Journey through Beijing and Tibet: Beijing + Xi 'an + Chengdu + Tibet + Shanghai 15-day classic China tour

[Number of days]

15 days, 14 nights

[Summary of the trip]

Beijing-The Forbidden City-The Summer Palace-Mutianyu Great Wall-Xi 'an-Terracotta Warriors-ancient city wall-Big Wild Goose Pagoda-Chengdu-Panda Base-Sanxingdui-Lhasa-Potala Palace-Yamdrok Lake-Shigatse-Mount Everest-Lhasa-Shanghai-Yu Garden-The Bund

[scheduling]

date

 scheduling

Day 1

Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China. Our driver will meet you at the airport/station exit and take you to your hotel in downtown Beijing for a rest. After that, you can relax at the hotel to relieve the time difference or go around the area.

Catering: Breakfast: self-service lunch: self-service dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Beijing

Recommended way to arrive:

1. Airports: Beijing is served by two major airports, Daxing International Airport and Capital International Airport. Both airports offer a wide range of international and domestic flights. You can fly to Beijing from countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Cambodia, as well as from major cities in China, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, and Wuhan.

2. Train: Beijing's rail transit system is extremely developed. You can take high-speed trains from Xi' an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Harbin and other cities to Beijing.

Day 2

One day tour of Beijing: Tian 'anmen Square + The Forbidden City + Jingshan Park + Summer Palace

After breakfast, you will visit the world-renowned Tiananmen Square. Located on Beijing's central axis, it is the largest city center square in the world and holds a significant place in Chinese history. It has witnessed countless major historical events. Here, you can admire the majestic and solemn Tiananmen Gate and learn about the rich and enduring Chinese culture.

After crossing the square, you will visit the Palace Museum in Beijing. The Forbidden City, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, is situated at the heart of Beijing's central axis. It served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world. Here, you can follow the central axis to explore the important palaces, admiring their magnificent and exquisite ancient architecture while learning about the historical stories of the Forbidden City through the guide's explanations. After your visit, you can head to the nearby Jingshan Park (about a 15-minute walk) to enjoy panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the magnificent scenery of Beijing.

In the afternoon, you will take a bus to visit the famous imperial garden-The Summer Palace. [The Summer Palace] is one of the four famous gardens in China and one of the largest and best preserved imperial gardens in China. It is also known as the museum of imperial gardens. The scenery inside the garden is beautiful, with pavilions, terraces, towers, lakes and Bridges.

Tip: The Palace Museum in Beijing will be closed on Monday and the tour order will be changed according to specific circumstances.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes Lunch: Yes Dinner: Self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Beijing

Day 3

One day tour of Beijing Great Wall: Mutianyu Great Wall + Bird's Nest + Water Cube

After breakfast, you will take a vehicle to visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Mutianyu section is the longest and best-preserved part of the Great Wall, known for its unique beauty. You will first take a cable car to reach the 14th watchtower, then walk westward, enjoying the magnificent mountain views and the grandeur of the Great Wall along the way. Finally, you will reach the highest point, the 20th watchtower, completing your Great Wall journey.

After visiting the Great Wall, we will return to the center of Beijing and visit the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Sports Center) and the Water Cube (Beijing National Swimming Center) and take photos with them. Then we will return to the hotel and have a good rest.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes Lunch: Yes Dinner: Self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Beijing

Day 4

High-speed train trip from Beijing to Xi 'an: pick-up service + hotel stay

Today, our driver will take you to Beijing Railway Station and then take a high-speed train to Xi 'an. The journey takes about 4.5~5.5 hours and you can enjoy the scenery of Chinese towns and mountains along the way.

Upon arrival at Xi 'an Railway Station, our driver will meet you at the exit of the railway station and take you to the downtown hotel in Xi' an for rest. After that, you can have free time to rest in the hotel or go around the surrounding area.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Xi 'an

Day 5

Xi 'an one-day tour: Terracotta Warriors + ancient city wall + bell tower, drum tower

After breakfast, you will take a vehicle to visit the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the 'Eight Wonders of the World.' The Terracotta Army Museum, built on the original site of the pits, is China's largest ancient military museum. You will tour Pits 1, 2, and 3 in sequence, guided by a professional tour guide, learning about the historical background, production techniques, and the lesser-known stories behind these thousand-year-old terracotta warriors.

