China Nature and Panda Tours
Discover the modern charm of Shenzhen, delve into the rich history of Beijing, wander through the ancient streets of Pingyao, encounter the adorable pandas in Chengdu, and soak in the breathtaking beauty of Guilin's karst landscape. This all-encompassing tour provides a perfect balance between cultural immersion and natural wonders.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Explore the Captivating Pingyao Ancient Town
Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall
Experience the Unforgettable Dujiangyan Panda Keeper Program
Take a Captivating Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
An amazing experience in Beijing !
We had a wonderful time visiting the Beijing Zoo and the Great Wall with our guide Paul! He was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable and took exceptionally good care of us. We enjoyed conversing with him and learning about life in Beijing as well as the history of the Great Wall. He was also helpful in finding us food to fit my dietary needs which I appreciated. Everything about our trip has been smooth and we had such good fun. I would absolutely recommend China Highlights and Paul for their professionalism! more
Sep 2024, Ann-Marie M@E2527CAannmariem
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Family Fun Beijing!
Great experience with China Highlights!!! Great sightseeing, wonderful people! Thank-you Selinda (Tour guide) for a wonderful time! more
Sep 2024, DSD
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Guide Olivia
Olivia was an excellent and thoughtful guide. Would highly recommend. H as d an excellent trip to Beijing in September 2024 more
Sep 2024, RupertL
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Beijing. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
Visit the historic Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in Beijing. Explore the surrounding notable buildings, including the Forbidden City and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, while experiencing China's rich cultural heritage.
Embark on the Beijing-Life Discovery Walk to gain insight into the daily lives of ordinary people. Discover religious beliefs at Tianning Temple, visit local markets, explore residential communities, observe senior citizens in parks, and witness authentic hutong life.
Discover the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the world's largest ancient imperial complex. Marvel at its stunning architecture, gardens, and courtyards, while exploring permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing treasures of ancient China. Take a moderate walk through this historic site and immerse yourself in imperial history.
Discover the breathtaking Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its picturesque scenery and well-preserved architecture. Enjoy a convenient round-trip cable car ride and explore the "golden route" between the 14th and 23rd watchtowers. Take in the panoramic views and appreciate the beauty of this iconic landmark.
Visit the Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. Experience the vibrant park surrounding the temple, where locals gather for activities like tai chi. Take a leisurely walk through the serene surroundings, covering approximately 1.5 kilometers in an easy-paced journey.
Experience the majestic Summer Palace, located just 9 miles from downtown Beijing. Marvel at its sprawling royal park, hailed as the largest and best-preserved in China. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this renowned attraction. Take a leisurely 2-kilometer walk (about 2 hours) through the park, and discover why it is revered as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'. Uncover the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable palace.
Explore the captivating Pingyao Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable preservation. Wander within the well-preserved Ming Dynasty city walls and marvel at the buildings dating back centuries. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage through activities like traditional Chinese paper cutting and observing the creation of lacquerware and other handicrafts.
Discover the architectural wonder of the Ancient City Wall dating back nearly 3,000 years. Standing at 6 to 10 meters high, this Ming Dynasty wall encompasses an impressive circumference of approximately 6,163 meters. Observe local residents and tourists passing through the six city gates and appreciate the simplicity and delicate craftsmanship of its construction.
Visit the historic Rishengchang Former bank, established in 1823 as China's first and largest draft bank. Explore its exhibitions to gain insight into its significance as a renowned business connecting the world. Located on the West Street of Pingyao Ancient Town, the bank operated for over 100 years, playing a vital role in the region's commerce.
Stroll along the vibrant Mingqing Street, the bustling axis of Pingyao Ancient Town. Admire the well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Browse through over 100 shops, restaurants, and bars lining this 800-meter-long ancient street. Shop for inexpensive souvenirs, witness local life, and even learn ancient handicraft techniques.
Visit the mesmerizing Shuanglin Temple, also known as the "Double Forest Temple." Located just a short drive from Pingyao Ancient Town, this historic temple boasts ancient locust trees, steles, frescoes, and over 2,000 vivid colored-painting mud sculptures.
