14-Day China Essence and Panda Tour
A Close Encounter with Pandas
Discover the best of China in just 14 days. This itinerary blends historical exploration, breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and the irresistible charm of giant pandas. Visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, marvel at the majestic beauty of the Three Gorges, learn about traditional Chinese culture through tea ceremonies and dumpling-making, and encounter the adorable giant pandas. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who are eager to discover the magic of these gentle creatures or families looking to create lasting memories.
The itinerary provided is a starting point. Your personal travel advisor can help you create a customized trip based on your preferences and budget.
Suggested 14-Day Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-4 Beijing |
Discover historic landmarks like Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, hike the Great Wall, and savor Beijing roast duck |
| 5-7 Xi’an |
Marvel at the Terracotta Army, explore the ancient city wall, and experience the vibrant Muslim Quarter, learn to make dumplings |
| 8-9 Chengdu |
Engage in a Panda Keeper Program and enjoy local snacks at Jinli Old Street |
| 10-12 Chongqing |
Board a Yangtze River Cruise, explore Fengdu Ghost City, cruise through stunning gorges, and see the Three Gorges Dam |
| 13-14 Shanghai |
Stroll along the Bund, ascend Shanghai Tower, and enjoy leisure time |
Beijing-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai Tour Map
Tour ‘Wow’ Points
Experience Taking Care of Cute Pandas
Make panda cakes with your own hands and prepare bamboo for cute pandas. See how the keeper feeds a panda at a very close distance.
Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall
Walk leisurely through the watchtowers, enjoying a superb view of the Mutianyu Great Wall snaking across the mountains.
Find the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City
Visit 12 selected places in the complex to discover the deep secrets of the imperial families, while typical group tours only visit six spots briefly.
Learn to Make Dumplings with a Local Chef at Her Home
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture by joining a local family to learn how to make jiaozi, savory dumplings.
Witness the Famous Three Gorges of China
Tour the once-treacherous-and-taxing-but-now-tamed-and-tranquil middle reaches of the Yangtze River and enjoy the magnificent landscapes along it in a relaxing way.
Make a Mini Warrior with a Local Artisan Family
Visit a local artisan and learn to make a warrior from the same local clay as the Terracotta Army in his/her authentic cave dwelling, which is a disappearing opportunity.
Discover Shanghai’s Modern and Historic Charms
Explore the timeless charm of the Bund and experience the dynamic energy. And escape from the bustling city to a stunning Chinese garden with a serene atmosphere.
Indulge in Authentic Local Cuisine
Try Xiaolongbao, a type of steamed dumpling with delicate skin and a flavorful filling. When you eat, the broth is released as you bite into the dumpling.
🎬 Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
- Day1 Arrival in Beijing
With a sunny smile, CN365Travel guide will be on time and waiting for you in the arrival hall. A comfortable private car and experienced driver will be ready to transfer you to your hotel. We aim to give you a good first impression of China.
- Day2 Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Temple of Heaven-Red Theater Acrobatic Show Official
Tiananmen Square, the biggest urban city square in the world.From the Tiananmen Square, you will enter the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City to explore its fascinating halls and pavilions. Here, you will not only learn how the emperor handled political affairs and lived their lives, but appreciate numerous ancient art treasures. We will serve your lunch today at a good local restaurant nearby.In the afternoon, you will see the Temple of Heaven, with its unique architecture, where the emperors worshipped the heavens in hopes of good harvests.Tonight, we will arrange for you to enjoy the wonderful acrobatic show in the Red Theater. We specially serve you a welcome a la carte dinner (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in tour price) at a popular restaurant, where you can have a taste of the most famous Peking Roast Duck and other authentic typical dishes.
- Day3 Mutianyu Great Wall - Olympic Venues - Bird's Nest - Water Cube-Hutong Tour
- Day4 Summer Palace -Xi'an Lake-Take the high-speed rail to the next city Xi'an
Start your tour at the Summer Palace, a graceful imperial garden with lake and pavilion views. Then take the high-speed rail to Xi’an, your next destination, and embark on a new journey full of ancient charm.
