China Unveiled Expedition
Experience the wonders of China on this 9 day expedition through pandas, ancient towns, and mountain peaks. Begin in Chengdu, where you’ll meet China’s beloved giant pandas and sample fiery Sichuan flavours on an authentic tuk-tuk food tour. Journey onward to Lijiang, a storybook old town of cobbled streets and lantern-lit canals, and venture high into the mountains for breathtaking alpine views. Conclude your adventure in Beijing, where history comes alive as you walk along the legendary Great Wall and uncover the secrets of imperial China.
From panda encounters to street eats, ancient alleyways to world wonders - this is a journey that captures the heart, flavour, and spirit of China.
April 12th - 20th 2027
Expedition Highlights
★ Meet China’s most beloved residents at the Wolong Panda Base, where giant pandas roam in a stunning mountain conservation area.
★ Taste the true flavours of Sichuan on an exhilarating tuk-tuk food tour through Chengdu’s hidden alleyways, sampling fiery street eats and local brews.
★ Experience China’s vibrant traditions with a dazzling Sichuan Opera performance - complete with face-changing acts, fire-breathing, and colourful costumes.
★ Sip tea and slow down in Chengdu’s historic People’s Park, joining locals for jasmine tea, quirky ear-cleaning rituals, and matchmaking conversations.
★ Wander the cobbled lanes of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site alive with Naxi culture, artisan boutiques, and lantern-lit canals.
★ Journey high into the mountains on a scenic train ride to Shangri-La, exploring the majestic Songzanlin Monastery and Tibetan-inspired old town.
★ Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car to 4,680 m for breathtaking alpine views, then witness the spectacular Impression Lijiang Show directed by Zhang Yimou.
★ Walk along the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu, riding the cable car up and descending in unforgettable style on a thrilling toboggan ride.
★ Celebrate your adventure in style with a Peking Duck farewell feast in Beijing - the perfect finale to an unforgettable journey through China’s flavours, landscapes, and legends.
10 Day Itinerary
Day 1 (April 12): Welcome to Chengdu
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan! After settling into your hotel, dive straight into the city’s legendary street food scene on an exciting Lost Plate Tuk Tuk Food Tour. Zip through hidden alleys to discover family-run eateries, authentic snacks, and local brews - the perfect first taste of Sichuan’s fiery flavours and vibrant street life.
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 2 (April 13): Pandas, Hot Pot Feast & Sichuan Opera
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, journey to the Wolong Panda Base, one of China’s most scenic and important conservation areas. Wander through misty mountain trails and watch giant pandas in their semi-wild habitat while learning about the breeding and preservation efforts that protect this national treasure.
In the evening, gather for a traditional Sichuan hot pot feast, a beloved local dining ritual. Choose your spice level and cook your favourite meats, vegetables, and tofu in bubbling broth - a true taste of Chengdu.
Round out the night with a captivating Sichuan Opera performance, featuring fire-breathing, comedic skits, and the mesmerising art of face-changing.
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 3 (April 14): Tea Houses, Local Life & Flight to Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast
Spend the morning exploring People’s Park, Chengdu’s lively social hub. Sip fragrant jasmine tea during a traditional tea ceremony, experience the city’s quirky ear-cleaning ritual, and wander through the fascinating marriage market, where hopeful parents post ads seeking matches for their children.
Later, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Lijiang, the cultural gem of Yunnan Province. Nestled at the foothills of snow-capped mountains, Lijiang’s ancient town welcomes you with cobbled streets, lantern-lit canals, and centuries-old charm.
Overnight: Lijiang Ancient Town
Day 4 (April 15): Lijiang Old Town & Black Dragon Pool
Meals: Breakfast
Begin your day wandering through the cobbled streets of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site alive with Naxi culture, artisan boutiques, and beautifully preserved courtyards.
Later, visit the tranquil Black Dragon Pool, where the snow-covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflects perfectly in the crystal-clear waters - one of Yunnan’s most iconic and photogenic views.
