• Classic China Family Tour with Panda Care Program

    ★★★★★

    4.9/5 739 Latest reviews

    Tour Code: ODY-CN-2452

    Destination: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai

Duration

10 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Family

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About This Trip

Thoughtfully designed for families traveling with children or seniors, this well-paced journey pairs China’s iconic landmarks with engaging, hands-on experiences. Walk the Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City in Beijing, uncover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, become panda keepers for a day and care for these beloved animals in Chengdu, and witness the dynamic blend of tradition and modern life in Shanghai. Along the way, enjoy enriching cultural activities such as Chinese calligraphy, tea tasting, and dim sum sampling, creating meaningful memories for every generation.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 3BeijingForbidden City, Great Wall Hiking, Tai Chi Practice in the Park, Temple of Heaven
4 – 6Xi’anTerracotta Army & Bronze Chariots, Shadow Puppet Show, Calligraphy Class, Muslim Quarter, Drum Tower
7 – 8ChengduVolunteer Program at Shenshuping Panda Base, Chengdu Museum, Wenshu Monastery
9 – 10ShanghaiThe Bund, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Fuxing Park, Shanghai Tower
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, your private guide will greet you at the exit and accompany you by private vehicle to the well-selected hotel for you and your family.

Note: Alternatively, you may choose to enter China from Shanghai. Please kindly contact your personal travel consultant for the possibility before your tour.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your city’s adventure at Tiananmen Square. As the sun rises, the Five-Starred Red Flag rises here every morning. If you wish, take your kids here before sunrise to witness a majestic flag-raising ceremony and the Chinese people’s worship of their national flag.

Near it, admire the magnificent Forbidden City, a sprawling royal palace complex, be immersed in legendary tales of royal families, and learn many architectural art details. Behind it, hike up the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and a full sight of Beijing’s central axis.

In the evening, treat yourselves to an authentic Peking Duck dinner, with the chef expertly carving the roasted duck into thin slices on-site. Take a piece of the tender duck, wrap it in a delicate pancake with some scallions, cucumber strips, and endemic tangy sauce, and let it excite your taste buds.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, take your family to challenge one of history’s greatest military defense projects, the Great Wall.

Arrive at the Mutianyu section after a two-hour drive and ride the cable car up, enjoying the stunning views as the Great Wall winds and traces rolling mountains with its distinctive contours. With hundreds of majestic passes and thousands of watchtowers, the rampart breaks its monotony and invites exploration.

This section of the Great Wall is generally better preserved, less crowded, and features gentler slopes, making it an excellent choice for families. Walking on it with your loved ones, feel the serenity away from the city’s hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for something a little different, take the toboggan slide down the mountain – a true adventure for young minds!

Optional: You may choose to go to Liyuan Theatre and enjoy a Peking Opera performance featuring elaborate costumes, expressive makeup, powerful vocals, and heroic storytelling.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start the day by visiting the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture. In the spacious park around it, enjoy the leisurely sight of people carrying bird cages and listen to the soothing melodies of someone playing the erhu. Practice Tai Chi together and learn the graceful movements of this traditional martial art, an experience enjoyable for all ages.

After lunch, take a relaxing tour of the hutongs, traversing the narrow alleys on a rickshaw and indulging in the distinctive ambiance of old Beijing, creating unforgettable memories for your whole family.

Later, take a two-hour flight to Xi’an. If departing from Beijing Daxing International Airport, you can spend some time exploring its elegant architecture, blending traditional Chinese culture with modern technology.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin the journey to the Museum of the Terracotta Army, where the awe-inspiring “Eighth Wonder of the World” stands before you. Each of the thousands of soldiers has a unique face and posture. In the front are crossbowmen, followed by heavily armored warriors and hundreds of chariots, all guarding the ancient Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Continue to marvel at the exquisite Bronze Chariots, renowned for their complete structures, luxurious decorations, and intricate carvings, which showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of Qin dynasty artisans, accurately reproducing the emperor’s imperial carriage.

Return to the city and explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, filled with local snack stalls and craft shops offering a delightful array of local treats and handmade goods.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today’s first stop is the Drum Tower, where you can listen to a mesmerizing performance of ancient bell and drum music. Then, at Gao’s Courtyard, enjoy a captivating Shadow Puppet Show. As the rhythmic beat of drums fills the air, figures on the illuminated screen come to life with the narrator’s voice. Each delicate movement is skillfully controlled by seasoned artisans using slender bamboo rods, bringing the story vividly to the stage. Later, join a calligraphy class, practice brush strokes, and create your piece of calligraphic work.

Afterward, board a high-speed train for a scenic journey to Chengdu, which takes approximately four hours. During the trip, relax and enjoy the changing landscapes outside the window.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, you’ll head to Shenshuping Panda Base (about a 2-hour drive from Chengdu) to step into the role of a panda keeper for a day. Under the guidance of an English-speaking staff member, you’ll learn how to care for pandas by tidying their enclosures, preparing fresh bamboo, and observing them up close during feeding time.

You’ll also make traditional food for the pandas and help prepare special meals for older pandas in recovery, gaining a deeper, hands-on understanding of their daily care.

At the end of the experience, you’ll receive a certificate of participation as a thank-you for your efforts, leaving you with a truly memorable highlight of your China trip.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

In the morning, delve into the family-friendly Chengdu Museum. Here, interactive displays bring traditional folk customs to life. Visit Wenshu Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary with ornate eaves and wind-chiming bells, observe the many candles burning in the incense burners, and join the locals at an open-air teahouse to sample Chengdu people’s laidback life.

In the afternoon, board a flight to your next destination, the cosmopolitan Shanghai.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your city exploration starts from the Bund, where you can take in its stunning skyline and enjoy a leisurely walk along the historic waterfront. Next, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to discover the city’s impressive development and plans in interactive displays and models.

Relax at Fuxing Park amid lush gardens, watch locals practicing Tai Chi, and perhaps join in a chess playing. Explore the charming neighborhood of Bugaoli, with its unique blend of Western and Chinese architecture. Discover the local life at Sipailou Market and try a variety of street snacks like dumplings, scallion pancakes, and steamed buns.

Conclude the day by ascending to the observation deck of Shanghai Tower – the second tallest building in the world, and capturing a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and memorable photos.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

It’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy some free time to pack your luggage and gather your belongings. Once you are ready, the guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and assist with your departure. They will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport, where you can catch your flight home or to your next destination.

Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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