Wendy Wu In Pursuit of Pandas

– Discover the imperial treasures of Beijing
– Explore the Great Wall of China
– Experience the spectacular Terracotta Warriors
– Spend time with the loveable Giant Pandas

Days 1-2: Fly to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven

We begin in Beijing’s symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, flanked by imposing government buildings and the mausoleum of Chairman Mao. At the head of the square, the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City is a monument to dynasties past. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Later soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.

Day 4: Great Wall of China

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Stretching thousands of miles from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, over all sorts of dramatic landscapes, it is one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the magnificent scenery that it crosses. Savour a relaxed afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional gardens and admire the exquisite architecture. Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. You will have an opportunity to visit a Jade museum, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds of the day.

Day 5: Fly to Xian

Fly to Xian. An illustrious and age-old city, Xian is one of the four great ancient capitals of China. It is also the capital of Shaanxi province, and the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years. Take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town to get your bearings, before a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

After their fortuitous discovery by local farmers in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-like warriors who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Fly to Chengdu.

Day 7: Dujiangyan Panda Base

Visit Dujiangyan Panda Base which is dedicated to disease control and the rescue of wild pandas. Later on, visit Jinli street, full of antique shops and restaurants, where you can sample a delicious Sichuanese meal

Day 8: Giant Pandas

A visit to Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears. See them up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat as they chomp through piles of bamboo. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the Reserve’s breeding programme. Later, stroll down Jinli Street, a pedestrianised road in the old city which is lined with antique shops, bars and cafes.

Day 9: Fly Chengdu to UK

Return flight to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.

The Temple of Heaven

Visit the serene Temple of Heaven park for an afternoon with the locals

Visit Dujiangyan Panda Base

Take a trip to this Panda base where you can learn about these iconic animals as well as the conservation projects.

See an acrobatics show

One of Beijing’s must-see shows, this spectacular features many forms of dramatic arts, from contortionism to juggling

– Return international flights
– All Accommodation
– All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
– All transportation & transfers
– All sightseeing & entrance fees
– English speaking National Escort & local guides
– Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.

Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.

Planes: Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines.

Classic

These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of China on an excellent value group tour whilst travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escorts and local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience.

Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by both a National Escort and local guides. There will usually be no more than 28 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.

This tour has a Level 1 fitness rating. This means that a reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.

If you want to explore more of China or simply want more time in your destination, then you can add an extension or stop over.*

Choose from the following Extensions and Stopovers
Macao Special (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong Glimpses (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong in Focus (Hong Kong)
Macau (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong and Macau (Hong Kong)
Kunming & Lijiang (Kunming)
Nine Villages Valley (Chengdu)
Zhangjiajie (Zhangjiajie)
Chongqing, Dazu and Wulong (Chongqing)
Guilin and Yangshou (Guilin)
Mount Huang (Shanghai)
Lhasa (Lhasa)
Chengdu (Chengdu)
Beijing and Xi’an (Beijing)
Suzhou and Hangzhou (Shanghai)
Shanghai (Shanghai)
Guilin (Guilin)

*Available extensions and stopovers depend on your chosen airline