In the afternoon, visit the historic Xi 'an Ancient City Wall. The [Xi' an Ancient City Wall], also known as the Xi'an Ming City Wall, was initially constructed during the Ming Dynasty. It is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. You can climb up the wall and walk on the historical blue bricks, experiencing the charm of the ancient city wall and enjoying the stunning scenery that combines the ancient city wall with the modern urban landscape.

In addition, near the ancient city wall of Xi'an, you can visit the impressive Bell Tower and Drum Tower. These structures, dating back to the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, have a history of about 600 years. The two towers stand in harmony, exuding grandeur. As night falls, the music fountain on the square of the Bell and Drum Towers, along with the lights of the towers, come to life, creating a breathtaking scene.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes Lunch: Yes Dinner: Self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Xi 'an

Day 6

Xi 'an to Chengdu one day tour: Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Hui Street + pick-up service

After breakfast, you will visit the famous cultural landmark of Xi 'an-the Great Wild Goose Pagoda. Located within the Daci' en Temple, this pagoda is the oldest and largest surviving Tang Dynasty square pavilion-style brick tower, with a seven-story structure standing approximately 64 meters tall. Here, you can admire the ancient architectural style and view the scriptures and Buddha statues brought back by Master Xuanzang from India. You can also climb this thousand-year-old pagoda to enjoy the cityscape of Xi 'an. If you are interested, you can don traditional Hanfu and stroll through the ancient buildings, feeling as if you have traveled back in time. You can also take photos with the ancient and elegant pagoda, capturing beautiful moments from your trip. Afterward, you will head to the famous food culture street of Xi' an-Hui Street, where you can experience the local atmosphere and savor the unique local snacks.

After the tour, our driver will take you to Xi 'an Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3~4 hours).

Welcome to Chengdu. Our driver will meet you at the exit of the railway station and escort you to the hotel in downtown Chengdu for check-in. You can arrange your time freely. If you are tired, you can rest in the hotel. If you have time, you can also go around the surrounding area.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Chengdu hotel

Day 7

Chengdu one day tour: Chengdu Panda Base + Sanxingdui + Jinli

After breakfast, you will take a bus to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu. Here, you can admire the charming giant pandas and learn about their living habits and conservation efforts. Known as the Chengdu Panda Base, this facility houses over 100 giant pandas, making it the world's largest captive giant panda breeding center. You will see pandas of all ages playing, eating, climbing mountains and trees, and sleeping in the park. You can also follow your guide to explore the Panda Museum for more stories about the pandas. Additionally, if you visit in autumn, you might have the chance to see adorable panda cubs in the Moon and Sun Birth Rooms.

In the afternoon, you will travel about 50 kilometers (about 1 hour) to visit the Sanxingdui Museum, known as 'slept for three thousand years, awakened to astonish the world.' [Sanxingdui] was discovered in 1929 and is the largest, longest-lasting, and most culturally rich ancient site found in southwestern China to date. Here, you will see the majestic bronze standing figure, the exquisitely crafted bronze divine tree, the delicate golden mask, and the intricately decorated gold staff... Following the guide's steps, you will journey through the mists of history to uncover the mysteries of ancient Shu civilization and explore the stories behind these artifacts.

Note: The Sanxingdui Museum is very crowded during the holidays, and tickets are hard to get. We will try our best to grab tickets. If we fail to get them, we will adjust them to [Jinsha Site Museum] according to the situation. Please understand.

After the tour, return to the heart of Chengdu and stroll through Jinli Ancient Street. [Jinli] is Chengdu's oldest and most vibrant commercial district, with a history dating back to the Qin and Han dynasties. Here, you can explore and savor Chengdu's traditional snacks, watch engaging folk performances, and admire the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes Lunch: Yes Dinner: Self-service

Accommodation: Chengdu hotel

Day 8

Chengdu to Lhasa: airport pick-up service

After breakfast, you will have some free time in Chengdu before the driver takes you to the airport for a flight to Lhasa.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit. Upon your arrival in the plateau, what you need most is to slow down and relax. We will take you to the hotel for a full rest so that your body can gradually adapt to the plateau atmosphere. Zaxi Delo!!

