Essential China & Panda Volunteering

Welcome to Chengdu – gateway to Sichuan Province! After checking in, take the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Settle into the rhythm of the city with a visit to a traditional teahouse, sample the famously fiery hotpot, or simply wander the lively streets. Today is all about getting a feel for Chengdu before the adventure begins.

Chengdu - Dujiangyan. This morning, meet your guide and set off for Dujiangyan. Begin with a hike up Qingcheng Mountain, one of the sacred birthplaces of Chinese Taoism. After lunch, explore the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has kept Sichuan’s farmlands flourishing for more than two thousand years. It’s an impressive feat of ancient engineering that’s still in use today.

Rise early – today is dedicated to China’s most beloved residents! Travel to the Wolong Panda Reserve for your first day of volunteering. We’ll help clean enclosures, prepare bamboo and feed the pandas, before taking time to observe their playful behaviour. After lunch, lend a hand with more panda care alongside local rangers. On the way back to Dujiangyan, visit the Wolong Grand Panda Museum to learn more about the species and ongoing conservation efforts. The evening is free to relax or explore the city.

Dujiangyan - Chengdu. After breakfast, continue your panda volunteering at the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Expect similar hands-on tasks in new surroundings, meeting different pandas and teammates along the way. By the afternoon, your volunteering experience wraps up with a well-earned certificate presentation. From here, return to Chengdu to meet your new Adventure Leader and the group joining you for the journey to Beijing. In the evening, you might like to see a Sichuan Opera and Culture Show, known for its lively music, ornate costumes and famous face-changing masks.

Today is yours to shape. If you fancy an adventure, take a day trip to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha, carved directly into the cliffs and overlooking the river. Back in Chengdu, spice things up with the city’s renowned hotpot – a local dining experience not to be missed. As evening falls, the city’s vibrant nightlife awaits.

Chengdu - Xi'an. Say farewell to your Adventure Leader and board the train to Xi’an, one of China’s most historic cities. After checking in, you could cycle along the Ming Dynasty City Walls for a unique view of the old town, or visit the Bell and Drum Towers before exploring the bustling Muslim Quarter, where Silk Road flavours and traditions meet. Stay for dinner to try some of Xi’an’s delicious street food before a relaxed evening wandering the markets.

This morning, witness one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries – the Terracotta Warriors. Thousands of life-sized soldiers stand guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor, an extraordinary sight that truly brings history to life. The afternoon is yours to explore independently – visit the Big Goose Pagoda, and if you stay into the evening, enjoy the spectacular music and light show that illuminates the square.

We’ll travel to Dengfeng this morning for a hands-on cultural experience. Try your hand at Kung Fu with a lesson at a local school led by a master from the legendary Shaolin Temple, followed by a thrilling performance from the experts themselves. In the afternoon, continue your Mandarin lessons, building on what you’ve learned so far. Later, unwind with a fun pub quiz if the group’s up for some friendly competition.

Xi'an - Dengfeng. Choose your own adventure today. Visit the iconic Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu, and hike to the Dharma Cave for sweeping views over the temple complex below. Alternatively, explore the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to tens of thousands of Buddha carvings. This evening is free to relax – with an early start tomorrow, a quiet night might be a good idea.

Dengfeng - Beijing. An unforgettable day awaits! Take the bullet train to Beijing, drop your bags and head straight to the Great Wall of China. We’ll hike along a quieter, partly unrestored section before setting up camp. As the sun sets, enjoy dinner and a Mandarin lesson around the campfire, then settle in for a night under the stars beside one of the world’s greatest wonders.

Please note: Your camping stay on the Great Wall is weather dependent. The alternative stay will be a cosy guesthouse nearby.

Wake to sunrise views over the Great Wall – a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment (weather permitting). After returning to Beijing, the rest of the day is yours. Visit the 798 Art District with its creative galleries, unwind at the Summer Palace, or gather your travel crew to explore more of the capital’s highlights together.

Start the day with an optional visit to Tiananmen Square before stepping into the mighty Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and home to 24 emperors. For panoramic views, climb Jingshan Park to look out across the palace rooftops. In the evening, choose between a dazzling Chinese acrobatics show or a classic Peking Roast Duck dinner – once a meal reserved for royalty.

Your final day in China is free to enjoy at your own pace. You might visit the Temple of Heaven, explore the lively Nanluo district with its historic hutongs and courtyard homes, or browse one of Beijing’s famous markets. Later, it’s time to say farewell to your Adventure Leader and travel companions.Swap contacts, share those final stories and start dreaming about your next adventure. If you’d like to extend your stay, we can help arrange extra nights – just let us know in advance.