Compare China Family Holiday by Intrepid Travel vs Follow Pandas' Footprint by Travel China Guide

Day 1 Beijing

Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is a place where ancient history and the modern world collide. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. It’s important that you attend, as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you’re going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. After the formalities are out of the way, why not head out to enjoy an optional Peking duck group dinner and get to know each other over the first of many superb Chinese meals.

Day 2 Beijing/Great Wall

After breakfast get stuck into the sights with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest of its kind in the world and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Take some time to soak up the immense size of the square and then continue to the maze of buildings that is the Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, the courtyards, great halls and dragon and phoenix imagery give an idea of the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power. We then venture out to the most iconic place in China - the Great Wall. Travelling by private minivan we head into the countryside to a section of the Great Wall (approximately 3 hours). You'll spend the night in a family run village guesthouse. It's a great chance to sample local produce and tonight you wil try your hand at dumpling making with the family.

Day 3 Great Wall/Beijing

This morning in the guesthouse you will learn the local craft of paper cutting. Paper-cutting has been a traditional decorative craft since the Chinese invented paper in AD 105, with designs commonly displayed on windows and doors around the country. It's a fun activity for the entire family. Next up spend time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of the mighty Great Wall of China. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. You’ll often feel like you have the whole wall to yourself as you take your time strolling along the wall, which snakes through the hills almost endlessly into the distance. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. We then take the three-hour drive back to Beijing by private minivan. This evening, choose whether you would like to join your fellow family travellers for a group dinner. Hungry for more of China’s cultural delights? You may also choose to watch an optional acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theatre this evening.

Day 4 Xian

Jump on the bullet train to Xi’an and experience a form of rail travel like no other. While the distance would take around 11 hours to complete on a regular train, you’ll be in Xi’an in just over five hours, with great views of the countryside along the way! Arrive at around 3 pm and head to the hotel to drop off your bags and freshen up before exploring this historic city on a walking tour. Once known as the main eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an served as the imperial capital of 11 dynasties and holds a wealth of history within its cobbled pavements. The city itself has spread beyond these walls, but the centre still retains the original grid formation, making it easy to navigate. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to further explore. When night falls embark on another tour and see a different side of the city. Take in the view of the Bell and Drum Tower lit up against a black sky and sit down to a classic dumpling dinner.

Day 5 Xian

Today you’ll visit the vast, stone-faced army that is the Terracotta Warriors, a militia built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2000 years ago. Discovered by farmers in 1974, several pits are now open to the public. Make the 1.5-hour drive to the site and spend some time marvelling at the sheer size and detail of this impressive tomb. Head to the attached museum to see some more artefacts and learn a little more about the ambitious, eccentric ruler who remains sealed in his mausoleum surrounded by his soldiers to this day. Qin Shi Huang sought eternal life, and while he may not have achieved it in the literal sense, the fact that his creation remains a source of wonder to visitors from around the world is a kind of immortality.

Day 6 Chengdu

Wave goodbye to Xi’an and board a bullet train bound for Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. Spend about 3.5 hours on the journey, arriving just after midday. Chengdu is most famous for two things – the pandas living in the mountains, and the delicious, spicy food. You'll get to enjoy both while you're here! Spend two-hours on a walking tour with your leader that takes in an Old Town that looks like a film set and the orange Tibetan Quarter, finishing at Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao stands tall. Then spend a relaxing afternoon in bustling Renmin Park (People's Park), where you can mingle with locals drinking tea, exercising, singing, playing Mahjong or relaxing in bamboo chairs. Don't be surprised if somebody comes up to you with an offer to clean your ears! This evening, head out for a dinner of one of Sichuan’s most beloved dishes – the hot pot! This is the choose your own adventure of cuisine, and the whole family is sure to enjoy selecting which ingredients to add to the simmering broth.

Day 7 Chengdu

Embrace an early start to spend the morning watching gorgeous giant and red pandas in the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. As pandas are only active for a few hours of the day, it’s important you rise and shine to catch them at their most interesting. China’s national pride, the giant panda is among the world’s most threatened animals, but here you can witness the conservation efforts and see these majestic creatures in a close approximation of their habitat. Spend three hours with these wonderful creatures, watching them play, eat bamboo and climb the trees. If you’re lucky (and visiting between July and September), you might even get to see newborns taking their first steps in the nursery. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Maybe head to Wide and Narrow Alley, a popular set of alleyways where you can take a stroll and see craftspeople and food stalls aplenty.

