Meals:  Breakfast, lunch, and Sichuan hot pot dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Grand Hyatt Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Chengdu, or similar.

Depart Chengdu early for a panda care volunteer experience at Dujiangyan Panda Base or Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base, depending on operating arrangements and availability. This conservation-focused experience offers a closer look at the routines that support giant panda welfare and the work of the conservation center.

Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon or early evening. Tonight, unwind over a relaxed Sichuan hot pot dinner, where you can share highlights from the day’s experience and enjoy one of the region’s best-loved culinary traditions.

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--Panda Care Volunteer Experience:  Under the guidance of the center’s staff, participants gain insight into daily panda care and conservation work. Activities may include preparing bamboo and enrichment materials, observing panda behavior, watching feeding or training demonstrations, and learning about care routines for recovering or elderly pandas. Depending on the day’s program, participants may also help prepare panda food, including traditional wotou, while learning how diet and enrichment support panda wellbeing.

The experience concludes with a certificate and time for photographs. Exact activities, timings, and base allocation are subject to daily operating arrangements, participant eligibility requirements, and animal-welfare guidelines. Direct physical contact with the pandas is not permitted.

Transfer via:  High-speed rail from Chengdu to Xi’an (about 3.5–4 hours)

Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square, Sheraton Xi’an Hotel, Xi’an Tianlang Times Hotel, or similar.

Travel to the Sanxingdui Museum near Guanghan, home to extraordinary bronze masks, gold objects, jade and ceremonial sculptures associated with the ancient Shu civilization. The collection offers a strikingly different perspective on the development of early Chinese culture.

After the visit, continue to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an in second-class seating. Meet your local representative on arrival and transfer to your hotel.

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--Sanxingdui Museum:  About an hour’s drive from central Chengdu, the Sanxingdui Museum offers a fascinating window into the ancient Shu civilization and its distinctive place in early Chinese history. Explore extraordinary bronze, gold, pottery, and jade artifacts unearthed from a site dating back more than 4,000 years. Highlights include a standing bronze figure measuring about 8 feet 7 inches (2.62 meters) tall, a bronze mask more than 4 feet 6 inches (1.38 meters) wide, and a bronze sacred tree standing nearly 13 feet (3.95 meters) high.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square, Sheraton Xi’an Hotel, Xi’an Tianlang Times Hotel, or similar.

Travel outside Xi’an to the Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of life-size soldiers and horses were created to guard the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. Explore the principal excavation pits and the exhibition of bronze chariots before returning to the city.

Later, walk through the Muslim Quarter, a lively historic neighbourhood shaped by Xi’an’s long connection with trade and cultural exchange.

This evening, enjoy a traditional Xi’an dumpling banquet at Tang Dynasty Palace, followed by the Tang Dynasty Palace Show, a colorful performance inspired by the music, dance, and pageantry of the Tang Dynasty.

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Terracotta Warriors:  A UNESCO World Heritage Site discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is an extraordinary funerary army created for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Thousands of life-size pottery warriors, horses and chariots stand in battle formation across three excavated pits, offering a remarkable glimpse into the ambition and artistry of the Qin dynasty more than 2,200 years ago.

Muslim Street:  Located in Xi’an’s historic Muslim Quarter, Muslim Street is a lively pedestrian area known for its food stalls, small restaurants, traditional shops, and local street life. Wander through its narrow lanes to discover regional snacks, Muslim Chinese specialties, handcrafted souvenirs, and the distinctive atmosphere of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Tang Dynasty Palace Show and Dumpling Banquet: This evening, enjoy a traditional Xi’an dumpling banquet at Tang Dynasty Palace, followed by the Tang Dynasty Palace Show. Inspired by the music, dance, costumes, and artistic traditions of the Tang Dynasty, when Xi’an was known as Chang’an and served as China’s imperial capital, the performance brings this flourishing era to life through colorful staging and live music. The dinner features a selection of handcrafted dumplings with varied fillings, alongside classic local dishes.

Transfer via: Domestic flight from Xi’an to Jiayuguan  (about 2 hours)

Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation:  Handpicked five-star properties such as Nuojin Hotel Jiayuguan, Wanxi International Hotel,  HATG·JIA YU Pearl Hotel, or similar

Begin with a walk along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, which extends approximately 8.5 miles (13.74 km) around the old city. Continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang.

Later, transfer to the airport for your economy-class flight to Jiayuguan. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is free.

