Pandas & Golden Cities
SG05: 11 Days Small Group Tour of Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Shanghai
Tour Type: Small Group of 1-18 persons, guaranteed departures
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide & air-conditioned, licensed limousine
Tour Highlights:
- Must-see sights - Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Giant Pandas
- Have a once in a life chance to get close to the incredibly cute treasure - Pandas
- Cruise on the Huangpu River to take in the impressive skylines of Shanghai
- Enjoy a la carte meals, Kung Fu Show, Tang Dynasty Music and Dance performance
From $1679 per person Free Inquiry
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Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Airport pick-up & airport-hotel transfer.
You will be met at Beijing airport and taken to check in at the hotel. You may make your own plans for the remainder of the day. Our guide will offer the orientation of the following day on escorted tours and dining arrangements.
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former Sheraton
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former Sheraton Day 2 Beijing
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, A la carte welcome lunch with Peking Duck, Temple of Heaven, Chinese Kung Fu Show. (B+L)
Tiananmen Square
After breakfast at the hotel, all nationals on the tour attend a short orientation session for mix and mingle. Set off to the first stop, at the Tiananmen Square and then the Forbidden City. There is much to see. Our guide will take you one step further with first hand knowledge.
At noon, you will dine on an a la carte welcome lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a very popular restaurant. There are great menu selections including Peking Roast Duck.
After that you will approach the Temple of Heaven. It is a former place of worship surrounded by a park. Then you will go to see a traditional Chinese Kung Fu Show in the evening.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch
At noon, you will dine on an a la carte welcome lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a very popular restaurant. There are great menu selections including Peking Roast Duck.
After that you will approach the Temple of Heaven. It is a former place of worship surrounded by a park. Then you will go to see a traditional Chinese Kung Fu Show in the evening.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch
Day 3 Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall with a round-trip cable car, A toast with red wine on the wall, Olympic Bird's Nest. (B)
Our group at the Great Wall of China
The buffet style breakfast with variety of food is served at the hotel from 06:30. We suggest you have a hearty breakfast today as you are going to mount the great wall and lunch is not included. After about two hours driving, you will reach the Mutianyu Great Wall, the most popular section. To keep your strength for a great hike on the wall, we arrange the round-trip cable car for you. To add spice on the exciting occasion, we toast you with a bottle of red wine.
On the way back to town, you will be driven through 2008 Olympic site dominated by the large Bird's Nest. You can also get a photo opportunity with it as backdrop. Then a featured local market is scheduled. You will enjoy some free time there to relax.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
On the way back to town, you will be driven through 2008 Olympic site dominated by the large Bird's Nest. You can also get a photo opportunity with it as backdrop. Then a featured local market is scheduled. You will enjoy some free time there to relax.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 4 Beijing - Xi'an
Summer Palace, Hutong Rickshaw Tour, Experience Chinese Paper Cutting, A la carte lunch, Fly to Xi'an, Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)
Chinese countryside people celebrating the traditional festival
On the last day of Beijing visit you get to see the Summer Palace and the traditional Hutongs. Summer Palace is one of the places where you find refuge from the bustling city center. Narrow alleys connect traditional courtyard residences called Hutongs. A rickshaw ride through those old hutongs is an eye-opening experience. Also a particular arrangement for you is to try your hand at Chinese Paper Cutting, one of China's most popular folk arts.
We will serve you an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a quality local restaurant. Enough of Beijing, and you are off to the ancient imperial capital, Xi'an, where you will be met at the airport and brought to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
We will serve you an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a quality local restaurant. Enough of Beijing, and you are off to the ancient imperial capital, Xi'an, where you will be met at the airport and brought to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
Day 5 Xi'an
Terracotta Army, A local family visit and an authentic home-cooked lunch, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling dinner. (B+L+D)
The Terracotta Army is a must when visiting Xi'an. The museum consists of three main excavation pits and one exhibition hall. The figures in the museum include warriors, horses, chariots, weapons and so on. It is estimated that the first Emperor of Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC) constructed such a large army format aimed to protect his mausoleum. Till now, the excavation work is still ongoing.
