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Essential China & Panda Volunteering

New Tour

14 days

BUDGET TOUR: Spend two days volunteering with China's emblematic pandas at the famous research centre in Chengdu, helping to feed the bears, clean their enclosure and get up and close and personal with them. Plus, take in the famous Terracotta Army in Xi'an, tour Dujiangyan and spend a night camping on the famous Great Wall of China. End your adventure in Beijing, the captivating Chinese capital.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

14 days

Starts

Chengdu

Ends

Beijing

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader

Group Size

Min 3 / Max 16

Minimum age

18

Maximum age

55

Departs

Wednesdays

Hotel Rating

Hostel dorm accommodation

Countries

China

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

None Provided
Per Person From
R 64,475.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 118,950.00

Tour Highlights

Dujiangyan City - Take a guided day trip to see the ancient irrigation system and hike to Qingchengshan
Chengdu - Spend two days volunteering with adorable pandas at the Panda Research Centre
Xi'an - Marvel at the giant Terracotta Army and enjoy an optional bike ride along the historic Xi'an city walls
Shaolin - Choose to visit the home of Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple or pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes instead
The Great Wall - Hike along a deserted section of the wall and camp beside it, waking early the next day to watch the sunrise
Beijing - Explore the Chinese capital independently, with optional excursions to the Forbidden City and Nanluo district

Included

12 nights hostel dorm & 1-night camping at the Great Wall
Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader (your tour leader will change several times throughout the tour)
2-day panda volunteering experience at the Panda Research Centre in Chengdu
All relevant transportation as per itinerary - mix of private & public transport
Dujiangyan City day tour
Terracotta Warriors visit
2x Mandarin lessons with your Tour Leader
Great Wall of China hike & overnight camping experience
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities - paid locally
Airport transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to China

Welcome to China. Arrive at the airport in Chengdu and make your way to our hostel for your check-in at 14:00. The rest of today is free for you to sleep off your jet lag or head out and explore, ahead of our tour starting tomorrow. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation, we can assist with this.

Overnight: Chengdu

Day 2 - Chengdu to Dujiangyan

Chengdu - Dujiangyan. This morning, join your tour leader and group at 8:00 in the hostel lobby before we transfer to Dujiangyan City for a full day of exploration. Located around 50km from Chengdu, this historically rich area is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both of which we’ll experience today.

Our day begins with a hike up Qingchengshan, a beautiful mountain celebrated as one of the founding sites of Taoism. Later, we’ll return to Dujiangyan to explore the ancient irrigation system, an incredible feat of engineering built over 2,000 years ago. This irrigation project, still operational today, is not only the oldest large-scale water system in the world but also a key element in flood control and agriculture, giving Chengdu its title, the ‘Land of Abundance’.

Overnight: Dujiangyan

Day 3 - Panda volunteering

Today marks the start of your panda volunteering experience! After breakfast, we’ll head to the panda enclosures, where you'll spend the next two days assisting rangers and staff in caring for the pandas and maintaining their habitats. Your tasks will include cleaning enclosures, observing the pandas to learn about their behaviours, and preparing their meals - along with other hands-on activities.

Since pandas enjoy a late-morning to early-afternoon nap, you’ll have a break for lunch and some time to explore the area. Volunteering wraps up in the mid-afternoon, leaving you free to venture into the scenic Dujiangyan countryside and discover more of Sichuan province’s natural beauty.

Overnight: Dujiangyan

Day 4 - Panda volunteering day 2

Dujiangyan - Chengdu. Spend another memorable day volunteering with China's national emblem, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the end of the day's work, you’ll be awarded a well-earned certificate recognising your contributions to the panda rehabilitation centre. From here, we’ll return to Chengdu, where you’ll be introduced to your new tour leader and the rest of the group, ready to continue the journey through China together.

In the evening, you’ll have the option to immerse yourself in local culture by attending a traditional Sichuan Opera and Culture Show - an unforgettable introduction to the region’s vibrant performing arts!

Overnight: Chengdu

Day 5 - Chengdu at leisure

Today is yours to enjoy as you like in Chengdu, or maybe you would like to head to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha. This incredible 71-metre-high statue, carved into the hillside in the 8th century, watches over the meeting point of three rivers.