Day 8 Yangshuo

Make sure you’ve got books or games ready for a full day of travel, beginning with ride on the bullet train from Chengdu to Guilin, followed by a two-hour transfer to Yangshuo. We will arrive at our hotel late in the afternoon. Located deep within the karst peaks of Guangxi province, Yangshuo is a haven for many visitors, away from the hustle and bustle of ever-developing China; a place where you can stop slow your pace and relax. Get settled into the hotel, which is located among stunning countryside, then head out for an optional dinner.

Day 9 Yangshuo

Rise and shine for a journey into one of China’s most enchanting landscapes. At 8 am you’ll strap on your provided helmet and jump on a hired bike to pedal out of town and through the surrounding countryside, past emerald-green karst mountains and lush fields. All equipment is provided for the bike ride: all bikes, helmets for both adults and children. The bike ride is from 8am to lunchtime. On the bike ride you will be accompanied with one or two local guides. You will be transferred back to the hotel after lunch to rest your weary legs! This evening we visit a local farmers' market, where you can get a feel for the regional produce and daily life. Then make a short drive to Chaolong, where you can put this new knowledge to use and learn the art of Chinese cooking. This class will allow the whole family to learn the techniques and skills of Chinese cuisine from experienced chefs, and after an afternoon trying out delicious recipes, you can eat what you’ve made for dinner! With recipes that are easy to make and ingredients readily available outside of China, you’ll soon be wowing friends and family back at home.

Day 10 Hong Kong

Today you’ll make the epic journey from Yangshuo to Hong Kong (leaving at 8am and arriving around 6pm) so it’s important to have books, games and devices at the ready. Even though there are power sockets on the train, it’s also a good idea to have any devices you wish to use fully charged, as they may be in use by other passengers. First, drive 2 hours by private bus to Guilin North train station, where you’ll take the bullet train to Shenzhen North station. From here, you’ll take another bus approximately 2.5 hours across the border to Mong Kok. After a short metro ride (approx. 10 minutes) you will arrive at your hotel in the vibrant hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. If you have the time (and more importantly, the energy) after arriving and settling in to your hotel, you may wish to end the day with the Symphony of Lights, a spectacular laser show that plays out on the futuristic buildings along Victoria Harbour. The show starts at 8 pm, and it’s free to watch. If a day in transit has you feeling drained however, rest easy knowing you’ve got a full day tomorrow to explore the city.

Day 11 Hong Kong

Dive into Hong Kong after breakfast this morning on a leader-led orientation walk. Under Chinese rule since 1997, Hong Kong is a vibrant and fast paced city only minutes away from quiet islands and beaches. The entire day is yours to spend as you see fit. Hong Kong Island is a great area to explore on foot, with plenty of family friendly hiking trails on offer with varying levels of difficulty. The Peak offers stunning views over the city, and can be reached by several trails or alternatively by tram. Ask your leader for details, but make sure you pack snacks and water if you plan to hike – there are no replenishing stations along the way. A more relaxing way to spend an hour is the Stay Ferry Harbour Tour, which takes you past the city’s landmarks and around the stunning harbour. The Hong Kong Science Museum is perfect for families with young kids, particularly if you’re visiting in rainy season (April to June) and don’t want to risk being caught out. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and entry prices are reasonable. This evening, maybe head out for a final meal with your fellow families and toast to a trip well spent.

Day 12 Hong Kong

It’s time to end this enlightening journey into the heart of China – there are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time following check out.

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing  - the former Sheraton

Upon your arrival, our guide will be expecting you outside the customs of the airport and transfer you to the already reserved hotel in a comfortable and clean car. For the remainder of the day, you can have a good rest to release the jet lag.

Day 2: Beijing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Your escorted China tour starts form the center of the city - Tiananmen Square. Walking northward across the square, you will reach the Forbidden City. As the world's largest and best preserved ancient architectural complex of wooden structure, it has over 8,000 pavilions and houses thousands of time-honored treasures.

