Kung Fu Panda Family Adventure
10 Days
from
$3595 per person*
Highlights:
China
(Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai)
Trip Start/End:
Beijing
/
Shanghai
As you watch pandas at play in their natural habitat you may feel the need to pinch yourself.
But pinch yourself as much as you like, because a close encounter with China’s shyest native animal at Chengdu is just one experience on this unforgettable trip. Begin in Beijing where your private tour guide will reveal the secrets of the Forbidden City, usher you through the gates of the Temple of Heaven and tell the tales of Tiananmen Square. Follow that up with fun and games at a wild Kung Fu show and stop by the Great Wall of China before stepping aboard the overnight train to Xi’an where you’ll stand toe-to-toe with Terra Cotta Army and meet the Kung Fu fighting monks of a real Shaolin Temple. Then it’s on to Sichuan province for a taste of the region’s famously spicy cuisine. If you can’t handle the head, get out of the kitchen and to a local teahouse in traditional Chengu for an ancient tea ceremony with all the trimmings.
This trip is all about family fun and there’s plenty to keep kids – big and small – smiling mile wide. Action-packed Kung Fu displays and gravity-defying acrobatic shows will keep jaws to the floor, and a parade of centuries-old monuments provide a peerless educational experience. Accommodation is a mixture of luxury hotels and authentic cultural experiences that adds a richness to the trip that reaches well beyond the postcard image.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Book by June 15th and save $200 per person or $800 for a family of four. Travel by September 1, 2013
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Beijing
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*)
Standard Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Beijing
| - Private - Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Dinner & Legend of KungFu - Vehicle/Driver
| Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*)
Standard Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Beijing - Xi'an
| - Private - Tour at Mutianyu & Summer Palace with Lunch - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
- Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Train - Xi`an (Overnight) (4*)
Soft sleeper (4 Person Berth) ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Xi'an
| - Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - Terracotta Warriors, City Wall by Bike & Pagoda - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Xi'an
| - Private - Luoyang Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
| Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Xi'an - Chengdu
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Xi`an - Chengdu [Direct (1,5 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner Hotpot - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Buddha Zen Hotel (3*)
Deluxe Room ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Chengdu
| - Private - Panda & Chengdu with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Buddha Zen Hotel (3*)
Deluxe Room ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Chengdu - Shanghai
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Chengdu - Shanghai [Direct (3 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport (Hongqiao Domestic) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner & Show (Acrobatic) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Shanghai
| - Private - 1/2 Day Cultural Tour with Tai Chi & Calligraphy Class with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Shanghai
| - Transfer - Airport Transfer (PVG) by Private Car & Maglev Train - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Forbidden City
Park Plaza(Wangfujing)
Day 1: Beijing
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. The Lodging reflects the many changing facets of contemporary Chinese culture, where ancient cultural sites vie for space alongside high-rise buildings and an intricate freeway system. The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is just minutes away from several popular attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City.
Guests may also enjoy the complimentary high-speed Internet access, security safe box, meeting facilities and currency exchange center. All guestrooms feature Western décor and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors.
The Temple of Heaven
Day 2: Beijing
This full day, private guided tour, explores Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven with a stop for a deluxe lunch. Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and stretches a vast 440,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven.
Enjoy a private deluxe dinner at a fine local restaurant, then settle into your VIP seats for the Legend of KongFu Show, featuring a group of the best Kung Fu practitioners of China.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) 
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Train Cabin
Day 3: Beijing - Xi'an
Enjoy a full day private guided tour of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. This section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles and holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. Construction was started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). There are abundant natural springs which feed a great variety of verdant plants and ancient trees. Built mainly from granite with 8m walls and 5m wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers, suggesting a significant military importance. Next, you will visit The Summer Palace which is a sprawling suburban compound used by royalty as their summer retreat and best known for its stunning grounds around Kunming Lake.The Summer Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares (726.5 acres), three quarters of which is water. Classically designed as an archetypal Chinese garden, it is ranked amongst the most noted gardens of the world and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998. Lunch is included in this tour.
A private transfer with an English speaking professional guide from the hotel to the train station, or vice versa, is provided.
Accommodation: Train - Xi`an (Overnight) (4*) Board your overnight train bound for Xi'an. Choose either the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks) or opt for the private 2 person berth (two lower bunks only). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 11-13 hours.
