14 Days China Tour with Panda Volunteer Experience and Tibet

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai

   Welcome to our 14-day private China tour from Shanghai. Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city located in Eastern China, bordered by the East China Sea to the east and Hangzhou Bay to the south. When you arrive at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the exit hall then escort you to your hotel in the city center.

   The rest of the day is left for you to organize your activities on your own. You can take a walk on the famous Bund, enjoy Shanghai specialties such as Xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumpling) and Shengjianbao (pan-fried soup dumplings), or enjoy an acrobatic show. If you are interested, we can arrange this show for you (extra charge).

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

2. Day 2: Shanghai City Tour
   Enjoy a Cultural, Historical, and Scenic Exploration of Shanghai

   After breakfast, you will be taken to the Shanghai Museum, which has four floors, with the bronze and sculptures on the first floor, ceramics on the second floor, calligraphy and paintings on the third floor, and jades, coins, the furniture during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and ethnic minority artifacts on the fourth floor. As of the end of 2019, the collection in the museum has 1020,220 pieces/sets, including 144,142 pieces of precious relics. Your tour guide will tell you the stories behind some of the precious relics.

   

   Next, explore the classical Chinese garden - Yu Garden, which was originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). You will see many ancient trees, the Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, celebrities' paintings and calligraphy, clay and brick carvings, plaques and couplets, and other cultural relics and treasures in this garden. Next to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where there are many traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs for sale. Afterwards, proceed to the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), whose observation hall has been awarded the Guinness Book of World Records title of "Tallest Observation Hall". You will enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai's modern skyline.

   Then, you will be transferred to Nanjing Road, the first commercial pedestrian street in China. Once the window of Shanghai's opening to the outside world, it is now a shopper's paradise. The Bund, the last stop on today's Shanghai tour, is a must-see for visitors to the city. The streetscape of the Bund, with its river, long embankment, green belt and beautiful buildings, is the most characteristic landscape of Shanghai. You can enjoy 52 classical buildings of different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque.

   Optional Night Activity:

   You can enjoy a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise and watch the glamorous view of the dazzling city lights reflecting on the water.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Shanghai to Chengdu Tour by Flight
   A Serene Visit to a Temple and the Creative District of Tianzifang

   Start your day with a guided tour of the Jade Buddha Temple, a Song Dynasty-style building, named after the Jade Buddha enshrined in the temple. It is a quiet and peaceful environment, which is regarded by locals as "a piece of pure land in the midst of the downtown area". Next, you will visit Tianzifang, a creative district where you will find studios, photography studios, ceramics galleries, and fashion showrooms converted from old factories and houses.

   

   At the end of the China tour in Shanghai, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, home to China's national treasure, the giant panda.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

4. Day 4: Chengdu Tour
   Experience Ancient Artifacts and Relaxing Tea Time

   Your Chengdu tour of China begins at the Jinsha Site Museum, a Shang (1600-1046 BC) and Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) site that has unearthed the richest collection of ivory, gold and jade artifacts of any site in the world from the same period. The most famous in this museum is the "Gold Sun God Bird" in Hall No. 4, which has been recognized as the main motif of the Chinese cultural heritage symbol and Chengdu's city logo.

   

   Next, immerse yourself in the tranquil Wenshu Temple, which was built in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) with a long history. The temple is still operating and frequented by local people who come to pray and relax themselves. It is a good place to learn Buddhism. You can have a nice stroll around the pleasant garden and take photos of the wonderful ancient architecture.

   After lunch, head to Renmin Park for some relaxing tea time. You can enjoy a cup of tea in a nice tea house and watch local people playing cards, playing mahjong, or napping. Following that, take a stroll along the bustling Jinli Pedestrian Street, a must-see place in Chengdu. You can see that the buildings here are built in Qing Dynasty style, and meandering through the street gives people the feeling of traveling back in time. Enjoy shopping and tasting some yummy food that you never saw before.

   

   In the evening, you can watch the Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show (optional, at your own expense), which is a quick face-changing performance that is truly unique to Chengdu.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

5. Day 5: Panda Volunteer Tour
   Volunteer at Dujiangyan Panda Base, Cleaning, and Cooking for Pandas

   After breakfast, leave the hotel for Dujiangyan. In about an hour, you will arrive at Dujiangyan Panda Base, the only scientific research institution in China dedicated to the prevention and treatment of panda diseases and the rescue of wild pandas.

