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Join us... as we explore China
In pursuit of pandas
Exclusive Silver Travel Advisor Tour for solo travellers
With a history of civilisation stretching back over 4,000 years it’s little wonder that China boasts an incredible richness of historical wonders. Join us as we journey from the imperial treasures of Beijing through atmospheric Xian with its enigmatic legions of Terracotta Warriors to reach the charming city of Chengdu, where you will meet its most famous residents – the captivating Giant Pandas. We’ll finish in Shanghai, a place where incredibly old and state-of-the-art rub shoulders seamlessly.
This fully hosted 11-day trip, in partnership with Wendy Wu Tours, is exclusive to Silver Travel Advisor customers. You’ll be in the company of fellow solo travellers to share the journey and capture magical memories, and all places are offered on a single occupancy basis, so you’ll have your own room to retreat to at the end of a busy day.
Read on for all the details, and if you have any questions our Silver Travel Advisors are on hand to provide more information, call 0800 412 5678.
Trip highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Monday 7 October 2024
Depart the UK
Start your journey in style flying from your local UK airport bound for Beijing on an overnight flight.
- Meals: Inflight meals
Day 2
Tuesday 8 October 2024
Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, for a three-night stay. The ancient monuments, stories of days gone by, and the dynamic, modern city Beijing has become today, make it a destination not to be missed. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Meals: Dine at leisure – make your own arrangements to sample some local delicacies and tasty Chinese cuisine
Day 3
Wednesday 9 October 2024
Beijing
Begin in Beijing’s symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, towards the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in a dance class and mingle with the locals. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck before deciding on an option to enjoy a kung fu show.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4
Thursday 10 October 2024
The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Stretching thousands of miles from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, over all sorts of dramatic landscapes, it is one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the magnificent scenery that it crosses. Drive back to Beijing and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace. Also included is a visit to a jade factory. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
Friday 11 October 2024
Xian
Fly to Xian. An illustrious and age-old city, Xian is one of the four great ancient capitals of China. It is also the capital of Shaanxi province and the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years. Take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Tonight, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6
Saturday 12 October 2024
Xian – Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery by local farmers in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-like warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and perhaps buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Later, take a bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7
Sunday 13 October 2024
Dujiangyuan Panda Base
This morning visit Dujiangyan Panda Base for your first panda encounter! Located 1.5 hours outside of Chengdu, this centre is dedicated to the study of disease control and the rescue of wild pandas – the perfect place to gain insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. Later, enjoy the atmosphere of Jinli Street – a lively street lined with antique shops and restaurants before sampling a delicious Sichuanese meal.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8
Monday 14 October 2024
Chengdu Panda Reserve
Your second panda experience will take place at Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre, located right in the city. An education centre and breeding facility, here you’ll see both pandas and red pandas up close as they chomp through piles of bamboo, sleep and play, and learn all about their physiology and conservation. Back in Chengdu, enjoy a hot beverage in a traditional teahouse before visiting Matchmaker’s Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9
Tuesday 15 October 2024
Shanghai
Take a three-hour flight to Shanghai and on arrival transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Shanghai
Enjoy a full day of touring beginning with a relaxing stroll through Yu Gardens and then head to the Old Town where cobblestone streets are lined with traditional shops. Visit the famous historical riverfront area known as the Bund, where you can admire the magnificent colonial architecture, and see the superb antiques and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum. Also visit the Silk Factory and see first-hand the process of producing this fine material.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11
Thursday 17 October 2024
Return to the UK
Your day is at leisure until the time comes to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
- Meals: Breakfast, and inflight meals
Early bird price
Direct debit available from: £253.33 per month
- Your tour includes:
- Silver Travel Advisor host
- International and domestic flights in economy class (upgrades available)
- Accommodation as described based on solo occupancy
- All meals as outlined in the itinerary
- All sightseeing and entrance fees
- All transportation and transfers
- English-speaking national escort and local guides
- Visa fees for UK/ Irish passport holders
Speak to an advisor
