China Tour Shanghai + Tibet + Xi 'an + Beijing 13 days 12 nights group tour

[Number of days]

13 days, 12 nights

[Summary of the trip]

Shanghai-Shanghai Tower-Yu Garden-Nanjing Road-The Bund

Tibet-Potala Palace-Jokhang Temple-Yamdrok Lake-Mount Everest

Xi 'an-Terracotta Warriors-ancient city wall-Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Beijing-Tiananmen Square-The Forbidden City-the Summer Palace-Mutianyu Great Wall

[scheduling]

date

scheduling

Day 1

Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai, the magic city. Our driver will greet you at the airport/station exit and escort you to the hotel in downtown Shanghai for check-in. You can arrange your free time as you like. If you are tired, you can rest at the hotel to recharge your energy. If you have time, you can also go around the surrounding area.

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

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Shanghai

Recommended way to arrive:

1. Airports: Shanghai has two airports-Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), which have many domestic direct flights, such as Beijing, Xi 'an, Chengdu, Kunming, Harbin, Hong Kong, etc., as well as international direct flights, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Los Angeles, Japan, etc., making transportation very convenient.

2. Train: There are five railway stations in Shanghai. You can take the high-speed train to Shanghai from Beijing (4.5-6 hours), Xi 'an (6-7.5 hours), Huangshan (2.5-3 hours), Guangzhou (7-8.5 hours), Suzhou (0.5 hours), Hangzhou (about 45 minutes), Wuhan (3.5-4.5 hours) and other places.

Day 2

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 is 546 meters above ground level. From here, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Shanghai's skyline and cityscape, overlooking famous buildings in all directions. If you are interested, you can also visit the Shanghai Sky Post Office, the world's tallest post office, to send a special message from above 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. These are particularly worth seeing.

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, during the Ming Dynasty, by Pan Yunzhuang, the governor of Sichuan, for his father's retirement. The garden has a history of over 460 years and was initially constructed as a private garden. Strolling through 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, often referred to 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 Hall and Shanghai City God Temple will be replaced;

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

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

Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Shanghai

Day 3

Shanghai fly to Lhasa: pick-up service + hotel accommodation

After breakfast, you will have some free time in Shanghai 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 on the plateau, it is most important for you 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 the center of Lhasa

Day 4

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

After breakfast, 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. As you ascend the long staircase of the Potala Palace, you will enjoy panoramic views of Lhasa, taking photos and resting along the way. 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 the 12-year-old Sakyamuni and devout pilgrims paying homage at the Jokhang Temple.

After leaving the Jokhang Temple, you can walk around it 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 can also find a sweet tea house to learn about the Tibetan people's peaceful and contented nature. Enjoy a special Tibetan group dinner at dinner.

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

Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

Day 5

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. On 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 clear blue skies blend into 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 visit the ancient city of Jiangzi before arriving in Shigatse City, the capital of the western Tibet region, 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 6

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. Along the way, you will cross the 5,100-meter-high Jia Wula Pass, where you can witness the magnificent sight of four snow-capped peaks over 8,000 meters high in a row. From left to right, these peaks are: 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 nature reserve, Mount Everest, and the world's highest temple, Rongbuk Monastery (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, situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters, where you will stay overnight. As dusk descends, the mountains are gradually enveloped in darkness, while the summit of Mount Everest stands out like a golden crown under the setting sun, shining brightly in the sky. Enjoy the unique honor of being the highest point on Earth, where you are the only one.

[kindly reminder]

1. Accommodation is provided in tents at the Mount Everest Camp (8-15 people per tent, multi-bed rooms, 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 you 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 or rent down jackets from the base camp for warmth

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

Accommodation: Everest tent/house

Day 7

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

In the early morning, as the peaks are still in slumber, 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, which stands at an altitude of 5220 meters. At Jiacuo La Pass, the upper part of the view is a pristine 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 flags, predominantly 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 8

Shigatse-Lhasa-Xi 'an: airport pick-up service

This morning, you will be flying to Xi 'an. Welcome to Xi' an! Our driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the city center for check-in. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish. If you feel tired, you can rest at the hotel to recharge. If you have 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 8th day, take a bullet train from Shigatse to Lhasa, and fly from Lhasa to Xi 'an in the afternoon;

B. On the 7th night, take a bullet train from Shigatse to Lhasa, and on the 8th day, fly from Lhasa to Xi 'an;

C. On the 8th day, fly directly from Shigatse to Xi 'an (with transfer);

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

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Xi 'an

Day 9

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, also known as the Xi' an Ming City Wall, which was originally built 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 10

Xi 'an to Beijing 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 panoramic views of Xi 'an. Following this, you will head to the famous food culture street in Xi' an, Hui Min Street, where you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and savor the unique local snacks and delicacies.

After the tour, our driver will take you to Xi 'an Railway Station and take the high-speed train to Beijing.

Upon arrival in Beijing, our driver will meet you at the exit of the railway station and take you to the hotel in downtown Beijing for check-in. You can arrange your remaining time freely. If you are tired, you can rest in the hotel to recharge your energy. If you have time early, you can also go around the surrounding area.

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

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Beijing

Day 11

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 world's largest city center square and holds a significant place in Chinese history. It has witnessed countless major historical events. Here, you can admire the majestic 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 visit the important palaces, admiring their magnificent and exquisite ancient architecture while learning about the historical stories of the Forbidden City through your guide's explanations. After your tour, you can head to the nearby Jingshan Park (about a 15-minute walk) to enjoy panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the stunning 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, Bridges and other beautiful scenery.

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 12

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 can start by taking a cable car to the 14th watchtower, then walk westward, enjoying the magnificent mountain views and the grandeur of the Great Wall along the way. Finally, reach the highest point, the 20th watchtower, to complete your Great Wall journey.

After visiting the Great Wall, we will return to the center of Beijing and take a road trip to see 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 for a good rest.

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

Accommodation: Hotel in the center of Beijing

Day 13

Leaving Beijing: airport/station pick-up service

After breakfast, we will conclude this wonderful journey. Our driver will take you to the airport or train station for your next destination. If you wish to extend your trip and explore more destinations in China, please feel free to contact us for arrangements. Lastly, we sincerely thank you for joining us in exploring China. We look forward to welcoming you again on a future day. Wishing you a safe journey!

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

Accommodation: None

[Included]

[Excluded]

Transportation: economy class air tickets from Shanghai to Lhasa and from Lhasa to Xi 'an; second-class seat of high-speed train from Xi' an to Beijing;

Hotel: provide basic double room, i.e. standard room (no guarantee of natural single room, i.e. king size room, no bed 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 for the 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/English/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 in the middle of 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 factors (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 make reservations on your behalf, additional charges will apply;