Panda Encounter

Today, there are only about 1,000 giant pandas surviving in the wilds of Sichuan Province. As the emblem of the WWF, these popular animals are recognized as one of the Three Treasures of China. We have organized a special tour for animal lovers which includes a visit to the Panda Center and Panda Museum in Wolong, Sichuan Province.

Detailed Itinerary

Day One                                         Departure from US
You will depart today from U.S. on your connecting trans-continental flight to Shanghai.  

Day Two                                          Beijing      
We will be met by our local guide Jason or Wendy at the Beijing International Airport and transfer to our hotel.  The balanced of the day is at leisure. 

Day Three                                       Beijing
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, which at 98 acres, is the largest public square in the world and site of many history-making events. Our kids will fly a kite on Tian’an men followed by walking tour of the impressive Forbidden City, the secluded and guarded home to the Emperors of China. A visit to the 15th century Temple of Heaven shows you where the Emperors made offerings for the harvest. And now it is a popular place for local people to play chess, practice tai chi or sing Peking Opera.  This evening we will attend a Dai ethnic dinner party and enjoy the famous acrobatic show. (B.L.D)

Day Four                                         Beijing

After breakfast at hotel, bus transfer to visit Great Wall, one of history's most remarkable accomplishments that extends over 3,000 miles.  A walk along a section of this enormous wall is a not-to-be-missed experience. According to a famous Chinese saying, "One is not a real hero until one reaches the Great Wall."  Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony before back to hotel.  (B.L)

Day Five                                          Beijing/Chengdu
In the morning, visit the breath-taking Yiheyuan - Imperial Summer Palace. Its resplendently ornate temples, pavilions and corridors, set amidst a graceful landscape along Kunming Lake, epitomize the Northern Chinese Garden.  We will stop by at Beijing Cloisonné Factory, learn the process and making of cloisonné, Beijing’s most traditional handicraft art. In the afternoon, fly to Chengdu.  Chengdu was the capital city of the Kingdom of Shu (221-263). (Three Kingdoms) culture took strong root here. And here still exists some of the richest of the remains of the Three Kingdoms Period. Chengdu is now the capital of China's most populous province, Sichuan. Pleasantly laid out with broad streets lined by brown and white stucco traditional two-storied houses with balconies of carved wood, this dynamic and colorful city has famously extrovert population. Chengdu has been newly regarded as one of the ten most livable cities in China. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.  Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B.L)

Day Six                                             Chengdu/Wolong
Morning visit Shu Embroidery Institute.  Shu Embroidery is one of the four famous embroidery style in China.  It is known as the “treasure of Sichuan” since Han Dynasty. Observe the talented workers’ elegant demonstrations and fine artworks.  Take a stroll along the Jin Li Street -- The First Street of the Shu Kingdom and transfer you back to the ancient time.  Enjoy the culture and local specialties.  After lunch, drive to Wolong Panda Reserve.  On the way, stop over at local mountain village to enjoy natural surrounding of the area.  Hotel check in and evening is at leisure. (B.L.)

Day Seven                                         Wolong/Chengdu

After breakfast at hotel, visit the Panda Center and Panda Museum, Which is a comprehensive state natural reserve of 200,000 hectares. It was one of the earliest research bases established in China and was placed on UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Network in 1980. Sixty-seven pandas are among 150 pandas in Wolong Panda Reserve managed by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Transfer back to Chengdu. (B.L)

Day Eight                                           Orphanage city

After breakfast, transfer to the capital city of your child’s orphanage province (please complete the attached orphanage visit form and e-mail to info@MingsChina.com for add-on tour to orphanages.)  (B)

Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

What's Included:

• Land transportation

• English-speaking guides      

• Meals per itinerary        

• Top 4 star hotels, hotel taxes and dining taxes

• Admissions and cultural events              

• Acrobatic Show

• Great Wall and Summer Palace

• Ancient Jin Li Street

• Shu Embroidery Factory

• Wolong Panda Reserve

• Local village

• Transfer between airport, hotels   

• Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person

Cities:         

• Beijing

• Chengdu

• Wolong Panda Reserve

• orphanage city

Tour Dates:

• April 10 to April 17, 2009

• June 19 to June 26, 2009

• July 17 to July 24, 2009

Tour Cost:

 (Children over 12 are considered as adults)

      2 adults & 2 children (w. one roll-away bed)

      $1395 x 2 + $1255 x 2 =

      2 adults & 1 child (w. one roll-away bed)
      $1395 x 2 + $1295 =

      1 adult & 2 children w. one roll-away bed
      $1395 + 1255 x 2 =

      1 adult & 1 child
      $1395 + $1295 =

      1 adult (single room)

      $1395 + $620 =

Notes: 

·         Price does not include international airfare, passport and visa fees.  orphanage visit, transportation to/from orphanage, gratuities to guides, driver, hotel personal and airport taxes.  

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