The Pandas of Chengdu

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by private car to the Peninsula Beijing. 

After breakfast, your private car, driver and guide will be waiting to show you the Imperial highlights of the capital. Marvel at the grandeur of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest plazas in the world, and then follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty emperors on your privately guided tour of the Forbidden City. Your exploration of the palace’s many courtyards, residences, halls and pavilions includes the historically significant Hall of Mental Cultivation; built in the 16th century, it was the site of private audiences and state affairs during the Qing Dynasty and served as the exclusive residence for eight emperors. Your touring continues this afternoon at the Summer Palace, the erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s ruling families.
 
Tonight’s dinner features Peking Duck, a classic Chinese specialty. Meals B+L+D

With fewer visitors and stunning scenery, the more remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall promises a more authentic and rewarding experience. This particular stretch of this ancient defensive structure is set against a dramatic mountain backdrop and has been meticulously restored. It also features a number of impressive watchtowers. After lunch, visit the the Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a historic imperial complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed ceremonial rituals to pray for good harvests. Built in the early 15th century, it features stunning architecture, symbolic design, and serene gardens, reflecting ancient Chinese cosmology and religious traditions.  Meals B+L

You’ll be chauffeured to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian, China’s ancient capital for thirteen dynasties. At the Hanyangling Museum, a unique subterranean exhibit hall allows you to closely observe an archaeological excavation that has unearthed priceless tomb artifacts from the Han Dynasty. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Ritz Carlton Xian, ideally situated within the city’s ancient walls. Meals B

This morning, you’ll stand in awe before the thousands-strong Terra Cotta Army, buried long ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Your personal guide is on hand to illuminate the amazing history of this ancient burial site and the dramatic story of its discovery by local farmers in 1974.  After lunch, learn to make your own terra cotta warrior and explore Xian's mighty Ancient City Wall.
 
Spend an evening tasting tantalizing Chinese cuisine while watching a performance.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the station to board the train to Chengdu. Inaugurated at the end of 2017, this brand new High-Speed Rail service has reduced the travel time from nearly 15 hours to less than 5 hours. Traveling at speeds up to 155 mph, you’ll enjoy premium First Class seating for this exciting and scenic journey. On arrival in Chengdu, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Chengdu.
 
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist temple. Stroll through peaceful courtyards shaded by ancient trees, watch locals lighting incense, and browse the small tea houses and vegetarian snack stalls just outside the temple gates.
 
In the evening, dive into one of the city’s most beloved culinary traditions with a lively Sichuan hot pot dinner. Gather around a bubbling pot of fragrant broth and cook thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and noodles at your table—an authentic Chengdu experience known for its bold spices and social atmosphere. Meals B+D

After breakfast, your driver and guide will take you to the Dujiangyan Panda Center for our special Panda Encounter. Taking you behind the scenes, this unforgettable experience offers a rare and unique opportunity to learn about Giant Pandas from the Center’s staff. You’re sure to get close to these amazing creatures – figuratively and literally – as you’ll have an opportunity to participate in their care while visiting their enclosures. Afterwards, you’ll tour the Center’s gardens, getting a chance to see the pandas in an open-air environment. Next, gather in the food center to help make food the furry residents. Lastly, enjoy lunch in the staff canteen to complete this morning’s Panda Encounter.
 
Later this afternoon, your personal car, driver and guide will be available to show you their city. We suggest you head to one of the city’s popular parks for tea; joining residents for this relaxing ritual is a wonderful way to experience local life. Later you might explore along Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi, two city streets that offer a look into Chengdu’s history – and vibrant modern life. Here you’ll find centuries-old teahouses, lodgings and traditional courtyard homes that have been splendidly restored; today, they are home to popular cafes, restaurants, boutiques, shops and even pubs and nightclubs. Meals B+L

Your private car and driver will take you to the airport for your included flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted into the heart of the city where you’ll check in to the Fairmont Peace Hotel, a luxury Art Deco landmark overlooking the historic waterfront Bund.  Meals B

Today’s sightseeing tour with your personal car, driver and guide will explore the history and vibrant modern spirit of this cosmopolitan city. You’ll drive along the Bund, Shanghai’s historic waterfront boulevard graced still with architectural landmarks built by international companies at the beginning of the 20th century. You’ll explore the historic and now-bustling French Concession with its tree-lined streets and graceful architecture and wander through Yu Yuan Garden, built by a Ming Dynasty court official for his aging parents. In Xintiandi, you’ll find handsome old stone buildings that have been renovated to house some of the city’s most popular boutiques, galleries and cafes..  Meals B+L

After breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to the airport for your onward flight.  Meals B