Land of Pandas
With the vibrant Beijing, historical Xi'an, amazing Shanghai, and the only metropolitan city in the world that is close to giant panda habitats plus the spectacular Yangtze River, this tour leads you to the top destinations you can't miss for your first China trip. You will have the opportunity to discover the charm of Chinese culture and history as well as to enjoy the country's beautiful natural scenery.
This sample itinerary provides inspiration, yet your preferences design the real journey. We are happy to make any changes to better fit your travel goals.
Days
13
Price
from US$3,239 p/p
Best For
First-timers
Best Time
Apr.May.Sep.Oct.
Tour Highlights





China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


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Albee was great in booking our tour to
Albee was great in booking our tour to Indonesia Malaysia and Singapore.She was very friendly and responded to my request to change itinerary few times to fit our needs. More
,
Dec 2023
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China is Amazing Wonders that do not stop coming at you.Great country
Great job,Loved every minute of it,Ethan did an amazing job,True Ambassador of China,Just like the Chinese people,Friendly, dignified and hardworking,Very happy.China Highlights exceeded expectations and then some,I will never even think of travelling with another company. More
Philip Sardar /Maps10321171537,
Dec 2023
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Wonderful times with the pandas
The tour was amazing and we loved the pandas we got so many wonderful pictures and our guide Helen was great. She is super knowledgeable and always ready to help More
Kavita,
Dec 2023
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Xi’an
During our trip around China, we spent three days in Xi'an. Thanks to our wonderful guide, Susan, who took us to visit the most beautiful places, explaining additional details about the dynasties. We especially enjoyed the Terracotta Warriors, where we had the chance to create one at a local workshop. Susan was very attentive; she tried to find a restaurant where everyone was happy with the food and found a pizza for our little son. She even made a gift for our daughter—a beautiful hairpin. Very positive experience! More
Kamilya1818,
Dec 2023
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Wonderful trip to Beijing and Xian
Had a great trip to bejing n xian. Our guide lily liu is so well versed in english and we have no worry here at all. We managed to dine in great halal restaurants though out our trip. Highly reccomended to all muslims travellers. More
Efen Reyes,
Dec 2023
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Great experience, highly recommended!
Additionally, she helped me with all my personal needs like getting a SIM card, finding an ATM, shopping, dining, checking in at the train station, hotel, suggested a couple additional very entertaining art events. Was also punctual and spoke good English. More
Wayne S.,
Nov 2023
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Chengdu and surrounding area tours
Our guide Helen was the complete package. She guided us every step with deep knowledge and energy. But, that's not all. She bought us snacks for the optional kungfu show. She helped us check into every hotel and inspected our room to ensure it was perfect. She translated at every need. She even bought a bamboo stick to help us ward off some aggressive monkeys. We had 4 lovely days with Helen and our excellent driver, Mr. Wu. Highly recommended! More
Chris,
Nov 2023
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Like a dream come true, but better
The experience itself was above and beyond what was described. The driver and vehicle was spotless and on time, the lantern festival and seats were like something from a wonderful dream. The lesson to make kratong and the dinner after were perfect. This whole experience has been a dream come true and I cannot recommend it enough. More
Diana B,
Nov 2023
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excellent communication
Bangkok guide Mr. Samart was great, and saw to all our needs. Mr. Chong in Chaing Mai was fun and very sweet. (5 Stars, Mr. Chong!) Finally, Nittaya is experienced, flexible to our needs, and took good care of us right to the flight out. More
Abigail Kamelhair,
Nov 2023
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We really enjoyed touring Chiang Mai
She met us at the airport and accompanied us on hiking tours, market visits, temple and pagoda tours, and our Thai cooking class, and then returned us safely to the airport where she helped us navigate the check-in process. More
Steve,
Nov 2023
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Excellent Siem Reap tour guide
He shared his vast knowledge about the Angkor temples, the Cambodian culture, the Khmer people, and the Khmer spirituality, in both historical and modern times. I appreciated how he connected Cambodia with other countries in Southeast Asia, as I had visited these countries prior to Sam's excellent tour. More
Baha,
Nov 2023
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Everything worked very well
Everything worked very well, for the second time I used Asia Highlights' service, and I'm already planning the third time, I have to praise the attention given by Sharon and Amir, who went beyond the professional service, during the trip, my wife Teresa had to carrying out a surgical procedure in India, and Sharon and Amir were tireless so that we could have peace of mind during that urgent moment. We would like to express our gratitude to these two professionals, and see you soon. More
William Roberto Guedes,
Nov 2023
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Accommodations by Asia highlights have
Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout. More
Chris Williams,
Nov 2023
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Our guide Chhong was amazing
Our guide Chhong was more than knowledgeable about the many temples of Siemens Reap, he was passionate about them. My wife and him talked on and on about the myths, stories and Gods that adored the many temples. He knew so much about Cambodian history that it a pleasure to have him accompany us. His driver Jack knew how to pick us up at secret locations to shorten the walking (it was still a lot these temples are huge). We had a marvelous time and I’m definitely going to return as there are still so many things for Chhong to show us. More
