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    Modern Shanghai & Chengdu’s Giant Pandas

    China in 15 Days, 13 Nights in Destination

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    days left

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    Hannah
    Travel crafter

    Delve into eclectic China in this journey through revered traditions and fast paced modernity; from imposing skyscrapers and serene temples to the historical Great Wall, relish the infinite beauty of this country.

    Trip Highlights

    1. Beijing
    2. Chengdu
    3. Shanghai
    4. Xi'an

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers.

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2024

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $620

    4. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. superior included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

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    September 2023
    October 2023
    November 2023
    December 2023

    Categories Available:

    superior

    From $2,399

    Selected

      Accommodation: 13 Nights

      calendar

      Day 2 to 5

      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu Excellence

      Location

      Shanghai

      Category

      Nights

      3

      Rating TripAdvisor travelers

      The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake, Harbour Plaza Metropolitan Shanghai, Royal International Hotel

      Itinerary

      Experience the cultural diversity of China by high-speed train. Explore the mix of new and old in dazzling Shanghai, and stroll along the Bund. In Beijing, discover the Forbidden City and walk on the mighty Great Wall. Head to Xi'an, the heartland of the ancient dynasties, to admire the Terracotta Warriors and visit leafy Chengdu to meet the endangered pandas.

      1st Day: US - Night on board

      Arrive at your US departure airport, ready to board your flight to Shanghai*. Night on board.

      * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

      2nd Day: Shanghai

      Arrive in dazzling Shanghai and transfer to the hotel. Shanghai is the largest of all the Chinese cities and is known for its futuristic buildings, culinary scene and importance as a global financial centre. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Shanghai.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu E... or similar

      879 Reviews

      See our full selection

      3rd Day: Shanghai

      Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a walking tour of Nanjing road and the Bund neighbourhood to get to know Shanghai's diverse neighbourhoods. Next, visit an authentic Silk Factory before heading into the bustling Old City Bazaar for a taste of the local culture. Return to the hotel and in the afternoon, we recommend an optional half-day city tour.* In the evening you have the option to enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.

      Optional Shanghai City Tour: Discover the delights of Shanghai including the Shanghai Museum, famous for its large collection of rare cultural pieces. Also, visit the Pudong area and enjoy included entrance to the second sphere of the iconic Jinmao Tower. 

      ** Optional Huangpu River Cruise: View the city's skyline from the comfort of the river cruiser as you enjoy an evening of spectacular views. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu E... or similar

      879 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Walking tour of Shanghai

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Half day Shanghai city tour

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Huangpu River Night Cruise

      Light

      See more

      4th Day: Shanghai

      Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, shopping in one of the many shopping centres, strolling around colonial Bund or sampling the street food. Otherwise, we recommend an optional tour of Suzhou Gardens* or an acrobatic show later in the evening**.  Overnight stay in Shanghai.

      * Optional Tour of Suzhou Gardens: Acquaint yourself with Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and one of the most historically significant cities of Southern China where you will visit Lingering Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Suzhou Museum before taking a boat ride on Pingjiang River to make your way to the charming Old City.

      ** Optional Acrobatic Show: Experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of culture and entertainment. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu E... or similar

      879 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Suzhou Gardens and Canal Boat Tour

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Chinese Acrobatic Show

      Light

      See more

      5th Day: Shanghai - Beijing

      Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station to catch a bullet train to Beijing in 2nd class seats. Arrive in Beijing, the enormous capital of China, famed for its ancient sites such as the iconic Forbidden City, and as being the gateway to some of the most visited portions of the Great Wall. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we recommend an optional Peking Duck Dinner and tour.* Overnight stay in Beijing.

      * Optional Peking Duck Dinner & Tour: Enjoy an evening of traditional Chinese food. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Peking Duck dinner

      Light

      See more

      6th Day: Beijing

      Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a tour of the fantastic Temple of Heaven, a religious complex used by the emperors of the Quing and Ming dynasties. Here you have the opportunity to watch the locals practising Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, visit a local Pearl Factory for a fascinating insight into the production of these precious jewels. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Hutong Tour.* In the evening, you have the opportunity to indulge in an evening of Kung Fu.** Overnight stay in Beijing. 

      * Optional excursion to Shichahai Hutong: Hop on a rickshaw, the most popular form of transportation in recent years, and visit Bell Tower and Drum Tower from the outside before stepping into one of the local Siheyuan courtyard houses to learn about Chinese paper cutting. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family and finally take advantage of the shopping on Wangfujing street.

