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 a Traditional Tea House - At the heart of a huge tea-producing region and once a stop on the Tea Horse Road, drinking tea is an essential element of life in Chengdu. Visit a traditional tea house to experience the history, customs and the perfect brew.
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.
A Night of Tang Dynasty & Dumplings - Be immersed in the opulence of the Tang Dynasty through a vibrant dancing show, capturing the elegance and cultural richness of ancient China, and dine on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings – a Chinese culinary delight with savoury fillings.
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 vast Tiananmen Square, flanked by grand government buildings and Mao's mausoleum. Step into the Forbidden City, a maze of golden rooftops, serene courtyards and imperial treasures, once home to China's emperors. Later, wander through the Temple of Heaven, a vision of Ming design and harmony, then savour a dinner of Peking duck, Beijing's 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: Tang Dynasty & Dumplings
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. 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-sized 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, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town and stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Yuanjia Village
Step back in time with a visit to Yuanjia Village, a beautifully restored heritage village offering a glimpse into Qing Dynasty architecture, traditional crafts, and authentic local flavours. Later, board a bullet train to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: 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 this endangered species. Later, enjoy the atmosphere of Jinli Street – a lively street lined with antique shops and restaurants before sampling a delicious Sichuanese meal.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: 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 cup of tea at a traditional teahouse, then visit Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10: Fly Chengdu To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 23 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2026
from$5,780$5,530 pp twin share /$6,580/ $6,330 pp solo - 06 Apr 2026 - 14 Apr 2026
from $5,780 pp twin share / $6,580 pp solo - 13 Apr 2026 - 21 Apr 2026
from$5,980$5,480 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,280 pp solo - 20 Apr 2026 - 28 Apr 2026
from /$6,580/ $5,680 pp solo - 11 May 2026 - 19 May 2026
from$5,980$5,480 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,280 pp solo - 18 May 2026 - 26 May 2026
from$5,980$5,080 pp twin share /$6,780/ $5,880 pp solo - 08 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026
from$5,980$5,480 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,280 pp solo - 07 Sep 2026 - 15 Sep 2026
from$5,980$5,730 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,530 pp solo - 14 Sep 2026 - 22 Sep 2026
from $5,980 pp twin share / $6,780 pp solo - 12 Oct 2026 - 20 Oct 2026
from$5,980$5,730 pp twin share /$6,780/ $6,530 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 27 Oct 2026
from $5,980 pp twin share / $6,780 pp solo - 02 Nov 2026 - 10 Nov 2026
from / $6,580 pp solo - 09 Nov 2026 - 17 Nov 2026
from $5,980 pp twin share / $6,780 pp solo - 10 Mar 2027 - 18 Mar 2027
from$5,980$5,730 pp twin share /$6,860/ $6,610 pp solo - 24 Mar 2027 - 01 Apr 2027
from$5,980$5,730 pp twin share /$6,860/ $6,610 pp solo - 07 Apr 2027 - 15 Apr 2027
from$5,980$5,730 pp twin share /$6,860/ $6,610 pp solo - 14 Apr 2027 - 22 Apr 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 21 Apr 2027 - 29 Apr 2027
from /$6,880/ $6,630 pp solo - 12 May 2027 - 20 May 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 19 May 2027 - 27 May 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 09 Jun 2027 - 17 Jun 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 11 Aug 2027 - 19 Aug 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 08 Sep 2027 - 16 Sep 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 15 Sep 2027 - 23 Sep 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 22 Sep 2027 - 30 Sep 2027
from /$6,880/ $6,630 pp solo - 13 Oct 2027 - 21 Oct 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 20 Oct 2027 - 28 Oct 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 03 Nov 2027 - 11 Nov 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 pp solo - 17 Nov 2027 - 25 Nov 2027
from$6,280$6,030 pp twin share /$7,160/ $6,910 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.
Skytel Hotel - Chengdu
Skytel Hotel is conveniently located near some of Chengdu’s most popular landmarks, putting the city’s highlights within easy reach. Modern rooms are equipped with a minibar, refrigerator, Wi-Fi, kettle, and air-conditioning. Guests can take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, concierge, and room service, and unwind with a drink at the hotel's bar after a busy day.
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 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB495pp (AU$107) in 2026 & 2027 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.