16 Days| Beijing(4D) - Xi'an(2D) -Guilin(2D)-Chengdu(2D)-Tibet(3D)-Shanghai(3D)
If you're looking for a complete tour of China, this 16-day itinerary will definitely not disappoint. This tour takes you to 6 cities in China, from the south to the north, from the west to the east, for an in-depth panoramic view of China. This trip is a mix of history and modernity, human and natural landscapes, as well as close encounters with pandas and Pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Tibet.
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel
4+stars Hotel
None
Welcome to Beijing, as the capital city of China, this city is next sure to give you a strong cultural atmosphere and a unique travel experience.
Our professional tour guide will meet you at the airport arrival and transfer you to your hotel for rest.
The rest of the day is free time. If you want to wander around, you can find a tour guide and your guide will give you some good suggestions.
As an international aviation hub, Beijing is connected to many cities around the world by direct flights. In addition, you can also choose to arrive in Beijing conveniently by high-speed train, such as from Shanghai (about 5-6 hours), Xi'an (about 5.5 hours) and Guangzhou (about 8-9.5 hours).
Tian'anmen Square--Forbidden City--Jingshan Park--Summer Palace
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
After breakfast, we will reach the Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Standing in the North Square, you can look up at the Tiananmen Tower, where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Passing through Tiananmen Square, you will step into the Forbidden City,
which is the largest and best-preserved palace in the world. Once the
imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. It is a reflection
of the highest architecture level in ancient China.
After touring the Forbidden City, we will make a short trip to Jingshan Park, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City.
At noon you will go to Quanjude to taste the famous Peking Duck.
In the afternoon, we will drive to the Summer Palace, which is the largest existing and the best-preserved royal garden in China. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.
-You can choose foot massage, houhai night bars or Sanlitun bar street at night.
-Watching Peking Opera Show, Kung fu Show or Acrobatic Show.
The Great Wall--Bird Nest
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
We will drive about 70 kilometers to the Mutianyu section of the world-famous Great Wall.
This section of the Great Wall is well-preserved and relatively
unvisited, and it will surely live up to your expectations. The Mutianyu
section of the Great Wall is one of the "longest Great Walls in China"
and impresses visitors with its rich vegetation and magnificent natural
scenery.
You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.
(Note: If you are
physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to
feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).
Afterwards, we will return to Beijing, stopping on the way to visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube from the outside in the Olympic Village.
You can go to Quanjude and enjoy a meal of the famous Peking duck.
Temple of Heaven--Hutongs--High speed Train to Xi'an
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
After Breakfast, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site used in ancient times to worship the heavens and offer prayers for a bountiful harvest. Nowadays, it has become a lively place where locals perform traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying and calligraphy. Stroll among the halls of the Temple of Heaven and feel the solemnity and mystery of ancient royalty.
Next, we will visit the Hutongs
and take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's hutongs. These alleys, made
up of courtyards, epitomize life in old Beijing. During lunch, you will
learn to make and eat dumplings in the hutongs for an in-depth
experience of the old Beijing way of life.
As the Beijing tour comes to an end, your will go to the Railway Station for the high-speed train to another ancient capital of Xi'an (about 5 hours). At Xi'an North Railway Station, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming city.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses--Da Ci'en Temple--Big Wild Goose Pagoda--Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
We will drive about 40 kilometers to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These Terracotta Warriors were built by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size terracotta figurines, horses and chariots were buried underground for over 2,000 years until they were discovered in 1974.
Standing in front of these spectacular statues, you will be awed by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the skill of ancient Chinese artisans.
Before
visiting the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you will also have the
opportunity to experience traditional culture by making a miniature
Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter.
For lunch, you will enjoy Xi'an's specialty, water basin mutton(Shuipen Yangrou).
After lunch, we will return to downtown Xi'an and visit the Da Ci'en Temple.
This temple was a famous translation site of Buddhist scriptures during
the Tang Dynasty. The temple has a 64.5-meter-high pagoda, the Big Wild
Goose Pagoda, which was built by the Buddhist master Xuanzang to
preserve the scriptures he brought back from India.
If you are interested, you can climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (extra charge applies) for a great view of the city.
As night falls, we will take you to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. It is a unique Tang Dynasty cultural theme imitation complex in China, where you can enjoy rich singing and dancing performances and charming night scenery.
Shanxi History Museum--Small Wild Goose Pagoda--Ancient City Wall--Flight to Guilin
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
In the morning we will visit Shaanxi History Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda . Regarded as "the pearl of the ancient city and treasury of the Huaxia civilization", the Shaanxi History Museum is the art pavilion to curate and exhibit Shaanxi's historical culture and ancient Chinese civilization.
Then we will go to the Ancient City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You will pass through the Hanguang Gate, as if traveling back to the prosperous scenes on the ancient Silk Road. On the city wall, you can rent a bicycle (extra charge applies) for a leisurely ride and enjoy the panoramic view of modern Xi'an.
