China Natural Wonders and Pandas

Arrival

Welcome to Beijing - the vibrant capital, where ancient history and modern innovation coexist harmoniously!

Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel for check-in. 

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Note: Visa assistance can be arranged upon request prior to travel to ensure a smooth entry process.

Exploring Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City

In the morning, you meet your guide and go on an amazing sightseeing tour around the most renowned Beijing landmarks.

You start with a visit to the legendary Tiananmen Square, where the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, the House of People's Meetings and the monument to the National Heroes are located.

Then you enjoy a guided walking tour through the former residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties - the Forbidden City. You explore its numerous awe-inspiring halls and mysterious temples.

Following lunch, you visit the fantastic ensemble of lakes, gardens and imperial buildings - the Summer Palace, and take a walk at the famous Silk Store, where you can buy some traditional Chinese souvenirs and various silk products.

After the tour, you return to the hotel and have the rest of the day free. 

The Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs Tour

Begin a wonderful guided tour of the real icon of the country - the Great Wall of China, to see one of its best-preserved and unique sections that have fewer tourists - the Mutianyu Great Wall.

After spending some unforgettable time strolling at this majestic man-made miracle of the world's architecture you enjoy lunch in a local restaurant followed by a visit to the Jade Factory where you will learn more about the process of carving into the jade and creating amazing pieces of art.

Your tour finishes with a visit to the famous Ming Tombs - the burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. You are then transferred back to Beijing and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Departure

Following breakfast you check out from the hotel and depart from Beijing.

Arrival 

Welcome to Xian - a city of ancient wonders, featuring the legendary Terracotta Army and rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival, our driver takes you to your hotel for a check-in and the rest of the day is free. 

Departure

Following breakfast in your hotel, you will take a private transfer to the train station.

Arrival, Opera House performance

Welcome to Chengdu! Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the airport or train station and takes you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

In the evening we have planned a Shufeng Sicuhuan Opera House performance. Located in the west of Chengdu on Qintai Boulevard, the city's original tourist street. Shufeng has been putting on Sichuan Opera shows for decades, and it is one of the must-sees on your trip. The venue’s decor is a bit tacky, but the performance is colourful, musical, and highly acrobatic. The performance features traditional Chinese instruments, with concerts sometimes held in an outdoor courtyard.

Wolong Panda Keeper Program Tour

Embark on an unforgettable full-day adventure as you step into the shoes of a panda keeper at the Wolong Panda Base. Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive into the lush mountains of Wolong. Upon arrival, your guide will assist with registration before you receive your volunteer uniform, gloves, and badge for the day.

With your guide on hand to translate and capture photos, you’ll work alongside the panda keepers whose daily care routines you’ll help support. Start by breaking bamboo, washing bamboo shoots, and cleaning the glass of panda enclosures. After this hands-on work, take a short break and enjoy a guided walk around the base to observe giant pandas in their tranquil natural surroundings.

Next, witness a feeding session as the keepers provide the pandas with their nutritious meals of panda cakes, apples, and carrots. Around midday, enjoy a simple but hearty Chinese lunch at the keepers’ canteen, typically featuring two meat dishes, one vegetable dish, and servings of rice and porridge. You are welcome to bring additional snacks if you prefer.

In the afternoon, watch an insightful 40-minute documentary that reveals the fascinating life cycle of giant pandas—from mating and birth to growth and their return to the wild. Then roll up your sleeves once again to make panda cakes by hand, shaping them creatively with the ingredients prepared in advance. You will also help cut bamboo leaves into smaller pieces for the older pandas.

As your volunteer experience comes to an end, you will be presented with a commemorative certificate acknowledging your contribution. Finally, relax on the comfortable drive back to Chengdu, where your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel after an enriching and memorable day among China’s most beloved animals.

Please note: The program may vary depending on the daily schedule at Wolong Panda Base, and participation in all listed activities cannot be guaranteed.

Volunteer age limit is 10 to 65 years old.

Please avoid wearing perfume or nail polish. For safety, avoid short pants and slippery footwear.

Dujiangyan & Qingcheng
Mountain Discovery 

Discover the ancient engineering marvel of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn how it has sustained Sichuan’s agriculture for over 2,000 years. Stroll across the Anlan Suspension Bridge and witness the brilliance of ancient flood control

Enjoy a delicious Sichuan lunch (not included) before heading to Qingcheng Mountain, the birthplace of Taoism. Visit Jianfu Palace, Shangqing Palace, and Laojun Pavilion, where your guide will share insights into Taoist philosophy, temple architecture, and serene landscapes.

