10 days Beijing, Xi’an & Chengdu Tour with Giant Pandas

Welcome to Beijing! Your private driver will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Beijing.

Note: Pickup is included from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or any Beijing train station. Pickup from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is available at an additional cost.

Meet your guide and driver and begin at Tiananmen Square, followed by the Forbidden City, where you’ll explore the main halls and courtyards of China’s former imperial palace.

Continue to Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the Forbidden City, then visit the Summer Palace and stroll through its imperial gardens along Kunming Lake.

In the evening, you may enjoy a Beijing Roast Duck dinner or watch a Peking Opera or Kung Fu performance (optional, at additional cost).

Overnight in Beijing.

Start at the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests. The surrounding park is also a lively place to see Beijing residents exercising and socializing.

Then drive about 1.5–2 hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Walk between its watchtowers and enjoy views across the surrounding mountains. Cable car and chairlift options are available.

On the return journey, stop for exterior views of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube at Beijing Olympic Green.

In the evening, you may explore Wangfujing for shopping, dining and an evening walk.

Overnight in Beijing.

Begin at the Lama Temple, one of Beijing’s best-known Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, with colorful halls, Buddhist statues and active worship.

Continue to the Shichahai hutongs, exploring the old lanes by rickshaw and on foot around Yandai Xiejie and the Drum and Bell Towers.

After sightseeing, transfer to the railway station for the 4.5–5-hour high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

In the evening, you may explore the Muslim Quarter on your own and sample Xi’an’s local snacks.

Overnight in Xi’an.

Visit the Terracotta Army, created more than 2,000 years ago for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Explore the main excavation pits with thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots.

After lunch, enjoy a hands-on clay warrior experience and make your own miniature warrior.

Return to Xi’an and visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist landmark associated with the monk Xuanzang.

In the evening, you may enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show (optional, at additional cost), or explore the illuminated Grand Tang Mall on your own.

Overnight in Xi’an.

Begin at the Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum), known for its historic stone inscriptions and Chinese calligraphy. Afterwards, walk along the Xi’an Ancient City Wall for views across the old and modern city, then explore nearby Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, known for calligraphy, paintings and traditional art.

Later, transfer to the railway station for the afternoon high-speed train to Chengdu (3.5-4 hours). Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight in Chengdu.

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning, when the pandas are generally more active. See giant pandas of different ages and learn about panda conservation.

Return downtown to visit Wenshu Monastery, a historic Buddhist temple known for its peaceful courtyards and traditional architecture.  Continue to People’s Park for tea at a traditional teahouse and a glimpse of local Chengdu life.

Finish at Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow Alleys), a historic neighborhood of traditional courtyards, shops, teahouses and local snacks.

In the evening, you may enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner or watch a Sichuan Opera and face-changing performance in a tea house theater(optional, at additional cost).

Overnight in Chengdu.

Drive about two hours from Chengdu to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter-high seated Buddha carved into the cliff at the confluence of three rivers. Begun during the Tang Dynasty, it took more than 90 years to complete.

Explore the scenic area with your guide and see the Buddha from different viewpoints. You may also take an optional boat ride for a full view of the statue from the river (additional cost).

Return to Chengdu in the afternoon.

Overnight in Chengdu.

Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu on your own. You might try more Sichuan food, explore local neighborhoods, shop, or simply enjoy a slower day in the city.

If you prefer more sightseeing, an optional day trip to Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng can be arranged (additional cost).

Overnight in Chengdu.

Enjoy your final morning in Chengdu before your driver transfers you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, bringing your 10-day Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu tour to an end.

If you’d like to continue exploring China, we’ll be happy to help arrange the next part of your journey.