Terracotta General
T.C.Army
Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
Day 4: Xi'an
A private transfer with an English speaking professional guide from the hotel to the train station, or vice versa, is provided.
The first stop is of this private guided bicycle tour is the Terracotta Army. Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. The tour continues on to the imposing ancient city wall. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers from one of the oldest and most complete city defences are still around. They were built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city center. The last leg of the tour is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
Accommodation: Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) Built to meet the elaborate standards of China's new platinum five-star hotel rating, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is the ultimate accommodation facility in the ancient city of Xian. Its design is of astounding contemporary concept. With a full range of spacious and well-appointed rooms, suites and apartments, state-of-the-art business facilities and exquisite dining and recreational options, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is a perfect choice for the most astute of business and leisure travelers.
Shaolin Temple
Day 5: Xi'an
You will be picked up from your hotel by private vehicle and driver for a full day train excursion to see the Luoyang Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple. The tour includes 2nd class high-speed train round trip from Xi'an. A deluxe lunch is also included enroute.
Accommodation: Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) 
Chengdu
Buddha Zen Hotel
Day 6: Xi'an - Chengdu
An airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide is provided.
Fly from Xi'an to Chengdu.
Airport transfer with private vehicle, guide, and driver.
Sichuan province is of course the home of Szechuan cooking. Experience the burning fire of Sichuan's famous Hotpot dish at the Huang Cheng Lao Ma restaurant.
Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel (3*) Buddha Zen was named by Master Chishan and is the first hotel with the theme of Buddha Zen culture in China. The design of the hotel follows the spirit of Buddha Zen with the combination of traditional Chinese aesthetics. Its interior design is unique and there are a plenty of rare Tangkas, ancient temple paintings and antiques, which include the oldest man-made embroidery of Qing Dynasty in Sichuan.
Panda
Day 7: Chengdu
Enjoy a full day private guided Chengdu tour starting with a half-day at the Panda Research Center. The Panda Center has been created to imitate the pandas' natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. After getting a chance to see the Pandas, travel to Chengdu's traditional Jinli street for a local lunch, then visit a local teahouse to experience one of the most vibrant and ancient tea cultures in the world. Lunch is included.
Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel (3*) 
Shanghai
Exterior
Day 8: Chengdu - Shanghai
Airport transfer with private vehicle, guide, and driver.
Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai.
A transfer between the airport and your hotel or the city Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide is provided.
Enjoy a deluxe dinner and VIP seats at an Acrobatic Show with private car transfer. The spectacular acrobatic feats are barely believable but come from expert training starting as young as age six or seven. Most performers have a minimum of twenty years experience.
Accommodation: Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*) Discover unmatched hospitality, an unbeatable location and luxurious amenities at the new Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre. Located in the heart of downtown, our Shanghai hotel is within walking distance to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, People's Square, the Bund and the metro station. Premier among Shanghai hotels, we are the perfect place to unwind when traveling for business or leisure.Enjoy international cuisine and local favorites from our chefs as they prepare various choices at our five restaurants and lounges. After a day in the city, take a dip in our indoor pool, visit our fully equipped gym or have a relaxing massage at our spa. Among hotels in Shanghai, amenities include a business center, 24-hour room service and concierge. More than 2,000 square meters of dedicated event space await with two pillar-free ballrooms and seven additional meeting rooms.
Tai Chi
Day 9: Shanghai
In Shanghai, enjoy a half day cultural tour experiencing a Tai Chi class as well as a Calligraphy class. Lunch will be served in NanXiang, one of the districts in the Shanghai Jiading District at XiaoLong Bao restaurant meaning dumplings in English.
Accommodation: Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*) Day 10: Shanghai
Transfer from central Shanghai with a driver, and English-speaking Guide to the Maglev station in Pudong from where you can complete your airport transfer in about 8 minutes at speeds of over 400 km/h. (Warning - involves a little walking).
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Shanghai international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
Standard Room- Park Plaza Wangfujing
Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) - Beijing
The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. The Lodging reflects the many changing facets of contemporary Chinese culture, where ancient cultural sites vie for space alongside high-rise buildings and an intricate freeway system. The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is just minutes away from several popular attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City.