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Ancient City Wall: One of the largest and best-preserved Ming-era fortifications in China, Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall extends for 8.5 miles (13.74 kilometers) around the old city. Walk along its broad ramparts, passing historic watchtowers and looking out over the ancient moat. From above, traditional neighborhoods and the modern skyline reveal Xi’an’s striking blend of past and present.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda:  Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty within the Da Ci’en Temple complex, this landmark pagoda was created to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. A lasting symbol of Xi’an’s Tang-era heritage, it remains an important Buddhist site and a fine example of traditional Chinese brick pagoda architecture.

Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation:  Handpicked five-star properties such as Nuojin Hotel Jiayuguan, Wanxi International Hotel,  HATG·JIA YU Pearl Hotel, or similar

Explore Jiayuguan Fort, the fortified gateway that once marked the westernmost point of Ming imperial China, where the Great Wall meets the Gobi Desert. Begin at the Great Wall Museum for context before walking the ramparts, towers and courtyards of the fortress itself.

Continue to the Overhanging Great Wall (Xuanbi Great Wall), a restored section that climbs steeply up the dark ridges north of the city. Guests may ascend as far as they feel comfortable, and even a short climb rewards you with sweeping views over the desert plain and the snow-capped Qilian Mountains beyond.

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Overhanging Great Wall:  Just north of Jiayuguan Fort, this restored Ming dynasty section climbs Black Mountain at a gradient approaching 45 degrees, appearing from a distance to hang from the cliff face, hence its name. The climb is short but steep, rewarding those who reach the top with sweeping views over the Gobi Desert and the snow-capped Qilian Mountains.

Transfer via:  High-speed rail from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang (about 2.5–3.5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation:  Handpicked five-star properties such as Four Points by Sheraton Dunhuang, Dunhuang International Hotel, or similar

This morning, visit the Wei and Jin Tombs outside Jiayuguan, an important archaeological site dating back more than 1,500 years. Public access is limited to designated tombs to help protect the wider site. Descend into an underground burial chamber and view vividly painted bricks depicting scenes of domestic life, farming, travel, banquets, and social customs from this period.

After the visit, return to the city and transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train to Dunhuang in second-class seating. On arrival, continue to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

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Wei Jin Tomb Art Gallery:  Often described as an underground gallery, this extensive archaeological site contains more than 1,400 ancient tombs. Its celebrated painted-brick murals offer a remarkably detailed glimpse into everyday life, customs, and beliefs in northwestern China during the Wei and Jin periods.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Four Points by Sheraton Dunhuang, Dunhuang International Hotel, or similar

Today is devoted to the Mogao Caves, one of the most important surviving centers of Buddhist art along the Silk Road.

Begin at the Digital Exhibition Center for the introductory films before continuing by scenic transport to the cave complex. An official site interpreter will lead the visit through a rotating selection of standard caves, revealing murals and sculptures created over successive dynasties.

The caves visited vary according to conservation requirements, visitor capacity and the site’s operating arrangements.

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The Mogao Caves:  Located about 16 miles (25 kilometers) southeast of Dunhuang, the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, are among the world’s most important repositories of Buddhist art. Carved into desert cliffs over many centuries, the site contains more than 700 caves with richly painted murals, sculptures, and inscriptions that reflect the cultural exchanges of the ancient Silk Road. A carefully selected and rotating group of caves is open to visitors, helping protect this extraordinary heritage for future generations.

Transfer via:  Domestic flight from Dunhuang to Beijing (Duration: 3.5 hours)

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Wyndham Beijing North Hotel, Regent Beijing, or similar.

Visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where sweeping dunes surround a small oasis on the edge of Dunhuang. Walk through the desert landscape and take in views across the dunes before returning to the city.

Camel riding, sand sliding and other locally operated activities may be arranged on request at an additional cost, subject to weather and operating conditions.

Later, transfer to the airport for your economy-class flight to Beijing. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. 

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Mingsha Mountain (Singing Sand Dunes):  On the edge of the Gobi Desert near Dunhuang, Mingsha Mountain is known for its sweeping dunes and the soft, resonant sound that shifting sand can create under the right conditions. Take in views across the desert landscape and Crescent Lake below. Camel rides, sand sliding, and other activities may be available locally, subject to weather, safety, and operating conditions.

Crescent Lake:  Nestled among the dunes at the foot of Mingsha Mountain, Crescent Lake is a small natural oasis whose curved shoreline gives it its name. The striking contrast between clear water, green vegetation, and the surrounding desert has made it one of Dunhuang’s most enduring and photographed landscapes.

Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation:  Handpicked five-star properties such as Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Wyndham Beijing North Hotel, Regent Beijing, or similar.