Explore the impressive Wang's Family Compound, a vast courtyard complex with stunning panoramic views. Covering an area of 250,000 square meters, a fifth of which is open to visitors, this magnificent compound showcases the architectural features of traditional northern Chinese folk houses. Discover the intricate carvings, statues, and decorations that convey meaningful stories and reflect the strict social hierarchy of the time. Prepare to be amazed by the grandeur of this architectural gem.
Explore Jinli Old Street, a restored ancient street in Chengdu known for its traditional Sichuan-style architecture. Sample local arts, crafts, and delicacies while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere.
Discover the bustling Chunxi Street, Chengdu's premier shopping district. Browse brand stores, boutiques, and indulge in a variety of dining options for a taste of modern China.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Kuan-zhai Lane, where old Chengdu comes to life. Enjoy Western cuisines, coffee, and art while experiencing the traditional lifestyle of the city.
Experience the unforgettable One Day Dujiangyan Panda Keeper Program Tour. Your guide will pick you up from your Chengdu hotel in the morning. At the Dujiangyan Panda Base, you'll assist panda keepers with cleaning enclosures and supplying fresh bamboo. Explore the base, feed pandas, enjoy lunch, and watch a panda documentary. Engage in more cleaning and feeding tasks, make panda cakes, receive a certificate, and return to your Chengdu hotel around 5:30 pm.
Discover Zhengyang Pedestrian Street in Guilin, a vibrant hub in the city center. With its array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it attracts crowds throughout the day. At night, experience the lively nightlife that fills the street. Immerse yourself in the colorful Jiaotong Road Evening Market, featuring unique souvenirs, ethnic dresses, traditional music instruments, paper fans, bamboo carvings, and jade pieces. Explore this charming market, open from 8 pm until midnight.
Uncover the beauty of Reed Flute Cave, located just 5 kilometers northwest of Guilin city. As the largest and most impressive cave in Guilin, it showcases a mesmerizing world of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, and more.
Discover the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill at the conjunction of Li River and Peach Blossom River. Rising 55 meters high, this hill derived its name from its resemblance to an elephant drinking water from the Li River with its trunk. Admire the hill's caves and crown, topped by a small pagoda, as you explore this popular symbol of Guilin.
Journey to Daxu Ancient Town located approximately 18 kilometers southeast of Guilin, along the banks of the Li River. This town is renowned for its well-preserved ancient buildings, intricate bluestone pavements, and rich traditional culture. Once a bustling water transportation hub between Canton (Guangdong) and Guangxi, Daxu boasts a significant place in history. Devote about 2 hours to explorations of this ancient town and immerse yourself in its charm.
Embark on a captivating Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo aboard a comfortable 4-star boat. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through stunning scenery, with captivating surprises at every turn. Admire the magnificent limestone peaks, graceful bamboo groves, and farmers tending to their rice paddies. Watch as water buffaloes cool off in the river, while fishermen glide along on bamboo rafts.
Explore West Street in Yangshuo and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. Known as the "Foreigners' Street," it has been a cultural hub for over 1400 years. Delight in the unique blend of Chinese and Western design found in its bars, hotels, internet cafes, and handicraft shops. Experience the lively fusion of cultures in this bustling street.
Explore the idyllic countryside of Yangshuo, famous for its stunning karst peaks, rice fields, and serene lifestyle. Embark on a 1.5-hour trip, cycling or taking an electrombile/private car for 10-12 KM. Visit a local village to learn about rural life guided by an experienced local. Experience the beauty of nature and immerse yourself in the charm of the countryside.
Experience the best of Shenzhen on a full-day Sightseeing & Shopping Tour. Begin with a visit to the Da Fen Oil Painting Village and Tian Gong Silk Shop. Explore the Window of the World to see global wonders, followed by shopping at the lively East Gate Shopping Street. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, and make lasting memories of Shenzhen's highlights.
Conclude your day at Huaqiangbei, a renowned electronics market. Explore the bustling streets and try some authentic local street food or visit a popular restaurant nearby.
Night View at Shenzhen Bay: For a perfect ending to your day, head to Shenzhen Bay and admire the stunning nighttime view of the city skyline. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and take in the beautiful atmosphere before heading back to your accommodation.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Shenzhen Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-19