Pandas & the Orient

With their striking black and white features, taste for bamboo and alleged mating ineptitude, the giant panda is one of the symbols of China.

Essential Experiences:

• Watch the giant pandas at Chengdu

• Cruise through beautiful scenery along the Li River

• Enjoy the spicy Szechuan cuisine

The tour: Our journey through southern China starts in the vibrant city of Shanghai before travelling onwards to picturesque Guilin, set amidst beautiful limestone scenery from where we cruise past verdant paddy fields along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo situated in beautiful countryside. Continue onwards to Sichuan Province, where the scenic mountains and bamboo groves provide a home to the majority of China’s giant pandas. Visit the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base in Chengdu, renowned for its successes in panda breeding. You will have the opportunity to observe these captivating creatures as they eat, play and interact at the preserve, probably the closest one can come to seeing pandas in the wild. Sichuan province, is not only home to the giant panda but is also noted for its fiery cuisine, which you will have the chance to sample.

Accommodation: The number and standard of hotels in China has risen dramatically in recent years, with many of the international chains expanding to take advantage of the country's buoyant economy. We have chosen hotels providing good international standards but still offering value for money.

Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO SHANGHAI

Overnight flight from London to Shanghai. On arrival transfer to your hotel.

» Day 3: SHANGHAI

Half day introductory tour of Shanghai, including vists to Yu garden, the old town, Nanjing Road and the famous waterfront bund. (B,L)

» Day 4: SHANGHAI

Day at leisure to further explore the city. (B)

» Day 5: SHANGHAI TO GUILIN

Fly from Shanghai to Guilin. The area around Guilin is one of the most picturesque in China; limestone karsts tower above villagers and buffaloes in the fields. (B)

» Day 6: GUILIN

Today, visit the beautiful Reed Flute caves and Fubo Hill. In the evening, take an optional tour to see the famous cormorant fishermen, who have trained their birds to catch fish for them. (B,L)

» Day 7: LI RIVER CRUISE

Riverboat cruise through spectacular scenery passing small villages and fishermen to the charming town of Yangshuo, set amid beautiful countryside. (B,L,D)

» Day 8: YANGSHUO

Enjoy a short tour to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Yangshuo. Remainder of the day at leisure and we recommend visiting the cafes and market stalls along Xi Jie (West Street), known locally as "foreigner street". (B)

» Day 9: GUILIN TO CHENGDU

Return to Guilin for the onward flight to Chengdu. On arrival transfer to your hotel. (B)

» Day 10: CHENGDU

Today visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base. Founded in 1987, the Panda Base is a non-profit panda conservation and breeding facility. Set in 96 acres, this beautifully landscaped park has been designed to imitate the pandas' natural surroundings and has a very successful panda breeding record. The base is also home to other endangered wildlife including the elusive red panda. A short tour of the city is also included visiting Sichuan University Museum and Jinli cultural street before a typical Szechuan-style dinner. (B,D)

» Day 11: HUANGLONGXI

Enjoy a taste of traditional China, visiting the historic village and heritage centre of Huanglongxi. In a charming riverside setting, the village's cobbled streets are lined with traditional wooden shophouses and temples. (B,L)

» Day 12: CHENGDU TO LONDON

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London (B)