Day 1
Arrival in Beijing
Upon your arrival in China's capital, you will be met and escorted by a private vehicle to your downtown hotel. Enjoy a free evening to rest, adjust to the jet lag, or take a walk to see this great city.
14 days · Across China
14 Days China Nature & Culture Discovery Journey
An epic 14-day expedition blending China’s iconic cultural heritage in Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu with Sichuan’s premier wildlife destinations, featuring giant panda experiences and opportunities to encounter wild red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and other rare species in their natural habitats.
Duration
14 days
Region
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Sichuan, Dujiangyan, Qingchengshan, Tangjiahe NNR, Labahe NR
Group Type
Private or small group
Best Time
Spring, Autumn, Winter
Price
On Request
Overview
This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a deeper connection with China’s culture and nature, combining Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu's iconic historical landmarks with Sichuan’s panda conservation centers, ancient traditions, and wildlife-rich reserves home to red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and other rare species.
Highlights
Walk through China’s most iconic cultural landmarks, from the Forbidden City and Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls of Xi’an, uncovering over 3,000 years of imperial history.
Get up close with giant pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base and continue into wild landscapes to search for red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and other rare species in Sichuan’s protected forests.
Combine visits to Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu’s cultural landmarks with journeys into Sichuan’s wild landscapes to get close to giant pandas and search for golden snub-nosed monkeys and other rare species in protected forests.
From the Journey
Journey Itinerary
Day 2
Imperial Glories & Old Hutong Life
Beat the crowds with an early morning visit to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, the ultimate symbol of imperial power for over 500 years. After lunch, explore old Beijing Hutongs on a fashionable, eco-friendly shared bike ride. Enjoy tea and chat with a local resident to discover authentic Hutong stories. Tonight, savor an authentic Peking Roasted Duck welcome dinner.
Day 3
The Great Wall Majesty & Olympic Legacy
Drive to the well-preserved Mutianyu Great Wall Section. Hike or ride the cable car to the peak to wander along this architectural wonder while listening to your guide's military history insights. On the way back, make a photo stop at the Beijing Olympic Park to admire the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
Day 4
Bullet Train to Xi'an & Ancient City Wall
Board a morning bullet train to Xi'an, the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road. After checking into your hotel, walk or cycle along the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, the largest and best-preserved city wall in China. In the evening, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and diverse street foods of the Muslim Quarter.
Day 5
Terracotta Warriors & Train to the Land of Abundance
Marvel at the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, built to guard the mausoleum of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Afterward, board a bullet train cutting through the Qinling Mountains to Chengdu. Conclude your day with a relaxed walk and a traditional Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu People’s Park.
Day 6
Drive to Labahe via Tianquan Wetland
Journey from Chengdu toward Labahe Nature Reserve. Stop en route at Tianquan Wetland Park to spot and photograph elegant Mandarin Ducks in their natural habitat. Upon arriving at Labahe, check into your reserve hotel and enjoy a peaceful light hike along ancient forest trails before embarking on your first exciting night observation session.
Day 7
Wild Red Panda Tracking & Night Spotting
Dedicate the day to exploring Labahe's pristine forests. Head out early to search for wild Red Pandas. Keep your eyes peeled for other local wildlife, including Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Chinese Gorals, and Red Deer. Cap off the day with another night spotlighting drive for nocturnal mammals.
Day 8
Morning Lesser Panda Search & Ancient Irrigation System
Spend the morning maximizing your wildlife tracking to capture photos of wild Lesser (Red) Pandas. After lunch, transfer to Dujiangyan to explore the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a brilliant engineering marvel built in 256 BC that still functions today.
Day 9
Panda Ark Encounters, Taoist Mountains & Shadow Puppetry
Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base (Panda Ark) to meet rescued and overseas-returned giant pandas. Next, ascend the peaceful, forested staircases of Mt. Qingcheng, the birthplace of indigenous Taoism. Conclude the day at a cultural center with a hands-on shadow puppetry masterclass, where you will craft and perform your own show.
Day 10
Journey to Tangjiahe Nature Reserve
Embark on a scenic drive to Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, widely recognized as one of Sichuan’s top destinations for spotting wild mammals. After arriving and checking into your lodge nestled near the reserve, enjoy a refreshing nature walk along the rushing mountain streams.
Day 11
Full-Day Exploration of Tangjiahe Wilderness
Immerse yourself in a full day of wilderness tracking along Tangjiahe's deep forest valleys and ecological trails. With a flexible pace optimized for wildlife viewings, scan the cliffs and canopies for Sichuan Takins, Tibetan Macaques, Tufted Deer, Wild Boars, and vibrant high-altitude pheasants.
Day 12
Morning Wilderness Walk & Qingxi Ancient Mountain Town
Take a final morning walk in Tangjiahe to capture any missed wildlife encounters. Following lunch, make a cultural stop at Qingxi Ancient Town, a quiet, traditional crossroad steeped in northern Sichuan border history. Later, drive into the Baihe Golden Monkey Base area for an evening check-in.
Day 13
Sichuan Golden Monkey Encounter & Return to Chengdu
Spend an unforgettable morning at the Baihe Golden Monkey Base. Observe the striking Sichuan Golden Monkeys at remarkably close range as they move through the trees, showcasing their brilliant golden fur and playful social dynamics. After lunch, relax on the scenic drive back to Chengdu for your final evening.
Day 14
Chengdu Departure & Final Transfer
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a short transfer to the nearby airport for your departure flight.
Practical Notes
Pacing & Terrain
The trip is comfortable overall, but the reserve days still depend on walking slowly through forest roads and trails rather than staying entirely vehicle-based.
Wildlife Expectations
Expect encounters with giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, red pandas, and a rich variety of birds and mammals across Sichuan’s forests and nature reserves.
Comfort & Style
Travel in comfort with well-selected hotels, scenic rail journeys, and thoughtfully arranged transfers, ensuring a smooth balance between exploration and relaxation throughout the trip.
What's Included
- Private transportation throughout the trip, including Beijing airport pick-up and Chengdu airport drop-off
- Professional English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- 13 nights' accommodation during the trip
- Meals as specified in the itinerary, plus drinking water and snacks
- Entrance fees to all scheduled sites and nature reserves
- China domestic travel accident insurance What's Not Included
What's Not Included
- Flights or trains to and from China
- Personal expenses, including laundry, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
- Any additional travel arrangements outside the planned itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion)
- Single supplement (if applicable)
Before You Reach Out
A few practical questions travelers ask before sending an inquiry.
Plan Your Journey
Plan Your Journey
Perfect for cultural explorers and wildlife lovers seeking an unforgettable, expertly guided journey through China’s iconic heritage sites and Sichuan’s remarkable natural landscapes.