6 Days Chengdu to Beijing Great Wall and Panda Tour

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Chengdu with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the world’s most important panda conservation center and home to over 100 giant pandas.

Here you will walk through bamboo-lined paths and observe pandas of all ages in a natural-style habitat. Watch them eating bamboo, playing, climbing trees, and resting peacefully. A highlight of the visit is the panda nursery area, where you may see adorable baby pandas being cared for. The site also includes a Panda Museum, where you can learn about panda biology and conservation efforts.

Next, continue to the peaceful Wenshu Temple, one of the best-preserved Buddhist temples in downtown Chengdu. Surrounded by incense smoke, ancient architecture, and quiet courtyards, it offers a spiritual contrast to the modern city outside.

In the afternoon, visit People’s Park (Renmin Park), where you can experience Chengdu’s famous tea culture. Sit in a traditional teahouse, sip Chinese tea, and observe locals enjoying everyday leisure activities such as mahjong, dancing, singing, calligraphy, and ear cleaning—an authentic expression of Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle.

Later, continue to Jinli Old Street, a lively historical area filled with traditional architecture, street food, handicrafts, and cultural performances. This is one of the best places to experience local snacks and Sichuan folk culture.

Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a spectacular Sichuan Opera performance, featuring face-changing, fire-spitting, and traditional music and dance (usually 20:00–21:30).

After breakfast, begin your final morning in Chengdu with a visit to the peaceful Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a cultural landmark dedicated to Du Fu, one of the most influential poets of the Tang Dynasty.

Surrounded by bamboo groves, quiet gardens, and traditional Chinese architecture, this site offers a calm and reflective atmosphere. As you walk through the complex, you will explore historical halls, poetry exhibitions, and restored relics that illustrate Du Fu’s life, literary achievements, and the cultural richness of ancient China. The tranquil environment provides a perfect contrast to the bustling modern city outside.

Next, continue to the Jinsha Site Museum, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in China. Built on the original excavation site of the ancient Shu civilization, the museum presents a fascinating collection of artifacts dating back approximately 3,000 years.

Inside, you will see beautifully preserved relics such as gold masks, jade ornaments, ivory remains, and bronze ceremonial items. The most iconic exhibit is the Golden Sun and Immortal Bird, a national symbol of ancient Chengdu culture. Through these discoveries, you will gain insight into the mysterious and highly developed civilization that once thrived in the Sichuan region.

After completing your cultural exploration, you will be transferred to Chengdu Airport for your flight to Beijing, the capital of China. The flight takes approximately 2 hours and offers a smooth transition from Sichuan’s cultural heartland to northern China’s imperial history.

Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, your local guide will meet you at the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, recover from travel, or take a gentle walk around your hotel area.

Beijing welcomes you with its unique blend of ancient heritage and modern city energy, preparing you for the next stage of your journey exploring China’s imperial landmarks.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Beijing, the capital city rich in imperial history and cultural heritage.

Start at Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and a symbolic heart of modern China. This historic landmark is closely connected with major national events, including the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China. Stand before the monumental Tiananmen Gate, one of the most recognizable symbols of China, and feel the grandeur of the nation’s political and historical center.

Continue walking north into the magnificent Forbidden City (Palace Museum), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This vast complex contains nearly 10,000 rooms, showcasing the highest level of traditional Chinese palace architecture. As you walk through grand courtyards, golden rooftops, and intricately decorated halls, you will gain insight into the life of ancient emperors and royal families.

After your visit, take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can climb the hill for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s full layout. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of Beijing’s old imperial axis, including surrounding lakes, traditional rooftops, and city landmarks—an ideal photography spot.

In the afternoon, continue to the elegant Summer Palace, the best-preserved imperial garden in China. Once used as a royal retreat, this vast landscape combines natural beauty and classical architecture. Walk along the peaceful shores of Kunming Lake, admire the beautifully decorated Long Corridor, and explore pavilions, bridges, and temples designed in harmony with nature.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

Optional Evening Experiences:

1. Enjoy a world-class Chinese Acrobatic Show
2. Watch a traditional Peking Opera performance in a historic theater

After breakfast, drive approximately 1.5 hours to visit the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China.

Take a cable car up to the wall and begin your walking experience along ancient stone pathways and watchtowers stretching across mountain ridges. The scenery changes dramatically as you move along the wall, offering breathtaking views of forests, valleys, and distant peaks. This section is less crowded, making it ideal for a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience.

For those seeking more adventure, you may hike up to higher watchtowers for wider panoramic views, or simply enjoy a relaxed walk along the restored sections of the wall.

Optional experience: Try the exciting toboggan slide descent from the wall, a fun and popular way to end your Great Wall visit.

Continue your journey to the historic Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, a 7-kilometer ceremonial path lined with ancient stone statues of mythical animals and imperial officials. This symbolic road once served as the spiritual passage for emperors entering the afterlife.

On the way back to the city, make a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Park, home to the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, modern architectural symbols of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Optional Evening Experience:
Enjoy an authentic Peking Roast Duck dinner, one of China’s most famous culinary traditions.

After breakfast, begin your final day in Beijing with a visit to the beautiful Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once used by emperors to pray for good harvests.

Walk through its vast park complex filled with ancient trees, circular altars, and symbolic architecture representing harmony between heaven and earth. This site is also a lively local gathering place where residents practice Tai Chi, dancing, singing, and traditional exercises, offering a true glimpse into Beijing’s daily life.

Next, explore the traditional Beijing Hutongs, a maze of narrow alleys lined with courtyard homes known as “Siheyuan.” Ride a rickshaw through these historic neighborhoods and discover hidden corners of old Beijing. Along the way, visit local shops, traditional courtyards, and gain insight into generations of Beijing family life.

You will also have the opportunity to visit a local family home, experiencing authentic hospitality and traditional living culture.

Optional Activity:
Join a Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop, a delicate folk art where you can create your own traditional designs as a cultural souvenir.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport or train station for your departure. End of service.