Family Time in China Wildlife & Nature

Day 1: Welcome to Sichuan

Arrive in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China's most dynamic cities. Known for its thriving food scene, intellectual heritage and role as a centre for giant panda conservation, Chengdu offers an engaging introduction to southwest China. On arrival, a VIP Service Ambassador will assist you through immigration, customs and baggage collection before you meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Discovering Chengdu's Cultural Heart

Begin at Wenshu Monastery, one of China's largest and best-preserved Buddhist monasteries. Dating back more than 1,000 years, the complex offers an opportunity to observe the daily rituals of monks and nuns while exploring its historic halls and courtyards.

Continue to Wuhou Temple, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, one of China's most celebrated military strategists, before exploring the teahouses and shops of nearby Jinli Street. Later, visit Wangjianglou Park to experience Chengdu's distinctive kung fu tea tradition, where skilled performers combine tea pouring techniques with movements inspired by martial arts.

Afterwards, spend time exploring the park and observing daily local life. Continue to the Kuan Zhai Alleyways, where Qing Dynasty architecture sits alongside cafés, galleries, boutiques and local food stalls. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Sichuan's famous face-changing opera, renowned for its combination of theatre, music, comedy and acrobatics.

Gain a deeper understanding of the city at Chengdu Museum, whose exhibits trace the development of Chengdu through its history, folk customs and cultural traditions. Highlights include the National Shadow Puppetry Museum and a collection of artefacts that bring the city's past to life.

Later, visit a local spice market before taking part in a hands-on cooking class, learning the ingredients and techniques behind Sichuan cuisine. Enjoy the dishes you've prepared alongside a traditional cup of Sichuan Gaiwan tea.

Travel to Dujiangyan Panda Base, set among bamboo-covered hills that closely resemble the giant panda's natural habitat. Dedicated to conservation and preparing pandas for life in the wild, the centre offers an opportunity to learn about the work being done to protect China's national animal. During your visit, help prepare bamboo, make panda cakes, observe panda behaviour and gain a deeper understanding of panda conservation. Share lunch with staff members before watching a panda-themed film.

Continue to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, constructed in 256 BC and recognised as one of China's great engineering achievements. Walk across the hanging cable bridge and learn how this UNESCO-listed site continues to support communities across Sichuan today.

Spend the day exploring Qingcheng Mountain, one of Taoism's most sacred sites. Begin with a Tai Chi lesson led by an instructor from Qingcheng Martial Arts School, learning about the philosophy and traditions that underpin this centuries-old practice.

Afterwards, ascend the mountain by cable car and continue on foot, exploring temples along the trail before reaching viewpoints overlooking the surrounding forested hills.

Travel from Chengdu to Leshan, a journey of approximately two and a half hours. Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest ancient stone Buddha. Carved into a riverside cliff face more than 1,300 years ago, the 71-metre sculpture remains one of China's most important Buddhist monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about its history and construction before continuing to Emei, approximately 45 minutes away.

Explore Mount Emei, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Follow a moderately challenging two-hour hike through forested mountainside trails, passing temples and monasteries that continue to play an important role in Buddhist life. Along the way, take in views of mist-covered peaks, ancient trees and dramatic mountain landscapes. If conditions allow, there may be an opportunity to see sunrise over the surrounding ridges.

Today, depart for your onward flight home.