China: Great Wall, Pandas & West Lake

Arrive in Beijing, where your English-speaking guide meets you outside baggage claim and transfers you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and explore at your own pace.

Begin at Tian'anmen Square before exploring the Forbidden City, the vast imperial palace at the heart of Beijing. In the old hutongs, join a private dumpling-making class followed by lunch in a traditional courtyard, then ride a rickshaw through the narrow alleyways and stroll the charming lanes of Nanluoguxiang. This evening, celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome Peking duck banquet.

Join locals for a morning tai chi session in a Beijing park, then travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for a scenic walk and cable car ride with sweeping mountain views. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the city to see Beijing Olympic Park illuminated after sunset.

Travel with your guide by high-speed train to the ancient capital of Xi'an. After checking in, take a gentle walk along the Xi'an City Wall, one of China's best-preserved fortifications, then explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City beside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, with its grand architecture, evening performances, and lively market streets.

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, the life-sized army built to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. Continue to a nearby countryside village to meet a local farmer, join a painting and calligraphy class inspired by rural folk art, and enjoy a noodle lunch in the village.

Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, and transfer to your hotel. This evening, explore Jinli Street, a lantern-lit lane of Qing-style buildings, local shops, and snack stalls (food purchases at own expense).

Visit the Giant Panda Research Base to see China's national treasure in a naturalistic setting, then wander the restored Qing Dynasty lanes of Kuanzhai Alley. In People's Park, enjoy a tea ceremony at a historic teahouse and discover the park's famous matchmaking corner, where parents advertise on behalf of their children in search of a suitable partner.

Explore a vibrant spice market with a professional chef, then learn to cook classic Sichuan dishes in a cozy kitchen and savour your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, take the included flight to Hangzhou and transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Join local women for a morning dance workshop in a scenic park, then enjoy a boat ride on West Lake with tea, snacks, and local folk singing. After lunch, stroll historic Hefang Street before continuing to Meijiawu Tea Village to walk the tea terraces with a local farmer, try your hand at picking tea leaves, and learn how Longjing (Dragon Well) tea is pan-roasted. The
evening is at leisure.

Travel by high-speed train to Suzhou while your luggage is transferred directly to Shanghai. Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping, stroll along canal-side Pingjiang Road, and learn about Suzhou's centuries-old craft at the Silk Embroidery Research Institute. After lunch, continue by high-speed train to Shanghai.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Goway arrangements conclude upon arrival at the airport.