4 DAYS, PANDA FACE TO FACE

You will be met and transfered to your hotel.

- Wuhou Temple: This memorial temple is dedicated to Zhuge Liang (181-234) who is thought by most Chinese to be one of the most outstanding military strategists in Chinese history. A hero of the novel "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms", Zhuge Liang led his emperor, Liu Bei, to many military victories during the Three Kingdoms period. Wander through these peaceful gardens and enjoy the art of a traditional Chinese temple.

- Jinli Old Street: Once a commercial center during the Kingdom of Shu (Three Kingdoms), it has been reconstructed using Qing Dynasty architectural elements and today is home to many of the areas most talented artisans and craftsmen. See the bustle and smells of old China while shopping and taking in all that this unique street has to offer. If you need to take a rest, Starbucks is also here waiting to serve you a cup of hot coffee.

- Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan: The museum is located about an hour outside of Chengdu. The museum was first opened in 1992 and houses relics of a lost civilization that left behind no historical record or myths. Today these relics are classified as being from the Sanxingdui Culture dating back to the 12th and 11th centuries BCE. The museum houses some of the world’s oldest bronze metal castings including statues and masks.

-Bian Lian (face changing): Witness this dying art form that takes its roots from Sichuan opera. These performers are able to change their faces using the secret art of face changing. The art itself is passed down from generation to generation in one family and cannot be taught to outsiders. The music, costumes and face changing make this a performance you don’t want to miss.

Drive about 167km (3 hours) to Wolong Natural Reserve Area and check into the hotel.
This afternoon will be one that you will cherish for a long time! Special permission has been obtained for all tour members to be volunteers at the Panda Base for half a day. You will assist in feeding the giant Pandas in the giant panda enclosure. The park director will conduct a lecture and you will learn much about this lovely animal.

On our way back to Chengdu we will stop at the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Dujiangyan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built before the Great Wall.

- Dujiangyan was built to stop seasonal floods, while at the same time allowing soldier to be sent up the river to the frontier during ancient times. The system has made the local area one of the most productive in China and this system has served the locals for over 2,000 years. Some say this achievement was more important than the Great Wall.