Then we will also take you to visit the bustling Muslim Quarter to taste the authentic local snacks and experience the different cultural atmosphere.
In the Afternoon, you will take a flight to Guilin(about 3 hours). Your tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the hotel.
Mopan Mountain Pier--Yangshuo town--Yulong River--Old West Street
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
After breakfast, you will explore the beautiful scenery of Guilin.
Starting from Mopan Mountain Pier, we will cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo Town. This 84-kilometer cruise is like an endless Chinese ink painting, with meandering rivers, green limestone karst mountains.( Tips: Simple local dishes are provided for lunch on board, or you can prepare your own snacks.)
After sailing for about four hours, we will arrive at Yangshuo town and check into your hotel. After a short rest, we will continue to explore the Yulong River. You can choose to ride a bicycle through the countryside, or take a bamboo raft on the river.
(Note: According to the Yulong River Tourism Regulations.
Children less than 1 meter tall and seniors over 70 years old will not
be able to experience bamboo rafting, please be aware of this.)
In the evening, we will stroll through the old West Street, taste the local food and have a glass of wine.
You can enjoy a wonderful evening show - Impression Liu Sanjie. This show, which uses the Li River as a stage, is directed by the famous director Zhang Yimou (the usual performance time is from 19:45 to 22:20).
The Elephant Trunk Hill--The Reed Flute Cave--Flight to Chengdu
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
Early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast, you will visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin's landscape. This huge rocky mountain resembles a lifelike elephant drinking from the river. Within the embrace of the Elephant Trunk Hill, you will also find many historical relics such as exquisite stone carvings and serene Buddhist temples.
You will then drive about 7 kilometers to the next amazing attraction, the Reed Flute Cave. This is a majestic underground palace with breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, stalagmite shields and stone waterfalls of all shapes and sizes.
As the sun sets, we will bid farewell to Guilin and head to the airport for our flight to Chengdu.
1. Take a stroll down Chunxi Road and have some snacks.
2. Face - changing of Sichuan Opera is one of the most famous local shows and you can ask guide to buy tickets for you.
3. Take a walk around Chengdu on your own to experience Chengdu's residential life.
The Sanxingdui Ruins--Chengdu People's Park--Jinli Old Street
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
In the morning, you will visit the Sanxingdui Ruins, which is is considered to be one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the 20th century. A vast array of ancient bronzes, gold masks, ivory and jade have been found here. The unearthed objects are unique in shape and superior in techniques,which confirmed the extraordinary creativity of the ancient Shu people and their desires to connect with the heaven and understand the universe.
For lunch you will sample Chengdu snacks. Or you will go to a local family's home and learn to make and eat Chengdu's delicious noodles.
In the afternoon, you will step into Chengdu People's Park
to
experience the unique leisure and ease of this city. Here you can order a
pot of tea and take a nap or join the local people in a game of mahjong
and experience the ear cleaning service.
As night falls, you will step into the old street of Jinli, which has ancient buildings, lots of Chengdu snacks and cuisines, and exquisite handicrafts that are lively and interesting folk performances. You will spend an unforgettable night here.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding-Flight to Lhasa
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
In the morning, you will go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This is not only a scientific research base for pandas around the world, but also a cozy home for more than a hundred of pandas. You will be able to observe pandas of all ages eating, playing, rolling on the ground and climbing trees.
Also, we can learn how to feed them,
even we can watch female pandas nursing their cubs . And more
importantly, we can further our understanding of how to protect these
beautiful but endangered creatures.
In the afternoon, you will go to airport and take a flight to Lhasa. Your
Lhasa tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to
transfer to the hotel.
After arrive in Lhasa, you are advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous exercise as this may cause altitude sickness and affect your travel experience and health.
The Potala Palace--Jokhang Temple--Barkhor Street
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
In the morning, depart from the hotel and head to Potala Palace, the most famous landmark of Lhasa and one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Accompanied by a guide, you will visit the main hall, Buddha halls, treasure rooms, and learn about the palace’s rich history and profound cultural heritage. The architecture and murals of Potala Palace are treasures of Tibetan culture, and the visit will take approximately 2-3 hours.
After lunch, head to Jokhang Temple, one of the most historically significant temples in Tibet and a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The temple houses a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and is an important destination for Tibetan worshippers. With the guidance of your tour guide, you will explore the various Buddha halls, admire the ancient murals, statues, and religious art within the temple.
After visiting Jokhang Temple, you will walk to the nearby Barkhor Street, one of the oldest streets in Lhasa, which surrounds Jokhang Temple. It is a pilgrimage route for local Tibetan Buddhists and an ideal place for visitors to experience traditional Tibetan culture. Here, you can stroll along the ancient stone-paved streets, admire the Tibetan-style buildings lining the road, and explore shops selling Tibetan jewelry, thangka paintings, Buddha statues, and other handicrafts, immersing yourself in the authentic Tibetan atmosphere.
