On arrival in Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning.

Rise early this morning to avoid the crowds and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass to take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit involves walking from the bus to the first section; once your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory and then stroll through the Summer Palace. This evening, indulge in a Christmas meal made up of some of China’s most famous dishes, including the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Sightseeing here will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven for about 1 hour where you can watch, or take part in, an outdoor dance group. In the evening, see a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show.

Board the 5-hour bullet train to Xian. On arrival, take a walk on the ancient city walls before you check in. Your local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall, these are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. Later this evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1 hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Destination Later, wander through the Muslim Quarter.

This morning, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian Museum. In the afternoon, take a 3-and-a-half-hour bullet train to Chengdu.

Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the worlds largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.

On New Years Eve, visit the famous Panda Conservation Centre to see these charismatic animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later, visit the ancient World Heritage Dujiangyan Irrigation project. Sample a delicious New Years meal this evening, inspired by the local Sichuan cuisine.

Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu independently. We can suggest visiting Matchmaker’s Corner in People’s Park where you can watch parents search for suitable suitors for their children. Later, you may wish to wander down Jinli street. Recorded back as far as the 2nd century BC, Jinli Street houses traditional-style buildings and delicious snacks. Famous for its baldachin manufacturing, Jinli Street is a great place to stop for a traditional Chinese tea in one of the many teahouses.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.