques Tianzifang, and the renovated area of Xintiandi. End in the Old Town.
Wrap up your day with a traditional Chinese massage.
Begin the day with a transfer from Shanghai to Suzhou.
Experience a morning bike ride around the narrow streets of Suzhou, cycling along the cobbled streets, taking in the sculpted wooden facades of the local houses and the beautiful canals, and discovering the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden.
Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
