China & Tibet - Hike The Great Wall, Beijing & Pandas

Our adventure begins as we fly to Beijing, China's capital city.

On arrival in Beijing, we'll meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel, with some free time to settle in. China's capital is a fascinating mix of ancient history, cultural landmarks and modern city life.

We'll enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, a great opportunity to meet our fellow travellers as our China adventure begins. 

Please note: If our flight arrives late, the welcome dinner may take place the following evening. Our guide will confirm the arrangements for included meals, including whether they take place at local restaurants or at our hotel or guesthouse.

Please ensure your name and passport details are entered correctly when booking your holiday and a copy of your details are passed at the time of booking. Travel, entrance tickets, Tibet permit, and the panda sanctuary are linked to your passport, and any corrections may incur extra charges beyond our control.

This morning, we'll visit Beijing's Summer Palace.

• Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site, once an imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty.
• Explore the peaceful lakes, landscaped gardens and historic pavilions.
• Enjoy some free time to climb the 60-metre Longevity Hill for views across the palace grounds.

This afternoon, we'll visit a local Kung Fu school to learn about this traditional Chinese martial art and take part in a 40-minute lesson.

Afterwards, we'll travel by coach to Miyun County, near the Great Wall of China, where we'll settle in for the evening ahead of our walking adventure.

Please Note: If the Kung Fu performance is unavailable, it will be replaced by an acrobatics or alternative performance.

Please Note:  We may stay at the guesthouse featured or a similar local guesthouse. These small, simple properties are chosen for their convenient location near the Great Wall hiking trails. Rooms can vary between properties and may be compact in size. Confirmation will be advised at the time of receiving your final documents.

Today, we'll experience one of the highlights of our China adventure as we hike along the Great Wall with our expert local guide. 

• Hike 15km from Gubeikou to Jinshanling, passing ancient ruins and some of the Wall's most famous sections. 
• Take in the mountain scenery and panoramic views along this historic landmark, which dates back over 2,000 years.
• Enjoy a packed lunch with a picnic stop along the Great Wall.

Distance: 15km | Duration: 6 hours | Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Please Note: Sturdy walking shoes, a backpack and plenty of water are essential for today's hike. Some sections involve steep steps and heights, so this activity may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.

After our hike, we'll travel back to Beijing by coach, with some free time to freshen up and relax before enjoying an included dinner together.

This morning, we'll discover some of Beijing's history and local traditions with our expert guide.

• Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares and an important landmark in Chinese history.
• Explore Beijing's traditional Hutongs on a guided walking tour.
• Visit a local family and learn how to make traditional Chinese jiaozi dumplings, which we'll enjoy together for lunch.
• Take part in a 30-minute Chinese paper-cutting lesson.

This afternoon, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the Forbidden City.

• Discover the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, home to Chinese emperors for almost 500 years.
• Wander through its historic courtyards and admire the impressive imperial architecture.
• End the day with a traditional Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, enjoy some free time to explore Beijing at your own pace. You could visit Qianmen Street, one of the city's oldest pedestrian streets, known for its traditional architecture, shops and local eateries.

Alternatively, discover more of Beijing's history and culture on our pre-bookable optional excursion.

• Enjoy a guided visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing's most famous historic landmarks.
• Savour a traditional Chinese lunch.
• Browse the stalls at Hongqiao Pearl Market, with free time for shopping and bargaining.
• Return to the hotel with our local guide and included transfers.

Please note: This optional excursion is subject to minimum numbers.

Later, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Xi'an, a historic city known for its ancient city walls, its role as the starting point of the Silk Road and the famous Terracotta Army.

On arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening before exploring the city.

Please Note: The four included flights to Xi'an, Lhasa, Chengdu and Shanghai are arranged locally during the tour. Flight times and tickets will be provided locally. Baggage allowance is usually approximately 20kg and will be confirmed at the time of ticketing.

Passport Details: Please provide a copy of your passport, including your full name and passport details, at the time of booking.

Xi'an is one of China's ancient capitals, home to one of the country's oldest and best-preserved city walls. Today, we'll explore this historic landmark on a guided cycling tour.

• Climb approximately 70 steps to reach the top of the ancient walls, built during the Ming Dynasty in 1370.
• Cycle along the wide, flat walls, taking in views across the historic city.
• Follow the walls for almost 14km, with bike hire included.

Enjoy some free time to explore Xi'an at your own pace. Why not visit the lively Muslim Quarter, browse the local markets or sample some of the city's famous dumplings? Our guide will be happy to recommend places to visit and help you make the most of your time in the city.

Today, we'll visit one of China's most remarkable archaeological discoveries, the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Xi'an.

• Discover the life-size warriors and horses, created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang into the afterlife.
• Learn how this ancient army was discovered by local farmers in 1974.
• Explore the museum with our local guide, with free time to admire the scale and intricate details of the collection.

This evening is free to relax or continue exploring Xi'an at your own pace.

This morning, we'll fly from Xi'an to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, situated high on the Tibetan Plateau north of the Himalayas.

