Destinations: Beijing + Xi’an + Chengdu + Shanghai
Embark on an extraordinary journey across China's most iconic cities with PandaStudyTour, where ancient heritage meets modern vibrancy, and cultural immersion blends with unparalleled comfort. This 9-day exclusive small-group adventure takes you from the bustling streets of New York to the imperial grandeur of Beijing, the historical depth of Xi'an, the laid-back charm of Chengdu, and the cosmopolitan glamour of Shanghai—before returning to your home city. Designed for discerning travelers like you, this all-inclusive tour skips the crowded shopping stops and focuses solely on authentic experiences, allowing you to delve into China's 5,000-year history, interact with its warm people, and witness its most breathtaking wonders. With PandaStudyTour's professional service, you can leave all the details to us, from flights and high-speed rail to door-to-door transfers, and simply savor every moment of your unforgettable Chinese odyssey.
Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
At PandaStudyTour, we believe travel should be stress-free and meaningful, which is why this tour is designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind. As a small-group tour with guaranteed departures, you'll receive personalized attention from our team, ensuring you never feel lost in a crowd. Our 100% no-shopping policy means every minute of your trip is dedicated to exploring, learning, and creating memories—not sitting in crowded stores. We handle all the logistics, including pre-booking tickets for popular attractions and arranging comfortable accommodations, so you can focus on immersing yourself in China's beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a culture seeker, this tour offers something for everyone, making it the perfect way to discover the best of China without the hassle.
Day 1: New York → Beijing
Depart from New York on a direct flight to Beijing. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your professional English-speaking guide and experienced driver, who will transfer you to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and adjust to the time difference, preparing for the exciting adventures ahead with PandaStudyTour.
Day 2: Beijing – Tiananmen • Forbidden City • Temple of Heaven • Peking Opera
Start your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, before exploring the Forbidden City—once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where 24 emperors ruled China for over 490 years. The Treasure Gallery is included, allowing you to admire rare imperial artifacts. Enjoy a welcome lunch featuring Peking duck, a famous Beijing delicacy. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors prayed for good harvests, and Yonghe Temple, one of China's most famous Tibetan Buddhist temples. In the evening, experience a captivating Peking Opera performance, China's national opera that combines singing, acting, martial arts, and stunning costumes.
Day 3: Beijing – Mutianyu Great Wall • Hutong • Olympic Zone
Spend the morning at the Mutianyu Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved structure and stunning natural scenery. Enjoy round-trip cable car or chairlift access and a thrilling toboggan ride down the wall for a unique perspective. In the afternoon, make a photo stop at the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube, landmarks of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Then, take a traditional rickshaw ride through Beijing's historic Hutongs, narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses, and visit a local family to experience authentic daily life in the city.
Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an
Begin your day with a visit to the Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial garden featuring Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, and the iconic Bronze Ox. Enjoy a lunch of local Beijing flavors before boarding a high-speed train to Xi'an—China's ancient capital and home to the Terracotta Army. Upon arrival in Xi'an, your guide will transfer you to your hotel to settle in for the night.
Day 5: Xi'an – Terracotta Army • Mini Warrior • Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Morning is dedicated to the Terracotta Army Museum, where you will marvel at thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots—unearthed in 1974 and hailed as a masterpiece of ancient realism. You will also have the chance to meet the discoverer of the Terracotta Army and create your own mini clay warrior under professional guidance. In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist pagoda that has stood in Xi'an for over 1,300 years. In the evening, enjoy a special dumpling dinner followed by a Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, which recreates the grandeur of China's Tang Dynasty.
Day 6: Xi'an → Chengdu
Start your day at Xi'an City Wall Park, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Join local residents for a Tai Chi session, a traditional Chinese martial art known for its health benefits, and optionally rent a bicycle to cycle along the wall. Enjoy a lunch featuring snacks from Xi'an's famous Muslim Quarter and local specialties. In the afternoon, take a flight to Chengdu, known as the "Land of Giants Pandas". Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your hotel to relax.
Day 7: Chengdu – Giant Panda Base • Sichuan Culture • Hot Pot
Spend the morning at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you can observe giant pandas in their naturalistic habitats, watch them munch on bamboo, and take memorable photos. The optional panda keeper experience allows you to get even closer to these adorable creatures. In the afternoon, explore Jinli Ancient Street, a pedestrian street lined with traditional Sichuan architecture, local snacks, and handicraft shops, before visiting Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a famous strategist from ancient China. In the evening, enjoy a Sichuan face-changing and folk show, followed by a delicious Sichuan hot pot dinner—known for its spicy and flavorful broth.
Day 8: Chengdu → Shanghai • Bund • Yu Garden • Huangpu Cruise
Take a flight to Shanghai, China's most modern and cosmopolitan city. In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts, before exploring Yu Garden and its surrounding old street—filled with traditional shops, gardens, and local snacks. Enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai's skyline from a high-floor landmark, admiring the mix of ancient and modern architecture. In the evening, stroll along the Bund, a historic waterfront lined with colonial-era buildings, before boarding a 1-hour Huangpu River night cruise to see the city's dazzling lights and iconic skyscrapers.
Day 9: Shanghai → New York
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out by 12:00. Your guide will transfer you to Shanghai Pudong Airport, where you will board your flight back to New York, bringing your unforgettable 9-day China tour with PandaStudyTour to a close.
Important Notes
Let PandaStudyTour be your guide to China's most incredible cities, where every day brings a new adventure and a new memory. Book your spot today and get ready to discover the magic of China!
