China Tour 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 partly because only the royalty, courtiers, and those who had permission from the emperor were allowed to enter. But now you can explore this once-forbidden world in person.

In the afternoon, delve into Beijing's old neighborhoods with a relaxed rickshaw ride through the Hutongs, where the traditional way of life continues as it has for generations. Move leisurely forward and then wander around the Houhai bar street.

In the morning, a comfortable 2-hour drive brings you to the Great Wall, a wonder of ancient China's defense. The Mutianyu section is specially selected for its gentler slope and easier access compared to other parts of the wall. A round-trip cable car is included, so you don't have to climb too much.

During the guided tour, you can stop anytime to take in the views. Standing inside a watchtower and looking out through its openings, you'll see the Great Wall stretching into the distance, surrounded by lush green mountains as far as the eye can see.

In the late afternoon, drive back to the city and enjoy the rest of the time relaxing.

Start the day with a visit to the historic Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex where emperors once performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests. As you walk around, you'll see local people doing morning exercises in the parkland, join in a tai chi practice if you wish.

Afterward, transfer to the railway station to board a smooth and comfortable high-speed train to Xi'an. Your guide there will meet you at the station and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. Settle in at your own pace.

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 offer a powerful glimpse into the craftsmanship of early imperial China. The heritage site is extensive, but with flat walking paths, you'll have time to explore at a comfortable pace.

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 old and new city.

Leave Xi'an behind and fly to Lhasa, a holy land on the high plateau at an altitude of about 3,650 meters. Known for its spiritual heritage, Lhasa will show you a different side. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is 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 attire 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 traditional philosophical debates. You'll find monks using dramatic hand claps and gestures to emphasize their arguments, which is lively and energetic.

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.

In the early morning, head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding when the pandas are most active during the day. You can observe those adorable pandas eating bamboo, climbing trees, or naughtily playing with each other.

Move on to Wenshu Temple to appreciate the exquisite architecture, and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle 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.

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 as 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 16th century. Just outside is the bustling Yuyuan Market. Take a stroll, and you'll see a variety of interesting little trinkets and finds.

Later, 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. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Former French Concession, where the tree-lined streets and European-style architecture create a soothing atmosphere and add a relaxed touch to the day's tour.

Your vacation in China with lovely pandas and holy Tibet comes to an end. You'll have some time to explore on your own until your scheduled pickup at the hotel lobby, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.