18 Days Beijing Xian Xining Lhasa Chongqing Shanghai Tour

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our local guide and escorted to your downtown hotel. After check-in, you can relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Optional Activity:
We recommend a stroll through Beijing’s historic Hutongs, traditional alleyways filled with charm and culture. Popular ones to visit include Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixiejie, Mao’er Hutong, and Bada Hutong.

Start your day with a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its "graceful" beauty and well-preserved watchtowers. Hike along the ancient walls and take in the breathtaking scenery.

After lunch, visit the Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1590 for Emperor Shenzong and his queen, the tomb is a grand example of Ming Dynasty architecture. Covering 100,000 square meters, it features the traditional layout of imperial tombs, with the emperor’s and empress’s underground palaces offering a fascinating look into history.

After breakfast, your guide will take you to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. Next, you’ll explore the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors over 500 years. Though only a portion of its 9,000 rooms are accessible, you'll get a glimpse into imperial life and governance.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where ancient Chinese emperors once prayed for good harvests and the nation’s well-being.

After the tour, you'll head to the train station to board the overnight high-speed train to Xi’an. The journey from Beijing to Xi’an takes around 12 hours, offering a comfortable experience in the modern sleeping cabins of China’s advanced bullet train.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, your guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel. After a short rest, you’ll begin your tour.

Start with the Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved Ming Dynasty wall in China, stretching 14 kilometers. Enjoy a walk along the wall for a view of the imperial city's layout from over 1,000 years ago.

Next, visit the Bell Tower, a 600-year-old landmark with a large bronze bell. Adjacent is the Drum Tower, China’s largest, with impressive drums engraved with the 24 solar terms.

End the day with a stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can explore the largest mosque in China and sample local snacks and ethnic handicrafts.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

Travel Tip: You can rent a bike for 45 RMB to cycle along the City Wall.

Today, visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the famous Terracotta Army.

Start with the Terracotta Army, one of the world’s eight wonders. These life-sized warriors were buried with the Emperor in an expansive underground palace.

Next, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built 1,300 years ago by Buddhist Master Xuanzang. It showcases Tang Dynasty craftsmanship and offers insights into the spread of Buddhism in China.

Finish the day with a visit to Weiyang Palace Relics Park, the former imperial palace from 200 BC, now a public park where you can enjoy local leisure life.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

Travel Tip: An extra 30 RMB is required to climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Today marks the start of your legendary Tibet train journey!

In the morning, take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Xining, the gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Upon arrival in Xining, your guide will greet you at the station and take you to a local restaurant for a traditional Beef Noodles lunch.

Afterward, return to downtown and prepare for your overnight train to Tibet. Your guide will escort you to the station, where you’ll need your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to board.

Stay overnight on the train.

Tibet Permit Notice:
1. We will handle your Tibet Travel Permit when you book with us.

2. Please send us the necessary documents at least 20 days prior to your trip.

3. Your travel permit will be sent to you before your train departs; keep it safe.

Tibet Train Travel Tips:
1. Your package includes a soft sleeper train ticket from Xining to Lhasa.

2. There’s a dining car on board offering simple Chinese dishes, but feel free to bring snacks.

3. Trains to Tibet are equipped with oxygen supply systems, so don’t worry about altitude sickness.

Today, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. As you pass through Nagchu, keep an eye out for locals and yaks by the tracks, with stunning snow-capped peaks appearing on the horizon.

Upon reaching Lhasa, your local guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel, offering beautiful views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and traditional Tibetan villages along the way.

After settling in, take time to acclimate to the altitude and stay hydrated. Later, your guide will present you with traditional Tibetan gifts and introduce you to your fellow travelers.

Warm Tips:
If you need assistance or have specific requests, feel free to visit our service center at Gangjian Hotel.

After having breakfast, we’ll keep exploring Lhasa with a trip to Drepung Monastery, the biggest in Tibet and once home to over 10,000 monks. Here, dive into Tibetan Buddhism at Coqen Hall, where your guide will share insights into its teachings and the lives of its most famous figures.

Then, take a stroll through Loseling College, or a similar place, within Drepung Monastery. This gives you a peek into how monks live and study, including a look at their dorm rooms.

In the afternoon, head over to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and an important place for Buddhist study. The monk debates are the highlight of this spot, a key part of their learning process that your guide will explain.

