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Modern Shanghai & Chengdu’s Giant Pandas
China in 15 Days, 12 Nights in Destination
From
$3,719
$2,599
/person
-30%
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
- Beijing
- Chengdu
- Shanghai
- Xi'an
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until December 2026
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $600
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
superior included
- WHAT'S THIS?
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 China. 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 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
Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
242 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 a silk showroom 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 an acrobatic show.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.
*Optional Shanghai Highlights tour: Discover the highlights of Shanghai including the Shanghai Historical Museum, where you will learn about the origins of this fomer trading outpost which has grown to be the cosmopolitan megalopolis that you can see today. Also, visit the Pudong area and enjoy an included entrance to the second sphere of the iconic Jinmao Tower.
**Optional Acrobatic Show: Experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of culture and entertainment. Please note: Activity only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
242 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Walking Tour of Shanghai
Light
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Half-day Shanghai Highlights
Light
See more
Chinese Acrobatic Show
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 a Huangpu River Cruise 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 the Suzhou Museum before taking a boat ride on Pingjiang River to make your way to the charming Old City.
**Optional Huangpu River cruise: View the city's skyline from the comfort of the river cruiser as you enjoy an evening of spectacular views.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
242 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Full day tour to Suzhou's gardens and canals with boat tour
Moderate
See more
Huangpu River Night Cruise
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 for checkin and free time in the evening. Overnight stay in Beijing.
Important note: The bullet train journey Shanghai - Beijing takes around 4-5h. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Shanghai and the next guide will wait for you in Beijing station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
94 Reviews
See our full selection
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 Qing and Ming dynasties. Here you might have the opportunity to watch the locals practising Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, visit a local pearl showroom for an 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* through central Beijing. Overnight stay in Beijing.
*Optional excursion to Shichahai Hutong & Lama Temple: Hop on a rickshaw, the most popular form of transportation in the traditional neighborhoods, and visit Bell Tower and Drum Tower from the outside before stepping into one of the local Siheyuan courtyard houses of Hutong to learn about Chinese paper cutting. Finally, visit the Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Temple, which is considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved Buddhist monastery in present-day Beijing.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
94 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Half-day Temple of Heaven visit
Light
See more
Tour of Hutong District & Lama Temple
Moderate
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 exhibition, where you will learn about the traditional significance of 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.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
94 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
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 the Forbidden City and the Summer palace.* Overnight stay in Beijing.
*Optional full-day Forbidden City & Summer Palace excursion with Peking duck dinner: 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. Afterwards, transfer to the Summer Palace, a former palace complex surrounded by lakes and gardens where the emperors would retreat during summer. After the tour, try the famous Peking Duck for dinner. Watch the chef slice the golden-brown duck, so that you can admire his skills and the thin crispy skin. You will also learn how to eat this dish correctly.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
94 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Full-day Tour of Beijing
Moderate
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, transfer, and check-in to the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy free time to get to know your new surroundings. Try walking around the neighborhood, or join an optional night tour* to get a deeper view of the local highlights. Overnight stay in Xi'an.
*Optional night tour: Take an evening tour, beginning with the North Square of the Wild Goose Pagoda, then heading all the way to The Grand Tang Mall, also known as Datang Everbright City. This pedestrian-friendly park offers a captivating experience that transports you back to the Tang Dynasty with lights, statues, and stalls.
Important note: The bullet train journey Beijing - Xian takes around 4-5h. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Beijing and the next guide will wait for you in Xian station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Titan Central Park or similar
49 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Xi'an Evening Tour and Datang Everbright City
Moderate
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. Visit a terracotta workshop and get closer to the warriors while learning traditional crafting techniques. Next, dive to visit Xian's Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter, where you will challenge yourself to take a gastronomic adventure and try its famous street food. Overnight stay in Xi'an.
*Optional Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet dinner: 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. Enjoy a dumpling banquet for dinner, included with this activity!
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Titan Central Park or similar
49 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Xian's Muslim Quarter
Moderate
See more
Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling Banquet Dinner
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 the Panda Base Center, 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.
Important note: The bullet train journey Xian - Chengdu takes around 3-4h. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Xian and the next guide will wait for you in Chengdu station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Felton Gloria Grand Hotel... or similar
40 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Chengdu's Panda Base and Panda Museum
Light
See more
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 with Hot Pot Dinner: 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. Located on the banks of the Dadu River, you will get a boat ride to get the best views to the Buddha. Back to Chengdu, stop at for an included Hot Pot Dinner.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Felton Gloria Grand Hotel... or similar
40 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Full-day Tour to Leshan Big Buddha & 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 engineering and construction built more than 2000 years ago! It is still used today to control flooding on the Min River and to irrigate the arid regions around Chengdu, making it one of the world's oldest infrastructures still in use. 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.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Felton Gloria Grand Hotel... or similar
40 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Full-day Tour to Dujiangyan and Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Moderate
See more
14th Day: Chengdu - Night on board
Breakfast* at the hotel. Enjoy a morning at your leisure in Chengdu before transferring to the airport for a flight back to the US.
*Depending on your flight departure time you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.
15th Day: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
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Categories Available:
superior
From $2,599
Selected
Accommodation: 12 Nights
Included activities
Available Activities
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The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main US airports.
- International Flights: US - Shanghai, Chengdu - US.
- High-Speed/Bullet Trains: Shanghai - Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu in 2nd class seats. *more information
- 12 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels. **more informationSee hotels included
- 12 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.
- 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: Mandatory tips of 50 USD per person are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination by either Cash or Alipay. Credit card will not be accepted. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour and will be covering the guide tips of the whole tour.
IMPORTANT VISA INFORMATION: 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 around 10 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.
* 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.
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, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.
While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.
Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.
Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.
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