      ** Optional Kung Fu Show: Admire the intricacies of this martial art as you enjoy a professional show. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Half-Day Temple of Heaven and Pearl Factory

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Half-Day Hutong Tour

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Red Theater Kung Fu Show
      See more

      7th Day: Beijing

      Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an exciting excursion to the best-preserved section of the Great Wall of China. The Juyongguan section is the most visited part of the wall and is the best representation of the former splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of unimaginable length, the wall can be seen from space. On the way, admire the countryside and stop at an impressive Jade Workshop, where artisans work with this precious stone. Arrive at the Great Wall where you have time to learn about the history of the wall and enjoy walking on this ancient relic of the past. On the way back to Beijing, visit a traditional Chinese Medicine factory. Return to Beijing and stop at the famous Olympic Park, where you can admire the beautifully architected Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube Aquatics Centre. Transfer to the hotel. We recommend an optional Golden Mask Show, a beautiful cultural performance.* Overnight stay in Beijing.

      Optional Golden Mask Show: Set in the Golden Mask Dynasty, a legendary age in China, the story tells the story of a queen, who wears a golden mask, and creates a splendid dynasty. It is a fabulous insight into China's history and arts. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Half Day Tour of the Great Wall of China

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Golden Mask Dynasty Show
      See more

      8th Day: Beijing

      Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Beijing at your leisure, visiting the sights or delving into the fabulous cuisine. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City* Overnight stay in Beijing.

      * Optional Full Day Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City Excursion: Explore the iconic Tiananmen Square to then head to the Forbidden City, an impressive palace complex and home to the former Imperial Chinese Palace for the years spanning from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. It is the world's most visited attractions and showcases immaculate Chinese design and architecture. Also, visit the Tea House to then admire the enigmatic Summer Palace.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Beijing Marriott Hotel Ch... or similar

      50 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Full Day Beijing City Tour

      Light

      See more

      9th Day: Beijing - Xi'an

      Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station for an exciting Bullet Train journey to Xi'an. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Afterwards, visit the Muslim Quarter of the city and enjoy some time to explore the area, soaking up the history and culture. Return to the hotel. We recommend an optional Tang Dynasty Show for an evening of entertainment.* Overnight stay in Xi'an.

      * Optional Tang Dynasty Show: Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with fabulous music and dancing from the era of the Tang Dynasty, China's golden age. The show is a unique way to get to know the historical culture of the ancient city of Xi'an. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Jianguo Hotel Xian or similar

      457 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Xian's Muslim Quarter Walking Tour

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Tang Dynasty Show at Shanxi Theater
      See more

      10th Day: Xi'an

      Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover one of China's most iconic sights as you enjoy a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Approximately 8,000 sculpted figures were buried alongside Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, and today you can see this once in a lifetime sight for yourself. Each figure is impressively crafted and unique. Be blown away by the intricacy and the sheer number of the figures as you learn about their significance. Also visit the local Terracotta Factory and the Yanyuan Art Museum, to learn about the ancient art of Chinese Calligraphy, and even try it out for yourself. In the evening we recommend a night tour of the Old City Wall and the Wild Goose Pagoda.* Overnight stay in Xi'an.

      * Optional Old City Wall & Wild Goose Pagoda Night-Tour: Experience the atmosphere of old Xi'an at night. Visit the impressive Old City Wall and the mighty Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the reign of the Tang dynasty (no entrances included). End the evening at the Musical Fountain, for an unforgettable light and water show.

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Jianguo Hotel Xian or similar

      457 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Terracotta Warriors and Yanyuan Art Museum
      See more
      Optional
      Xian's night tour

      Light

      See more

      11th Day: Xi'an - Chengdu

      Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station to catch a Bullet Train to Chengdu in 2nd class seats. Arrive and transfer directly to Panda Base, home to the iconic and elusive giant pandas, one of the most endangered animals in the world. Here, you may be lucky enough to watch the pandas in the huge outdoor enclosures. After getting up close to these beautiful creatures, head to the Panda Museum to learn about these endangered animals. Next, enjoy a visit to the Shu Embroidery Museum, for an insight into one of China's most prestigious traditions of embroidery. Transfer to the hotel and in the evening we recommend an optional Sichuan Opera Show.* Overnight stay in Chengdu.

      Optional Sichuan Opera Show: Enjoy a vibrant and colourful evening of entertainment. The Sichuan Opera involves a multitude of colourful masks, costumes and traditional performing arts. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Felton Gloria Grand Hotel... or similar

      38 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      included
      Chengdu's Panda Base and Panda Museum

      Light

      See more
      Optional
      Sichuan Opera Show

      Light

      See more

      12th Day: Chengdu

      Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Chengdu, walking along the riverside, delving into the stretching history of the city, which stretches back to the 4th-century BC, or sampling the local cuisine. We recommend an optional excursion to Huanglongxi Ancient Town & Leshan Big Buddha.* Overnight stay in Chengdu.

