Trip Overview:
This 13 days China and Tibet group tour of ancient culture and modern miracles showers you the best of China and Tibet. Imperial palaces stand side by side with skyscrapers, forms a contrast to the developed parts of China. The mysteries of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, and the Potala Palace are there to be discovered alongside the world phenomenon of “New China” with its rapid development.
This is the most popular vacation with the best deals all year round! And the join-in group tour in every destination will make you save more to experience the Best of the cities.
Highlights:
- Learn China on the way! Explore the best of Chinese culture and history from Beijing and Xi'an, the ancient capitals of China;
- Discover the holy land Tibet from its center, Lhasa.
- Feel the vitality of Shanghai and enjoy the amazing night view of the Bund to experience the most prosperous and modernized city in China.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing! The prelude of your exciting China tour starts when you meet our professional local guide at Beijing Airport after reclaiming your luggage and clearing the customs. The guide will accompany you in a comfortable vehicle to the hotel and help you with the check-in procedure.
The rest of the day is left for you to have a good rest or to become familiar with our capital city by yourself.
Day 2: Coach Tour in Beijing (B+L)
Pick up from hotel after breakfast, and drive about 1 hour to the first stop the Ming Tombs - the burial site of 13 emperors of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2003.
The afternoon will be for the Great Wall climbing. As one of the Eight Wonders of the Ancient World, The Great Wall, symbolizing China's ancient civilization, is one of the most renowned projects. We visit the Badaling section, one of the best preserved and a classic representations of the wall. While climb the wall, you are sure to experience its greatness far beyond your imagination. UNESCO listed it as one of the World Heritages in 1987.
You will be sent back to hotel in the late afternoon. During the trip, 1-2 typical feature shopping will be arranged and each for 30 minutes.
Day 3: Coach Tour in Beijing (B+L)
This intensive day takes you to the three best sites in Beijing: After breakfast, pick up at hotel, then to Forbidden City- Imperial Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties represents the splendor and lavishness of the Chinese Imperial Court, which listed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987.
After visiting Forbidden City, go to the Temple of Heaven- a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. UNESCO listed it as one of the World Heritages in 1998.
The last stop we will visit Summer Palace - the best-kept and largest existing royal garden in China with over 3000 sites, it is a virtual museum of traditional Chinese gardening. Take picturesque photos by the Kunming Lake, breathe the fresh fragrant air in the lake breeze and stroll along the half-mile corridor enjoying the Chinese legends from the 14,000 brush paintings. UNESCO listed it as one of the World Heritages in 1998.
And finally back to hotel in the evening. During the trip, 1-2 typical feature shopping will be arranged and each for 30 minutes.
Day 4: Fly to Xian from Beijing (B+L)
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.
Day 5: Coach Tour in Xian (B+L)
The visit to the majestic Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum will start your day's trip. In the museum, there are altogether three excavated pits exhibiting amazing warrior figures and Chinese ancient weapons. No wonder a great site to learn about Chinese ancient military affairs.
In the afternoon, you will appreciate Chinese calligraphy and stele culture at Forest of Stone Steles Museum.
This evening, you will enjoy a marvelous Tang Dynasty Dinner Show at the Tang Dynasty Palace. The show will take you back to 1400 years ago - the dreamy and glorious Tang Dynasty.
Day 6: Coach Tour in Xian (B+L)
Today, you will visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built under the emperor's conduct to collect scriptures, Buddha statues and Buddhist relics taken from India about 1,300 years ago. Different from those typical Islamic buildings, the following City Wall is the existing most complete urban fortification in China.
Cycling on the ancient wall is a special experience that many people like to try (bike rental fee is not included).
After the visit to Bell Tower & Drum Tower, Square and Muslim's Quarter, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 7: Take a Flight to Lhasa from Xi'an (B)
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.
Day 8: Lhasa Highlights (B)
Today we go to the Potala Palace, a golden feather upon the roof of the world, which Tibetans proudly claim to be the prime miracle since the creation of this world.
Then you are invited to have a close touch with Jokhang Temple, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. You could also explore the bustling markets of the Barkhor Street and watch the locals as they prostrate around the Jokhang Temple.
Day 9: Lhasa Highlights (B)
In the morning have a tour for Drepung Monastery, the ever largest monastery with more than 10 thousand monks, Buddhist debates often occur there. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the monastery the appearance of a heap of rice. As such, it was given its name which, in the Tibetan language, means Monastery of Collecting-Rice. Learn about the lives of Tibetan monks there.
The afternoon is spent touring Sera Monastery, have a little hike for the beautiful valley scenery nearby and picnic there, in the afternoon, visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Catch the famous debate session of the monks before returning back to Lhasa.
Day 10: Board the Train to Shanghai from Lhasa
The Tibet train from Lhasa to Shanghai departs at 12:10. You will be transfered to the train station and start your Tibet train journey - the world’s highest train ride.
This train route will take you 47 hrs 18 min. It is 4,347km and across the 5200 meter high mountain pass amidst the grand vistas of surreal mountain range and uniquely shaped Tibetan Landscape.
It would be an unforgettable expedition across full bosomed clear streams cascading down beautiful mountain ranges, sharing kisses with glistering dew drops, an amorous ride with nature. Overnight on the train.
