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WorldWild Tours: China: A Panda Tour

For itineraries, brochures, and registration information for all WorldWild Tours call (619) 231-1515, ext. 4245, or contact us using our online form.

Itinerary

If you’re a giant panda fan, you’re in for a treat on this grand tour of China. We will tour two giant panda breeding centers, one in the city of Chengdu and the other in the Wolong Panda Preserve, where we will see our beloved San Diego Zoo-born panda, Hua Mei. Both centers will offer opportunities for close-up encounters with adorable giant panda cubs and we will meet some of the researchers who are helping save the species. We will also visit many of China’s most magnificent cultural gems including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. In Jiuzhaigou National Park, a renowned World Heritage Site, we will explore a land of snow-capped mountains, lush forests, turquoise lakes, and roaring waterfalls. Picturesque Guilin will include an outing on the Li River to see the spectacular limestone mountains that are depicted in ancient Chinese art. We will finish the adventure in the dazzling and modern city, Hong Kong. A pre-tour extension will feature a cruise on the Yangtze River to see the Three Gorges as well as a visit to Shanghai and Xian, home of the ancient Terra Cotta Army.

(B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner, S-box lunch)

Day 1 and 2, April 13 & 14, 2006: San Diego or Los Angeles / San Francisco / Beijing Depart San Diego or Los Angeles International Airport in the morning. Arrive in San Francisco and connect to the Air China non-stop flight to Beijing, arriving the next day in the early evening. Transfer directly to the Grand Hotel, located by the Forbidden City. Meals aloft, D

Day 3, April 15: Beijing
Following an introduction to China by our tour director, our exploration of China begins with a visit to the Forbidden City, the abiding symbol of imperial China. We’ll marvel at its expansive architecture, the magnificent imperial gardens, and the many museums of Chinese antiquities and treasures within the complex. After lunch we visit the Temple of Heaven, one of the finest expressions of the Ming Dynasty. In the evening enjoy a special Peking Duck banquet. B,L,D

Day 4, April 16: Beijing
Today is devoted to the famous Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, a rugged section of the Wall that offers less crowded access (with cable car) and a more striking perspective as the Wall climbs and winds over the surrounding hills. Scholars estimate that the Wall, averaging 25 feet (7.6 meters) in height and nearly as thick, once stretched for over 3,700 miles (5,900 kilometers), passing through 16 provinces. B,L,D

Day 5, April 17: Beijing
Today we explore Beijing’s picturesque Houhai district by “pedicab” for a closer and more engaging perspective on traditional Chinese life. Many old courtyard homes are preserved, and the narrow hutong alleys border the tree-lined lakes north of the Forbidden City. Later, dividing into smaller groups, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local family’s private home. Afterward we visit the Summer Palace, where we will cruise on the lovely Kunming Lake, stroll through the royal gardens, see the famous marble boat, and tour the Painted Gallery, the longest covered walkway in China, famous for its exquisite landscape paintings. B,L,D

Day 6, April 18: Beijing/Chengdu/Jiuzhaigou
After a morning flight to Chengdu, we will connect with a short flight to Jiuzhaigou in northern Sichuan Province, a national park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Jiuzhaigou’s lush forest is dotted with crystal-clear mountain lakes and spectacular waterfalls. Overnight at Jiuzhaigou Grand Hotel, which is adjacent to the entrance of the park. B,L,D

Day 7, April 19: Jiuzhaigou
Spend today exploring the park’s diverse forest ecosystems, home to a number of protected species such as the Sichuan takin, golden monkey, and giant panda (these animals are very reclusive and wander in hidden and remote areas ). There are many endangered plant species in the valley. Jiuzhaigou means “nine-village valley,” which refers to the Tibetan villages in the area, six of which remain today and make the area culturally interesting as well. B,L,D

Day 8, April 20: Jiuzhaigou /Chengdu/Wolong Panda Preserve
Fly to Chengdu and enjoy a fascinating coach ride through the Sichuan countryside to Wolong. Eighty-five percent of China's giant pandas inhabit the enchanting mountains and bamboo groves of Sichuan Province. The Wolong Giant Panda Breeding Center, located in the giant panda reserve, is home to about 50 pandas, where adults live in private enclosures with adjoining exercise yards. Observe pandas as they eat, exercise, and interact with visitors. A photo opportunity with a giant panda cub will be available. Afterwards, we’ll take a short walk to the compound housing the small red pandas. Dinner is at the new Wolong Hotel, where we will stay. B,L,D

Day 9, April 21: Wolong
We will meet with Chinese panda experts who are devoted to panda conservation. We will also spend much time with the beloved pandas and see Hua Mei, who was born at the San Diego Zoo in 1999. Wolong, the heart of panda country, is also a region of great natural beauty. Follow the beautiful hiking trails along the Ming River into the preserve and visit a nearby Tibetan village. B,L,D

Day 10, April 22: Chengdu
In the morning return by bus to Chengdu. In the afternoon, visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center in the city and learn the latest information on their breeding efforts. In operation since 1990, the base currently houses about 20 pandas. You will have another opportunity to have your photo taken with a young panda. Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. After dinner, watch an entertaining Sichuan opera performance. B,L,D