      * Optional Full Day Excursion to Huanglongxi & Leshan Big Buddha: First, visit Huanglongxi Ancient Town, home to more than 1700 years of history. Here you can explore old Chinese culture and customs and soak up the beautiful natural landscapes. Continue to Leshan to visit the famous Leshan Big Buddha, the largest sitting stone Buddha in the world at 71 metres high. Situated on the banks of the Dadu River, walkways enable you to get up close to the Buddha. On the way back to Chengdu, stop at a local Tea Plantation. End the day with a delicious Hot Pot Dinner. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Felton Gloria Grand Hotel... or similar

      38 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Full day to Leshan Big Buddha Tea Planation and Hot pot dinner

      Moderate

      See more

      13th Day: Chengdu

      Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, relaxing or exploring the galleries, museums and historical monuments of Chengdu. We recommend a full-day excursion to Dujiangyan and the Sichuan Cuisine Museum.* Overnight stay in Chengdu.

      Optional Full Day tour to Dujiangyan & Sichuan Cuisine Museum: Embark on an exciting tour of the ancient Dujiangyan waterworks, an impressive feat of engineerings and construction, still used today to control flooding on the Min River and to irrigate the arid regions around Chengdu. It helped to boost Sichuan to a successful and prosperous province. Afterwards, head to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum to taste and cook classic dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Felton Gloria Grand Hotel... or similar

      38 Reviews

      See our full selection

      Activities

      Optional
      Full day tour to Dujiangyan and Sichuan Cuisine Museum

      Moderate

      See more

      14th Day: Chengdu - Shanghai

      Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flght to Shanghai*. Upon arriving to your destination, transfer to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure; take this time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight stay in Shanghai.

      * The time of departure will only be confirmed 1 month prior to the start of your trip. The departure usually takes place between 8:30 and 13:30. 

      Accommodation

      ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
      Novotel Shanghai Qingpu E... or similar

      879 Reviews

      See our full selection

      15th Day: Shanghai - Night on board

      Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

      * Depending on your flight departure time you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast. 

      Included activities

      Included

      Walking tour of Shanghai

      Included activity for day 3 in Shanghai

      Visit the neon lit Nanjing Street and the Bund to experience the modern Shanghai. Continue discovering how one of the most renowned chinese luxury products is made at the Silk factory. Finish exploring the old city bazaars and street food stalls.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Half-Day Temple of Heaven and Pearl Factory

      Included activity for day 6 in Beijing

      Enjoy a tour of the fantastic Temple of Heaven, a religious complex where you could have the opportunity to watch the locals practising Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Visit then the Pearl factory to discover the techniques around this craft.

      Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Half Day Tour of the Great Wall of China

      Included activity for day 7 in Beijing

      Start the day at a Jade Factory on the way to the Juyongguan Great Wall. Discover this ancient wonder, built to protect China from invaders. Continue visiting the Chinese Medicine Center and finish the tour at the Olympic park.

      Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Xian's Muslim Quarter Walking Tour

      Included activity for day 9 in Xi'an

      Get to know the rich history and culture of the Muslim Quarter of the city where you will stop by its main attractions including top eateries to sample delicious local Xian snacks.

      Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      Show more

      Available Activities

      Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
      Optional

      Half day Shanghai city tour

      Suggested activity for day 3 in Shanghai

      Discover the delights of Shanghai including the Shanghai Museum, famous for its large collection of rare cultural pieces. Also, visit the Pudong area and enjoy the views from the iconic Jinmao Tower.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional

      Huangpu River Night Cruise

      Suggested activity for day 3 in Shanghai

      View the city's skyline from the comfort of the river cruiser as you enjoy an evening of spectacular views of Shanghai.

      Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 19:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional

      Chinese Acrobatic Show

      Suggested activity for day 4 in Shanghai

      Experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of culture and entertainment.

      Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 19:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Optional

      Suzhou Gardens and Canal Boat Tour

      Suggested activity for day 4 in Suzhou

      Get to know the top sites not to be missed of Suzhou, including the Lingering Gardens and the Suzhou Museum before hopping on a boat ride to make your way to the charming Old City.

      Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      Show more

      The price includes

      • Included in all our trips. more information

      • Departures from main US airports.

      • International Flights: US - Shanghai, Shanghai - US.

      • Internal Flight: Chengdu - Shanghai.*

        more information

      • High-Speed/Bullet Trains: Shanghai - Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu in 2nd class seats. **

        more information

      • 13 nights accommodation in Superior and Luxury category hotels. ***

        more information
        See hotels included

      • 13 Breakfasts.