Then pay a home visit. You will socialize with the host family members and join them for lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price). Proceed to Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda after lunch. This evening, dine on the local special dumpling dinner with the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner
Friendly Tips
Since the theater is usually not open in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec, we will not arrange the show and dumpling dinner for tours starting during the periods. Clients will enjoy free time to relax.
Then pay a home visit. You will socialize with the host family members and join them for lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price). Proceed to Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda after lunch. This evening, dine on the local special dumpling dinner with the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner
Friendly TipsSince the theater is usually not open in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec, we will not arrange the show and dumpling dinner for tours starting during the periods. Clients will enjoy free time to relax.
Day 6 Xi'an
Observe local life in the park, Tai Chi practice, Xi'an City Wall, A la carte lunch, Provincial History Museum, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter. (B+L)
Terracotta Army
Photo by our client Mr. Barry David Nichols
Photo by our client Mr. Barry David Nichols
In the morning, we will first head to the City Wall Park, a popular venue for local people to relax and take part in various activities. A Tai Chi practice will be arranged for you here. Then go on a visit to the City Wall. Originally built as a military defense system, it consists of walls, gate towers, suspension bridges and city moats. Nowadays, it has become one of the landmarks of this ancient capital city.
After an a la carte lunch at a nice local restaurant, you will be driven to Shaanxi History Museum, an admirable place for visitors to appreciate the cultural treasures. Later, continue to the Muslim Street. It has been a prosperous commercial street since ancient times, and now it becomes more and more popular among tourists with its distinctive features. Going across the bustling street, you will reach the tranquil Great Mosque, which is one of the most famous mosques in China. It was first built during the mid-seventy century when Islam was introduced to Northwestern China by Arabic merchants and travelers.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
After an a la carte lunch at a nice local restaurant, you will be driven to Shaanxi History Museum, an admirable place for visitors to appreciate the cultural treasures. Later, continue to the Muslim Street. It has been a prosperous commercial street since ancient times, and now it becomes more and more popular among tourists with its distinctive features. Going across the bustling street, you will reach the tranquil Great Mosque, which is one of the most famous mosques in China. It was first built during the mid-seventy century when Islam was introduced to Northwestern China by Arabic merchants and travelers.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 7 Xi'an - Chengdu
A 4-hour high-speed train to Chengdu, Train station to hotel transfer. (B)
A morning high-speed train will take you from Xian to Chengdu in about 4 hours. Our guide will meet you at the railway station and help you check in at the hotel. Relax during the rest of the day.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza
Day 8 Chengdu
Giant Panda Base, Broad and Narrow Alleys, Jinsha Site Museum, Leisure time at Renmin Park. (B)
Plump Pandas
The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding cannot be bypassed when one visits Chengdu. We show you the panda center in the morning when pandas are the most active. You will sure be entertained. After that, we will take you to explore the Broad and Narrow Alleys. You might have your own lunch there to taste some popular Sichuan food.
In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Jinsha Site Museum, which supports dating Chengdu city settlement back to 611 BC. Its heritage reflects on everyday life. People in Chengdu have the reputation for their carefree lifestyle, so the last stop today is to have a tea break and take a glimpse on the locals' living style in Renmin Park.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Jinsha Site Museum, which supports dating Chengdu city settlement back to 611 BC. Its heritage reflects on everyday life. People in Chengdu have the reputation for their carefree lifestyle, so the last stop today is to have a tea break and take a glimpse on the locals' living style in Renmin Park.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 9 Chengdu - Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai, Airport-hotel transfer, Relax during the rest of the day. (B)
Today you will be taking a flight to your last scheduled destination: Shanghai. Expect to be met and taken to the hotel for check-in. The rest time of the day is free for you to explore the city.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Century Park Shanghai
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Century Park Shanghai
Day 10 Shanghai
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden and its traditional bazaar, A la carte farewell lunch, Former French Concession, the Bund and Huangpu River cruise. (B+L)
Shanghai Bund area
If Chinese history, culture and art, is right up your alley, then Shanghai Museum is the most informative. Then off to the Yu Garden, which is a classical Chinese garden. It includes trees, flowers, and also ponds, bridges, rocks, pavilions, and halls. If you are hunting for small gifts or souvenirs for families or friends, the nearby lively Yu Bazaar is good place.