Begin at Tiananmen Square, subject to advance reservation and local access arrangements, before continuing on foot into the Forbidden City. Explore the ceremonial halls, courtyards and residential spaces from which the Ming and Qing emperors governed China.

In the afternoon, discover one of Beijing’s traditional hutong neighbourhoods on foot and by rickshaw, passing courtyard homes and narrow lanes that preserve a more intimate side of the capital.

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Tiananmen Square:   One of the largest city squares in the world and the spiritual heart of China, where the national flag is raised at sunrise every day.

The Forbidden City (Closed on Monday):  It is located in the center of Beijing, used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years. It is the largest intact palace complex in China.

Rickshaw Hutong Tour:  Explore one of Beijing’s well-preserved hutong neighborhoods by rickshaw. These narrow lanes and traditional courtyard homes offer a glimpse of everyday life in the old city and the communities that have shaped Beijing for generations.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and farewell dinner

Accommodation:  Handpicked five-star properties such as Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Wyndham Beijing North Hotel, Regent Beijing, or similar.

Begin at the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for a good harvest. The surrounding park also offers a glimpse of local morning life in Beijing.

Continue to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, set among wooded mountains outside the city. An included round-trip cable car carries you to and from the ramparts, leaving time to walk between the watchtowers and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Prefer the open chairlift up or the toboggan run down? Both are available at Mutianyu. Please let us know your preferred option when booking, so we can make the appropriate arrangements on the day.

Return to Beijing this evening for a farewell dinner, a chance to reflect on the journey and share final stories.

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The Temple of Heaven:  Built for the Ming and Qing emperors, the Temple of Heaven was where rulers came to perform annual ceremonies for a good harvest. Its graceful Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is one of Beijing’s most recognizable landmarks.

Great Wall (Mutianyu Section):  One of the best-preserved sections of the Ming-era Great Wall, Mutianyu is set amid wooded mountains. Its closely spaced watchtowers and distinctive Zhengguan Terrace, where three towers stand side by side, set it apart from other sections of the wall.

Mutianyu Cable Car (Round-trip cable car included): Round-trip cable car transportation at Mutianyu is included. A chairlift ascent and toboggan descent may be requested as alternatives, subject to availability, operating conditions, and any applicable price difference.

Transfer via: International flights not included; departure transfer included.

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: None

Enjoy the morning at leisure until you are taken to the airport for your flight. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you a pleasant flight. We hope to welcome you on another journey soon.

Cancellation received 60 days or more before the departure of the first product or service in the relevant booking: The Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms. The remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator for the cancelled product will be refunded.

Cancellation received 59-30 days before the departure of the first product or service in the relevant booking: The Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms. An amount equal to 50% of the remaining payments made to the Tour Operator for the cancelled Tour will be refunded.

Cancellation less than 30 days before  the departure of the first product or service in the relevant booking: The Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be provided.

- 11 nights in the listed properties or similar-standard accommodations, based on double occupancy.

- Meals as listed in the itinerary, with complimentary bottled drinking water provided daily.

- All transportation and transfers as outlined in the itinerary, including premium tour vehicles, high-speed rail travel from Chengdu to Xi’an and Jiayuguan to Dunhuang in second-class seating, and domestic flights from Xi’an to Jiayuguan and Dunhuang to Beijing in economy class.First-class rail seating may be requested at an additional cost, subject to availability at the time of ticketing.

-  Included arrival transfer in Chengdu and departure transfer in Beijing on the first and final days of the itinerary.

- Professional English-speaking guides

- Nomad Signature Moments: Entrance fees and scheduled activities listed in the itinerary, including:

- Conservation-focused panda care experience atDujiangyan or Wolong, subject to program confirmation and participant eligibility.

- Visit Sanxingdui Museum.

- Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter walk, Tang Dynasty cultural show and dumpling banquet.

- Xi’an Ancient City Wall and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

- Jiayuguan Fort, Great Wall Museum and Overhanging Great Wall.

- Designated Wei and Jin Tomb mural site.

- Standard Mogao Caves visit, including the Digital Exhibition Center, official cave interpretation and required scenic transport.

- Explore Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake.

- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and hutong walk with rickshaw experience.

- Temple of Heaven and Mutianyu Great Wall with round-trip cable car.

- International flights and airport taxes

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Meals not specified in the itinerary

- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and alcoholic beverages; optional activities arranged on request; and any costs not listed as included

- Travel insurance (highly recommended)

- Single room supplement

- Gratuities for the tour guide and driver