Warm reminder: On the day you arrive in Lhasa, avoid strenuous activities and do not bathe that night to prevent catching a cold. Avoid alcohol. Drink plenty of water and eat fruits, but avoid overeating. Get plenty of rest and consider taking health supplements like American ginseng lozenges or Rhodiola rosea, or Highland Peace, to help alleviate altitude sickness. Follow your tour guide's advice and try to stay indoors. Maintaining a calm mindset and getting adequate rest is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention promptly.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

Day 9

A one-day tour of Lhasa: Potala Palace + Jokhang Temple + Barkhor Street

After breakfast, we will visit the Potala Palace, the world's highest ancient palace-fortress complex. The Potala Palace is situated on Marpori Hill in the northwest of Lhasa, a magnificent structure that combines elements of a palace, fortress, and temple. It is the largest and most complete ancient palace-fortress complex in Tibet. Built into the mountain, the Potala Palace has 13 stories, stands 117.19 meters tall, and stretches over 400 meters from east to west. You will ascend the long staircase of the Potala Palace, enjoying panoramic views of Lhasa as you go. Take photos and rest, then step into the Potala Palace to explore this mysterious and ancient palace, rarely depicted in pictures online.

Then, visit the Jokhang Temple, a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhist believers. The Jokhang Temple, originally constructed in 647 AD, has a history of 1350 years. It is the most magnificent building from the Tubo period that still stands in Tibet, featuring 5 golden roofs and 108 Buddha halls. Here, you can see the world-renowned life-size statue of Sakyamuni at the age of 12 and devout pilgrims paying homage before the temple.

After leaving the Jokhang Temple, you can walk around the temple in a clockwise direction, imagining yourself as a Tibetan circumambulating the Potala. Alternatively, you can explore the handicraft market on Barkhor Street, or simply stroll through the city, enjoying the warmth of the Sun City. You might also find a sweet tea house to soak in the tranquility and contentment of Tibetan life. Enjoy a special Tibetan group dinner at dinner.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: yes

Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

Day 10

Lhasa to Shigatse one day tour: Yamdrok Lake + Karola Glacier

After breakfast, you will take a vehicle to Shigatse, the capital of the western Tibet region. Along the way, you will cross the Gangba La Pass at an altitude of 4,600 meters, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Gangba La Radar Station. Afterward, you will continue on to visit Yamdrok Yumco, the world's highest freshwater lake. Known as Yamdrok Yumco or simply Yamdrok Lake, it is Tibetan for' Swan Lake. 'Situated at an elevation of 4,441 meters, it is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet. The lake's beauty is unparalleled in southern Tibet, where the crystal-clear waters, towering snow-capped mountains, and a sky of pristine blue blend together to create a breathtaking landscape that leaves visitors spellbound.

After visiting Yamdrok Lake, you will travel by vehicle from Langka to the Karola Glacier, which stands at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. The Karola Glacier, situated along the road, resembles a giant thangka hanging on the mountain wall, crystal clear and pristine white, so close that it seems almost within reach. Finally, you will travel through the ancient city of Jiangzi to the capital of the western Tibet region, Shigatse City, at an altitude of 3,750 meters, where you will check into your accommodation.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse

Day 11

One day tour of Mount Everest in Shigatse: Mount Everest Base Camp + Rongbu Temple

After breakfast, you will take a vehicle to the Mount Everest Base Camp, crossing the 5,100-meter-high Jia Wula Pass. Here, you will witness the magnificent sight of four snow-capped peaks over 8,000 meters high, arranged in a row from left to right: Makalu (8,463 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Mount Everest (8,848 meters), and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters).

Then, you will head to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest Nature Reserve, and the world's highest temple, Rongbuk Monastery, situated at an altitude of 4,900 meters. From here, you can gaze southward at Mount Everest, which is widely recognized as the best vantage point for viewing the mountain. Afterward, you will take an eco-friendly vehicle to the base camp of Mount Everest, located at an altitude of 5,200 meters. As dusk descends and night slowly envelops the mountains, the summit of Mount Everest will appear like a golden crown of a goddess, shimmering in the sunset, allowing you to enjoy the unique honor of standing atop the world and being the only one on Earth.