- Day5 The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses-Big Wild Goose Pagoda-Tang Dynasty Palace "The Empress of Tang Dynasty"
The visit to the magnificent Terracotta Army will start your day’s trip. In the museum, there are altogether three excavated pits exhibiting amazing warrior figures and Chinese ancient weapons.Afterwards, take a family visit to the home of the first discoverer of the Terracotta Army. And then make a mini clay warrior by yourself with the help of a local artisan.In the afternoon, you will the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) to store the Buddhist scriptures brought from ancient India.A splendid evening is in store when you will be entertained by the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show while partaking in the famous Dumpling Dinner.
- Day6 Xi'an City Wall-Muslim Quarter-Great Mosque of Xi'an-Shaanxi History Museum
The day begins with a leisure visit to the City Wall Park, where you can observe the day-to-day life of the locals. We also have a special arrangement for you here. That is to practice Tai Chi with the master. Tai Chi, a soft form of Chinese martial arts, is considered the quintessential Chinese culture. After that, you will pay a visit to the City Wall. It is the most complete existing urban fortification in China. Cycling on the ancient wall is an exciting experience that many people like to try.The Great Mosque in Xi’an is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China.Afterwards, visit Shaanxi History Museum, known as the pearl of Xi’an and the treasury of China for storing and exhibiting historical relics unearthed from this land, where the capital of thirteen ancient dynasties of China is located.
- Day7 Xi'an - Chengdu by a high-speed train
After breakfast, the guide sees you off at the North Railway Station for your morning high speed train to Chengdu.
- Day8 Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding-Kuanzhai Alleys-Jinsha Site Museum-Chengdu People's Park
This morning, the Cn365 Travel guide will take you to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the lovely creatures as they feed and play with each other.Broad and Narrow Alleys are narrow alleys with old courtyards, where you might also have your own lunch with the guide’s suggestions.Jinsha Site Museum is built to protect, study and display the archaeological finds of Jinsha Site, dating back to about 3,000 years ago.You will be transferred to a popular local venue, the Renmin Park. Have a tea break and experience the casual lifestyle of Chengdu people.
- Day9 Chengdu - Chongqing by a bullet train-Jiefangbei Square-Ciqikou-Yangtze cruise ship
The morning is free for you. In the afternoon, Cn365Travel guide will transfer you to the railway station to catch a 2-hour bullet train to Chongqing.Upon your arrival, local guide in Chongqing will meet you at the station and escort you to visit Jiefangbei CBD.After visiting Ci Qi Kou ancient village, you will be taken to board the five-star Yangtze cruise ship. Have a buffet dinner on board. And you will be invited to attend the Welcome Party hosted by the Captain.
- Day10 Yangtze River Cruise
After breakfast, disembark for an excursion to the Fengdu Ghost City. Afternoon is free time for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Yangtze River on deck. Attend some cultural programs onboard if you like.
- Day11 Yangtze River Cruise
- Day12 Yichang - Shanghai by a bullet train
- Day13 Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan)-Yu Garden (Yuyuan)-Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street-The Bund-Huangpu River
This morning, you will visit one of the four largest museums in China, Shanghai Museum, which specializes in exhibiting art works from ancient times.After that, explore Yu Garden and its nearby traditional bazaar. The symbol of the Garden is the Nine Zigzag Bridge built of granite and grass-white jade and the quaint, elegant mid-lake pavilion.After that, stroll along the thriving Bund area and then take a one-hour cruise tour on the Huangpu River. Upon returning to the hotel our guide will see you into the lobby to say bon voyage.
- Day14 Hotel breakfast - Airport/Station drop-off service - Trip ends
You have some free time to enjoy on your own before you leave this metropolis city. CN365Travel guide, a private car and a driver will take you to the airport in good time to get on your flight home.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
✅ Price Includes
- Domestic flights or high-speed rail tickets
- 4 star hotel accommodation
- Lunch at local restaurants
- All entrance fees to attractions
- English-speaking private guide
- Private vehicle & driver
❌ Not Included
- International airfare to/from China
- Personal expenses & shopping
- Tips (optional, but appreciated)
Start planning your customized tour with one-on-one help from one of our travel consultants.
Why Choose 365 China Travel
★Customize your tour
★Maximize your flexibility
- Unparalleled flexibility, not possible with group tours
Wonderful 14-day China tour! Well arranged with no rush. Loved pandas in Chengdu; the 5-star Three Gorges cruise from Chongqing was my favorite. Historic Beijing & Xi’an plus modern Shanghai made a perfect mix. Great guides and nice meals, highly recommend!