Panda Adventure

Arrive in Beijing and meet your guide for a tour around Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. Check out the impressive Temple of Heaven and its surrounding park, where you’ll join the locals for some relaxing Tai Chi. Then get your energy levels up for an exhilarating six-hour hike on the Great Wall of China, passing through the beautiful mountain landscapes and dramatic rocky peaks at Jinshanling, a less visited section.

Fly to Xi'an, where you’ll get on your bike and cycle along the top of the 14th century city walls, giving you a unique perspective on the city. The next day, visit the imposing Terracotta Warriors, discovered in 1970 but created over 2,000 years ago to guard the emperor’s tomb. For an unusual souvenir, you can even buy a full-size replica warrior – if you can get it back home that is. Back in the city, take a wander around the Muslim Quarter with your guide. Barter for knick-knacks, taste the spices and get lost in the maze of market stalls.

Take a look around Pingle Ancient Town and Lugou Bamboo Sea on the way to Ya’an, home of the giant panda. Watch this magnificent creature in its natural bamboo-filled habitat at the Bifengxia Panda Base, home to 80 of the adorable black and white bears. Spend the afternoon on a hike through the dramatic scenery of the Bifeng Gorge, passing through thick forests and past crystal clear streams and plunging waterfalls.

Explore the streets of panda-centric Chengdu, a modern city filled with traditional teahouses. In fact, the Chinese tea industry (and obsession!) originated here so be sure to try a cup or two. You can choose to join a Tai Chi session in the People’s Park, or join the locals for a lively game of mah-jong. Spend the evening tucking into Sichuan’s famous hot pot, a bowl of boiling broth that you dip meat, vegetables and bread into. Beware – it can be pretty spicy!