   Here you will see the fluffy black and white giant pandas sleeping, chewing bamboo, climbing trees, and wrestling with each other. You will be greeted by a professional panda keeper who will give you a brief introduction about pandas, and then your volunteering day begins!

   The main volunteering activities include:

   • After changing into work clothes, clean the pandas' rooms and activity sites and carry fresh bamboo under the guidance of the panda nursing staff.
   • Visit the panda villa to learn about the habits of giant pandas.
   • Have lunch at the panda base to enjoy the authentic local dishes.
   • Watch a documentary to get further insight into pandas' origin and tempers.
   • Witness how the keepers take care of the pandas on a daily basis on the spot.
   • Make steamed bread of corn for pandas.
   • Get your Panda Volunteer Certificate.

   After the whole day of panda volunteering, your tour guide will escort you back to your hotel in Chengdu. Have a good rest.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

   

6. Day 6: Chengdu to Lhasa Tour by Flight

   Enjoy a leisurely morning in your hotel before your private driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Lhasa, Tibet is the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism. Also known as the City of Light, it is a gathering place for devotees. Upon arrival in Lhasa, a local driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. Along the way, you can enjoy the Himalayan landscape and unique Tibetan architecture.

   Warm Tips:

   To reduce or avoid symptoms of altitude sickness, you are advised to avoid strenuous exercise on your first day in Lhasa. Do not take a shower to avoid catching a cold. Avoid drinking alcohol. Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

7. Day 7: Lhasa Highlights Tour
   Explore the Highest Palace in the World

   The first stop on your Tibet tour is the magnificent Potala Palace, built in the 7th century AD. It is the highest palace in the world and the largest and most complete ancient palace complex in Tibet. The entire palace has a distinctive Tibetan style, built on the mountain, by the White Palace and Red Palace and its ancillary buildings. Potala Palace also collects countless treasures, which can be called a temple of art.

   

   After lunch, we will visit the Jokhang Temple, a blend of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. With a history of more than 1,300 years, the Monastery is the most splendid existing building in Tibet from the Tubo period (633-842) and the earliest adobe structure in Tibet. The 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni enshrined in the temple is the treasure, which is one of the must-see attractions for tourists and pilgrims. Last, take a leisurely stroll through Barkhor Street. Barkhor Street is the famous pilgrim route and the busiest commercial street in Lhasa, which preserves the traditional appearance and living style of the ancient city more completely.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

8. Day 8: Lhasa Tour
   Witness the Amazing Debates in Sera Monastery

   Today's Lhasa tour takes you first to tour Norbulingka Park, located in the western suburbs of Lhasa. It is the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas and is the largest and most monumental of the man-made gardens in Tibet.

   Next you are transferred to Drepung Monastery. The monastery complex is magnificent, with white houses and red halls lining the mountainside. Drepung Monastery is surrounded by mountains on three sides, facing the Lhasa River and the flat river, like a white mountain city. Entering the interior of the temple you will appreciate the exquisite carvings, solemn statues of Buddha, and a large number of Thangka paintings, embroidery, murals and other valuable art treasures.

   Sera Monastery is the last stop on your Tibet tour. Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, this temple is known as the three major monasteries in Lhasa and is the latest of the three to be built. Here you will witness one of the most famous debates in Tibet. Sera Monastery is also home to many ancient murals and tens of thousands of Vajra statues, both locally made and a few brought from India.

   In the evening, you are recommended to capture the night view of the Potala Palace.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

9. Day 9: Lhasa to Xian Tour by Flight

   Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel, with a relaxing breakfast. Then your driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Xian, the Ancient Capital of 13 Dynasties.

   Upon arrival, the local driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Xi'an has a colorful nightlife. The night markets are a highlight, with a wide variety of snacks, from kebabs to Roujiamo and Liangpi. In addition, you can stroll under the City Wall or by the moat.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Xian

10. Day 10: Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour
    Marvel at the Life-size Clay Warriors at the Eighth Wonder of the World

    After a hearty breakfast, embark on a 1.5-hour car ride to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The Terracotta Army, hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", have been visited by more than 200 foreign heads of state and government. You will be guided through Pits 1, 2 and 3 of the Terracotta Army, where you will see life-sized warriors, and many horses and chariots. There is no doubt that the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a golden calling card of China's glorious ancient civilization.