Day 11: Scenery along the Tibet Railway
Day 12: Arrive in Shanghai, and Night Illuminations Coach Tour
Arrive in Shanghai at about 11:28am. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transfer to your hotel. Have a good rest after the long ride in the afternoon, and have a earlier dinner today.
The night tour starts with the sites of The People Square and The Bund.
Then take an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, which is one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai. From the deck of your riverboat watch the buildings of the Bund slip past, and the glittering cityscapes of east and west.
After the cruise, you will have a relaxing walk along Huaihai Road Fashion Street. The final stop is Xin Tian Di, which you will enjoy attractive night life there.
Be transferred back to your hotel after the tour.
Day 13: Departure from Shanghai (B)
You will be escorted to the airport/train station and take a flight/train to your next destination.
What’s included?
1.Tibet Entry Permit
2. Comfortable, clean and safe vehicle depending on your group size with reliable local driver;
3. Admission fees of tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
4. Professional English speaking tour guide;
5. Accommodations depend on your preference. Please tell us your preferred accommodation class when submitting the enquiry, and we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
6.All measl listed in the itinerary;
7.Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
What’s not included?
1. International flight to and out of China;
2. Chinese Visa
3. Domestic flight / train not listed in the itinerary (If you need ticket booking service, please leave your requirements in the Online Inruiry form.)
4.Meals not specified in the itinerary;
5.Tips to driver and tour guide, Tip as you wish
6.Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone call, optional tour activities and so on.
Trip Notes:
1. Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet Travel Permit is a must for Tibet tour. Its cost is included in the tour quotation. Send your passport and China visa copies to us 20 days in advance, and we will apply for the permit after you book a Tibetan tour with us. Shortly after we get your permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau, we will inform you and mail it to your hotel in China via express.
In some extreme cases, our staff will hand it over to you at the airport or railway station. In our experience, we can virtually guarantee to get your permit during times when Tibet is open to foreign travelers.
2. Accommodation
Tibet is never known for its 5-star luxury resorts, though you can find some like Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, St.Regis Lhasa Resort, Sheraton hotel, etc in Lhasa. Overall, the accommodation facilities and services are not as good as those in coastal and central parts of China. However, from cheap and clean youth hotel, to distinct Tibetan style 3-star and international 5-star luxury hotel, you will find one that suits your interest and pocket in Lhasa.
We’ve handpicked cozy and safe hotels in the central area of Lhasa, where you will find Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street are just steps away from you. You can easily experience more of the local life and culture. Normally, as you travel to remote areas in some parts of Shigatse like Tingri, or EBC, Ngari, Nagqu, etc. the accommodation would be much poorer. Some may have air-conditioning in the hotel;others may only have electric blanket in the guesthouses. And the food is also very basic.
3.Guiding and Tipping
Our English-speaking guides are natives of Tibet with good knowledge of Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. Most are trained to offer Western-standard service. Throughout your stay in Tibet, we will minor your health and provide prompt help to you. If you run into any trouble, please do not hesitate to reach them or our customer service manager.
Travelers’s tipping to Tibetan guide and driver is taken as an extra gratitude to their good service, just like what you do in the west. Normally, a tipping of 7 USD/day is acceptable. The basic rule is good service for good pay.
4. Toilet
Admittedly, to many western tourists, using toilets in Tibet is the most dreadful experience. So, please down play your expectation. If you take Tibet train to Lhasa, both western toilet and squat toilet are available in the train. If you stay in hotel above 3-star hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse, etc. you will have no complaining using standard western flash toilet.
However, if you visit some of the attractions like Yamdrok or Namtso, EBC outdoor, mostly you will see the smelly and filthy pit toilet.It's better to carry enough toilet paper.
5. Tibet Weather
One of the biggest features of weather on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the dramatic temperature change between day and night. The annual temperature in Lhasa is -2℃-- 12℃(spring), 9℃-- 22℃(summer), 7℃-- 19℃(fall), -7℃-- 9℃(winter). Do wear clothes properly such as thermal tops, fleece jacket, breathable underwear, down jacket, jeans, beanie, etc.
Of course, sun screen, lip balm, sun glasses are essential to shield you from powerful blinding sunlight on the plateau. Do drink more water and eat more vegetable as you travel in Tibet. It can prevent you from dehydration.
6. Acclimatization to the High Altitude
For the first timer to Tibet, either by flight or train, a good rest is a must for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Never rush to tour the street or attractions on your own. Walk slower and do not exert yourself like running or jumping. Spending at least two days in Lhasa is a good way to get acclimatized before heading to Shigatse or Namtso. If you have any discomfort, do tell it to your guide,and he will help you out.
7. Other Dos and Don'ts
Normally, taking photos is forbidden in the monastery. If you want to take photos of Tibetan pilgrims, a gentle ask of permission would be appreciated or you can do it from a long distance. Swimming and fishing are not allowed in holy lakes in Tibet; Do not talk about sensitive topics like politics; International tourists are not allowed to travel alone in Tibet according to the policy; Walk clockwise around Barkhor Street; Never venture into the unknown trails; do as much as you can to protect the fragile eco-system in Tibet, etc.
As Tibetan Buddhism is deeply-rooted in every facet of Tibetans' life, always follow and respect the unique customs in Tibet. If you are uncertain about something, it’s advisable to ask your guide before you do it at will.
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