[kindly reminder]

1. Accommodation is provided in tents at the Mount Everest Camp (8-15 people per tent, multi-person beds, public toilets, limited facilities). The overall conditions are relatively clean and tidy, but they are significantly different from city hotels. Please understand that from October to April each year, due to the cold weather, the tents will be moved out of the Mount Everest Camp, and we will stay in homestays near the mountain

2. The food and accommodation are poor, the altitude is high and the temperature is low. Please take precautions against cold. Pay attention to safety and prevent altitude reaction. The temperature is about 0-8 degrees in summer at night. Please bring warm clothes and rent down jackets in the base camp for warmth

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: yes

Accommodation: Everest tent/house

Day 12

Mount Everest Base Camp-Shigatse: Mount Everest sunrise + Jiacuo La Pass

In the early morning, as the peaks are still in the dawn, you will gaze up at Mount Everest, the world's highest peak (8,844.43 meters), to experience the spiritual cleansing of this sacred mountain. The summit of Mount Everest, with its perennial snow, hanging glaciers, and towering silver peaks, presents a scene of pure sanctity. Afterward, you will carry the lingering beauty of Mount Everest, admire the majestic and awe-inspiring Himalayas, which stretch for thousands of miles, and the ceaselessly flowing Yarlung Zangbo River Valley, before returning to Shigatse.

Along the way, you will pass through the Jiacuo La Pass at an altitude of 5,220 meters. At the Jiacuo La Pass, the upper part of the view is a pure azure, while the lower part is a monotonous ochre and grayish yellow. Apart from the gray mountain paths, there are almost no signs of life. Tibetans often hang prayer flags in areas where people frequently visit. These prayer flags, typically red, blue, yellow, and green, stand out boldly against the monotonous landscape, achieving a striking balance.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse

Day 13

Shigatse-Lhasa-Shanghai: airport pick-up service

Today, you will be flying to Shanghai. Welcome to Shanghai! Our driver will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in the city center for check-in. You can spend the rest of your time as you wish. If you feel tired, you can rest at the hotel to recharge. If you have more time, you can explore the surrounding area.

Note: Due to the adjustment of flight/motors timetable in different seasons, there may be arrangements for departure from Lhasa:

A. On the morning of the 13th, take a bullet train from Shigatse to Lhasa, and fly from Lhasa to Shanghai in the afternoon;

B. On the 12th night, take a bullet train from Shigatse to Lhasa, and on the 13th day, take a plane from Lhasa to Shanghai;

C. Take a direct flight from Shigatse to Shanghai on the 13th day (involving transfer);

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: Shanghai hotel

Day 14

One day tour of Shanghai: Shanghai Tower + Shanghai Museum + Yu Garden + Nanjing Road + The Bund

After breakfast, you will head to the Lujiazui business district in Pudong, Shanghai, to visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in Shanghai and China. Here, you will ride the world's fastest observation elevator (73.8 km/h) to the 118th floor, the' Shanghai Sky View Hall, 'which stands 546 meters above the ground. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai's skyline and cityscape, overlooking famous buildings around you. If you are interested, you can also visit the Shanghai Sky Post Office, currently the world's tallest post office, to send a special message from the clouds to your family and friends.

Then, visit the Shanghai Museum, one of China's four major museums, to admire a variety of exquisite traditional and precious cultural relics, gaining a deeper understanding of China's long and rich history and culture. Known as the 'half of the cultural relics world,' the Shanghai Museum is designed with a round top and a square base, reflecting the ancient Chinese concept of 'heavenly roundness and earthly squareness.' The museum houses over 1.02 million artifacts, including the most valuable pieces from China's 5000-year civilization. Among the highlights are the Da Ke Ding, a bronze vessel dating back about 3000 years; the Jinhou Su Bell, an ancient musical instrument from the Western Zhou period; the Shang Yang Fang Sheng, a relic from Shang Yang's reforms; and the Zizhong Jiang Pan, a bronze vessel from the Spring and Autumn period featuring over 30 aquatic animals, all of which are well worth a visit.