      • Transfers in an air conditioned vehicles.

      • Visits and entrance fees with English speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary.

        See itinerary

      • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.

      • Invitation letter for Chinese Visa.

      • English-speaking guide during the whole trip.

      • Visit of Panda Base, home to the iconic and elusive giant pandas.

      *The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

      Not included

      Visa (mandatory), entrances not mentioned on the itinerary, drinks, early check in, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

      Mandatory tips of 50 USD in cash per person are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour and will be covering the guide tips during the whole tour. 

      IMPORTANT: In order to receive your invitation letter for your Chinese Visa (mandatory) it is important that all of your details and names are given to Exoticca exactly as they appear on your passport. Once you receive your invitation letter from us (approximately two months prior to departure) you will be required to apply for a China Tourist Visa with your passport with at least 6 months validity, a passport photo, a visa application form, proof of residence and the invitation letter. Please check all requirements and how to apply for it with the Chinese embassy/consulate http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zytz/202206/t20220614_10702581.htm

      Parallel to the embassy and consulate there are specialized China Visa service companies that can help with a more personalized service. For example: https://mychinavisa.com/china-visas/china-tourist-visa/#:~:text=The%20tourism%20visa%20requires%20your,tickets%20and%20a%20hotel%20booking.

      The cost of a Chinese Visa can range from 150 to 400 USD / person depending on possible added services, express delivery upgrades, etc. It usually takes between 4 and 8 days to get a visa approval. 

      MANDATORY: Please send copies of the passports of all passengers to customers@exoticca.com  once you have booked your trip in order for us to process your Chinese Visa Invitation Letter.

      Please be advised that it is the traveler's responsibility to follow-up and be aware of any changes in either Visa requirements or entry conditions. 

      * The time of departure will only be confirmed 1 month prior to the start of your trip. We estimate the scheduled departure to take place between 8:30 and 13:30. 

      ** We cannot guarantee that you and your travel companions will be allocated seats together on the train. Some train journeys and flights can be early in the morning in order to successfully follow the schedule.

      *** The hotels stated in the letter of invitation are not definitive; the hotels will be confirmed between 45 and 30 days before departure.

      We recommend carrying cash in either the local currency or in US Dollars.

      Mandatory tips: Mandatory tips of 50 USD in cash per person are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour and will be covering the guide tips during the whole tour. 

      IMPORTANT: In order to receive your invitation letter for your Chinese Visa (mandatory) it is important that all of your details and names are given to Exoticca exactly as they appear on your passport. Once you receive your invitation letter from us (approximately two months prior to departure) you will be required to apply for a China Tourist Visa with your passport with at least 6 months validity, a passport photo, a visa application form, proof of residence and the invitation letter. Please check all requirements and how to apply for it with the Chinese embassy/consulate http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zytz/202206/t20220614_10702581.htm

      Parallel to the embassy and consulate there are specialized China Visa service companies that can help with a more personalized service. For example: https://mychinavisa.com/china-visas/china-tourist-visa/#:~:text=The%20tourism%20visa%20requires%20your,tickets%20and%20a%20hotel%20booking.

      The cost of a Chinese Visa can range from 150 to 400 USD / person depending on possible added services, express delivery upgrades, etc. It usually takes between 4 and 8 days to get a visa approval. 

      MANDATORY: Please send copies of the passports of all passengers to customers@exoticca.com  once you have booked your trip in order for us to process your Chinese Visa Invitation Letter.

      Please be advised that it is the traveler's responsibility to follow-up and be aware of any changes in either Visa requirements or entry conditions. 

      • Entry requirements

        Passport with a minimum of six months validity.

      • Visa

        A visa is required to enter the country. Issued by the embassy or consulate.

      • Currency

        Chinese Yuan.

      • Language

        Mandarin Chinese.

      • Electricity

        220 V. Adapter required.

      • Health

        Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

      • Time zone

        UTC + 08:00.

      • Other useful information

        Different signs, numbers and symbols.

      • Tourist Office website

        http://tourismchina-ca.com/

      Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

      Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

      In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

      Triple room: the third bed will be a rollaway bed.

      Children: 2 - 11 years.

      If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.

      Exoticca Travel Stories

      Creating unforgettable memories, one traveler at a time

      Beijing · China

      China

      I loved every minute of it!

      Overall, my favourite moment of our China tour was visiting the Great Wall, but the whole trip together provided an unforgettable overview of the country and was great value for money. I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about Chinese culture.

      Pay in installments

      60%

      At time of booking

      40%

      60 days before departure

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