• Discover a region often called the "Roof of the World", home to some of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest.
• On arrival, we'll transfer to our guesthouse, our base for the next three nights.
• At 3,656 metres above sea level, we'll take things easy today, allowing time to adjust to the high altitude before enjoying a gentle stroll if we're feeling up to it.

This morning, we'll visit two of Lhasa's most important cultural and religious landmarks, beginning with a guided tour of the Potala Palace.

• Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas.
• Discover its grand halls, chapels and intricate artwork while learning about Tibet's history and Buddhist traditions.
• Continue to Jokhang Temple, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most sacred sites and an important place of pilgrimage.
• Experience the atmosphere as pilgrims gather to pray and make offerings at this historic temple in the heart of Lhasa.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Lhasa at your own pace. 

• Wander through the narrow streets of the Barkhor area, lined with traditional Tibetan shops and market stalls. 
• Browse local crafts and souvenirs, or stop at a traditional teahouse to soak up the atmosphere. 
• Sample momos, traditional Tibetan dumplings and a popular local favourite.

Today, we'll leave Lhasa behind and cycle through the Tibetan countryside with our expert local guide, taking in the mountain scenery and discovering traditional rural life along the way.

• Enjoy a guided 20km cycle through the countryside, following mostly flat terrain.
• Visit a local Tibetan family to learn about their daily life and traditional practices, including how yak dung is used as fuel.
• Experience traditional Tibetan yak butter tea.
• Enjoy a curry beef lunch (included) at a local restaurant before cycling back through the countryside.

Distance: 20km | Difficulty: Moderately challenging due to altitude | Terrain: Mostly flat

Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Explore more of Lhasa, ask our local guide for recommendations on places to visit or eat, or simply relax at the guesthouse after our cycling adventure.

This morning, we'll fly from Lhasa to Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan Province, known for its rich culture and local cuisine.

• On arrival, enjoy a guided visit to Jinli Old Street, lined with traditional-style buildings, local craft shops, teahouses and food stalls.
• Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace and find somewhere for lunch.

Please note: Our flight from Lhasa to Chengdu is included.

This afternoon, we'll visit Chengdu's People's Park, a lively gathering place where locals come to socialise and relax.

• Explore the park with our local guide and visit the famous Marriage Market, where families seek potential partners for their unmarried relatives.
• Experience local life, with the chance to enjoy tea and watch a game of Mahjong.
• Travel to our guesthouse in Dujiangyan County, where we'll settle in for the evening.
• Enjoy a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner together, a local speciality.

Today, we'll visit Dujiangyan Panda Reserve, where giant pandas receive care and rehabilitation. After an introduction to the reserve, we'll take part in a hands-on volunteering experience and learn more about these much-loved animals.

• Meet the team and learn about the reserve's work caring for giant pandas.
• Help with feeding the pandas and gathering fresh bamboo.
• Enjoy an included lunch in the reserve's staff dining room.
• Have some free time to explore the reserve at your own pace.

Please Note: Due to local regulations, travellers under 12 or over 65 cannot participate in the volunteering activities. No alternative excursion will be provided.

We'll return to our accommodation, with the evening free to relax and unwind ahead of tomorrow's adventure.

Today, we'll discover two of Sichuan's historic attractions before travelling onwards to Chengdu.

•  Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, an ancient engineering achievement dating back to 256 BC. 
• Discover one of the world's oldest surviving dam-free irrigation systems, which has helped manage the region's water supply for over 2,000 years.
• Explore Jiezi Old Town, nestled at the foot of Fengqi Mountain, with free time to wander its historic streets and soak up the traditional atmosphere. 
• Continue to Chengdu, where we'll have the evening free to relax or explore at our own pace.

Today, we'll fly from Chengdu to Shanghai, one of China's most vibrant cities. On arrival, we'll meet our local guide and begin exploring. 

• Experience a ride on the high-speed Maglev train, one of the fastest trains in the world. 
• Visit Shanghai Tower (or a similar observation deck) for panoramic views across the city's impressive skyline. 
• Transfer to our hotel and settle in.

Enjoy the evening at your own pace. Take a stroll through Shanghai's lively streets, admire the illuminated skyline or discover one of the city's many local restaurants. Our guide will be happy to recommend places to visit and make the most of your time in Shanghai.

Today, we'll travel to Fengjing Water Village, around an hour from Shanghai, to experience traditional Chinese culture before returning to explore the city's famous waterfront.

• Discover the tradition of Chinese farmer painting and learn about this colourful local art form.
• Try making traditional rice dumplings wrapped in lotus leaves and enjoy lunch cooked in a clay oven.
• Return to central Shanghai and visit The Bund, taking in views of the city's famous riverside skyline.

Enjoy the evening at your own pace, with free time to relax or continue exploring Shanghai.

Today, our China and Tibet adventure comes to an end as we transfer to Shanghai Airport for our flight home. We'll return with memories of ancient temples, vibrant cities, mountain landscapes and the people and cultures we've encountered along the way.