You will be at the a la carte farewell lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) at a fancy restaurant.
You will spend the afternoon to discover the Former French Concession, take in the Bund area and have a one-hour cruise tour on the Huangpu River. Bon voyage at the hotel lobby from Travel China Guide.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte farewell lunch
You will be at the a la carte farewell lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) at a fancy restaurant.
You will spend the afternoon to discover the Former French Concession, take in the Bund area and have a one-hour cruise tour on the Huangpu River. Bon voyage at the hotel lobby from Travel China Guide.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte farewell lunch
Day 11 Departure from Shanghai
Hotel-airport transfer is on your own arrangement, A pleasant trip home! (B)
Today's transfer from hotel to airport is not included in the package as the flights' time of group members are different. You need to find your own way to the airport for your homeward flight. The most convenient way is to take a taxi. It costs around CNY150 per cab to Pudong Airport and CNY200 to Hongqiao Airport. We hope you have a nice trip home.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
B-- Breakfast L-- Lunch D-- Dinner
2019 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with one person!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book by Feb 28, 5% off - book from Mar 01
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 24(Sun) | Mar 06(Wed) | $1679 $1511 | $499 |  |
| Mar 05(Tue) | Mar 15(Fri) | $1699 $1529 | $519 | |
| Mar 12(Tue) | Mar 22(Fri) | $1729 $1556 | $549 | |
| Mar 26(Tue) | Apr 05(Fri) | $1729 $1556 | $519 | |
| Apr 04(Thu) | Apr 14(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| Apr 11(Thu) | Apr 21(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| Apr 18(Thu) | Apr 28(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| Apr 25(Thu) | May 05(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 09(Thu) | May 19(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 16(Thu) | May 26(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 23(Thu) | Jun 02(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 30(Thu) | Jun 09(Sun) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 06(Thu) | Jun 16(Sun) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 13(Thu) | Jun 23(Sun) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 20(Thu) | Jun 30(Sun) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 27(Thu) | Jul 07(Sun) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jul 04(Thu) | Jul 14(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Jul 11(Thu) | Jul 21(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Jul 18(Thu) | Jul 28(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Jul 25(Thu) | Aug 04(Sun) | $1909 $1718 | $589 | |
| Aug 01(Thu) | Aug 11(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Aug 08(Thu) | Aug 18(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Aug 15(Thu) | Aug 25(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Aug 22(Thu) | Sep 01(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Aug 29(Thu) | Sep 08(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $579 | |
| Sep 05(Thu) | Sep 15(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Sep 12(Thu) | Sep 22(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Sep 19(Thu) | Sep 29(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Oct 03(Thu) | Oct 13(Sun) | $1909 $1718 | $629 | |
| Oct 10(Thu) | Oct 20(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Oct 17(Thu) | Oct 27(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Oct 24(Thu) | Nov 03(Sun) | $1849 $1664 | $589 | |
| Oct 31(Thu) | Nov 10(Sun) | $1779 $1601 | $589 | |
| Nov 07(Thu) | Nov 17(Sun) | $1779 $1601 | $589 | |
| Nov 21(Thu) | Dec 01(Sun) | $1699 $1529 | $519 | |
| Dec 08(Sun) | Dec 18(Wed) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
| Dec 22(Sun) | Jan 01(Tue) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
Remark: The prices in red reflect 10% discount.
