14-Day China Classics Tour with Panda Encounters

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Start your visit in Beijing at Tiananmen Square, a well-known city landmark. Close by is the Forbidden City, where 24 emperors lived for around 500 years. A guide will take you through the palace and explain its history. Afterward, ride a rickshaw through the narrow Hutongs with their traditional courtyards. Visit a local home to observe daily life and learn how people live in this historic area.

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Travel about two hours from the city to reach the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is accessible for all visitors. Use the cable car for the trip up and down, and walk along the wall to see the views. Afterward, return to Beijing to visit the Summer Palace, the largest imperial garden in China. End the day with a calm boat ride on Kunming Lake, offering a quiet and pleasant experience.

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Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, a former site where emperors prayed for harvests. Now, it serves as a park where locals gather, and you have the chance to participate in a Tai Chi session with an instructor. After your visit, you will be transferred to the train station where you will catch a highspeed train to Xi’an. When you arrive, your private guide will meet you and accompany you to your hotel.

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The day focuses on visiting the Terracotta Warriors, a collection of life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots made more than two thousand years ago. Each figure is carved with different features, showing details from the Qin dynasty. After exploring the site, you will return to Xi’an. There, you can walk through the busy Muslim Quarter, experience the lively street scenes, and try a variety of local snacks popular with visitors and residents alike.

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Begin your day with a local family in Xi’an to learn about the city’s food culture. Visit a market, meet vendors, and practice making dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and other regional dishes. In the afternoon, visit Gao’s Grand Courtyard, a historic mansion that highlights local heritage. Participate in a Chinese calligraphy session led by a local artist, and watch a shadow puppet performance suitable for all ages. This experience provides a clear look at Xi’an’s traditions.

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Travel to Chengdu by high-speed train. When you arrive, visit Wenshu Temple, which is the largest and best-preserved Buddhist temple in the city. Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea, following a local tradition. Afterwards, walk along Jinli Street, where you can browse traditional shops and try local snacks. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and historical significance, making it a popular place to experience the culture and daily life of Chengdu.

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Start your day at the panda research base, where pandas are most active and feeding in the morning. Visiting early improves your chances of seeing them move and eat. In the afternoon, visit the Sanxingdui Museum. The museum displays bronze, jade, gold, and pottery artifacts. These exhibits provide insight into the ancient Shu people and their culture. This schedule allows you to see pandas at their liveliest and learn about regional history in one day.

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Begin the day by going to the airport with your guide and driver for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, a local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel, stopping at Reed Flute Cave along the way. The cave features unique rock formations and spacious chambers. After checking in at your hotel, you can take a walk around Banyan Lake and Cedar Lake, where tree-lined paths and calm water offer a relaxing atmosphere.

The day begins with a four-hour cruise on the Li River, traveling from Zhujiang Pier to Yangshuo. The boat passes through valleys and limestone peaks, offering changing views along the way. After arriving in Yangshuo, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest. Later, visit a nearby workshop where local artists make hand-painted fans. Watch the process and have the chance to create your own fan under their guidance.

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Yangshuo’s countryside is known for its quiet beauty and attracts many visitors. You can explore the area by cycling along paths that pass rice fields, rivers, villages, and limestone hills. If cycling isn’t your preference, you can take a scenic drive with your guide and driver instead. After seeing the countryside, you will go to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.

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Walk along the Bund to see Shanghai’s modern skyscrapers and historic buildings. Visit Yu Garden for classical architecture and detailed carvings. Stop at a local silk workshop to learn about silk-making. Walk from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli to experience busy streets and explore lesser-known areas of the city. End your day at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center, where a large collection of posters illustrates key moments in China’s recent history.

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You can spend the day relaxing at your hotel or exploring the city on your own. Options include visiting the Shanghai Natural History Museum, spending time at Disney World, or taking a short trip to the nearby water town of Xitang. Each choice offers a different experience, whether you prefer learning about history, enjoying amusement park attractions, or seeing traditional scenery. You are free to plan your day according to your interests and pace.