Norbulingka Park--Drepung Monastery
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
In the morning, depart from the hotel and head to Norbulingka Park. This park is one of Tibet's historical sites and served as the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, earning the nickname "The Summer Palace of Tibet." The park is filled with lush greenery and scattered lakes, creating a tranquil paradise.
With the guidance of your tour guide, you will explore the palaces and gardens within Norbulingka, where you can admire the unique Tibetan architectural style and landscaping. The architecture here blends Han and Tibetan features, showcasing the essence of traditional Tibetan culture. Visitors can also learn about the daily life of the Dalai Lama in history and the royal history of the Tibetan court.
After lunch, head to Drepung Monastery, one of the four major monasteries of Tibet and also one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Located on the western outskirts of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is one of the birthplaces of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Accompanied by a guide, you will visit the monastery's main hall, the monk residences, and admire the Buddha statues and murals inside, gaining an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Drepung Monastery has a rich history and cultural heritage, making it an ideal place to explore Tibetan religious life.
If you're interested, you can also experience the daily practices of the monks nearby and listen to explanations about Buddhist teachings.
Lhasa--Yamdrok Lake--Yamdrok Lake Scenic Viewpoint 1 or Scenic Viewpoint 3-- Xiazhulin Temple--Lhasa
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
In the morning, depart from Lhasa and drive to Yamdrok Lake (125km, about 3 hours). Yamdrok Lake is one of the three sacred lakes of Tibet, with clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a peaceful and sacred place. During the journey, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Tibetan Plateau, where distant snow peaks and grasslands blend together to create a beautiful landscape.
Upon arrival at Yamdrok Lake, you will have time to stroll along the lakeside and admire the beauty of the lake. The water of the lake changes colors with the sunlight, ranging from azure to emerald green, creating a mesmerizing scene. This is a perfect spot to capture panoramic photos and experience the tranquility and holiness of nature.
Next, head to the Yamdrok Lake Scenic Viewpoint 1 or Scenic Viewpoint 3, which offer the best vantage points for a bird’s-eye view of the entire lake. From the platforms, you can overlook the lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, with expansive views that are truly spectacular. This is an ideal place for taking photos and creating lasting memories.
In the afternoon, visit Xiazhulin Temple, located 15 kilometers from Lhasa Airport at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Belonging to the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the temple offers an ideal spot for viewing the Yarlung Zangbo River. It is also renowned for housing the sacred body of the auspicious goddess, said to be the incarnation of Green Tara. After her passing, her body naturally shrank to just one cubit in height, with one eye slightly open, as if in a semi-sleeping state. The temple's serene atmosphere is complemented by friendly Lamas who are eager to answer visitors' questions and explain the murals within.
In the evening, return to Lhasa, concluding this exciting day of exploration.
Travel Tip:
As Yamdrok Lake is located at a high altitude, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing, bring sunscreen and water, and take time to acclimate to the plateau environment.
Lhasa--Flight to Shanghai--Free Time
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast, we will start from the west the to east of China--Tibet to the Oriental Pearl Shanghai.
The rest of the day is free time. If
you want to wander around, you can find a tour guide and your guide will
give you some good suggestions.
Yuyuan Garden--Shanghai World Financial Center--Nanjing Road--the Bund
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast&Lunch
After breakfast, we will head to Yuyuan Garden. It has a typical Jiangnan garden style, reflecting the artistic style of the southern gardens of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which is "quiet and beautiful, delicate and exquisite". The nearby Yuyuan Bazaar is a great place to sample local cuisine and explore traditional Chinese handicrafts.
Next, we will drive to the Shanghai World Financial Center, known as the "Eye of Shanghai",
which is 474 meters high. From its 100th floor, you will have a
panoramic view of Shanghai's modernity and feel the city's prosperity
and vitality.
In the afternoon, we will take you on a stroll along Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise that is not only perfect for shopping but also for experiencing the modern atmosphere of Shanghai.
Afterwards, we'll head to the Bund,
a former cargo transportation route that has been transformed into a
bustling trade area. Here you will witness a perfect blend of Chinese
and Western cultures while taking in the breathtaking skyline of
Shanghai.
Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River and enjoy the beauty of the city at night (about 50 minutes).
Jade Buddha Temple--Tianzifang--Transfer to airport
4+stars Hotel
Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the top ten attractions in Shanghai, is located in the bustling city center but seek peace and quiet in a bustling neighborhood. which houses the world's largest collection of Jade Buddhas as well as numerous religious artifacts, ancient statues and Buddhist scriptures.
Then you will go to the Tianzifang which is touristic arts and crafts place that has developed from a traditional residential area.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or train to your next destination or home. We hope you have a wonderful memory of your visit to Shanghai and look forward to seeing you again.
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