In Pursuit of Pandas

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Days 9-10 - Fly Chengdu to Australia:
  Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

• 20 Apr 2026 - 28 Apr 2026
  from $5,980 pp twin share *
• 11 May 2026 - 19 May 2026
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 18 May 2026 - 26 May 2026
  from $5,080 pp twin share *
• 08 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026
  from $5,080 pp twin share *
• 07 Sep 2026 - 15 Sep 2026
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 14 Sep 2026 - 22 Sep 2026
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 12 Oct 2026 - 20 Oct 2026
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 19 Oct 2026 - 27 Oct 2026
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 02 Nov 2026 - 10 Nov 2026
  from $5,980 pp twin share *
• 09 Nov 2026 - 17 Nov 2026
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 10 Mar 2027 - 18 Mar 2027
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 24 Mar 2027 - 01 Apr 2027
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 07 Apr 2027 - 15 Apr 2027
  from $5,380 pp twin share *
• 14 Apr 2027 - 22 Apr 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 21 Apr 2027 - 29 Apr 2027
  from $6,280 pp twin share *
• 12 May 2027 - 20 May 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 19 May 2027 - 27 May 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 09 Jun 2027 - 17 Jun 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 11 Aug 2027 - 19 Aug 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 08 Sep 2027 - 16 Sep 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 15 Sep 2027 - 23 Sep 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 22 Sep 2027 - 30 Sep 2027
  from $6,280 pp twin share *
• 13 Oct 2027 - 21 Oct 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 20 Oct 2027 - 28 Oct 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 03 Nov 2027 - 11 Nov 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *
• 17 Nov 2027 - 25 Nov 2027
  from $5,680 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

• Mercure Beijing Downtown
• Lanxi International Hotel
• Skytel Hotel

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 10 days and 8 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 20 Apr 2026 and 25 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.