End your day with a welcome dinner in a local Tibetan style restaurant.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Potala Palace, which offers stunning views of Lhasa. Listen as your guide recounts the histories of the Dalai Lamas and shows you around the palace's many halls and treasures. And then, you’ll participate in the folk activities of the local Tibetan people at the Longwangtan Park near the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the remarkable statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Afterwards, take a walk around Barkhor Street to see the religious customs of the local Tibetans.

Finish your day with a tour to visit a bustling Tibetan tea house in Lhasa to enjoy some sweet tea and learn about Tibetan social customs.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, you’ll start an exciting journey from Lhasa to the beautiful Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's "Three Holy Lakes."

Commence your exploration of Yamdrok Lake from the Lurila Platform, where the turquoise waters and the imposing Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain unveil a breathtaking panorama.

Next, pay a visit to the Rutog Monastery and the solitary monk inhabiting the small island at the heart of Yamdrok Lake. From Rutog Island, soak in a wider perspective of Yamdrok Lake and its surrounding islands.

For lunch, savor local delicacies at a family restaurant by the lakeside.

At noon, move on to the Southeast Corner Platform, enjoying the stunning views from this southeast spot. On the platform, treat yourself to a cup of coffee, relishing moments of leisure while taking in the stunning vista of Yamdrok Lake from the southeast corner.

Afterwards, return to Lhasa via the renowned Gampala Pass (4900m). From the Gampala Pass platform, marvel at the expansive stretch of Yamdrok Lake resembling a wide blue ribbon, extending to the foot of Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191m).

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Fly to Chongqing, the starting point of your Yangtze Cruise. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you and escort you to your downtown hotel. After check-in, enjoy some leisure time to rest or explore the area.

In the evening, visit the renowned Hongya Cave, adorned with vibrant neon lights. The picturesque views of Hongya Cave and the Qiansimen Jialing River Bridge create a magical atmosphere. Savor local hot pot and snacks while taking in the dazzling nightscape of the Jialing River and the bustling activity below.

Start the day with a scenic ride on the Chongqing Light Rail, passing through towering buildings. Visit the Chongqing Zoo to see rare animals, including giant pandas, and stroll through the historic Ciqikou Ancient Town with its preserved Ming and Qing architecture.

Stop at the Liziba Light Rail Station to marvel at the train traveling through a building, followed by a visit to the Chongqing Grand Theatre. In the evening, head to Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock to board your cruise ship for the Yangtze River journey ahead.

Begin your Yangtze River adventure with a relaxing morning onboard. Participate in a Tai Chi session while enjoying serene river views. Later, disembark at Fengdu to explore Shuanggui Mountain National Forest Park, known for its lush scenery and tranquil temples.

Optionally, visit Fengdu Ghost City (295 yuan/person), a fascinating site blending Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism with folklore about the afterlife. Return to the ship for a relaxing evening as you sail along the Yangtze River.

Enjoy free time onboard before an optional visit to White Emperor City (295 yuan/person), a historic site tied to the Three Kingdoms period. The ship will then sail through the stunning Qutang and Wu Gorges, offering dramatic views of rugged cliffs and lush peaks.

Later, transfer to a smaller boat to explore the Goddess Stream, a pristine tributary with striking natural beauty. In the evening, return to the ship for dinner and enjoy a lively onboard performance featuring traditional music and dance.

Conclude your Yangtze Cruise with a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Afterward, transfer to Yichang railway station for a high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you to your hotel.

Explore Shanghai’s unique blend of history and modernity. Begin at the Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views, then visit The Bund, a symbol of Shanghai’s colonial and contemporary charm.

Stroll through Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for shopping and local cuisine before heading to the French Concession, where tree-lined streets and historic architecture evoke old Shanghai’s elegance. End the day with a scenic Huangpu River cruise, taking in the glittering skyline.

Travel to Suzhou, famed for its classical gardens. Visit Tiger Hill to see the Leaning Pagoda and explore its historical sites. Continue to the Lingering Garden and the Humble Administrator’s Garden, marveling at their harmonious blend of architecture and nature.

After a fulfilling day, return to Shanghai for the night.

Your guide will assist with your transfer to the airport or train station for your departure. Farewell and safe travels!