Welcome to China! Upon your arrival, your friendly tour guide will pick up and escort you to the hotel. You could either have a rest to recover from jet lag or discover the neighborhood.

Today's exploration starts with the visit to the iconic Tiananmen Square lying at the central axis of Beijing.

Then walk to the adjacent Forbidden City, the grandest and best-preserved imperial palace served in Ming and Qing Dynasties (1420 - 1912). Stand in awe of the wooden-structured architectural masterpiece by a glance at the exquisite halls and courtyards. With more than a million priceless exhibits on display, it is also crowned as the Palace Museum.

Then dive into the narrow Hutongs by a special rickshaw ride to tour the old courtyard residences of Beijing locals, and drop by one to learn painting a facial mask of Peking Opera from a native artist. The mask finished by yourself could be taken home as a souvenir or gift. Return to the hotel by our private vehicle.

The Forbidden City

Facial Mask Painting at a local family in a Hutong Courtyard

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to the Temple of Heaven, which used to be the site for emperors to practice prayer rituals for harvest and peace of the next year. Whilst soaking up the amazing architectural structure, you could also come across many local seniors doing their routine morning exercises by playing Tai Chi, sword dance and kicking shuttlecock.

Later, you will be escorted to the less crowded Mutianyu Great Wall for a memorable hiking experience. Round-trip cable car is included in your itinerary for an easy access to ascending the Great Wall and more leisure time for trekking. Be amazed at the extant longest part of the Great Wall stretching for 5.4km (3.4mi), and meantime appreciate the enchanting surrounding mountain views.

On the way back to downtown, make a stopover to capture the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube with your camera.

Temple of Heaven

Mutianyu Great Wall

In the morning, head to the enchanting Summer Palace, an imperial retreat garden with combination of natural beauty and architectural masterpieces. Wander at the long corridors to gaze at the delicate roof paintings and indulge in a boat ride on the stunning Kunming Lake.

Then experience an amazing Chinese high-speed train ride bound for another ancient capital, Xian, with travel time of 4-5 hours on board. Upon arrival, meet your warm-hearted guide and get lodged in your hotel.

A summer day at the Summer Palace

Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace

Drive about one hour to the world famous Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. It is a large underground army buried with Qinshihuang Emperor to protect him in his afterlife. The man-made wonder was not discovered until 1974 when local farmers drilled a well. Surprisingly, you could find over 8,000 vivid pottery figures like no other, as each has their own distinctive facial expressions, hair styles and costumes.

Afterwards, enjoy the opportunity to make a mini terra-cotta figure and you will further understand the impressive work done by ancient Chinese 2,000 years ago.

Then return to Xian city proper to ascend the century-old City Wall that stands intact to enclose the city center. Follow your guide to stroll or cycle around to enjoy a panoramic view of Xian based on your preference.

Afterwards, head for the renowned Muslim Street to enjoy a feast of authentic Xian eateries and select some souvenirs at the street-side vendors. At last, visit the tranquil Great Mosque hidden in the narrow alleys of the Muslim Quarters.

Terra-cotta Warriors

Cycle around on the city walls

Your today's exploration of the ancient capital unveils from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was built to store the Buddhism scriptures brought back by the great monk Xuanzang during his legendary odyssey to India in early 7th century.

Then move to Shaanxi History Museum housing more than 37, 000 pieces of antiques and relics that demonstrate the glorious history of the ancient capital Xi'an. Following the clue of time, you could have a glimpse of Chinese national treasures of different dynasties.

Afterwards, take the high speed train to Chengdu and get ready to be a panda keeper!

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Music band on the back of a camel

Drive to Dujiangyan Panda Base where you will enjoy a lifetime chance to get up-close interactions with the adorable giant pandas by taking care of them under the assistance of experienced panda experts. Working as a panda keeper, you might help to clean their enclosures, feed pandas by hands, make deserts for them and learn more about their current living condition by watching a documentary movie. If you are looking forward for a photo chance holding a panda, it would cost extra and you need share your idea with your travel consultant in advance.

Note: For safety of panda keepers, pandas will be kept inside their rooms while panda keepers clean the enclosures.

Panda keepers cleaning the outdoor enclosures for giant pandas

Meander along the Jinli Old Street, a well-known snack street clustered with restaurants, tea houses, bars and cafes. It is a paradise for foodie hunters, with an array of Sichuan delicacies on offer. You could just enter a tea lounge to take a dip of Chengdu local's leisure life or handpick some artifacts in the souvenir shops.

Next, take a stroll along the tree-lined paths in the People's Park, and have a break at Chengdu's oldest Heming Teahouse dating back to Qing Dynasty, where you could experience the local's laidback pastime by sipping a cup of tea at the outdoor bamboo chair. The optional ear cleaning and massage is also a great experience of the folk life tradition. Later, catch a flight to Shanghai and your local guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel.

Take a full day to explore the essentials of Shanghai, and your first stop goes to a classical traditional Chinese garden, the Yu Garden where you could delve into the smartly-designed stone bridges, pavilions, halls and corridors, with changing sights to your every step forward.

Then make your way to the bustling Nanjing Road and the Bund area to take in the modern glamour of this cosmopolis.

Follow your guide to sight-see Shanghai World Financial Center, one of the highest skyscrapers in China. Avoid the long queue and reach the top of the tower to snapshot a panoramic view of the urban area.

Afterwards, take a relaxing stroll at Xintiandi to witness the time-honored Shikumen constructions, or you may stop at a boutique café for a cup of coffee.

Today's adventure concludes with the visit to the Propaganda Poster Art Center where you could feel the passion of the country in 1960s.

Xintiandi

Propaganda Poster of China in 1960s

Farewell to China. Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight home.