Pandas & Golden Cities
SG05: 11 Days Small Group Tour of Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Shanghai
Tour Type: Small Group of 1-18 travelers, guaranteed departures
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned coach
Accommodation: 10 nights, nice 5-star & 4-star hotels
Meals: 10 western buffet breakfasts, 5 lunches with some being a la carte style, 1 dumpling dinner
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 $1689 per person Free Inquiry
From US$1689 per person
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Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
Arrive at any time, 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 SheratonDay 2 Beijing
A tour briefing, 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: Parkline Century Park Hotel Shanghai - the former Crowne Plaza
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Parkline Century Park Hotel Shanghai
- the former Crowne PlazaDay 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
Please check out before 12:00. We recommend the most efficient and money-saving way - taking a taxi by yourself from hotel to the airport, 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 60 days before, 5% off - book 30 days before
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 22(Thu) | Sep 01(Sun) | $1849 | $529 |  |
| Aug 29(Thu) | Sep 08(Sun) | $1839 | $549 | |
| Sep 05(Thu) | Sep 15(Sun) | $1849 | $569 | |
| Sep 12(Thu) | Sep 22(Sun) | $1849 | $569 | |
| Sep 19(Thu) | Sep 29(Sun) | $1849 $1756 | $569 | |
| Oct 03(Thu) | Oct 13(Sun) | $1899 $1804 | $609 | |
| Oct 10(Thu) | Oct 20(Sun) | $1869 $1775 | $569 | |
| Oct 17(Thu) | Oct 27(Sun) | $1869 $1775 | $569 | |
| Oct 24(Thu) | Nov 03(Sun) | $1839 $1655 | $569 | |
| Oct 31(Thu) | Nov 10(Sun) | $1769 $1592 | $569 | |
| Nov 07(Thu) | Nov 17(Sun) | $1769 $1592 | $569 | |
| Nov 21(Thu) | Dec 01(Sun) | $1689 $1520 | $499 | |
| Dec 08(Sun) | Dec 18(Wed) | $1689 $1520 | $499 | |
| Dec 22(Sun) | Jan 01(Wed) | $1689 $1520 | $499 | |
Remark: The prices in red reflect the current discount.
2020 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with one person!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book 60 days before, 5% off - book 30 days before
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05(Sun) | Jan 15(Wed) | $1699 $1529 | $539 | |
| Feb 13(Thu) | Feb 23(Sun) | $1699 $1529 | $539 | |
| Mar 05(Thu) | Mar 15(Sun) | $1719 $1547 | $559 | |
| Mar 12(Thu) | Mar 22(Sun) | $1719 $1547 | $559 | |
| Mar 26(Thu) | Apr 05(Sun) | $1759 $1583 | $559 | |
| Apr 02(Thu) | Apr 12(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $599 | |
| Apr 09(Thu) | Apr 19(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $599 | |
| Apr 16(Thu) | Apr 26(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $599 | |
| Apr 23(Thu) | May 03(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $599 | |
| May 07(Thu) | May 17(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $599 | |
| May 14(Thu) | May 24(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $599 | |
| May 21(Thu) | May 31(Sun) | $1879 $1691 | $599 | |
| May 28(Thu) | Jun 07(Sun) | $1869 $1682 | $589 | |
| Jun 04(Thu) | Jun 14(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $579 | |
| Jun 11(Thu) | Jun 21(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $579 | |
| Jun 18(Thu) | Jun 28(Sun) | $1859 $1673 | $579 | |
| Jun 25(Thu) | Jul 05(Sun) | $1869 $1682 | $579 | |
| Jul 02(Thu) | Jul 12(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Jul 09(Thu) | Jul 19(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Jul 16(Thu) | Jul 26(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Jul 23(Thu) | Aug 02(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Jul 30(Thu) | Aug 09(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Aug 06(Thu) | Aug 16(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Aug 13(Thu) | Aug 23(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Aug 20(Thu) | Aug 30(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $579 | |
| Aug 27(Thu) | Sep 06(Sun) | $1909 $1718 | $589 | |
| Sep 03(Thu) | Sep 13(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $629 | |
| Sep 10(Thu) | Sep 20(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $629 | |
| Sep 17(Thu) | Sep 27(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $629 | |
| Sep 24(Thu) | Oct 04(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $629 | |
| Oct 08(Thu) | Oct 18(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $629 | |
| Oct 15(Thu) | Oct 25(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $629 | |
| Oct 22(Thu) | Nov 01(Sun) | $1899 $1709 | $629 | |
| Oct 29(Thu) | Nov 08(Sun) | $1799 $1619 | $619 | |
| Nov 05(Thu) | Nov 15(Sun) | $1799 $1619 | $619 | |
| Nov 12(Thu) | Nov 22(Sun) | $1779 $1601 | $599 | |
| Nov 19(Thu) | Nov 29(Sun) | $1759 $1583 | $599 | |
| Dec 09(Wed) | Dec 19(Sat) | $1709 $1538 | $539 | |
| Dec 23(Wed) | Jan 02(Sat) | $1709 $1538 | $539 | |
Remark: The prices in red reflect the current 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
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Meals were superb, although the one in Shanghai was notable in its lack of quality. Though warned of its inferiority, the Xian dumpling banquet seemed to surpass the meal in Shanghai. The vegetarians in the group seemed to have issues but, personally, I thought meals were superb.
I particularly enjoyed the visits to the homes of the local people...don't ever lose this aspect of the tour; it was insightful and engaging and having a native speaker in the group seemed to draw them out. It was a great experience. I would do it again and indeed would hope to.
I am presently singing the praises of TravelChinaGuide tour to my family and friends...a great tour. Until next time. ... More
Linda in Beijing was so helpful and kind and always happy. She really set the tone of making our group feel like one big family even though we had very little in common others on the tour, which created a very enjoyable atmosphere on the bus and as we visited the many interesting attractions in Beijing. She was very attentive to our needs at all times, from reminding us to pack snacks for the Great Wall hike to making sure we had rain gear. She was enthusiastic and able to answer every question we asked. Linda clearly cared about everyone in the group and we each felt that she gave us individual attention and help.
Lily in Xian was exceptional. She was extremely knowledgeable about the emperors and all the fascinating archaeological sites and history of this amazing area. She also helped us understand a lot about modern-day China and its culture. She was also excellent at handling our quite diverse group of tourists from all over the world. She was very conscientious about making sure we stayed on time so we could see everything on the itinerary and more, plus she helped us order delicious meals.
Lin in Chengdu was also extremely interesting and helpful. Since we were just a group of three with her, we really appreciated her being flexible with our schedule, allowing us to spend a lot more time where we wanted (at the panda breeding center) and less at other locations, yet she still managed to get every stop in. She also took the time to personally help me find a hot pot restaurant (this was the heart of the Szechuan province, after all) near our hotel, and she even walked with me there to pre-order our meal. The menu was only in Chinese and I'm vegetarian, so there is no way we could have handled it on our own, and she did this on her own time! She also arranged for us to spend our next free evening at a Chinese Opera/Variety show and made sure we got tickets and a ride. We could never have done all that without her (and the driver's) help.
We were with Judy in Shanghai for just one day, but she made sure we made the most of it! She had a group of 7 people (3 of us and another family of 4) with somewhat different interests. So she managed to help both groups do exactly what we each wanted to do, spending some of the time all together and the rest doing different things. But Judy made sure we all got to where we wanted to be, ate unusual and delicious meals and gave us lots of good suggestions and information about the city and its sites. We really appreciated her flexibility and attention to our needs.
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