Brent Zadorozny,
Nov 2023
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Great experience from planning with Sharon
Great experience from planning with Sharon to all the guides, drivers, and adventurers we had in Thailand and Cambodia. More
Deborah Hinerfeld,
Nov 2023
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Family tour
Claire set up our whole trip in just a few days. She listened to all our needs, and made sure it all fit our budget. She was also there 24/7 to answer any questions we had. Her service made us feel really looked after. More
Kamila,
Nov 2023
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Vietnam November 2023
It was our second trip organised by Asia Highlights. After wonderful stay we had in South China in 2017 now we decided to go to Vietnam. Everything was perfectly organised and planned for our group by excellent advisor - Monica More
Aneta Ignatowicz,
Nov 2023
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Vietnam and Cambodia
The variety of experiences provided by Asia Highlights was great. In every city we had many different types of tours and really learned about the culture. More
Jodi Ralston,
Nov 2023
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Piseth was our guide and he was
Piseth was our guide and he was exceptional from beginning to end. So kind, courteous and very very knowledgeable. He made our stay in Cambodia a wonderful experience. His driver Bo was a great driver and courteous man. Would highly recommend Piseth for any traveller More
Peggy,
Nov 2023
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ASTONISHING SE Asia with Asia Highlights Tours
Every detail was taken care of from flights, airport greeting, transportation, meals, hotels and tours. They were available for any concerns we had throughout the trip which was very reassuring in countries where we did not speak the languages. More
Shelbee & Jerry,
Nov 2023
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Itinerary Details
"Ni hao and welcome to China!" When you arrive in Beijing, you will be met by your guide in the arrivals area and then taken to your hotel in a private car. After you have checked in, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in your hotel to decompress after your long flight.
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Warm up with a short visit to Tian'anmen Square. Within walking distance, you will reach the largest imperial palace in the world — the Forbidden City. You will explore hidden halls and absorb interesting background stories.
Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant where you will have the chance to order food by yourself based on your preferences.
This afternoon is designed to help you experience authentic Beijing life from various aspects, such as the daily food, local markets, and residential community. Find traditional local families who have lived in their hutong houses for generations (not those staged for tourists). The walking distance is about 3 kilometers. Every step lets you discover the authentic lifestyle of the locals.
In the morning, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors of the past would go to pray for a better harvest. Nowadays, it's famous for its incredible architecture and is a gathering place for locals to indulge in different kinds of folk entertainment, such as morning exercises, tai chi, and disco dancing. It is a good chance to mix with the locals.
"Complete your trip to China with an unforgettable visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu." Recommended by the Lonely Planet, the Great Wall at Mutianyu offers a magnificent landscape of well-preserved walls and towers as well as splendid surroundings. It's about 1½ to 2 hours' drive from central Beijing and is suitable for hiking, being of medium difficulty.
After a leisurely breakfast, you will stroll through the Summer Palace, a serene space where you can see the imperial garden and all its glory. Enjoy the natural beauty coupled with some great cultural relics and get away from the busy center of Beijing — it is worth every step!
Your Beijing tour is about to end so you will be treated to a great lunch and you can taste the famous Peking roast duck.
Your tour guide will see you off at the airport for your flight to Xi'an. You will be picked up by your tour guide at the airport in Xi'an and escorted to your hotel.
Freshen up in the morning and start your day at the site of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses — the burial place of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. You will also have the opportunity to visit a traditional cave dwelling nearby, a type of dwelling that disappeared elsewhere in the process of modernization. You can try to make your own clay warrior and take it away as a souvenir at no extra cost.
Enjoy an authentic lunch and witness the most undamaged ancient Chinese city wall in existence. Renting a bicycle to ride on the wall is a good way to spend some free time.
Take an educational trip to Shaanxi History Museum, which has more than 370,000 cultural relics, and head to Big Wild Goose Pagoda, followed by the Muslim Quarter. Time will steal away as you walk along the lively streets full of delicious local snacks.
Later in the afternoon, your guide and driver will transfer you to the train station so you can catch the high-speed train to Chengdu (about 4 hours). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your local tour guide in Chengdu.
Have you been searching for a place to join a panda volunteer program? Head to the "real hometown of giant pandas", Chengdu, and join the honorable volunteer program to make a meaningful difference! During the keeper program at Dujiangyan Panda Base, you will see as many pandas as possible, clean the pandas' enclosures, prepare special panda food, chop bamboo, and see the panda keeper feeding the cute pandas with the delicious cakes and fruits.
(Please note: There is a daily quota for the Panda Keeper Program. Since July to August is the peak season for doing a panda volunteer program for students during their summer vacation, it is highly advised to book at least 3 months in advance if you want to secure your booking for the program during those months.)
The citizens of Chengdu are born epicures and they are particularly fond of dining and drinking.
