Hangzhou's Imperial Legacy & Cultural Heritage
Rediscover Ancient Wonders & Modern Marvels Across Four Iconic Cities
Tour Overview
Experience the Perfect Blend of History, Culture, and Wildlife
This 12-day immersive family adventure takes you through China's most captivating destinations - Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Designed specifically for families, this journey combines ancient wonders with hands-on cultural experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters, all while maintaining a shopping-free, authentic travel experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing - Ancient Grandeur & Cultural Immersion
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Accommodation: Beijing Hotel
Meals: No meals included
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport where your personal guide awaits. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest to overcome jet lag. The evening is yours to relax and anticipate the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Imperial Heart of China
Accommodation: Beijing Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Authentic Chinese Lunch
Begin at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square, then proceed to the magnificent Forbidden City. Explore ancient palace halls and royal gardens while learning about imperial life. After an authentic Chinese lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for good harvests. The day culminates with a Hutong walking tour and Beijing Opera facial makeup painting workshop with a local family.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Accommodation: Beijing Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Authentic Chinese Lunch
Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of China's best-preserved sections. Enjoy cable car access and optional toboggan descent. Capture memorable family photos at this world wonder. On return, photograph the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Accommodation: Xi'an Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Authentic Chinese Lunch
Explore the Summer Palace, China's largest imperial garden, featuring Kunming Lake and the magnificent Long Corridor. After lunch, experience China's modern infrastructure aboard a high-speed train to Xi'an (5-hour journey). Settle into your new accommodation in this ancient capital.
Days 5-6: Ancient Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors & Traditional Arts
Day 5: Warriors & Wall
Accommodation: Xi'an Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Authentic Chinese Lunch
Discover the incredible Terracotta Army, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses. Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop creating miniature warrior replicas. After lunch, walk or cycle along Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, one of China's oldest fortified structures.
Day 6: Pagodas & Cultural Quarters
Accommodation: Chengdu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Authentic Chinese Lunch
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy the musical fountain show. Explore Gao's Courtyard to appreciate traditional architecture and learn about paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. Immerse in local culture at the vibrant Muslim Quarter before boarding your high-speed train to Chengdu (4-hour journey).
Days 7-9: Chengdu - Panda Conservation & Sichuan Culture
Day 7: Panda Volunteer Experience
Accommodation: Chengdu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Full-day panda conservation program at Dujiangyan Panda Base:
08:30-09:00: Registration and safety briefing
09:00-10:00: Panda enclosure cleaning and maintenance
10:00-11:00: Guided panda villa tour
11:00-11:30: Morning panda feeding session
12:00-13:00: Lunch with research center staff
13:00-14:00: Panda conservation documentary
14:00-14:50: Afternoon feeding session
14:50-15:30: Panda cake preparation workshop
15:30-16:30: Program completion and farewell
Day 8: Leshan Giant Buddha & Local Life
Accommodation: Chengdu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Authentic Hotpot Lunch
Marvel at the 71-meter tall Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into cliffs overlooking three rivers. Experience authentic Sichuan hotpot cuisine. Explore Jinli Ancient Street's Qing Dynasty architecture and relax in People's Park, observing local tea culture and recreational activities.
Day 9: Journey to Shanghai
Accommodation: Shanghai Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Chengdu before flying to Shanghai, China's vibrant financial capital. Optional Sichuan cooking classes available for those interested in bringing Chinese culinary skills home.
Days 10-12: Modern Shanghai - Skyscrapers & Traditional Gardens
Day 10: Shanghai Highlights
Accommodation: Shanghai Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Authentic Chinese Lunch
Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views and explore the Shanghai History Museum. Stroll along the Bund, admiring colonial architecture against Pudong's modern skyline. Visit the classical Yuyuan Garden and explore nearby Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road. Evening acrobatic show optional.
Day 11: Free Exploration
Accommodation: Shanghai Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Customize your final full day with optional activities: Shanghai Disney Resort, ancient water towns (Zhujiajiao or Xitang), or day trips to Hangzhou or Suzhou via high-speed rail.
Day 12: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a final Chinese breakfast before transferring to Pudong Airport via private vehicle or experience the Maglev train, the world's fastest commercial train system.
Tour Highlights
Unique Experiences That Define Your Journey
- Beijing Opera facial makeup painting in traditional Hutong
- Mutianyu Great Wall access with cable car included
- Terracotta Warriors visit with hands-on pottery workshop
- Full-day panda volunteer program with feeding and conservation activities
- Authentic Sichuan hotpot culinary experience
- High-speed train journeys between cities
- Oriental Pearl Tower ascent for spectacular Shanghai views
- All experiences completely shopping-free