In the evening, why not be daring and try the famous Sichuan hot pot? Known for its intense spice and flavour, this local specialty is a must-try. After dinner, you can keep the night going by discovering Chengdu’s vibrant nightlife.

Overnight: Chengdu

Day 6 - Chengdu to Xi'an

Chengdu - Xi'an. This morning, you have the option to sleep in and recharge, or join us for an optional visit to the Autism Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, where you can learn about their work and support for local families. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

There is some free time before we depart for you to explore Jinli and the People’s Park, easily accessible by public transportation. Established as Chengdu’s first public park in the early 1900s, it’s known for its lovely landscapes, bonsai garden, winding streams, and charming tea houses.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll say goodbye to Chengdu and board a train bound for Xi’an. Arrive in the late evening, and check in to tonight's hostel. Note that you will travel on the train unescorted, and will be met by a new tour leader in Xi'an.

Overnight: Xi'an

Day 7 - Xi'an leisure time

This morning, enjoy some free time to either relax or head out to explore Xi’an’s bustling shops, fascinating museums, or historic temples at your own pace.

In the mid-afternoon, join us for an optional bike ride along the ancient Ming Dynasty city walls, offering fantastic views of Xi’an and a glimpse into its rich history. (Note: during hot summer days, we may schedule the ride earlier to avoid the midday heat.)

Later, in the early evening, there's an optional guided stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, passing the iconic Bell and Drum Towers. Xi’an’s stunning architecture shines here, and you’ll uncover stories of the city’s Silk Road heritage. Don’t miss the chance to sample delicious street food from local vendors and browse the lively Silk Road market nearby, making for a memorable evening in this historic city.

Overnight: Xi'an

Day 8 - The Terracotta Army

Today promises to be an unforgettable day, as we set out on an included visit, travelling by public bus to one of China’s most iconic sights - the Terracotta Warriors! Unearthed in the 1970s near Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, these thousands of life-sized stone warriors were crafted over 2,000 years ago to protect the Emperor in the afterlife.

We’ll return to Xi’an in the evening, where you can unwind or visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This landmark hosts a stunning music and light show that beautifully illuminates the entire area, creating a magical atmosphere to end the day.

Overnight: Xi'an

Day 9 - Xi'an to Denfeng

Xi'an - Denfeng. This morning, we’re off to Dengfeng, travelling by minivan and public bus. We should arrive in the village by early afternoon - Denfeng is the closest settlement to the iconic Shaolin Temple.

In the afternoon, opt to join an incredible experience at a local kung fu school, where you’ll enjoy a lesson and demonstration led by a Shaolin Temple master, offering a firsthand look at this legendary martial art.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy an included Mandarin lesson with the tour leader, giving you a taste of the language and culture.

Overnight: Dengfeng

Day 10 - Optional Shaolin Temple or Longmen Grottoes

Today, you have two fantastic options. The first is to visit the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu. Here, you can hike up to Dharma Cave, a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrims, where sweeping views of the surrounding temples and shrines await.

If you’re looking to see something different, head to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to thousands of intricately carved Buddha statues. These stunning sculptures, some of the finest examples of Chinese art, are housed within caves that stretch over a kilometre.

If you don't mind a busy day, it is possible to do both - let us know before your trip so we can help you make the most of your day.

After returning to the guesthouse for a late lunch, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to explore Dengfeng. Keep in mind, tomorrow’s start is an early one!

Overnight: Dengfeng

Day 11 - Great Wall camping

Dengfeng - Beijing - Great Wall. Today, we’re up before dawn to transfer to our next destination - Beijing, the bustling capital of China! This morning, we’ll board a high-speed bullet train, reaching Beijing by early afternoon, where we can opt to indulge in a hearty meal at a local farm.

Then, it’s time for the highlight of any China trip - camping on the Great Wall! In the afternoon, we’ll journey to the Wall, setting off on a hike along some of its rugged, unrestored sections. As we walk, we’ll scout for a secluded spot to set up camp and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over this ancient wonder. Before settling in, your tour leader will also lead another Mandarin lesson to help you practice some more phrases.