Wrap up your day with panoramic views before a comfortable return to Chengdu, completing a journey of history, culture, and breathtaking nature.

Departure

Following breakfast you check out from the hotel and depart from Chengdu

Arrival 

Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the airport or train station and takes you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Guilin City Tour

After breakfast you meet with your guide in a hotel lobby to start your exciting tour! Firstly make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape - Elephant Trunk Hill. A giant rock hill vividly shapes like an elephant which is drinking water. Besides, there are many historical sites here for us to explore, such as stone carving, Buddhist temple, relic exhibition, famous water system etc. Then, drive about 7 kilometers (about 20 minutes' drive) to the next attraction - Reed Flute Cave, a majestic underground palace with sparkling different colors. The magical Mother Nature condenses millions years of natural efforts to form the incredible stalactite, stalagmite, stone shield and stone waterfall of different sizes and shapes.

At the end of a tour get back to your hotel.

Cruise on Li River and Yangshuo Town

You will be transferred to the pier by a private driver.

As the saying goes, "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven." Today, immerse yourself in this breathtaking scenery with a relaxing cruise (Deluxe 4 Star Li River Cruise) along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town.

During the 84-kilometer journey, you’ll be mesmerized by stunning vistas that resemble a vast Chinese painting. Marvel at the winding river, lush limestone karst mountains, charming countryside views, the renowned "Painting of Nine Horses," and the iconic scene depicted on the 20 RMB note. Enjoy a simple local Chinese lunch served onboard, and feel free to bring some snacks.

After a four-hour cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town. Meet your private guide for a short exploration of the old town. Spend some free time in Yangshuo Town before your driver brings you back to Guilin.

Departure

Following breakfast you check out from the hotel and depart from Guilin.

Arrival
Welcome to Shanghai - the largest city in China and its most significant seaport. 

Upon arrival, your driver takes you to your hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is free. 

Shanghai Highlights City Tour

Meet your guide in your hotel lobby and discover the most charming and elegant area of Shanghai on this in-depth walking tour through the Former French Concession, an upscale district that retains much of its colonial-era allure. Known for its tree-lined boulevards, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, this area is also one of the most expensive in the city.

Uncover the stories behind this iconic neighborhood, explore its colonial legacy, and gain insights into the lives of its residents.

You will witness Shanghainese engaging in unique morning exercises. Peek into the residence communities of the superrich. Step into a traditional Shikumen building to experience crowded living conditions. Explore how old buildings have been repurposed by artists and local designers, breathing new life into the area.

Culture & Heritage of Shanghai with Jade Buddha Temple

You meet your guide & driver and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Shanghai's culture and heritage with a flexible itinerary tailored by your guide. Experience the vibrant energy and historical depth of this dynamic city through its iconic landmarks, museums, and local flavors.

Explore the Jade Buddha Temple, a beloved Buddhist sanctuary known for its two exquisite jade Buddha statues imported from Burma. Admire these statues carved from rare single blocks of white jade and adorned with precious stones. Witness the daily activities of monks, worshipers, and visitors, offering an authentic glimpse into active Buddhist practices.

Discover the treasures of ancient Chinese art at the Shanghai Museum, which spans 38,000 square meters and houses eleven galleries and three exhibition halls.

From ancient bronzes and sculptures to paintings, ceramics, and crafts of China’s national minorities, the museum showcases a vast array of artifacts. Notable items include one of only three extant ""transparent"" bronze mirrors from the Han Dynasty.

Indulge in a culinary adventure with local food hunting through Shanghai’s alleyways. Taste the famous "Four Guardians" breakfast dishes, including pan-fried buns (shengjian) from a restaurant dating back to 1932, as well as rice cakes and kebabs. Get ready to eat like a local and discover the flavors that define Shanghai's street food scene.

Experience the real life of the Shanghainese with a short visit to the old alleys. Engage in an enjoyable tea session and chat with locals in their homes, gaining insights into their daily lives and traditions. This intimate encounter offers a window into the traditional culture of this modern metropolis.

Departure

Following breakfast, you check out and depart from Shanghai.