11 Days China Wildlife Expedition and Giant Panda Adventure Tour

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Xi’an Arrival⌄

   Let your journey begin with effortless comfort from the moment you land. Your personal guide and driver ensure a smooth transition to your hotel. As evening falls, step into the dazzling Datang Everbright City, a meticulous recreation of ancient Chang’an, the Tang Dynasty capital. Every detail immerses you in China’s golden age. A royal-style welcome dinner awaits, accompanied by performances of palace music, Central Asian whirl dance, and graceful court dances, showcasing the splendid East-West cultural fusion of the Tang era. The evening concludes with a brief orientation on the upcoming “Panda Habitat” exploration.

   Meals: Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Wyndham Grand Xian South, a 5-star hotel

2. 2Xi’an – Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor – Xi’an City Wall – Xi’an⌄

   Confront an eternal army of stone, the silent guardians of China’s first emperor. This mausoleum, the largest of its kind in China, is a window into ancient ambition. The Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological finds, depicts the very legions that unified the nation. Marvel at thousands of life-sized figures—soldiers, officers, acrobats, and musicians—each with unique features and attire, standing in battle formation for over two millennia.

   In the afternoon, we experience history from a different perspective by walking or biking atop the immense Ancient City Wall of Xi'an. This remarkably preserved structure offers panoramic views and a tangible sense of the city's enduring legacy as the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Wyndham Grand Xian South, a 5-star hotel

3. 3Xi’an – Qinling Wildlife Park – Xi’an⌄

   We venture into the Qinling Mountains, a major biological boundary and home to unique subspecies found nowhere else. Our destination is a conservation-focused park where we will search for the region's famed "Four Treasures": the Giant Panda (Qinling subspecies), the Crested Ibis, the strikingly golden-coated Golden Takin (Qinling subspecies), and the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey (Qinling subspecies). A special highlight is the chance to see the extraordinarily rare brown-and-white panda, Qi Zai. This day offers a unique opportunity to observe and compare the distinct Qinling and Sichuan subspecies of both the giant panda and the takin.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Wyndham Grand Xian South, a 5-star hotel

4. 4Xi’an – Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve⌄

   We leave the city behind, taking a high-speed train followed by a drive into the heart of a pristine wilderness: the Tangjiahe Nature Reserve, renowned as one of the best places globally to observe rare wildlife at low altitudes. After checking into our hotel, we begin our immersion. Keep an eye out around the grounds for Sichuan Takin grazing on meadows or troops of Tibetan Macaques making their appearance.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Tangjiahe Hotel, a 5-star hotel

5. 5Tangjiahe Exploration⌄

   Guided by our expert, we spend the day exploring trails in search of Tangjiahe's diverse inhabitants. Our targets include mammals like Takin, Reeves's Muntjac, Chinese Goral, Tufted Deer, Himalayan Porcupine, Masked Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, and Tibetan Macaques, as well as birds such as the Brown Fish Owl, Golden Pheasant, Temminck's Tragopan, and Slaty Bunting. After dark, we embark on a night safari using thermal imaging to observe nocturnal activity of animals like Wild Boar, porcupines, and civets.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Tangjiahe Hotel, a 5-star hotel

6. 6Tangjiahe – Pingwu⌄

   This morning offers a hands-on lesson in wildlife tracking. We'll learn to identify signs like the distinctive "sofa" scratches left by Asiatic Black Bears on trees, takin scent marks, and analyze footprints and droppings. In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic drive to Pingwu County, passing through dramatic valleys and traditional Tibetan villages.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Pingwu Jiuzhou Jindu Hotel, a 5-star hotel

7. 7Pingwu – Sichuan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Base – Dujiangyan⌄

   Sichuan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Base. Meet the ‘wild panda of the treetops,’ one of China’s “Twin Treasures”. Observe a habituated troop of over 40 of these endangered monkeys, with their dazzling golden fur and striking blue faces. Learn about their conservation and unique ecology as they feed on lichen in the treetops. Enjoy a relaxing scenic drive to Dujiangyan, a city famous for its ancient irrigation system and panda conservation work.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Steigenberger Chengdu, a 5-star hotel

8. 8Dujiangyan – Wolong Panda Center– Siguniangshan⌄

   Today is a major highlight: becoming a panda keeper volunteer at the renowned Wolong Center. Under expert guidance, you will participate in the daily care of Giant Pandas (Sichuan subspecies)—preparing food, cleaning enclosures, and learning about conservation.

   Immerse in the ancient world of the Jiarong Tibetans. Drive to Siguniangshan and stay in a local village homestay, experiencing distinctive stone tower architecture. Enjoy heartfelt hospitality with butter tea and a Tibetan dinner, culminating in a bonfire party with traditional Guozhuang dances and songs.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Jiarong Qingcheng Homestay

9. 9Siguniangshan National Park⌄

   We explore the breathtaking Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniangshan National Park, often called the "Eastern Alps." The scenery of soaring peaks, forests, and meadows is spectacular. We'll enjoy a memorable picnic lunch with this majestic backdrop. The afternoon brings a serene contrast: a gentle rafting trip on a crystal-clear stream, floating through landscapes of ancient forests and snow-capped mountains.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight at Jiarong Qingcheng Homestay

10. 10Siguniangshan – Chengdu⌄

    Changping Valley. Take a gentle hike through a serene U-shaped glacial valley. Walk on plank trails through ancient forests, past streams, and across unique red stone beaches towards Tibetan villages.

    We return to Chengdu. The perfect finale is an evening at a traditional teahouse, watching the mesmerizing art of Sichuan Opera Face-Changing.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Overnight at The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu, a 5-star hotel

11. 11Chengdu Departure⌄

    Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure. At the appointed time, you will be transferred to Chengdu’s international airport for your departure flight, concluding this unforgettable journey through China's cultural and natural wonders.

    Meals: Breakfast