Be like a native as you enjoy a leisurely morning in Jinli Old Street. Admire the wooden steles, brick walls, and buildings, browse casually among stores selling Shu embroidery, folk handicrafts, or calligraphies, and go snack hunting. Next, you will visit Shui Jing Fang Museum. It's the oldest winemaking workshop in the world with a 600-year history and it is still in operation. Watch the traditional process of making liquor and learn something about the world-famous distilled spirits. Of course, if you like, you can have a taste of "Chinese whiskey" — baijiu (for free!).
Finally, your tour guide will take you to the train station to catch the bullet train to Chongqing (about 2 hours). After arrival, you will be escorted to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze cruise ship between 18:00 and 20:00. It is better to arrive in Chongqing before 16:30 on the departure day. Normally the 4-day and 3-night relaxing downstream Yangtze River cruise sails at 21:00.
(Please note: The boarding time and pier change depending on the Yangtze cruise ships, water level, season, and weather. You will be informed about the time and pier before you board.)
Enjoy some free time in the morning. You will be relaxed but never bored as various kinds of activities are held on board every day. You can consider doing some tai chi, attending the Chinese cultural lectures, experiencing a Chinese massage, or just taking a rest on the sundeck or in a lounge with your friends and family.
Next, follow a local guide and take the arranged shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, which means Stone Treasure Fortress. It was built upon a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs of 56 meters in height and 12 stories. Every floor of the wooden structure contains interesting artifacts.
If you like, you can take the optional excursion for an extra charge to Fengdu Ghost City to learn more about the culture of ghosts in China.
The Captain's Welcome Reception will be held in the evening.
Please Note
- There are many stairs to climb to reach Fengdu Ghost City / Shibaozhai Pagoda / White Emperor City. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended to visit these sites.
- The optional sites will be visited depending on the number of travelers who want to go.
- Dress code for parties: Travelers who attend the Captain's Welcome / Farewell Reception and night show should wear smart casual or formal clothes.
You will sail through the most impressive sections of the Yangtze River: Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. The dramatic scenery and rushing waters of the river have been inspirational for many of China's painters and poets.
As well as taking a shore excursion to Shennong Stream via a small boat, you can appreciate the primitive simplicity and the mysteriousness of this place. It is picturesque everywhere and each scene is related to a wonderful fairy tale or a moving legend, which will make you think about the distant past.
The Captain's Farewell Reception will be held in the evening.
The morning's excursion is to another highlight of this trip — the Three Gorges Dam. Walk up to the dam park for a panoramic view of this incredible feat of engineering.
After visiting the dam, you'll take the shuttle bus arranged by the cruise company to head to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for your departure. There, you will be picked up by your local guide and transferred to Yichang Sanxia Airport for your onward flight or to Yichang East Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Shanghai.
Discover Shanghai starting from the Bund, where foreigners first landed in Shanghai hundreds of years ago. During our In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour, you will see features hidden in the architectural complex — each building tells a story of its golden age.
Then, reach "the crown of beauty in Southeast China" – Yu Garden – and the "little eastern gate" — Shanghai Old Street.
Sit down for a break and have lunch. Feel excited as you ascend to the highest observation deck in Shanghai Tower to get a bird's-eye view of the whole city.
Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport. Have a pleasant journey home with good memories!
Price Includes
Price from: $3,239 (Tour code: gh-cht-pd-01)








Trip Notes
Every element of the tour above can be tailored. Feel free to tell us yourideas and we will be happy to make adjustments for you.
1. Hassle-free Visa
From now on, travelers who enter China at selected cities with Global Highlights can benefit from our Hassle-Free Visa.
All you need to do is provide us a photo of your passport and make sure there are at least 2 people in your party, and we'll handle your visas.
Inquire to get more information.
2. Extend the Tour
- Guilin and Yangshuo: add 2-3 days — Li River cruise and idyllic countryside
- Suzhou and/or Hangzhou: add 1–4 days — water towns, gardens, the Grand Canal, and West Lake
- Zhangjiajie:add 2–3 days — The Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar; karst landscape
- More destinations: Huangshan, Yunnan and Tibet. Inform us of your interests and we will offer you some recommendations.
3. Accommodation
Various types of accommodation are available, including famous 5-star hotel chains, 4-star hotels in the best locations, good value 3-starhotels, or boutique hotels that reflect the style of the region.
Whatever your accommodation preferences are, our travel experts will seek out and find the perfect one for you.
4. Transportation
China is a huge country, so to make your travel experience more efficient, we usually arrange flights to connect your destinations.
China's high-speed rail network is afast-paced way to travel. We recommend taking high-speed trains for journeys of less than 6 hours to interested customers — please tell us if you are one of them.
5. Meals
Lunches at popular local restaurants areincluded for you so you can taste authentic Chinese food. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
Vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free — all your dietary requirements can be taken care of by our experienced private guides. Let us know if you have any of these dietary requirements during your booking.
Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
2,459
Why Travel with Global Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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