18 Days Ultimate Beijing Xi’an Lhasa Chongqing Yangtse River Shanghai Tour

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.

Options for Today:
With your free time today, we suggest exploring Beijing's historic Hutongs on your own. Take a leisurely stroll through these traditional alleys in downtown areas. Popular Hutongs to visit include Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixiejie, Mao’er Hutong, Bada Hutong, and more.

Travel Tips:
Beijing boasts two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Make sure to confirm which airport you'll be arriving at before your journey.

Accmodation:

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.

After that, go back to downtown Beijing.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Beijing

Meal:

Breakfast

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.

After the tour, you will be dropped off at the train station to board the overnight high-speed train to Xi’an. The high-speed train journey from Beijing to Xi’an lasts approximately 12 hours. During the trip, you'll enjoy the modern sleeping cabins aboard China's high-tech bullet train.

Accmodation:

Overnight on the Bullet Train

Meal:

Breakfast | Lunch

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.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Xi’an

Meal:

Dinner

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.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Xi’an

Meal:

Breakfast

In the morning, you will go to take the train from Xi’an to Xining. Upon your arrival, your local guide will greet you at the railway station and escort you to a local restaurant for lunch, where you can savor traditional Beef Noodles.

Then, you will go to visit the Ta’er Monastery, also named Kumbum Monastery, lies on 25 km to the northeast of Xining. It is the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, well-known Tibetan Buddhist master.

After the tour in Xining, you will be transferred to Xining Railway Station for your overnight train to Lhasa. Please be sure to arrive in train station at least 1 hour before the train departure. You need present your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to board the train.

Tibet Permit Notice:
1. When you book your trip with us, we'll take care of getting your Tibet Travel Permit.

2. It's best to book and send us the required documents at least 20 days before your trip.

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

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

2. There is a dining car on board the train to Tibet, offering simple Chinese dishes. Feel free to bring some snacks and instant noodles with you.

3. All trains to Tibet are equipped with oxygen supply systems, so there's no need to worry about altitude sickness on board.

Accmodation:

Overnight on the Tibet Train

Meal:

Lunch

Today, you are going to witness the most beautiful scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Along the way to Nagchu, you will see Tanggula Pass come and go, almost indistinguishable from the rest of the highland. You may notice villagers gazing at the passing train and yaks darting off the tracks. Up here, every few minutes, another range of snow-capped peaks with glaciers streaming down their sides appears on the horizon.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by local guide at the train station and then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and the typical Tibetan villages.

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.

Later in the afternoon or evening, your guide will welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel guidance, and introduce you to the other members of your group.

Warm Tips:
If you require any assistance or have specific needs, please don't hesitate to visit our service center located at Gangjian Hotel.

Accmodation:

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.

After today's sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

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.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast

Today, you'll depart from Lhasa and set off towards one of the "Three Holy Lakes of Tibet," the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains and pristine waters.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you on an awe-inspiring journey, traversing the 4900-meter-high Gambala Pass to reach the sacred Yamdrok Lake. The lake is a beautiful jade-like color, with snow-capped mountains reflecting in it, and lush green fields where animals peacefully graze nearby. It's a serene place where herders tend to their animals, monks meditate on small islands, and the calm waters create endless breathtaking views, far from the hustle of the city.

Following your guide, ascend to the Lurila Platform, where the azure Yamdrok Lake and the towering snow-capped peaks of Gulha Kangri come into full view. Subsequently, you'll visit the Rutok Temple, where solitary monks pursue their spiritual practices in this ancient temple. Here, you'll behold a wider expanse of the lake and its continuous chain of islands.

Then you'll dine at a charming lakeside eatery for lunch, savoring regional delicacies served by a local family. On the scenic platform, take pleasure in a cup of coffee, basking in leisurely moments while delighting in the breathtaking vista of Yamdrok Lake from its southeast corner.

Following that, your journey back to Lhasa will traverse the renowned Gampala Pass (4900m). Standing at the Gambala Pass Platform, witness Yamdrok Lake stretching like a ribbon of sapphire for miles, extending all the way to the base of the towering Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191 meters), a sight of indescribable beauty.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lhasa

Meal:

Breakfast | Lunch

Today, you will fly to Chongqing, where the Yangtze Cruise Tour start. 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.

In the evening, you will go to visit the famous Hongya Cave. Adorned with dazzling neon lights, both Hongya Cave and the Qiansimen Jialing River Bridge offer a picturesque sight. Here, you can indulge in hot pot and local snacks while savoring the breathtaking night view of the Jialing River Bridge and the bustling commercial boats below. 

Accmodation:

Overnight in Chongqing

Meal:

Breakfast | Dinner

In the morning, your guide will take you on a ride on the Chongqing Light Rail, passing through the city's tall buildings and enjoying the views along the way. Our first stop is the Chongqing Zoo, where you can see rare animals like giant pandas up close.

Next, we'll visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, known for its old buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Take a walk along the stone streets and soak in the historical atmosphere.

Then, we'll go to Liziba Light Rail Station to see the light rail passing through buildings, giving us a unique view of the city. After that, we'll visit the impressive Chongqing Grand Theatre.

After a full day of exploring, we'll take a car to Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock to board the Three Gorges Cruise Ship, where you can relax and enjoy the journey ahead.

Accmodation:

Cruise Ship

Meal:

Breakfast

Today is your first day of Yangtze River Cruise Tour. In the morning, you can enjoy breakfast tea, coffee, and exquisite snacks on board, accompanied by the fresh breeze of the river, starting a wonderful day.