2020 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with one person!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book by Feb 28, 5% off - book from Mar 01
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05(Sun) | Jan 15(Wed) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
| Feb 13(Thu) | Feb 23(Sun) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
| Mar 05(Thu) | Mar 15(Sun) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
| Mar 12(Thu) | Mar 22(Sun) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
| Mar 26(Thu) | Apr 05(Sun) | $1719 $1547 | $519 | |
| Apr 05(Sun) | Apr 15(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| Apr 12(Sun) | Apr 22(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| Apr 19(Sun) | Apr 29(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| Apr 26(Sun) | May 06(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 03(Sun) | May 13(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 17(Sun) | May 27(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 24(Sun) | Jun 03(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $569 | |
| May 31(Sun) | Jun 10(Wed) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 07(Sun) | Jun 17(Wed) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 14(Sun) | Jun 24(Wed) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 21(Sun) | Jul 01(Wed) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jun 28(Sun) | Jul 08(Wed) | $1839 $1655 | $549 | |
| Jul 05(Sun) | Jul 15(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Jul 12(Sun) | Jul 22(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Jul 19(Sun) | Jul 29(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Jul 26(Sun) | Aug 05(Wed) | $1909 $1718 | $589 | |
| Aug 02(Sun) | Aug 12(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Aug 09(Sun) | Aug 19(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Aug 16(Sun) | Aug 26(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $559 | |
| Aug 30(Sun) | Sep 09(Wed) | $1859 $1673 | $579 | |
| Sep 06(Sun) | Sep 16(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Sep 13(Sun) | Sep 23(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Sep 20(Sun) | Sep 30(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Oct 04(Sun) | Oct 14(Wed) | $1909 $1718 | $629 | |
| Oct 11(Sun) | Oct 21(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Oct 18(Sun) | Oct 28(Wed) | $1879 $1691 | $589 | |
| Oct 25(Sun) | Nov 04(Wed) | $1849 $1664 | $589 | |
| Nov 01(Sun) | Nov 11(Wed) | $1779 $1601 | $589 | |
| Nov 08(Sun) | Nov 18(Wed) | $1779 $1601 | $589 | |
| Nov 15(Sun) | Nov 25(Wed) | $1699 $1529 | $519 | |
| Dec 08(Tue) | Dec 18(Fri) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
| Dec 22(Tue) | Jan 01(Wed) | $1689 $1520 | $519 | |
Remark: The prices in red reflect 10% discount.
Price Includes
- Domestic airfares & train fares
- Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
- Lunches as itinerary specifies
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
- Tips or gratuities for hotel porters
Price Excludes
- International airfares
- Entry Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
Why Travel With Us
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Meals: We totally enjoyed the meals that arranged. The food was always extremely well prepared and honestly it was the best Chinese food that we have ever had. The quantity was always sufficient and the environments were nice.
Guides: Our guides were always very well prepared with local knowledge, could answer almost any question that we could think of during our trip, and offered interesting information without being asked. The quality of English by each guide was sufficient for the trip and we taught them some English while they taught us some Chinese. Each guide provided us with surveys, envelopes and privacy to complete them.
Drivers and Cars: The drivers were always polite and the cars well maintained. No concerns.
The hotels were always first rate and totally enjoyable. Wonderful selections.
Thanks to TCG, we spent a memorable time in China. ... More
To conclude, we had a great time in general. I have already recommended the tour to several of my friends and will continue to do so. Thank you for making my experience in China a memorable one. ... More
Beijing
Janet was our appointed guide and she was very friendly and extremely helpful. She spoke a beautiful English and she was always happy. She even taught us how to count in Chinese. The restaurants we went to served wonderful food and we quickly learned to use the chopsticks! Beijing was a highlight, and we will recommend it to everyone!
Xian
Grace was our appointed guide in Xian and she was helpful but definitely not on par with Janet. She seemed a bit less enthusiastic but tried. The Western food was not a success - but all the other meals were delicious.
Chengdu
We were met by Jahrva (I'm not sure how to spell her name!) at the station and she took us to the hotel. Such a wonderful girl! She was extremely helpful and friendly and sweet! She was very enthusiastic about everything she told us about and we had fun with her.
Shanghai
Jenny met us at the airport and she was also very good. She was kind enough to let us shop a bit and we gave her a letter to say that we will miss the museum but need to go the market!! Otherwise our children would be very upset if we don't bring some presents back! ... More
I thought the distribution of time was well spent at each destination. However it would have been nicer in Beijing to have more freedom in how to spend your time at each destination. Also maybe extend the package to have an extra day in Shanghai and of course increase the price slightly.
Meals in all places were good to excellent. Beijing duck was great, and I thought the dumpling dinner in Xian was average. Also I think at the majority of meals during the journey there was way too much food and smaller meals should have been served on your arrival into Xi'an and Shanghai as you get food on the plane. I also feel that the guide should eat with the guests as there is enough food left over to cover this. ... More