Essential China & Panda Volunteering

Welcome to China. Arrive at the airport in Chengdu and make your way to our hostel for your check-in at 14:00. The rest of today is free for you to sleep off your jet lag or head out and explore, ahead of our tour starting tomorrow. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation, we can assist with this.

Chengdu - Dujiangyan. This morning, join your tour leader and group at 8:00 in the hostel lobby before we transfer to Dujiangyan City for a full day of exploration. Located around 50km from Chengdu, this historically rich area is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both of which we’ll experience today.

Our day begins with a hike up Qingchengshan, a beautiful mountain celebrated as one of the founding sites of Taoism. Later, we’ll return to Dujiangyan to explore the ancient irrigation system, an incredible feat of engineering built over 2,000 years ago. This irrigation project, still operational today, is not only the oldest large-scale water system in the world but also a key element in flood control and agriculture, giving Chengdu its title, the ‘Land of Abundance’.

Today marks the start of your panda volunteering experience! After breakfast, we’ll head to the panda enclosures, where you'll spend the next two days assisting rangers and staff in caring for the pandas and maintaining their habitats. Your tasks will include cleaning enclosures, observing the pandas to learn about their behaviours, and preparing their meals - along with other hands-on activities.

Since pandas enjoy a late-morning to early-afternoon nap, you’ll have a break for lunch and some time to explore the area. Volunteering wraps up in the mid-afternoon, leaving you free to venture into the scenic Dujiangyan countryside and discover more of Sichuan province’s natural beauty.

Dujiangyan - Chengdu. Spend another memorable day volunteering with China's national emblem, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the end of the day's work, you’ll be awarded a well-earned certificate recognising your contributions to the panda rehabilitation centre. From here, we’ll return to Chengdu, where you’ll be introduced to your new tour leader and the rest of the group, ready to continue the journey through China together.

In the evening, you’ll have the option to immerse yourself in local culture by attending a traditional Sichuan Opera and Culture Show - an unforgettable introduction to the region’s vibrant performing arts!

Today is yours to enjoy as you like in Chengdu, or maybe you would like to head to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha. This incredible 71-metre-high statue, carved into the hillside in the 8th century, watches over the meeting point of three rivers.

In the evening, why not be daring and try the famous Sichuan hot pot? Known for its intense spice and flavour, this local specialty is a must-try. After dinner, you can keep the night going by discovering Chengdu’s vibrant nightlife.

Chengdu - Xi'an. This morning, you have the option to sleep in and recharge, or join us for an optional visit to the Autism Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, where you can learn about their work and support for local families. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

There is some free time before we depart for you to explore Jinli and the People’s Park, easily accessible by public transportation. Established as Chengdu’s first public park in the early 1900s, it’s known for its lovely landscapes, bonsai garden, winding streams, and charming tea houses.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll say goodbye to Chengdu and board a train bound for Xi’an. Arrive in the late evening, and check in to tonight's hostel. Note that you will travel on the train unescorted, and will be met by a new tour leader in Xi'an.

This morning, enjoy some free time to either relax or head out to explore Xi’an’s bustling shops, fascinating museums, or historic temples at your own pace.

In the mid-afternoon, join us for an optional bike ride along the ancient Ming Dynasty city walls, offering fantastic views of Xi’an and a glimpse into its rich history. (Note: during hot summer days, we may schedule the ride earlier to avoid the midday heat.)

Later, in the early evening, there's an optional guided stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, passing the iconic Bell and Drum Towers. Xi’an’s stunning architecture shines here, and you’ll uncover stories of the city’s Silk Road heritage. Don’t miss the chance to sample delicious street food from local vendors and browse the lively Silk Road market nearby, making for a memorable evening in this historic city.

Today promises to be an unforgettable day, as we set out on an included visit, travelling by public bus to one of China’s most iconic sights - the Terracotta Warriors! Unearthed in the 1970s near Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, these thousands of life-sized stone warriors were crafted over 2,000 years ago to protect the Emperor in the afterlife.

We’ll return to Xi’an in the evening, where you can unwind or visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This landmark hosts a stunning music and light show that beautifully illuminates the entire area, creating a magical atmosphere to end the day.

Xi'an - Denfeng. This morning, we’re off to Dengfeng, travelling by minivan and public bus. We should arrive in the village by early afternoon - Denfeng is the closest settlement to the iconic Shaolin Temple.

In the afternoon, opt to join an incredible experience at a local kung fu school, where you’ll enjoy a lesson and demonstration led by a Shaolin Temple master, offering a firsthand look at this legendary martial art.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy an included Mandarin lesson with the tour leader, giving you a taste of the language and culture.

Today, you have two fantastic options. The first is to visit the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu. Here, you can hike up to Dharma Cave, a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrims, where sweeping views of the surrounding temples and shrines await.

If you’re looking to see something different, head to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to thousands of intricately carved Buddha statues. These stunning sculptures, some of the finest examples of Chinese art, are housed within caves that stretch over a kilometre.

If you don't mind a busy day, it is possible to do both - let us know before your trip so we can help you make the most of your day.

After returning to the guesthouse for a late lunch, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to explore Dengfeng. Keep in mind, tomorrow’s start is an early one!

Dengfeng - Beijing - Great Wall. Today, we’re up before dawn to transfer to our next destination - Beijing, the bustling capital of China! This morning, we’ll board a high-speed bullet train, reaching Beijing by early afternoon, where we can opt to indulge in a hearty meal at a local farm.

Then, it’s time for the highlight of any China trip - camping on the Great Wall! In the afternoon, we’ll journey to the Wall, setting off on a hike along some of its rugged, unrestored sections. As we walk, we’ll scout for a secluded spot to set up camp and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over this ancient wonder. Before settling in, your tour leader will also lead another Mandarin lesson to help you practice some more phrases.

Please note: From October - May, it is too cold to camp at the Great Wall. During these months, we stay at a cosy guesthouse nearby instead.

Great Wall - Beijing. This morning, you’ll wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over the Great Wall of China - an unforgettable experience! After packing up camp, we’ll head back to Beijing to continue our exploration of the capital.

Once we’re back, you’ll have some free time to discover the city at your own pace. Consider visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the largest palatial complex in the world. With nearly 1,000 buildings, this historic site has been home to 24 Chinese emperors throughout the nation’s rich history. You might also want to stroll through Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square.

In the afternoon, if you're interested, you can catch an incredible acrobatics and circus show. Featuring talented performers from across China, these shows promise an evening of excitement and entertainment. Tonight, there's an optional dinner of Beijing’s famed dish - Peking roast duck, a delicacy once reserved for royalty!

Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure! You can choose to explore the bustling fake goods markets for some unique shopping opportunities, or visit the nearby Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture and a peaceful place to reflect.

In the afternoon, consider heading to the Nanluo district. This charming area is one of the best-preserved historical parts of Beijing, renowned for its hutongs (narrow alleys) and siheyuan (courtyards). As you wander through Nanluo, you'll find a vibrant mix of bars, cafes, and handicraft shops, making it a perfect spot to soak up the local culture and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. Enjoy your free day exploring!

Sadly, today marks the end of our China backpacking tour! You’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers and prepare to head home.