6 Days Beijing to Chengdu Panda and Great Wall Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up to begin a full-day exploration of Beijing’s imperial history.

Start your journey at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world and a powerful symbol of modern China. Here you will see historic landmarks including the Tiananmen Gate, where the founding of the People’s Republic of China was announced.

Continue directly into the magnificent Forbidden City, one of the most important palace complexes in the world. With over 9,000 rooms, it served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk through grand gates, courtyards, and halls decorated with golden roofs, marble foundations, and intricate imperial artwork, while learning about China’s dynastic history.

After the Forbidden City visit, take a short walk up to Jingshan Park, located just behind the palace. From here, you will enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City and its perfectly symmetrical layout.

In the afternoon, drive approximately 40 minutes to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. This UNESCO-listed site is known for its peaceful atmosphere, classical architecture, lakeside scenery, and long corridors decorated with detailed paintings. Enjoy a relaxing walk along Kunming Lake, where lotus flowers bloom in summer and traditional boats glide across the water.

Recommended Optional Activities (Evening):
You may choose to enjoy a traditional Kung Fu Show or a spectacular Chinese Acrobatic Performance, both offering an exciting insight into Chinese performing arts and culture (typically around 19:15–20:15).

This morning, you will drive approximately 70 km (about 1.5 hours) from Beijing city to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Wall of China. You will explore the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and less-crowded sections built during the Ming Dynasty.

Upon arrival, take a cable car up to the Great Wall and begin your exploration along its scenic ridgeline. This section is famous for its well-preserved watchtowers, winding stone pathways, and panoramic mountain views. Hiking along the wall offers an unforgettable experience as you walk through ancient battlements and enjoy sweeping views of forests and rolling hills. It is also a perfect place for photography, especially from the watchtowers overlooking the “dragon-like” structure stretching across the mountains.

After your visit, descend by cable car for a comfortable return journey. If you prefer a more active experience, you may choose to hike up or down (approximately 40 minutes of stair climbing depending on fitness level). Optional: A toboggan ride is available for a fun and exciting descent experience.

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a drive of about 65 km (around 1.5 hours) to the 798 Art Zone, a vibrant contemporary art district built in former industrial factory spaces. This creative hub features modern galleries, street art, sculpture installations, fashion boutiques, and cafés, offering a striking contrast to Beijing’s historical landmarks.

Later, return to central Beijing with a short stop at the Olympic Park, where you will view the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube from the outside. These landmark structures represent Beijing’s modern architectural achievements from the 2008 Olympic Games.

After the sightseeing, you will be transferred back to your hotel for rest.

After breakfast, begin your final morning in Beijing with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred imperial complexes in China. Originally built for emperors to pray for good harvests, it is now a lively public park where locals gather daily for traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying, and water calligraphy.

Next, return to the city center and enjoy a relaxing rickshaw ride through the Beijing Hutongs, the narrow traditional alleyways formed by courtyard residences. This experience offers a glimpse into old Beijing life as you pass through historic neighborhoods, small shops, antique stores, and local homes. You will also have the opportunity to visit a traditional Hutong family residence and learn about daily life in the old city.

After completing your Beijing sightseeing, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Chengdu at your own pace. Known as the “City of Leisure,” Chengdu is famous for its hotpot cuisine, tea houses, and relaxed lifestyle, offering a warm welcome to the second part of your journey.

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Chengdu and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a beautifully designed panda conservation center located at the foot of Mount Qingcheng. Surrounded by lush bamboo forests and natural greenery, this base offers a more peaceful and natural habitat compared to urban panda centers.

Here you will have close encounters with both giant pandas and red pandas in a quiet, spacious environment. Watch them eating bamboo, climbing trees, resting in the grass, and interacting with each other. The setting is highly immersive, allowing visitors to observe panda behavior in a more natural ecological environment, similar to scenes from Kung Fu Panda 3.

In the afternoon, continue to the nearby Mount Qingcheng (Front Mountain), one of the most important birthplaces of Taoism in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its dense forests, misty peaks, and peaceful atmosphere, the mountain offers a perfect escape from city life.

Begin with a short hike of about 30 minutes to reach Yuecheng Lake, a quiet and scenic lake located in the middle of the mountain. From here, take a 5-minute ride on the Baiyun Cableway to ascend further into the mountain area.

Continue your exploration on foot as you visit ancient Taoist temples such as Shangqing Temple and Laojun Pavilion. Along the way, enjoy fresh mountain air, peaceful forest trails, and deep cultural insights into Taoist philosophy and Chinese spiritual traditions. From the summit, you will also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding green mountains and valleys.

After completing the visit, descend the mountain and drive back to Chengdu, where you will be transferred to your hotel for rest.

Optional Experience: Panda Loving Care Program

At Dujiangyan Panda Base, you also have the option to join a Panda Keeper Experience (Panda Loving Care Program). This half-day activity allows you to go beyond sightseeing and participate in real panda care work such as feeding, cleaning, and learning about panda conservation.

This program requires advance booking and additional fees. Please contact your travel consultant for arrangements.

This morning begins with a relaxing visit to People’s Park, one of the most iconic public parks in Chengdu and the best place to experience the city’s famous slow-paced lifestyle.

Inside the park, you will see locals fully enjoying their daily routines—sipping traditional Chinese tea in open-air teahouses, chatting with friends, playing mahjong, dancing in groups, practicing Tai Chi, or simply relaxing under the trees. Some visitors may also experience unique local services such as ear cleaning or traditional shoulder massages. This atmosphere perfectly reflects Chengdu’s identity as one of China’s most livable and relaxed cities.

You may choose to sit in a traditional teahouse and enjoy a pot of jasmine or green tea while observing the lively yet peaceful daily life around you. The park is not only a recreational space but also a cultural window into Chengdu’s authentic urban lifestyle.

Afterwards, continue to the famous Jinli Old Street, a beautifully restored historical street that showcases traditional Sichuan architecture and local culture. Walking through Jinli feels like stepping back in time, with red lanterns, wooden façades, and narrow alleys filled with life.

Here you can explore a wide variety of local street food, including Sichuan snacks, spicy skewers, handmade sweets, and traditional delicacies. The street is also lined with artisan shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, calligraphy, and cultural products. Occasional folk performances and street shows add to the vibrant atmosphere, making it an excellent place for both cultural immersion and photography.

Depending on your flight or train schedule, you will have some free time before your transfer. Your driver and guide will then escort you to Chengdu Airport or Railway Station for your departure.

This marks the end of your Chengdu journey, filled with panda encounters, cultural exploration, and unforgettable local experiences.