Guests may also enjoy the complimentary high-speed Internet access, security safe box, meeting facilities and currency exchange center. All guestrooms feature Western décor and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors.
- Train Cabin
Train - Xi'an (Overnight) (4*) - Beijing
Board your overnight train bound for Xi'an. Choose either the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks) or opt for the private 2 person berth (two lower bunks only). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 11-13 hours.
- Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) - Xi'an
Built to meet the elaborate standards of China's new platinum five-star hotel rating, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is the ultimate accommodation facility in the ancient city of Xian. Its design is of astounding contemporary concept. With a full range of spacious and well-appointed rooms, suites and apartments, state-of-the-art business facilities and exquisite dining and recreational options, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is a perfect choice for the most astute of business and leisure travelers.
- Buddha Zen Hotel
Buddha Zen Hotel (3*) - Chengdu
Buddha Zen was named by Master Chishan and is the first hotel with the theme of Buddha Zen culture in China. The design of the hotel follows the spirit of Buddha Zen with the combination of traditional Chinese aesthetics. Its interior design is unique and there are a plenty of rare Tangkas, ancient temple paintings and antiques, which include the oldest man-made embroidery of Qing Dynasty in Sichuan.
- Exterior
Deluxe Room King
Marriott Shanghai City Center (5*) - Shanghai
Discover unmatched hospitality, an unbeatable location and luxurious amenities at the new Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre. Located in the heart of downtown, our Shanghai hotel is within walking distance to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, People's Square, the Bund and the metro station. Premier among Shanghai hotels, we are the perfect place to unwind when traveling for business or leisure.Enjoy international cuisine and local favorites from our chefs as they prepare various choices at our five restaurants and lounges. After a day in the city, take a dip in our indoor pool, visit our fully equipped gym or have a relaxing massage at our spa. Among hotels in Shanghai, amenities include a business center, 24-hour room service and concierge. More than 2,000 square meters of dedicated event space await with two pillar-free ballrooms and seven additional meeting rooms.
Travel Info
Travel tips of China
VISA/PASSPORT
A valid passport and visa are required to enter and exit China for both US and Canadian citizens, and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates before traveling to China. Visa processing generally takes 5 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $50 for a Single Entry Visa and $75 for a Multiple Entry Visa. Travelers arriving without valid passports and the appropriate Chinese visa are not permitted to enter and will be subject to a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler's expense. Travelers should not rely on Chinese host organizations claiming to be able to arrange a visa upon arrival. Chinese authorities have recently tightened their visa issuance policy, in some cases requiring personal interviews of American citizens. Although a bilateral United States-China agreement provides for issuance of multiple-entry visas with validity of up to one year for tourists and business visitors, Chinese consulates often limit visas to only one entry. Visas are not required of aliens who hold air tickets to the final destination, have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. Persons transiting China on the way to and from Mongolia or North Korea or who plan to re-enter China from the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions should be sure to obtain visas allowing more than one entry. Permits are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of China for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities outside of major cities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Beijing.
Government: People's Republic. China comprises 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, two special administrative regions and four municipalities directly under central government.
Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Among the enormous number of local dialects, large groups speak Cantonese, Shanghaiese (also known as Shanghainese), Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects in the south. Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. English is spoken by many guides and in hotels. Many taxi drivers do not speak English, even in big cities.
Religion: China is officially Atheistic, but the stated religions and philosophies are Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants (including large numbers of Evangelicals) and 4 million Roman Catholics, largely independent of Vatican control.
Time: GMT + 8. Despite the vast size of the country, Beijing time is standard throughout China.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin and three-pin sockets are generally in use. However, most 4 to 5 star hotels are also wired for the use of 110 volt appliances.
Telephone: Country code +86
Mobile Telephone: China has the most mobile phone users in the world, backed by a very sophisticated mobile communications system that now covers the entire country. Roaming agreements exist with most major international mobile phone companies. Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid GSM SIM card (from China Mobile stores) that allows you to use your mobile like a local phone with a new number. You'll need your passport to register.
Internet: The number of Internet users in China reached 253 million in 2008. Internet cafes can be found in most towns and cities, and Wi-Fi is increasingly available at hotels and cafes in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou and other major cities.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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