For today's lunch, you will enjoy our special offer - the a la carte Chinese food with Peking Roast Duck at one of the best local restaurants (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price)

In the afternoon, you will continue to visit the Temple of Heaven, the royal altar of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A fantastic Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre will be tonight's highlight and you will be impressed by the excellent performance.

Day 3: Beijing

Meals: Breakfast

Your guide will pick you up in the early morning for the trip to Mutianyu Great Wall. It is one of the most splendid and the most representative parts of China Great Wall. The round-trip cable car will take you up and down, which allows you more sightseeing time on the wall. The restaurants nearby the site are in low quality, so we do not arrange the lunch today. It may be the best that you have a big breakfast at the hotel and have some fast food for lunch by yourself.

After lunch, you will be driven back to the urban area. When passing by the Olympic National Stadium, you will have a chance to take photos of this large Bird's Nest. The whole day's sightseeing will come to an end after spending some leisure time at a traditional local market.

Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel

This morning you will visit the Summer Palace, a summer resort for the imperial royalty in Qing dynasty. Then, following your guide to trace the old Beijing by walking along the narrow but original Hutong alleys. You will feel excited to learn to make Chinese Paper Cutting with a folk artist in Hutong.

We will serve you an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a fancy restaurant with delicious food and great atmosphere. Then fly to the ancient capital city Xi'an. A local guide will pick you up and help you check in at the hotel.

Day 5: Xi'an

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will go to one of the highlights of your 9 days China tour package, the Terracotta Army. The museum not only displays the world-known delicate figures of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, but also shows visitors an array of precious ancient weapons.

At lunch time, you will visit a local family and have an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) in the family, where you can enjoy authentic home made Chinese dishes. A short cooking class is also prepared so that you can enjoy not only the gourmet food but also the fun of cooking them.

After that, visit Xi'an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) to store the Buddhist scriptures and statues. At night, after enjoying Dumpling Dinner you will be entertained at the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.

Day 6: Xi'an

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today you will begin your visit to the City Wall Park. Encircling the old City Wall, the park is the most popular place for local people to relax, especially in the morning time. You will see people are attending different kinds of activities for fun. It is true that the park has brought the old wall live. Also in this park, you will learn to practice Tai Chi with the master. From the park, we head to the best-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall. It will be a memorable experience to ride a bicycle on the wall. If feel interested, you can rent the bike at your own expense.

After an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price), you will first visit Shaanxi Provincial History Museum. The large storage of precious cultural relics from the Shang Dynasty (17th - 11th Century BC) to the Qing Dynasty unfold the glorious Chinese history and culture in front of you. Then visit the Great Mosque. You can also have a taste of the local snacks on the Muslim Street when finishing the visit to the mosque.

Day 7: Xi'an – Chengdu

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza

This morning you will take a high-speed train for about 4 hours to Chengdu. Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel, and then help you check in for a 2-night stay. The rest of the day is free for you to have a rest at the hotel or look around the city on your own.

Day 8 Chengdu

Meals: Breakfast

Today you will pay a visit to the lovely giant pandas in Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Giant Panda only inhabits in China, so it is regarded as the national treasure. Then our guide will escort you to explore the Broad and Narrow Alleys of Chengdu. Lunch is arranged on your own, so you might try some local snacks in the alley or choose a courtyard restaurant to enjoy your lunch.

In the afternoon, you will proceed to visit Jinsha Site Museum. Covering an area of 5 square kilometers, it is the historical remains of the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1700BC-221BC) focusing on the cultural relics' exhibit and the sacrificial site. Then come to the last stop of your tour, Renmin Park, to experience the casual lifestyle of Chengdu people. Have a pot of tea and enjoy a relaxing time.

Day 9: Departure from Chengdu

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, please check out the hotel before 12:00 and find your own way to the airport for your flight. You can take a taxi to Chengdu airport directly, at costing about CNY100. Wish you a pleasant journey!

For your reference, we also offer extension private tours after this 9 days China itinerary. There are many highlights and famous sites in Sichuan worth your visiting, such as Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt. Emei, Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong. Please drop us an email freely to let us know your preference, and we will be glad to be helpful with your vacation to China.