16 Days Essences of China and Tibet Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

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.

In the morning, you’ll visit the Great Wall’s Badaling section, where you’ll experience firsthand one of the world’s greatest wonders. This well-preserved and iconic segment of the Great Wall offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into China’s rich history. As you hike along the ancient walls, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch and explore the famous Beijing Jade Factory, a perfect spot for shopping and learning about traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

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, spanning 100,000 square meters, the tomb showcases the traditional layout of Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleums. You’ll also explore the underground palaces to gain firsthand insight into this historical marvel.

Stay overnight in Beijing

Pick up service by your tour guide and driver in the morning to have an Old Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Tour, and have a typical China shopping in Hutong on the way back.

After lunch, be picked up and transfer to the airport and fly to Xian. Upon arrival, free day at your disposal.

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.

Take morning flight to Lhasa, upon arrival, be greeted by local guide at airport and be presented with traditional Tibetan White Scarf to wish you good luck!

Then, board on the coach and transfer back to hotel. you will enjoy the spectacular scenery and the typical Tibetan villages on the way.

Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.

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, 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.

Stay overnight in Chongqing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.