China Classic with Panda and Zhangjiajie

15-day classic tour: Explore Beijing's Forbidden City & Great Wall, Xian's Terracotta Army, Chengdu pandas, Fenghuang Ancient Town, Zhangjiajie's Avatar mountains, Chongqing's unique views and Shanghai's skyline.

Highlights:

• Explore the imperial treasures of Beijing, including Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
• Walk along the iconic Great Wall of China and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views
• Discover the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological finds in history
• Experience authentic local culture in traditional hutongs, vibrant markets, and historic towns like Fenghuang Ancient Town
• Visit the stunning landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the Avatar mountains

Enjoy modern China in Shanghai with spectacular skyline views from Shanghai Tower and a stroll along the Bund

Day 01 Arrival in Beijing

In the morning arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, transfer to hotel.

In the afternoon return to Beijing and visit the hutongs. Hutong is an ancient urban alleyway unique to Beijing. In Beijing, there are thousands of hutongs surrounding the Forbidden City (Gu Gong), most of which were formed during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties in Chinese history. Walking through the hutongs, listening to the tour guide explain the cultural connotations of Beijing's hutongs and quadrangle courtyards, and learning about the traditional way of life in the hutongs.

Overnight at Sunworld Hotel

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02 Beijing

Stroll in the Tiananmen Square that is probably the biggest one of its kind in the world. Then go to visit the Forbidden City (Gugong) - the emperor's palace, which was built between 1406 and 1420 with 9000 halls and rooms, containing many precious relics. Facing south and rising from a terrace, the largest palace in the world represents the supreme power and authority that emperors enjoyed during the feudalistic dynasties, and exemplifies the elements of palace architecture.

Built in 1420 of the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty at present covering an area of 273 hectares, the grand temple served as the sacrificial place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing to worship the heaven, presenting gratitude for the harvest of this year and praying for another good harvest next year. It is the largest and most important of all imperial temples in China.

Overnight at Sunworld Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 Beijing

In the morning go to the Great Wall at Mutianyu (about 70 km in northeast of Beijing). The local section of the Great Wall built in 1368 and restored in 1983, is particularly attractive with its numerous watchtowers along the picturesque ridge in green, gently undulating landscape. The Great Wall was built as a defensive line against attacks by warlike steppe people from the north, and was constantly expanded and strengthened, so the strategic passes with barracks, watchtowers and storage rooms were expanded to fortress. The Great Wall is one of the eight ancient wonders of the world and the only man-made construction on earth that the astronauts can see in the moon. Starting out in the east on the banks of Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. It gradually becomes the symbol of the ancient Chinese civilization. Have a walk on the Great Wall about 2 to 3 hours. In the afternoon return to Beijing.

In the afternoon visit the Summer Palace (Yihe Yuan). Numerous unforgettable photo opportunities are waiting for you. In the summer it was too hot for the Chinese emperors, so they began in 1153 to build a summer residence in northwest of Beijing. The Summer Palace is the most successful imperial garden, one of the highlights of Chinese landscape and horticultural art.

Overnight at Sunworld Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 High-speed train Beijing Xian

In the morning transfer to railway station to take the high-speed train (G91 0755/1206, second class) to Xian, capital of province Shaanxi. After arriving, transfer to hotel.

Xian's main attraction is the famous Terracotta Army of the First Emperor of China Qin Shihuang (reigned 221 - 210 BC) who managed to unit China for the first time. The guardians of his grave offer you one of the greatest insights into the world of ancient China. In the morning visit the Museum of Terracotta Warriors. An inside museum has been built over these pits, covering a floor space of 20,000 square meters and displaying 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, 100 or so chariots, and 30,000 weapons-an assemblage famed as the Eighth World Wonder and a world cultural heritage site.

Overnight at Xi'an Grand New Century Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 Xian

Visit Da Yan Ta (Big-Wild-Goose Pagoda) which was built by Emperor Li Zhi in 650 AD. Built between 1374 and 1378, the city wall has a total length of 13.6 km and is the best preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defense system in China.