    Optional activity: you can create your own mini terracotta warrior under the expert guidance of a skilled craftsman (pay extra). It is enjoyed by the children.

    

    Return to Xian city and spend a leisurely afternoon on the Ancient City Wall. As a military defensive system in old times, it is one of the largest and most well-preserved city walls in China. You can take a leisure walk or rent a bike (optional) on the top of the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Continue your China tour in Xian to the famous Muslim Street, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you can find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodle, Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup).

    In the evening, you will take a leisurely walk along the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, which is the preferred place for experiencing Tang culture in Xi'an. When night falls, the place is illuminated and visitors feel as if they have traveled back to the Tang Dynasty. If you are lucky, you will watch "Miss Tumbler" and other exciting performances.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Xian

    

11. Day 11: Xian to Beijing Tour by High-speed Train
    Discover Buddhist History, then Delve into China's Past

    Start your last day of Xian city tour by heading to Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. It was built to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

    Then, take a guided tour of Shaanxi History Museum. The museum houses over 380,000 cultural relics including simple stone tools used in prehistoric times, bronze ware from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, terracotta warriors from various dynasties, gold and silver utensils from the Han and Tang dynasties, and tomb murals from Tang Dynasty.

    

    After the morning tour, your guide will escort you to catch a high-speed train to Beijing.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

12. Day 12: Beijing Tour
    Experience Beijing's Grandeur, History, and Tranquility

    After breakfast, commence your Beijing city tour with Tiananmen Square, located in the center of Beijing. The square covers an area of 440,000 square meters and can accommodate 1 million people for a grand gathering at the same time. You will see the National Flag Pole, the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall and the Zhengyangmen Gate along the central axis from north to south.

    After that, continue walking a short distance north to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the symbol and icon of ancient China. Today you will have a guided tour to admire the large-scale precious architecture and millions of valuable artifacts.

    

    In the afternoon, move on to Summer Palace. With an area of 2.9 square kilometers, this palace was the best place where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. Here you will enjoy the amazing lake view, explore the exquisite long corridor, appreciate precious cultural relics, step on the elegant stone bridge, etc. In addition, you can take the option of a boat ride to enjoy the Kunming Lake (optional, if the weather permits).

    In the evening, you have the option of watching a Chinese Kung Fu Show where skilled performers demonstrate martial arts techniques and acrobatics (extra charge).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

13. Day 13: Beijing Great Wall Tour
    Ascend the Stunning Mutianyu Great Wall, a Testament to China's History and Beauty

    Today, you have a day of exploration starting with the longest Great Wall in China - the Mutianyu Great Wall, boasting a remarkable length of 5,400 meters. Connected to Juyongguan Great Wall in the west and Gubeikou in the east, it has been a military stronghold guarding Beijing since ancient times. With its dense enemy towers and charming scenery, it is the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. We will arrange for you to go up by cable car and then take a hike to enjoy the natural scenery.

    

    After descending from the Great Wall, you will be transferred to the Ming Tomb. On the way to the Ming Tomb, you will pass through the Sacred Way. The Ming Tomb is the place where 13 emperors of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) were buried.

    On the way back to the downtown area, we will stop to view the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube from the outside. They are the famous buildings from the 2008 Olympic Games.

    Optional Evening Activities.

    In the evening, you can choose to enjoy the famous palace dish - the famous Peking Roast Duck at Quanjude Restaurant (additional charge).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

14. Day 14: Departure from Beijing
    Understand the Ancient Royal Sacrificial Culture

    Today is the last day of your 14-day China tour. Your guide will take you to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven. It is a special altar used by the Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices to the heavens, ask for rain and pray for a good year. It consists of two parts: the Inner Altar and the Outer Altar. We will mainly visit the Inner Altar today, including The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Echo Wall. Next, you will experience a rickshaw ride through the traditional hutongs. Go to visit a local family and learn about their daily life and even experience cultural activities such as learning calligraphy and weaving Chinese knots (extra charge).

    

    After the China tour in Beijing, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for onward flight to your next destination. Hope to see you again for your next trip to China. Safe journey!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A