Join a 13-day tour that combines a guided cultural journey across China with a two-day panda care experience near Chengdu. Participants begin with supervised involvement in daily routines at panda reserves before continuing on a vibrant group adventure through Xi’an, Dengfeng, and Beijing. The itinerary blends guided experiences with free time, offering a rich introduction to China’s landscapes, history, and traditions.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see aspects of panda care up close while also exploring some of China’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
Tour Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance
Days 1-2: Arrive in Chengdu, settle in your accommodation, and explore the city at your own pace before heading into the surrounding region. Hike Qingcheng Mountain, long associated with Taoist heritage, and visit the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO-listed engineering landmark that has shaped the region for over two thousand years.
Days 3-4: Begin your panda experience at Wolong Panda Reserve and Dujiangyan Panda Base. Over two supervised days, assist with enclosure cleaning and bamboo preparation while observing the pandas and visiting the Wolong Grand Panda Museum.
Day 5: Free day to explore Chengdu at your own pace, with the option to join a day trip to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha, carved into the cliffs overlooking the river.
Days 6-7: Travel by train to Xi’an to visit the Terracotta Warriors and the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. Free time allows for exploring the Ming Dynasty City Walls, the Bell and Drum Towers, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
Days 8-9: Continue to Dengfeng for a Kung Fu lesson and demonstration at a Shaolin Temple school, followed by Mandarin language sessions. Choose to explore the Shaolin Temple and Dharma Cave or visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Days 10-13: Travel to Beijing by bullet train and hike a partly unrestored section of the Great Wall, camping overnight on or near the Wall (seasonal and weather dependent). Conclude your journey with time to explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and other highlights of the capital.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
The tour begins in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and an important center for giant panda care, known for its relaxed atmosphere, teahouses, and bold cuisine. The panda volunteering takes place at Wolong Panda Reserve and Dujiangyan Panda Base, both located near the city. The surrounding region also includes Qingcheng Mountain, long associated with Taoist heritage, and the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system, a UNESCO-listed engineering landmark.
The journey then continues by train to Xi’an, one of China’s historic capitals and home to the Terracotta Warriors. From there, participants travel onward to Dengfeng, where the Shaolin Temple and Kung Fu traditions play a central role in the region’s identity.
The tour concludes in Beijing, where participants hike a section of the Great Wall and explore major landmarks including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Travel between cities is by train and bullet train, offering a well-paced connection between each destination.
The 2-day volunteering takes place at licensed panda conservation centers near Chengdu, including Wolong and Dujiangyan. These centers are involved in the care and management of giant pandas and support conservation-focused operations such as habitat maintenance, feeding routines, and public education. All activities follow strict animal welfare guidelines designed to minimize stress and ensure the safety of both pandas and participants.
Day 3: Panda Volunteering, Day 1
In the early morning, your group will travel approximately one hour to the Wolong Panda Reserve. Upon arrival, you will begin your first volunteer shift working with the pandas. The day starts with cleaning the enclosures and preparing fresh bamboo. You will then observe the pandas and watch training activities, typically scheduled from 8:40 to 11:30.
Because pandas conserve energy, particularly in the summer, they rest between 11:30 and 13:00. During this time, you can enjoy lunch, relax, or explore the surrounding area. In the afternoon, you will assist the rangers with daily tasks, including preparing additional feedings and supporting general maintenance work. Volunteering concludes at around 15:00. Before returning to Dujiangyan for a free evening, you may visit the Wolong Giant Panda Museum.
Day 4: Panda Volunteering, Day 2
Following breakfast, you will head to the panda enclosures at Dujiangyan Panda Base. The structure of the day is similar to the previous one, though you will work in a new environment alongside different staff and pandas. At approximately 15:00, your volunteer experience ends. You will receive a participation certificate before being transferred back to Chengdu, where you will meet your Adventure Leader and the rest of the group, continuing on to Beijing.
Example of Volunteer Tasks
Important note: Volunteers do not have direct physical contact with the pandas. While participants may enter certain enclosure areas for cleaning or preparation tasks under staff supervision, they do not approach, touch, or disturb the animals.
Note: The panda volunteering only takes place during 2 days of the tour. After this, participants join the main China Adventure Tour group for the remainder of the tour itinerary.
This tour offers a varied introduction to China’s landscapes, history, and cultural traditions. Highlights include mountain hikes, ancient engineering sites, and world-renowned archaeological landmarks. Martial arts training and Mandarin lessons add cultural depth to the journey. The overnight stay on or near the Great Wall provides a memorable setting to experience one of China’s most iconic locations. Free time in major cities allows participants to explore independently and shape their own experience.
Activities included:
Itinerary Overview & Inclusions
| Days | Location | Main Activities | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Chengdu & Dujiangyan | Qingcheng Mountain hike & Dujiangyan irrigation system | Guided excursion |
| 3–4 | Wolong & Dujiangyan | Panda volunteering & Panda Museum | 2 volunteer days & museum entry |
| 5 | Chengdu | Free exploration | — |
| 6–7 | Xi’an | Train travel & Terracotta Warriors visit | Train & guided visit |
| 8–9 | Dengfeng | Kung Fu lesson, show & Mandarin sessions | Lesson & sessions |
| 10 | Beijing | Bullet train & Great Wall hike with overnight stay | Train & Wall experience |
| 11–13 | Beijing | City exploration | — |
Accommodation is included for all 12 nights of the tour, including the overnight stay on or near the Great Wall (seasonal and weather dependent). Meals are not included.
Optional Activities
Alongside the main itinerary, participants may choose to join additional optional activities arranged locally through the Adventure Leader. These experiences are not included in the tour fee and can be booked during the tour. A full list of these activities will be provided
Examples of optional activities include:
Chengdu
Xi’an
Dengfeng
Beijing
Please note that availability and pricing may vary and are confirmed locally. Transport for certain optional activities may not be included.
Please note: Activities and schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions, site availability, and local operational requirements.
