13-Day China Group Tour: Shanghai, Lhasa, Shigatse, Mount Everest, Xi’an & Beijing

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World Heritages Architectures Religious Sites Glacier Holy Mountains
Route: Shanghai-Tibet-Mount Qomolangma-Xi'an-Beijing
  • Tour Code: 33
  • Guide: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation: 12 nights at good 3-star hotels
  • More personal than a traditional coach tour, far better value than a private tour.
Price: USD    per person
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Notes:Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.

Why choose Into Travel China Day Tour

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Worry-Free Travel
With years of experience in group travel across China, we provide professional tour guides, comfortable coaches, and well-paced itineraries for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
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Itineraries with Great Value
Our tours cover China's most iconic sights and cultural highlights. All packages are clearly priced with no hidden costs, offering a high-quality experience at a competitive rate.
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No Shopping Stops
We guarantee a truly immersive journey with no shopping stop. Spend more time exploring scenic spots, enjoying authentic food, and discovering local culture
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Travel with Flexibility
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you can easily join us. Enjoy better value than private tours with small groups and year-round departures.

Experience

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From the Bund to the Roof of the World

This 13-day journey pairs Shanghai’s modern pulse with the profound spirituality of Tibet, culminating at the foot of Mount Everest. After exploring Lhasa and the stark beauty of the Himalayas, the route transitions to Xi’an’s ancient terracotta army and Beijing’s imperial grandeur. Flights and trains handle the long distances, while 3-star hotels and gradual acclimatization ensure comfort. It’s an epic, varied itinerary for adventurous travelers seeking both cultural depth and high-altitude landscapes.
  • Tibet – Potala Palace & Barkhor Street kora – Climb the 365 steps of the world’s highest ancient palace (3,700m) for sweeping views of Lhasa. Later, join locals on Barkhor Street for a traditional kora (pilgrim circuit) around the Jokhang Temple.

  • Xi’an – Bike the ancient city wall at sunset (optional, bike rental self-paid) – Ride atop the 600-year-old Ming rampart as the old town lights up beneath you. A full loop is 14km and takes about 2 hours at a relaxed pace.

Itinerary

Explore each day’s highlights, pace, routes, hotels, meals, and photos—so you know exactly what to expect along the way.

Route Map Full route

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Upon arrival in Shanghai, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore at your own pace. Shanghai is China’s most internationalized city, where East and West have blended for over a century.

Visit Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, and ride the fast elevator to the 118th-floor observatory. Then explore the Shanghai Museum, home to ancient Chinese art including bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Next, visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming-dynasty garden, and Yuyuan Bazaar. In the afternoon, walk along Nanjing Road and end at the Bund, featuring 52 historic buildings and views of the Pudong skyline.

After breakfast, you will have some free time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport for your flight to Lhasa (Economy Class Flight Ticket arranged by AOT).

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Lhasa, the driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Lhasa. You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa the next day.

Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.)

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner featuring delicious Tibetan cuisine, specially offered by AOT team.

On this day, drive about 8 to 9 hours (340km) from Lhasa to Shigatse via a visit to two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier on the way.

In the morning, after about 3 to 4 hours’ drive (200km), you'd better have your camera ready. When reaching Kampala Pass (4,797 meters), you’ll have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake (a freshwater lake) down below as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet along with Lake Lhamo Latso, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Namtso. And Lake Yamdrok is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You will be happy to see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs/dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them, for local Tibetans, it’s a subsidy income for their family.

In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours (70km) to visit one of the most beautiful Glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the location of the film Red Valley (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the Highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town. You can view it right off the highway from your car. Sure you can easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier which shape is like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.

After breakfast, drive about 6.5 hours (330km) to the peak of the world - Mount Everest, while stopping by the Rongbuk Monastery - the world’s highest altitude monastery before spending the night at the Everest Base Camp.

Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you would get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m, Gyatso La Pass), between Lhatse and Shelkar. Apart from Mt. Everest, you will be marveled at the zigzag road that looks winding to the end of the world. On the road, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp, for them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass with incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) for the first good view of Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,154m, Rongbuk Monastery is the world’s highest monastery, a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and you will find it photo worthy. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. Along with incredible Mt. Everest views, at Rongbuk Monastery you will be touched by the breathtaking scenery such as large white chorten, piles of mani stones, colorful prayer flags, devout pilgrims passing by...

You will get an early start to catch the sunrise over Mt. Everest, then head back to Gyatso La Pass (Gyawu La Pass, the Dingri Boundary, 122km, 3.5 hours) for a quick photo stop. After that, drive back to Shigatse (240km, about 4.5 hours). And be escorted to your hotel in Shigatse, take a shower, and prepare for the departure the next day.

On this day, you will be transferred to Xian by flight. Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival in Xian, the driver will greet you at the exit of the airport, and then escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown area. Enjoy some free time on your own after the hotel check-in.

Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, built by China’s first emperor Qin Shihuang. Around 8,000 life-size warriors have been found so far. See the largest pit with over 6,000 figures, and another pit with about 1,300 warriors and horses. After lunch, walk along the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Later, visit the Bell Tower or Drum Tower, a Ming-dynasty landmark.

Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang-dynasty pagoda built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by monk Xuan Zang. Then explore the Muslim Quarter, a lively area known for its Hui Muslim community and street food. After the tour, take the high-speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, visit Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Walk across to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial palace, with over 8,700 rooms. Then take a short walk to Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City’s roofs. In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, a royal garden retreat with temples, pavilions, lakes, and corridors. Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; the itinerary will be adjusted if needed.

Head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a well-restored section known for its fewer crowds and 23 Ming-era watchtowers. Take the cable car up and hike along the wall. On the way back, view the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from outside.

Enjoy free time in Beijing until your transfer to the airport or train station. Over the past 13 days, you have traveled from Shanghai’s modern skyline to Lhasa’s sacred palaces and temples, along the road to Mount Everest and its glaciers, then to Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and ancient city wall, and finally to Beijing’s imperial landmarks and the Great Wall. Your 13-day China and Tibet tour ends here.

Travel Date and Price (USD per person)
Month Available Date Price Book The Tour

Included & Excluded

  • The price is based on two people sharing a double room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for a quote.
  • Price may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, and hotel class.
  • Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.
Price Includes:
  • Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
  • Airport/Train Station Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off service at the airport or train stations; please notify us in advance for early/late arrivals, and extra charges may apply.
  • Driver Service: Includes driver's service fee, fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
  • Local Guides: Professional licensed English-speaking local guide.
  • Hotel Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels.
  • Daily Hotel Breakfast: Daily hotel buffet breakfast provided each morning.
  • Meals as Specified: Lunches and dinners clearly indicated in the day-by-day itinerary.
  • Entrance Fees: First entrance tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
  • Necessary Sightseeing Bus/Cable Car: Includes necessary sightseeing bus or cable car fees.
  • Insurance: Travel Agency Liability Insurance and personal travel insurance purchased for your group before departure.
  • Comprehensive Service: Professional support from tour planning to on-the-ground operation.
Price Excludes:
  • China Visa Fee: All costs related to obtaining your China entry visa.
  • International / Domestic Airfare: International airfares and any flights not included in the itinerary.
  • Guiding Service: No guiding service provided on the first or last day.
  • Optional & Night Activities: Recommended optional activities and night activities.
  • Tips & Gratuities: Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
  • Single Room Supplement: Extra cost for travelers requesting a single room instead of sharing.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans may change. Please review our cancellation policy below:
  • Free cancellation if canceled 60 days or more before the tour starts
  • 5% of total tour cost if canceled 45-59 days before departure
  • 10% of total tour cost if canceled 30-44 days before departure
  • 25% of total tour cost if canceled 15-29 days before departure
  • 45% of total tour cost if canceled 7-14 days before departure
  • 100% of total tour cost if canceled less than 7 days before departure
 
Date of Arrival

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What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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