China's History and Panda Trail - Rail Adventure
China is a country that possesses fascinating history, culture, and must-experience moments. This 11-day vacation by high-speed train will introduce you to all the mesmerizing aspects of China’s most-sought after cities. There’s truly an adventure waiting around every corner. In Beijing, you’ll visit the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Summer Palace, and the ancient royal residence of the Forbidden City. Then, travel to Xi’an to see the immortal Army of Terra Cotta Warriors and the warren-like Muslim Quarter. Along the way, you’ll get to discover each region’s hidden gems and popular experiences on your own, as well as enjoy traditional cuisine. When you reach Chengdu, explore the city before visiting the Panda Breeding & Research Center, where you’ll get to watch pandas sleep and play. Shanghai offers its own mix of attractions, such as Yu Garden and French Concession. Visit the ancient town of Zhujiajiao to browse the street markets and relax alongside its canals.
Day 1 – Beijing
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Beijing. The remainder of the day can be spent at leisure discovering the city on your own or resting up for all your adventures in the days to come. Offering a fascinating mix of new and old, there is much to explore. (Overnight in Beijing)
Day 2 – Beijing
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking off on your sightseeing city tour. Visit Tiananmen Square (largest public square in the world) and the Forbidden City before having lunch at a local, popular restaurant. Then, you’ll spend some time at The Temple of Heaven and Beijing Hutong. (Overnight in Beijing).
Day 3 - Beijing
Today’s full day sightseeing tour of the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace is a bucket list experience. Located in Huairou County, this section of the Great Wall will leave you in awe. Have lunch at a local, popular restaurant and take in the atmosphere before visiting The Summer Palace, which has one of the best-preserved Imperial gardens in the world. (Overnight in Beijing)
Day 4 – Beijing to Xi’an
Transfer to the train station and catch a high-speed train to Xi’an. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring on your own. (Overnight in Xi’an)
Day 5 – Xi’an
Today’s tour features a visit to see the Army of Terra Cotta Warriors. You’ll be amazed by how well-preserved this archaeological site is. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local, popular restaurant before exploring the City Walls and the warren-like Muslim Quarter. (Overnight in Xi’an)
Day 6 – Xi’an to Chengdu
Transfer to the station and board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken on an afternoon tour of the city. Visit Jinli Pedestrian Street and then People’s Park before being dropped off at your hotel. (Overnight in Chengdu)
Day 7 – Chengdu
This morning’s adventure will take you to the Panda Breeding & Research Center. Stroll along the winding pathways where you can watch pandas sleep and play. If you happen to get lucky that day, you may even get to see a baby panda in the nursery! Enjoy your included lunch at a local, popular restaurant and then browse around Wide and Narrow Alley’s selection of tea houses, restaurants, and shops. (Overnight in Chengdu)
Day 8 – Chengdu to Shanghai
Transfer to the airport and catch your direct flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day discovering this captivating city. From its architecture to cuisine to shopping experiences, there is no shortage of things to see and do. (Overnight in Shanghai)
Day 9 – Shanghai
Your sightseeing tour will take you to the peaceful Yu Garden and French Concession. Then, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local, popular restaurant. From there, it’s on to the Shanghai Museum, where you’ll get to browse collections of ancient Chinese art and antiques. Before wrapping up the tour, walk along the iconic Bund to admire its colonial architecture. (Overnight in Shanghai)
Day 10 – Shanghai
In the morning, you’ll be picked up for your day tour or Zhujiajiao, Xintiandi and Tiazifang. The ancient town of Zhujiajiao offers visitors plenty of attractions. Browse the street markets and relax alongside the canals. Lunch at a local, popular restaurant is included. Next, you’ll visit Xintiandi and Tiazifang, crowd-pleasing pedestrian streets packed with boutique shops, restaurants, and the home of Shanghai’s art district. (Overnight in Shanghai)
Day 11 - Your Journey Ends in Shanghai
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to continue with your onward travels.
Trip Highlights
• Tour the Great Wall in Mutianyu, Summer Palace, and Forbidden City in Beijing
• See the Army of Terra Cotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
• Visit the Panda Breeding & Research Centre in Chengdu
• Explore Yu Garden, French Concession, and Zhujiajiao in Shanghai
What is Included• Rail Travel as per itinerary
• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast and lunch in Beijing
• 2 nights accommodation with breakfast and lunch in Xi’an
• 2 nights accommodation with breakfast and lunch in Chengdu
• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast and lunch in Shanghai
• Sightseeing city tour in Beijing
• Day tour of the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace
• Day tour of Terra Cotta Warriors, City Wall and Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
• Sightseeing city tour in Chengdu
• Admission to the Panda Breeding & Research Centre
• Sightseeing city tour in Shanghai
• Tour of Zhujiajiao, Xintiandi and Tianzifang from Shanghai
• Flight from Chengdu to Shanghai
• Airport transfers
• 17 meals (10 breakfasts, 7 lunches)
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