Visit a research facility in Chengdu that breeds and raises giant pandas to protect these rare and endangered animals, and then enhance your understanding of the local culture by browsing a museum and memorial temple.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Day 1 – June 4, 2023
Depart from pier in Xiamen and transfer to airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival you will transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.
Next you will visit Wuhou Temple (Memorial Temple of Marquis Martial), which is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the chancellor and regent of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). Zhuge Liang perhaps is the most well-known historic figure to the Chinese folks, old and young. He is generally recognized as a distinguished strategist, statesman, an accomplished scholar and inventor, the symbol of wisdom. The current temple was rebuilt in 1672.
Continue your trip to Jinli Ancient Street nearby, which is known as one of the busiest commercial areas since the reign of Shu Han. Now the street is one of the most popular pedestrian streets to experience the very local culture in Chengdu: delicious snacks, folk handicrafts, teahouse, bars and cafes, etc.
Late in the afternoon, you will check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own.
Day 2 – June 5, 2020
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to visit those lovely creatures during their active time. Chengdu has been the ancestral homeland to giant pandas since ancient times. In order to rescue and protect the endangered giant panda species, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding was established in March 1987. Starting with 6 giant pandas rescued from the wild, the research base has developed the world’s largest artificial breeding population of captive giant pandas with more than a hundred existing ones. The huge research base replicates the natural habitat of the giant panda, in order to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding, and also for preparing the giant pandas before they are released back into the wild.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will enjoy a picturesque drive to visit Sanxingdui Museum (Three-Star Piles Museum), located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Chengdu City. The Three-Star Piles refer to three earth mounds at the site, which was later affirmed by modern archaeology as the southern capital city wall of the ancient Shu, a kingdom existed over 3,000 years ago. It is an import archeological discovery which changed the world’s understanding of ancient history and culture of southwest part of China.
Travel back to your hotel late in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner will be on your own.
Day 3 – June 6, 2023
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival you will transfer back to the ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1 – timings subject to change based on flights
5:15am Depart from pier in Xiamen and transfer to airport
6:00am Arrive at the airport
TBA Flight Xiamen/Chengdu (TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrive in Chengdu
11:30am Lunch at a local restaurant
1:00pm Visit Wuhou Temple (Memorial Temple of Marquis Martial)
2:30pm Visit Jinli Ancient Street
4:00pm Check in at your hotel and rest of evening is at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Depart from hotel and transfer to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
8:45am Visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
11:30am Lunch at a local restaurant
12:30pm Transfer to Sanxindui Museum
1:30pm Visit Sanxindui Museum
3:30pm Depart from Sanxindui Museum
5:00pm Return to the hotel and rest of evening is at leisure
Dinner on own
Overnight at Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3 – timings subject to change based on flights
AM Breakfast at your hotel
7:15am Depart for the airport
8:00am Arrival at the airport
TBA Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai (Flight TBA and subject to change)
TBA Arrive in Shanghai
Upon arrival, transfer to the ship
Expected Weather:
Chengdu weather in June - The average high temperature is 28 C / 82 F and the average low temperature is
21 C / 70 F. June is also characterized as a wet month therefore bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case of rain.
What to Bring: Light loose clothing and comfortable walking shoes for touring and a jacket in case of cooler weather. The attire is casual for the entire program. An umbrella is also recommended for spring weather.
Note about restrooms: Restrooms in China vary from having toilets to holes in the floor and their cleanliness standards are not always up to par with those of the western world. You will encounter both types of restroom facilities on your travels in China. It is advisable to have hand sanitizer and extra tissues or toilet paper at all times just in case they are needed.
Local Currency: The Chinese Yuan, denoted by CNY, is the official currency in China. You can use US dollars / Euros/ English pounds in hotels, in friendship stores, to buy things from vendors in the scenic spots, to pay for any optional tours and to tip porters of the hotels, tour guides and drivers or whomever you want to tip. You cannot use US dollars or other foreign currencies in department stores or small convenience stores, local restaurants, or if you try to buy things from some street vendors.
Electricity: The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC. A transformer is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in the guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available. We recommend you bring your own travel adaptor if required.
Luggage allowance for flights:
Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on bag not exceeding 7 kg (15 lbs) in weight and 1 checked piece of luggage not exceeding 20kg (44lbs) in weight. Any excess or overweight bags will be at the expense of each guest payable at the airport upon check in for flights.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and visa requirements:
A valid passport is required and must be brought on this program
Consult your local Chinese embassy regarding visa requirements for your nationality.
A Chinese Visa is required
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.
Aircraft type (subject to change):
Boeing or Airbus - TBA
Hotel address:
Ritz-Carlton Chengdu Hotel
269 Shuncheng Avenue, Qingyang District, Chengdu, China
TEL: 86-28-8358 8888
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes:
•2 night’s accommodation at Ritz-Carlton Hotel or similar with daily breakfasts – deluxe room
•All tours as per itinerary
•2 breakfasts and 2 lunches (lunch includes a choice of one glass of soft drinks, local beer or local mineral water)
•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
•National guide to accompany the group
•Economy class air tickets Xiamen - Chengdu - Shanghai - direct flights not guaranteed
Program Excludes:
•Any meals and drinks not specified above
•Gratuities to drivers and tour guides
•Hotel incidentals and other personal items
•Chinese Visa
•Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