Day 11, April 23: Chengdu/Guilin
Today fly to Guilin. Check in at Lijiang Waterfall Hotel by the beautiful Li River. Dinner is at Yiyuan Restaurant. B,L,D

Day 12, April 24: Guilin
Guilin is world famous for its spectacular karst limestone formations, precipitous mountains that were thrust up from the seabed some 300 million years ago. Eroded over the millennia by water and winds, these picturesque mountains, immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with Chinese painting, have provided inspiration for countless Chinese artists. This morning we’ll take a leisurely cruise down the Li River, winding past Mural Hill, Folded Brocade Hill, and Crescent Moon Hill. Our voyage ends in Yangshuo, where we’ll explore this charming market town and walk the villages and farmlands nearby. Return to Guilin by bus in the late afternoon. B,L,D

Day 13, April 25: Guilin/Hong Kong
In the morning we fly to Hong Kong. Check in to the Shangri-la Hotel, located in the heart of colorful Kowloon. The rest of the day is free for shopping and wandering the lively streets of Hong Kong. Dinner is on your own. B, L

Day 14, April 26: Hong Kong
We'll enjoy a morning visit to the Hong Kong Ocean Park Zoo to see its giant pandas. Staff from the San Diego Zoo worked closely with Ocean Park staff in developing the giant panda exhibit. We will have a special “lunch with the pandas” at Ocean Park. In the afternoon, we’ll take a Hong Kong Island tour including Repulse Bay, Stanley Fishing Village, and Aberdeen Floating Community. Tonight is our farewell dinner featuring Hong Kong cuisine. B,L,D

Day 15, April 27: Hong Kong/San Francisco/San Diego or Los Angeles
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to San Francisco and connect to your San Diego or Los Angeles flights, arriving the same day.

Pre-tour extension to Shanghai, Xian, and the Yangtze River

April 6 to 14, 2006

Day 1 & 2, April 6 & 7, 2006: San Diego or Los Angeles/San Francisco / Beijing
Depart San Diego or Los Angeles International Airport in the morning. Arrive in San Francisco and connect to the Air China non-stop flight to Beijing, arriving the next day in the early evening. Transfer directly to the Grand Hotel, located by the Forbidden City. Meals aloft, D

Day 3, April 8: Xian

This morning we fly to the ancient Tang Dynasty capital of Xian and visit the extraordinary 2,300-year-old Terra Cotta Army, the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qinshihuang. Before a traditional Chinese dumplilng dinner, stroll Muslim Street and visit the Grand Mosque. B,L,D

Day 4, April 9: Xian / Chongqing

After a late morning flight to Chongqing and lunch, enjoy a city tour of this interesting metropolis set among the hills above the Yangtze River. Visit the Chongqing Artists’ Village and the General Stilwell Museum. Following dinner at the Marriott Hotel we board the Victoria cruise ship. B,L,D

Day 5 & 6, April 10 & 11: Yangtze River Cruise

The main focus of our Yangtze River cruise is the extraordinary Three Gorges, the deep valleys and towering mountains carved over millennia by the Yangtze. Each day, however, we’ll also enjoy special side trips onshore, including visits to the ancient village, Shibaozhai, a ride through the narrow tributary Shennonxi, and a tour of the Three Gorges Dam construction site at Sandouping.

Day 7, April 12: Yichang - Shanghai

We disembark the cruise ship in Yichang after lunch. Then transfer directly to the airport for the flight to Shanghai. Check into the Peace Hotel VIP Wing located on the Bund. B, L,D

Day 8, April 13: Shanghai

After breakfast, visit Shanghai Museum, a world-class museum with a wonderful collection of Chinese bronzes, jade, pottery and ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, old coins, and furniture. Following a special vegetarian lunch at the Jade Buddha Temple we visit the Yuyuan Garden. B,L,D

Day 9, April 14: Shanghai / Beijing

This morning we'll visit Shanghai Children’s Palace. After lunch we leave for the airport for our flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, we transfer to Grand Hotel. (Main tour group arrives this evening in Beijing.) B,L,D

Adventure Escort

1st departure April 13 to 27, 2006

With a name like Amy Parrott, it’s only fitting that this animal-loving fund-raiser has worked for the Zoological Society of San Diego for more than 25 years. As an associate director of development, Amy and her team have raised funds to build an incredible array of exhibits and facilities at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park including Monkey Trails, Lion Camp, the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center, Condor Ridge, and the Giant Panda Research Station. Amy is passionate about wildlife and conservation, and has also generated support for the Zoological Society’s Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES) efforts for animals such as the giant panda, California condor, white and Indian rhinoceros, and cheetah.

Amy loves to travel, and oversees the Zoological Society’s WorldWild Tours program. She has spent time in Europe, Japan, Australia, and the Caribbean, and is looking forward to the upcoming China adventure. A favorite San Diego Zoo memory of Amy’s is when giant pandas arrived at the Zoo for the first time ever in 1987 for a 200-day loan. It was a thrilling time to be able to see giant pandas face-to-face while watching the excitement in the eyes of all the visitors who experienced the same joy.