13 Days Beijing Xian Lhasa Tour with Datong and Pingyao Discovery

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, our local travel guide will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your downtown hotel. After checking in, feel free to rest or explore the surroundings at your leisure.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Today is your guided tour to the must-see places in Beijing. After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the first site of the day. It is the world’s largest city square.

Next, you will enter the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, boasting over 500 years of history as the residence of 24 emperors. With its staggering 9,000 rooms, though only a fraction are accessible to the public, you'll get an image of how the ancient Chinese emperors managed the country and what their daily life was like.

You'll also have the opportunity to visit Jingshan Park, situated behind the Forbidden City. Ascend to the hilltop within the park for a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the entirety of the Forbidden City.

For lunch, indulge in the renowned Beijing Roast Duck. Accompanied by thin pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce, this traditional dish promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

In the afternoon, you will go to visit the Temple of Heaven, located 6 kilometers from the Forbidden City. This sacred site served as a place where ancient Chinese emperors worshipped the sky, offering prayers for rain, prosperity, and peace for the country and its people.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

The Great Wall was listed as one of the world's eight wonders. Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its "graceful" appearance, offers the best quality among all sections of the Wall. Located 80km northeast of Beijing, it features 22 ancient watchtowers, approximately one every kilometer. You will hike along the ancient walls and enjoy the stunning view of the surroundings.

In the afternoon,you will discover the Ming Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing. Built in 1590 during the Ming Dynasty, it's the resting place of Emperor Shenzong and his queen. Renowned for its grand scale and spanning 100,000 square meters, it showcases the traditional layout of Ming Dynasty imperial tombs. Explore the underground palaces to gain firsthand insight into this historical marvel.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

A Hutong is a small, ancient alley formed by traditional courtyard residences (Siheyuan). Nanluoguxiang is one of the most famous Hutongs in Beijing, known for its numerous snack bars and artisan shops. Strolling along Nanluoguxiang is a feast for your eyes, taste buds, and spirit. After visiting the Hutong, you can enjoy some free time shopping in Beijing.

Later, you'll be transferred to the railway station to board the high-speed train to Datong. The journey takes about 2 hours, with departures available multiple times throughout the day. Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel.

Stay overnight in Datong.

In the morning, you'll visit the Hanging Monastery, which appears to be suspended in mid-air, giving it its unique name. Next, you'll explore the Yungang Grottoes, one of China’s four most famous grotto sites. The final stop for the day is the Nine Dragons Screen, the oldest and largest glazed screen in China. True to its name, this screen features nine vividly depicted dragons in various shapes.

Stay overnight in Datong. 

You will take the train to Pingyao. Upon your arrival, our local guide will meet you at Pingyao Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to stroll along this ancient city.

Today’s visit begins at the City Wall of Pingyao, the best-preserved county-level ancient city wall. After exploring the wall, take a stroll along Ming-Qing Street, once renowned as the 'No. 1 Financial Street of the Great Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).' Next, visit the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, China's first private bank, and Tongxinggong, an establishment that once offered private escort services.

After lunch, you'll be transferred to Taiyuan. En route, visit the Qiao Family's Compound, the former residence of a wealthy local merchant. If time allows, we’ll extend the visit to Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, known for its sculptures, murals, and tablet carvings.

You’ll then board the high-speed train to Xi’an.

Stay overnight in Xi’an. 

Upon your arrival in Xi’an, your local guide will greet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel. After checking in and taking a brief rest, you will start exploring the city of Xi’an.

First, you will visit and stroll along the Ancient City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Spanning 14 kilometers, the wall showcases the comprehensive layout of the ancient imperial city, dating back over 1000 years.

Next, you'll explore the Bell and Drum Tower Square. The Bell Tower, a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty landmark, rises 36 meters high with five floors. Its enormous bronze bell chimes morning and evening, while at night, neon lights illuminate its colorful glass, creating a captivating spectacle.

Adjacent to the Bell Tower stands the Drum Tower, China's largest, constructed in 1380. Climbing it reveals a 1.8-meter-high drum and 24 red drums adorned with the 24 solar terms, leaving a lasting impression.

At last, you will tour the Muslim Quarter, home to the largest and oldest mosque in China, and also the most famous food court in Xi’an. It is a perfect place to eat special snacks, chat with locals, and buy exquisite souvenir.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

Travel Tips:
When visiting the Ancient City Wall, you have the option to rent a bike for an additional cost of 45 RMB to cycle along the wall.

Today, you will first go to visit the famous Terra-Cotta Warriors, which is one of the eight wonders in the world. These terracotta warriors and horses are the size of a real army, and were buried alongside the Emperor in a vast underground palace.

Then, you will head for Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also known as Dayanta. The Buddhist scriptures and figurines of the Buddha brought by Xuanzang are reserved here.

At the end of the day, you will visit the Weiyang Palace Relics Park. This palace, built in 200 BC, was China's second imperial palace. It's the oldest of all Chinese palaces and also marks the start of the Silk Road in the east.

Travel Tips:
An additional fee of 30 RMB is required for entrance and access to climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Today, you will take a flight from Xi’an to Lhasa. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. When checking in and passing through security, you will need to present the original Tibet Travel Permit.

Upon arrival, our tour guide will meet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. After arriving at the hotel, take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude. It's helpful to take it easy for the first few days and remember to stay hydrated by drinking water.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, you will first visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that once housed over ten thousand monks. Here, you'll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Additionally, you'll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks' practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you'll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.

Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.

Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide. The tour ends.