Visit the Great Mosque of Xian at Huajue Lane, Walk around Muslim Quarter.

Night tour to Hui Min Street.

Overnight at Xi'an Grand New Century Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 High speed train Xian - Leshan - Chengdu

In the morning, transfer to high speed train station, take high speed train to Leshan (D1915 0850/1211/1201, second class). (only car with driver, no tour guide)

Visit the Peoples Park in the city center, have a seat in an old tea house, enjoy your covered-bowl tea in a comfortable environment with bamboo chair and bamboo table. The tea culture of Chengdu is well known throughout China.

Then stroll in the beautiful old block of Chengdu - Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), they are the relics of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which are unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, tea houses, restaurants and guesthouses concentrate here, and in no time at all, it becomes the "lobby of leisure capital Chengdu". A walk here gives you a first impression of the "city of loafers".

Overnight at Boyun Jinjiang Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 Chengdu

In the morning visit Chengdu Giant Panda Base of Breeding and Research. Founded in 1985, today there are over 50 giant pandas living here.

Stroll around Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, stop for a photo at the statue of a climbing panda on the IFS skyscraper and admire the 5D effect as the panda climbing out of the wall.

Evening stop for a photo at the Twin Towers. The Chengdu Twin Towers are iconic landmark buildings in Chengdu, renowned for their magnificent night views.

Overnight at Boyun Jinjiang Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08 High speed train Chengdu - Chongqing

In the morning, transfer to high speed train station, take high speed train to Chongqing (G1983 0806/0936, second class).

Kuixing Tower amazes with its mind-bending architecture. Its bridges offer stunning photo spots. At Kuixing Tower Square, you can feel like you are on the 22nd floor while on the 1st floor, and experience the special terrain of the mountain city of Chongqing.

Watch the light rail train pass through the residential building at Liziba Light Rail Station, and then go to Raffles, enter the Discovery Pod·Cloud Park, and see the scenery of Chongqing. Visit Hongya Cave and enjoy the night view of Hongya Cave.

Overnight at Holiday Inn Express Nanbin Road

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 09 High speed train Chongqing - Fenghuang

Free time until transfer to railway station, take high speed train (G2321 1255/1646, second class) to Fenghuang. Fenghuang, a very old and well preserved small town in Hunan Province in southern China. After dinner discover this lively town during a walk, and enjoy stunning scenery at night.

Overnight at Chengyun Yuexi Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, dinner

Day 10 Fenghuang - Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, walking through the old town with its numerous traditional stilt houses. Youll visit the former residence of Shen Congwen, the north gate tower, Wanshou Gong, Wanming Pagoda, Hongqiao (Rainbow Bridge), hanging houses along Tuojiang River, etc., and boat on the Tuojiang River. In the afternoon drive to Zhangjiajie.

Overnight at Four Seasons Lai · Riverside Resort Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11 Zhangjiajie

After breakfast up to Yuanjiajie by Bailong Elevator, for sightseeing of back garden, enchanted terrace (Mihun Tai), the first bridge under heaven, and the Qiankun Pillar - well known as the Hallelujah mountains from the movie "Avatar". Then take a shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain scenic area, sightseeing for Helong Park, fairy maiden present flowers etc, and descend by cable car. And then go to visit Jinbian Brook and Water Rapping Around Four Doors.

Overnight at Four Seasons Lai · Riverside Resort Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12 Zhangjiajie - Shanghai

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, also known as Yuntiandu, is a remarkable attraction. Spanning 430 meters across and suspended about 300 meters above the canyon floor, it is one of the worlds longest and highest all - transparent glass bridges. The deck is made of transparent glass, offering visitors a thrilling experience as they can see the stunning canyon landscape below through their feet.

In the afternoon, up to the top of the Tianmen Mountain by cable car, which is the longest and the fast in the world, sightseeing of 99 serpentine turnings, 999 steps to the Tianmen Cave.