Overnight: Lijiang Ancient Town
Day 5 (April 16): Scenic Train Ride to Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on a scenic train journey into the highlands of Shangri-La, where the Tibetan Plateau begins and prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze. Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, a spiritual sanctuary often compared to a smaller version of Lhasa’s Potala Palace. Wander through Shangri-La Old Town, discovering prayer wheels, yak-butter-scented temples, and the tranquil rhythm of Tibetan life.
As the day draws to a close, return to Lijiang by train, reflecting on the breathtaking beauty and serenity of Yunnan’s mountain landscapes.
Overnight: Lijiang Ancient Town
Day 6 (April 17): Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise early to witness the first light over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of Yunnan’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Ascend by cable car to 4,680 metres, where crisp alpine air and sweeping glacier views create an unforgettable moment above the clouds.
Later, experience the spectacular Impression Lijiang Show, a grand outdoor performance directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Set against the mountain backdrop, hundreds of local performers bring Yunnan’s culture and legends to life through music and dance.
Overnight: Lijiang Ancient Town
Day 7 (April 18): Arrival in Beijing & Acrobat Performance
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, fly to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital and the gateway to its imperial past. After checking into your hotel, take some time to unwind before an evening of awe and artistry.
Tonight, enjoy a thrilling Chinese Acrobatics Show, where world-class performers display jaw-dropping balance, strength, and precision - a centuries-old art form that perfectly blends tradition and spectacle.
Overnight: Beijing
Day 8 (April 19): The Great Wall & Farewell Feast
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, experience one of the world’s greatest wonders - the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, a scenic and less crowded section surrounded by rolling forested hills. Ride the cable car up for sweeping views across the ancient fortifications, then descend in unforgettable style on an exhilarating toboggan ride.
This evening, celebrate your final night in China with a Peking Duck farewell dinner, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, accompanied by a spread of traditional Beijing dishes shared in true family style.
Overnight: Beijing
Day 9 (April 20): Departure from China
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight - taking with you unforgettable memories of China’s landscapes, cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. From pandas and mountain peaks to ancient towns and the Great Wall, this journey has captured the true essence of China.
Included
✓ Accommodation for 8 nights (twin share) in carefully selected 4-star boutique hotels and heritage-style inns (Single supplement available for an additional cost)
✓ 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 4 dinners
✓ All main entrance fees to the attractions and cultural sites listed in the itinerary
✓ Lost Plate Tuk Tuk Food Tour through Chengdu’s hidden alleyways, sampling authentic Sichuan street eats and local brews
✓ Guided visit to the Wolong Panda Base, learning about China’s iconic giant pandas and their conservation efforts
✓ Sichuan hot pot dinner and Sichuan Opera performance, featuring traditional face-changing acts and fire-breathing artistry
✓ Morning tea experience at Chengdu’s historic People’s Park, including a traditional tea ceremony and optional ear-cleaning ritual
✓ Walking tour of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a visit to the picturesque Black Dragon Pool
✓ Scenic train journey to Shangri-La, exploring Songzanlin Monastery and Shangri-La Old Town on a guided excursion
✓ Cable car ascent of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to 4,680 metres, with entry to the Impression Lijiang Show directed by Zhang Yimou
✓ Guided visit to the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section), including cable car and toboggan ride
✓ Peking Duck farewell dinner in Beijing
✓ All transportation provided in modern, air-conditioned private vehicles
✓ 2 Domestic flights to Lijiang and Beijing
✓ The services of an experienced local Chinese tour guide throughout the journey
✓ Arrival assistance at Chengdu Airport and all group airport transfers
Not Included
✗ International flights to and from China
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Any optional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary will be at your own expense
✗ Any entrance fees to sites not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
✗ Meals and drinks not listed as included in the itinerary
✗ Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or minibar charges
✗ Tipping and gratuities for drivers, guides, hotel staff, and restaurant servers, which are at your discretion
✗ Visa fees (if applicable) and any related processing charges