Sip Into Flavored Tea & Enjoy Playful Pandas In A Thrill Filled China Tour
Sky-high Shanghai; Steaming dumpling delicacies Mysterious bamboo forest; Rustic private villa stay Traditional pastimes; Tea in a temple Search for pandas; Cuddle a panda Tea plantations: Private tea-making tours.
Tour Highlights
Day 1 - Arrival and sightseeing
Day 2 - Exploration of Shanghai’s key areas
Day 3 - Visiting water village of Nanxun
Day 4 - Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Village and Moganshan
Day 5 - Enjoy activities like hiking and biking horse riding etc
Day 6 - Sichuan Opera in Chengdu
Day 7 - Visit Giant Panda Breeding Base and Buddhist Temples
Day 8 - Hills of Mount Mengding
Day 9 - Shanghai World Financial Center
Day 10 - Departure
Tour Description
This trip is a family-oriented 10 day journey in search of the lovable Giant Pandas and explore one of the most spectacular bamboo forests in the world. Start in the booming metropolis of Shanghai where you will visit the famous Bund, the former French Concession, quaint backstreets in the Old Town and of course see the famous acrobats. Stay in a private villa amid the bamboo forest of Moganshan, just two hours from Shanghai before visiting the famous Tea City of Hangzhou, renowned for its scenic West Lake and the Longjing Tea Plantations. Finally you will fly to Chengdu, one of China's most interesting cities and come face to face with the Giant Pandas and the Red Pandas under the private guidance of a local veterinarian or program director. Also explore the verdant surroundings of Mt Mengding near Chengdu, the epicenter of tea cultivation in the region, and try your hand at tea-picking and processing. The trip also features optional cooking classes, Tai Chi, kite flying, cycling, bamboo rafting, cultural shows and much more!
Tour Price
Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival and sightseeing
Arrival and transfer to the hotel and check-in. Depending on flight times today there may be time for additional sightseeing; for now the rest of the day is at leisure (tentative schedule)
Day 2 - Exploration of Shanghai’s key areas
After a sumptuous breakfast you will be picked up by your guide for an exploration of Shanghai’s key areas. Visit a modern art district, the attractive former French Concession and a local park. Afterwards we will arrange for a wonderful dinner at Din Tai Fung, another renowned dining venue featuring the most tasty dumplings, noodles and snack dishes in a stylish and modern décor, a must! End this exciting day with a fantastic Acrobats show at Shanghai Center, the best venue in town.
Day 3 - Visiting water village of Nanxun
Start the day with a wholesome breakfast before setting out by private car to the picturesque water village of Nanxun, one of greater Shanghai’s undiscovered treasures where you can see little canals, bridges and locals enjoying a calm way of life. Afterwards continue by car to Hangzhou, once dubbed ‘the most beautiful city under heaven’ by legendary explorer Marco Polo and upon arrival transfer to the hotel. With your guide you will visit the beautiful West Lake by night and attend the wonderful ‘Impressions Hangzhou’ theatrical performance in VIP seats. Dinner recommendation: dine at the fantastic Dragon Well Manor restaurant, arguably one of China’s best traditional cuisine venues.
Day 4 - Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Village and Moganshan
In the morning visit the beautiful Lingyin Temple, followed by a visit to the Meijiawu Tea Village, nestled in the heart of the Longjing Tea Plantations. We will book a table for lunch at the Amanfayun Resort, a wonderful and high-class setting inside the Lingyin Temple. In the afternoon visit the XiXi Wetlands Park including a boat trip on the canals. Afterwards set out by car to Moganshan, a spectacular and vast bamboo forest located between Hangzhou and Shanghai. Check in to the Naked Stables, a new luxurious eco-retreat and a fantastic place to relax and unwind amid true Chinese scenery (or stay in the more rustic private country villas known as Naked Retreats). This is one of the greatest scenic areas in China!
Day 5 - Enjoy activities like hiking and biking horse riding etc
Enjoy a relaxing day at Naked Stables where a range of activities are on offer such as: Horse Riding, Hiking & Biking, Swimming, Yoga & Wellness, Archery, Calligraphy, Fishing. Tea Picking, Tai Chi, and more. This is a great place to unwind but with plenty of activities on offer.
Day 6 - Sichuan Opera in Chengdu
Enjoy a morning at leisure, perhaps witness the glorious morning scents of the forest and enjoy a healthy organic breakfast. In the afternoon transfer to Hangzhou airport and fly to Chengdu. Overnight at the Oakwood Residence (Studios and Family Apartment available). Time permitting, attend a Sichuan Opera performance; this variety show offers an eclectic mix of old Chinese entertainment like mask changing, puppeteers, fire breathers and clowns.
Day 7 - Visit Giant Panda Breeding Base and Buddhist Temples
In the morning set out to the Giant Panda Breeding Base just outside the city where you will be welcomed by a resident veterinarian, researcher or director for a private tour of the facilities. After viewing the many Pandas you will get to hold and play with a Panda cub (subject to a local surcharge; all proceed are used to maintain the sanctuary). Afterwards visit the Wen Shu Temple and enjoy a very special vegetarian lunch, unique to Buddhist temples. After lunch perhaps join the locals at the temple's tea house for a cup of tea; a preferred hangout for the older generation who love to come here and play cards and mahjong. Visit the Song Xian Qiao Antique & Art Market. The evening is free to relax after a busy day!
Day 8 - Hills of Mount Mengding
Transfer to the verdant hills of Mount Mengding, one of China's oldest tea regions. Visit the terraced mountain plantations and under the guidance of a local try your hand at tea-picking, followed by a visit to the factory to see how the leaves are processed. Return to Chengdu in the evening.
Day 9 - Shanghai World Financial Center
Fly back to Shanghai in the morning and transfer to the hotel. End your China stay with a visit to the Shanghai World Financial Center, featuring the highest viewing deck in Asia. Later enjoy a farewell dinner at Gu Yi, a fantastic Chinese restaurant serving up Hunan cuisine and perhaps a final cup of tea.
Day 10 - Departure
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home. Longer stays in Shanghai or greater China can be tailor-made.