Transfer to airport, fly to Shanghai by MU8440 2225/0020+1 (share code with FM9344). Upon arrival in Shanghai, pick up and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Shanghai

In the morning drive to Shanghai Tower, which is the tallest skyscraper in China and the third tallest in the world with a height of 632 meters. Take the high-speed elevator to the Observation deck (546 meters) on the 118th floor of the Shanghai Center Tower. Here you will have a 360°view of the entire city of Shanghai, including the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center next door and the nearby Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Yu Yuan (Yu-Garden). From here you can explore the enchanting old city area. You dive into the world of the Far Eastern culture with all your senses: The distinctive flair of the old street with its tiny alleys, food stalls and small shops. Originally built in 1559, it served as the private garden of high-ranking official by then. The word Yu contains a meaning of safe and peaceful.

Afterwards, stroll around the historical center and take a walk on the Bund (Waitan), the waterfront of Shanghai. The view of the skyline as well as the old gorgeous buildings in European style is impressive.

Overnight at SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Flight Shanghai

Transfer to Shanghai Airport and fly back.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Panda Tour China 15-Day Classic Adventure

This panda tour China experience delivers one of Asia's most epic 15-day adventures across the country's most iconic destinations. Starting in Beijing, you explore the Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and ancient hutongs. High-speed trains take you to Xian to see the legendary Terracotta Army, then Chengdu for the highlight, the Chengdu Giant Panda Base of Breeding and Research, home to over 50 giant pandas in their natural bamboo habitat. Continue to Chongqing's mountain city marvels, picturesque Fenghuang Ancient Town, and Zhangjiajie's Avatar mountains with the world-famous glass bridge. Finish in Shanghai with stunning skyline views from Shanghai Tower and the iconic Bund. Hotels, meals, transfers, and entrance fees are all included for a seamless China tour.

Tips for a Smooth Panda Tour China

A little preparation keeps this 15-day China tour genuinely effortless:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, the Great Wall and Zhangjiajie involve plenty of hiking and stairs
• Pack layered clothing, China's regions vary dramatically from Beijing's cold to Chengdu's mild climate
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, outdoor sites offer minimal shade during summer
• Pack cash in Chinese yuan for souvenirs, optional snacks, and tipping local guides
• Apply for a Chinese visa well in advance, processing takes 4-7 working days minimum
• April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant weather for travel

Prepare smartly and the journey flows beautifully.

More Facts About This Experience

China carries massive cinematic prestige. The Disney animated hit Kung Fu Panda made giant pandas global icons, sparking worldwide travel interest in Chengdu. The Hollywood blockbuster Avatar by James Cameron drew direct visual inspiration from Zhangjiajie's Hallelujah Mountains, officially renamed after the film's success. Mission Impossible 3 with Tom Cruise filmed scenes in Shanghai, while The Karate Kid with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan featured the Great Wall and Forbidden City. The Last Emperor won 9 Oscars filming inside the Forbidden City. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, and Mark Zuckerberg have publicly visited Chinese landmarks. On TikTok and Instagram, panda research footage and Avatar mountains content consistently rank among Asia's most shared travel content globally.

Complementary Activities in China

After this incredible China tour, plenty more magic awaits travelers. A Beijing layover tour combining the Great Wall and Summer Palace delivers China's most iconic landmarks for transit passengers, perfect for tight schedules. For seamless logistics, a private transfer from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport in a business sedan makes connections genuinely effortless, ideal for travelers with international connections. Both options beautifully complement your wildlife adventures with authentic cultural depth, balancing pandas with imperial Chinese history and modern travel comfort throughout your unforgettable journey.

Who Will Enjoy This China Tour

Animal lovers, families with kids, and curious couples genuinely love this trip. Solo travelers appreciate structured logistics. History buffs adore Beijing and Xian. Photographers find inspiration across pandas, mountains, and skyline views.