Embark on a nine-night, five-city tour of China -- including a tour of a giant panda breeding and research base -- for $1799 per person.

Piecing together such a complex itinerary, including flights within China and the upscale hotels, would be up to $2340 more per person for the same departure dates.

This trip from Los Angeles includes:

• Airfare to Beijing on Air China and then back from Xi'an
• All transfers with bag handling
• Nine nights in 4.5- to 5-star hotels
• 18 meals: Breakfast daily, eight lunches & one dinner
• Flight from Beijing to Shanghai
• Bullet train ride roundtrip from Shanghai to Hangzhou
• Flights from Shanghai to Chengdu & Chengdu to Xi'an
• All tours & services of guides
• Hotel and air taxes paid

Highlights include the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the modern city of Shanghai, Hangzhou's Six Harmonies Pagoda and Xi'an's Terra Cotta Army archaeological finds.

Also visit the Chengdu Panda Base to observe China's most recognized animal and then unwind among locals in the Chengdu People's Park.

Depart on Dec. 13 or Jan. 17 for $1799 per person. For $100-$200 more, travel Nov. 8, Dec. 27, Feb. 21 or March 21. Other dates September-March also are discounted.