Please note: From October - May, it is too cold to camp at the Great Wall. During these months, we stay at a cosy guesthouse nearby instead.

Overnight: Camping or Hostel

Day 12 - Back to Beijing

Great Wall - Beijing. This morning, you’ll wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over the Great Wall of China - an unforgettable experience! After packing up camp, we’ll head back to Beijing to continue our exploration of the capital.

Once we’re back, you’ll have some free time to discover the city at your own pace. Consider visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the largest palatial complex in the world. With nearly 1,000 buildings, this historic site has been home to 24 Chinese emperors throughout the nation’s rich history. You might also want to stroll through Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square.

In the afternoon, if you're interested, you can catch an incredible acrobatics and circus show. Featuring talented performers from across China, these shows promise an evening of excitement and entertainment. Tonight, there's an optional dinner of Beijing’s famed dish - Peking roast duck, a delicacy once reserved for royalty!

Overnight: Camping or Hostel

Day 13 - Beijing at leisure

Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure! You can choose to explore the bustling fake goods markets for some unique shopping opportunities, or visit the nearby Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture and a peaceful place to reflect.

In the afternoon, consider heading to the Nanluo district. This charming area is one of the best-preserved historical parts of Beijing, renowned for its hutongs (narrow alleys) and siheyuan (courtyards). As you wander through Nanluo, you'll find a vibrant mix of bars, cafes, and handicraft shops, making it a perfect spot to soak up the local culture and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. Enjoy your free day exploring!

Overnight: Beijing

Day 14 - Beijing

Sadly, today marks the end of our China backpacking tour! You’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers and prepare to head home.

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Chengdu Flipflop Lounge Hostel
Chengdu

Situated on a quiet side street near shops and restaurants, this relaxed hostel is a 7-minute walk from a metro station and 2 km from both the popular Tianfu Square and the interactive exhibits at the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum. Mixed dormitories accommodate up to 10 guests, featuring bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Amenities include an informal international restaurant, a furnished rooftop terrace with city views, and a lounge equipped with guest computers, as well as pool and table football tables.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Xi'an Desti Youth Park Hostel Bell & Drum Tower
Xi'an

Conveniently located in Xi'an, Xi'an Desti Youth Park Hostel Bell & Drum Tower features air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi, and a bar. Just 800 metres from the Drum Tower, 600 metres from the Bell Tower, and 3.7 km from Xi'an City Wall, the hostel also offers evening entertainment, room service, and a paid airport shuttle to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, 42 km away. Guests can play billiards, use the business centre, or seek 24-hour assistance from English- and Chinese-speaking staff at reception. Daming Palace and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are 7.2 km and 7.7 km away, respectively.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Beijing Ya Shan Xiao Zhu Hostel at the Great Wall
Beijing

Beijing Yashan Xiaozhu (Badaling Branch) offers a relaxing retreat for travellers after a busy day. Conveniently located 2 km from Badaling Railway Station, it provides easy access to nearby attractions like Badaling Wildlife World, Chenghuang Temple, and the Memorial Hall of Jantianyou. The hotel features on-site parking and is well-rated by guests for its excellent facilities, making it a popular choice for families.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Peking Youth Hostel
Beijing

Located in a vibrant, historic pedestrian alley, this relaxed hostel is a 9-minute walk from the nearest subway, 3 km from the Forbidden City, and 5 km from Tiananmen Square. It features mixed and single-sex dorms with bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Amenities include a casual restaurant/bar with a garden terrace, a bright sunroom, bike rentals, coin-operated laundry, and a snack shop.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 3 persons. 'Dorm' prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms (PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DORM PRICING). There is also a 'Twin/Double' room upgrade and a 'Single' room upgrade for solo travellers. 'Twin/Double' room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
26 Mar - 8 Apr
R 65,945
R 70,305
9 Apr - 22 Apr
R 65,945
R 70,305
14 May - 27 May
R 64,475
R 68,835
4 Jun - 17 Jun
R 64,475
R 68,835
11 Jun - 24 Jun
R 64,475
R 68,835
25 Jun - 8 Jul
R 64,475
R 68,835
3 Sep - 16 Sep
R 65,945
R 70,305
10 Sep - 23 Sep
R 65,945
R 70,305

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