If you enjoy exercise, you might consider joining a Tai Chi morning exercise session. Under the guidance of professional instructors, you can admire the magnificent river views while experiencing the tranquility and strength of Tai Chi.

Later, the cruise ship will dock at Fengdu, where you will disembark to visit Shuanggui Mountain National Forest Park. Shuanggui Mountain is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage. Here, ancient trees tower overhead, and temples exude simplicity, filled with Zen and tranquility. You can visit Shuanggui Hall to experience the religious culture of Fengdu.

Afterwards, you can also choose to visit the famous Fengdu Ghost City (optional, 295 yuan/person). Having nearly two thousand years' history, the Fengdu Ghost City combines the cultures of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with the mystique of ghosts. You can see the Chinese Ghose culture and characters in here.

After you finish exploring Fengdu, you'll head back to the cruise ship. There, you can relax and take in the beautiful sights along the Yangtze River. Enjoy the onboard amenities and services for an unforgettable evening.

Accmodation:

Cruise Ship

Meal:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Today, you'll continue your journey on the Yangtze River cruise, spending a wonderful day onboard to experience the infinite charm of the Three Gorges.

After breakfast, you can enjoy free time on the ship, making use of the various facilities and entertainment activities. If you want to explore more of the Three Gorges culture, you can choose to visit the White Emperor City (optional, 295 yuan/person). Located on the north bank of the Yangtze River, it's an ancient city famous for sheltering Liu Bei's orphan during the Three Kingdoms period.

After lunch, the cruise will sail through the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, known for their magnificent peaks and rugged cliffs, offering picturesque scenery on both sides.

Next, you'll transfer to a smaller boat to explore the Goddess Stream (also called Lesser Three Gorges). The Goddess Stream, a tributary of Wu Gorge, is famous for its pristine natural scenery and mysterious legends. The boat will navigate through the winding stream, surrounded by towering peaks and lush vegetation, creating a beautiful natural scene.

In the evening, return to the cruise ship for a sumptuous dinner. After dinner, you'll enjoy an artistic performance prepared by the crew. They will present a variety of colorful performances, including singing, dancing, and traditional instrument performances, ensuring you have a joyful and unforgettable evening.

Accmodation:

Cruise Ship

Meal:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Today marks the last day of your cruise journey, and you will visit the Three Gorges Dam. As the world's largest dam and hydroelectric power station, this record-smashing wonder offers you the chance to witness a true marvel of human engineering.

Afterwards, your tour guide will pick you up from the pier tourist station and accompany you to the railway station in Yichang. From there, you can catch a high-speed train to Shanghai, which takes approximately 6 hours.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, a local guide will greet you at the railway station and accompany you to your downtown hotel.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Shanghai

Meal:

Breakfast

Welcome to Shanghai, the international metropolis blending history with modernity. Today's itinerary will take you through the diverse charm of Shanghai, from its history to modernity, experiencing the city's vibrancy and cultural essence.

In the morning, you will first visit the iconic Shanghai Center. This skyscraper is not only one of China's tallest buildings but also the second tallest in the world. Standing on the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent Shanghai skyline.

Next, your guide will take you to The Bund, one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. The Bund features a variety of architectural styles, from classical to modern, showcasing Shanghai's unique urban landscape. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich historical and cultural atmosphere of Shanghai.

At noon, you will arrive at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai's busiest commercial areas. Here, you can enjoy shopping freely and taste authentic Shanghai cuisine.

In the afternoon, explore the romantic Shanghai French Concession. This area retains many French-style buildings and streets, strolling under the quiet shade of plane trees, as if time has turned back to old Shanghai in the last century. Here, you can experience the romance and elegance of old Shanghai.

In the evening, board a Huangpu River cruise and sail along the river, admiring the sparkling night views on both sides. Shanghai's night is splendid with lights, especially on the cruise, where you can fully experience the vibrancy and beauty of Shanghai while enjoying the river breeze.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Shanghai

Meal:

Breakfast

After breakfast, you will depart from Shanghai to Suzhou, starting a day-long journey.

Upon arrival in Suzhou, your first stop will be the Tiger Hill, known as the "First Scenic Spot in Wu" and the "First Mountain in Wuzhong". You will ascend to the top of Tiger Hill to admire the famous Tiger Hill Pagoda, also known as the "Leaning Tower of the East", where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Suzhou. In addition, Tiger Hill is home to many other famous historical sites such as Sword Pond and Yunyan Temple, all worth exploring.

Next, you will visit the Lingering Garden, one of the four famous gardens in China, known for its exquisite architecture and unique garden design. You will stroll among pavilions and towers, admiring delicate stone carvings, beautiful lake views, and lush flowers and trees, experiencing the elegant sentiments of ancient scholars towards nature.

After lunch, you will explore Suzhou's largest classical garden, the Humble Administrator's Garden. This garden is hailed as the "Mother of All Gardens" for its perfect integration of natural scenery and cultural landscape. You will visit the lotus pond, ancient bridges, pavilions, and rockeries, feeling the harmonious unity of garden architecture and natural scenery, and appreciating the unique charm of Suzhou gardens, which are said to be "created by man but resembling a scene from heaven".

After concluding today's journey, you will return to Shanghai, ending your day-long tour of Suzhou's classical gardens.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Shanghai

Meal:

Breakfast

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.

Meal:

Breakfast