In Pursuit of Pandas
Experience the "In Pursuit of Pandas" tour: a concise yet comprehensive 9-day journey through China. Delve into Beijing's regal history, scale the Great Wall, and uncover Xian's Terracotta Warriors. The adventure culminates in Chengdu, where you meet the enchanting Giant Pandas. Designed for optimal experiences in key locations, this trip offers an unforgettable blend of cultural richness and natural wonder.
Visit the Temple of Heaven Park - Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape.
Visit Dujiangyan Panda Base - At the heart of Sichuan's province, the native land of the giant panda, visit the excellent Dujiangyan Panda Base where you'll learn all about China's iconic bear, the conservation projects in action to increase their numbers and, of course, see these beautiful animals for yourself.
See a Chinese Acrobatics Show - One of Beijing's must-see shows, enjoy a Chinese acrobatic spectacular featuring many forms of dramatic arts such as contortionism, juggling and plate spinning and full of edge-of-your-seat action.
Beijing (3N) - Xian (1N) - Chengdu (3N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 7 /Lunches: 6 /Dinners: 7
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 4-star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
- Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, complimentary chauffeur transfers within a 50km radius, single room included in price.
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
Day 1: Fly To Beijing
Fly to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Imperial Beijing
Begin in Beijing's symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, flanked by imposing government buildings and the mausoleum of Chairman Mao, towards the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening, dine on Peking duck, a cherished local delicacy.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Stretching thousands of miles from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, over all sorts of dramatic landscapes, it is one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the magnificent scenery that it crosses. Drive back to Beijing and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace. You will also have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. A thrilling fusion of athleticism and artistry at a Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Xian City Walls
Take the bullet train to Xian. An illustrious and age-old city, Xian is one of the four great ancient capitals of China. It is also the capital of Shaanxi province and the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years. Take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Tonight, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery by local farmers in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-like warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and perhaps buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Later, take a bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Dujiangyan Panda Base
This morning visit Dujiangyan Panda Base for your first panda encounter! Located 1.5 hours outside of Chengdu, this centre is dedicated to the study of disease control and the rescue of wild pandas – the perfect place to gain insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of these endangered species. Later, enjoy the atmosphere of Jinli Street – a lively street lined with antique shops and restaurants.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Chengdu Panda Reserve
Your second panda experience will take place at Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, located right in the city. An education centre and breeding facility, here you'll see both pandas and red pandas up close as they chomp through piles of bamboo, sleep and play and learn all about their physiology and conservation. Back in Chengdu, enjoy a hot beverage in a traditional teahouse before visiting Matchmaker's Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. Enjoy a delicious Sichuanese farewell dinner.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 8-9: Fly Chengdu To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 07 Apr 2025 - 14 Apr 2025
from $5,780 pp twin share / $6,580 pp solo - 14 Apr 2025 - 21 Apr 2025
from $5,780 pp twin share / $6,580 pp solo - 05 May 2025 - 12 May 2025
from$5,780$4,880 pp twin share /$6,580/ $5,680 pp solo - 12 May 2025 - 19 May 2025
from $5,780 pp twin share / $6,580 pp solo - 09 Jun 2025 - 16 Jun 2025
from$5,780$5,180 pp twin share /$6,580/ $5,980 pp solo - 08 Sep 2025 - 15 Sep 2025
from$5,780$5,180 pp twin share /$6,580/ $5,980 pp solo - 15 Sep 2025 - 22 Sep 2025
from$5,780$5,180 pp twin share /$6,580/ $5,980 pp solo - 13 Oct 2025 - 20 Oct 2025
from $5,780 pp twin share / $6,580 pp solo - 03 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025
from / $6,380 pp solo - 10 Nov 2025 - 17 Nov 2025
from$5,780$5,180 pp twin share /$6,580/ $5,980 pp solo - 23 Mar 2026 - 30 Mar 2026
from$5,480$4,880 pp twin share /$6,280/ $5,680 pp solo - 06 Apr 2026 - 13 Apr 2026
from $5,480 pp twin share / $6,280 pp solo - 13 Apr 2026 - 20 Apr 2026
from $5,980 pp twin share / $6,780 pp solo - 20 Apr 2026 - 27 Apr 2026
from / $6,680 pp solo - 11 May 2026 - 18 May 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo - 18 May 2026 - 25 May 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo - 08 Jun 2026 - 15 Jun 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo - 13 Jul 2026 - 20 Jul 2026
from $5,980 pp twin share / $6,780 pp solo - 10 Aug 2026 - 17 Aug 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo - 07 Sep 2026 - 14 Sep 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo - 14 Sep 2026 - 21 Sep 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo - 12 Oct 2026 - 19 Oct 2026
from $5,980 pp twin share / $6,780 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 26 Oct 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo - 02 Nov 2026 - 09 Nov 2026
from / $6,680 pp solo - 09 Nov 2026 - 16 Nov 2026
from$5,980$5,380 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,180 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Mercure Beijing Downtown - Beijing
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
Lanxi International Hotel - Xian
A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.
Xinliang Hotel - Chengdu
The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
Climbing Steps
Sightseeing at nearly all palaces, fortresses and some temples involves climbing quite a number of steps. These palaces were built to provide defence against potential invaders so nearly all of them stand on top of a hill, while the interiors have layers of narrow hallways and steps to slow down the advance of enemies once they were inside. The steps tend to be quite large, not level and sometimes without handrails. Buddhist temples or pagodas also tend to be built at an elevation, as this is the most auspicious position according to ancient beliefs. This means you sometimes need to walk from the bus park to the entrance, and/or need to climb some steps inside. People with knee or hip injuries, who have poor balance or are otherwise unable to complete these activities independently should consider the suitability of this itinerary carefully.
Luggage
All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each - a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of five kilograms. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.
What type of food can I expect during this tour?
Chinese cuisine is one of the most influential, diverse and flavour some culinary styles in the world with a legacy stretching back thousands of years. Often, you’ll find that the local Chinese style is very different from what you’re used to at home. We welcome people on our tours with a wide variety of tastes and as such try to present an array of food to suit everyone in the group. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout China.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB400pp (AU$87pp) is paid locally in China.
- 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.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.