Splendid China with Tibet

Welcome to the heart of China - Beijing!

Once you arrive at the airport, your private guide will meet and escort you to check into the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey or stepping out to explore the amazing capital on your own.

Start your exploration in Beijing from Tiananmen Square, the political center and symbol of modern China. Opposite the Square is the architectural masterpiece Forbidden City, the former residence of the emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This palace complex earned its name because only the royalty, courtiers, and those who had permission from the emperor were allowed to enter. But now you can explore it in person.

In the afternoon, delve into Beijing's old neighborhoods and enjoy a rickshaw ride to see Hutongs, where the traditional way of life remains well-preserved. Move leisurely forward and wander around the Houhai (literally back sea) bar street.

In the evening, a Kung Fu Show at an additional cost will be suggested for you to appreciate the Chinese martial arts.

The Great Wall is undoubtedly an engineering masterpiece left by the ancient Chinese. It was precipitously built across the historical northern borders of China to protect the empire from attacks and invasions of nomadic tribes. Today climb the China Great Wall at the most photogenic section - Great Wall at Mutianyu. You can also take a cable car up to the Wall to admire the splendid views. Followed by is the Sacred Road, once considered the road leading to heaven by emperors. Stroll through it and listen to the intriguing stories behind it from your guide.

Continue the Beijing history discovery to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex used by Chinese emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties for ceremonies to heaven.

Afterward, hop on a high-speed train to Xi'an. Your guide there will meet you at the railway station and escort you to check into the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

A spot that should definitely be on the bucket list in Xi'an is the Terracotta Warriors. Commissioned by the first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang as part of his mausoleum, these life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots were first discovered by local farmers while digging a well in 1976.

Return to the city proper in the afternoon and visit the Ancient City Wall, here you can explore by bike or on foot to get a great view of the inner city.

At night, watching a Tang Dynasty Show admiring the fabulous music and dance of the golden age of ancient China is an option to know more about Chinese history and culture.

Leave Xi'an behind and fly to Tibet, known as "Roof of the World", a holy land on the high plateau. Upon your arrival in the capital city of Lhasa, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Make the most of the rest of the day to relax and adapt yourself to the altitude.

An attraction that cannot be missed in Tibet is the magnificent Potala Palace, the winter residence of the former Dalai Lamas. You can find towering fortress-like walls, stately palaces, Buddha statues, Thangka, and traditional Tibetan scriptures. Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, is also a must-see. Lots of pilgrims prostrating themselves to express devoutness here. Next to it is Barkhor Street, where you may join the faithful Tibetans in colorful attires and walk clockwise in a pilgrimage circle.

The tour today begins at Norbulingka Park. Consisting of several palaces and the surrounding park, it was the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Continue the steps to Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries, which used to house as many as 10,000 monks. The last stop for the day is the Sera Monastery, noted for its unique Buddhist debates involving an unusual amount of hands slapping and pushing.

Spend some leisure time on your own until being escorted to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Arriving at the airport, your local guide will meet you and help you check into your hotel. Take a good break at the hotel or delve into the city for your own exploration.

Have a morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding when the pandas are most active during the day. You can find those adorable pandas eating bamboos, climbing trees, or naughtily playing with each other. Move on to Wenshu Temple, to appreciate the exquisite architecture, and feel the slow-paced life of Chengdu. Conclude today by strolling through the famed Jinli Old Street, a perfect place to sample delicious Sichuanese snacks and shop for locally-made souvenirs.

For the night, an optional Sichuan Opera show is recommended to take in a perfect combination of folk music, dancing, acrobatics, and shadow puppets.

Before heading for Shanghai, enjoy some time at the Chengdu Museum, an excellently curated one offering a good insight into Chengdu's history.

After that, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.

Begin your discovery of Shanghai at the iconic Shanghai Museum. Considered one of China's first world-class museums, it houses an amazing collection of ancient Chinese artworks. Continue to the Yu Garden, once a private garden dating to the 16^th century. Followed by is the bustling Yuyuan Market. For a change of pace, take in the fusion glamour of the Bund, the famous riverfront of Shanghai where you can contrast the colonial-era buildings with the modern skyscrapers on the opposite bank. Have a leisurely walk around the Former French Concession to discover historic buildings constructed by France in the 19th century.

If you'd prefer more tonight, an optional Acrobatics Show is recommended.

Your vacation in China with lovely pandas and holy Tibet comes to end. Free time for you until be collected at the hotel lobby and transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.