Afterward, visit the renowned [Yuyuan], known as the 'Crown of Southeastern Gardens,' to admire the classical Chinese Jiangnan gardens. Yuyuan was originally built in 1559 AD during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing period, and it has a history of over 460 years. It was initially constructed by Pan Yun, the governor of Sichuan during the Ming Dynasty, as a private garden for his father's retirement. Strolling along the winding paths of Yuyuan, visitors can enjoy the intricate garden layouts, exquisite classical architecture, and masterful brick, stone, clay, and wood carvings. The nearby Yuyuan Mall is a bustling area where you can savor authentic Shanghai cuisine or explore various traditional Chinese handicraft shops.

Afterward, you can walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, known as the 'First Street of Chinese Commerce,' to the Bund. The 2-kilometer walk will take you through the architectural styles of Shanghai from the 1930s and 1940s, and you can explore various century-old brand stores. The Bund, located on the west bank of the Huangpu River, is one of Shanghai's iconic landmarks and is known as the' Exhibition of International Architecture.' It features 52 buildings with diverse styles, including the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, Peace Hotel, and HSBC Bank. Stepping into this area feels like stepping back into the golden age of the former Oriental Wall Street. From the riverside, you can also enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center.

hint:

1) The Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden will be closed on Monday, and the Shanghai Museum East and Shanghai City God Temple will be replaced;

2) During the peak season of tourism, if the ticket reservation is not available for Shanghai Museum (People's Square), it will be changed to visit the East Museum of Shanghai Museum.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes Lunch: Yes Dinner: Self-service

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Shanghai

Day 15

Leaving Shanghai: airport/station pick-up service

After breakfast, we will conclude our 8-day exploration of ancient and modern China, from Beijing to Xi'an and Shanghai. Our driver will take you to the airport or train station for your next destination. If you wish to extend your journey and explore more destinations in China, such as Chengdu, Tibet, Yunnan, Zhangjiajie, and Harbin, please feel free to contact us for arrangements.

Catering: Breakfast: Yes, lunch: self-service, dinner: self-service

Accommodation: None

[Included]

[Excluded]

Transportation: including second-class seat on high-speed train from Beijing to Xi 'an and from Xi' an to Chengdu; economy class on plane from Chengdu to Lhasa and from Lhasa to Shanghai;

Hotel: provide basic double room, i.e. standard room (no guarantee of natural single room, i.e. king bed room, no room reservation and no breakfast); if there is a single male and female in the group, if there are other single out same sex guests willing to share the room, the travel agency will assist to arrange the room sharing, if not, you need to pay the difference of single room;

Dinner: the meals listed in the itinerary (including breakfast in the hotel) are included, and other meals are self-provided. The guide will assist in arranging them;

Ticket: It includes the first entrance ticket of the scenic spots listed in the itinerary. If you cannot visit the scenic spots due to emergency, we will negotiate with tourists to change the scenic spots;

Vehicle: the full cost of the vehicle (including road and bridge tolls, fuel costs, mountain entry fees, self-management during free time); the car will be arranged according to the number of people, if tourists give up the itinerary, the car fee will not be refunded;

Guide: Arrange Chinese/British/bilingual guide according to the actual situation;

Insurance: travel accident insurance, tourist car seat insurance, travel agency liability insurance (three insurances are complete);

Single room difference: the hotel defaults to one room for two people (except for multi-person rooms). If you stay in a single room, you must make up the single room difference;

Room damage: since the room is booked in full payment, the room fee will be borne by yourself if the itinerary changes during the trip;

Personal consumption: laundry, telephone, fax, pay TV, drinks, snacks, tobacco and alcohol and other personal consumption in the hotel;

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as irresistible objective reasons and non-travel agency reasons (e.g., natural disasters, wars, strikes, epidemics), or airline flight issues, insufficient number of participants, etc., the travel agency reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. The travel agency may charge additional fees for any excess costs. Round-trip transportation: The round-trip transportation costs for the first and last days are not included in the tour fee. If the travel agency needs to book these services on your behalf, an additional fee will be charged.