15 Days Splendid China & Tibet

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.

The Tibet train from Lhasa to Shanghai departs at 11:50. 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 48 hrs 13 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.

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.

Arrive in Shanghai at about 12:08am. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free on your own exploration.

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 late afternoon, our guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. As an international metropolis with a convenient transportation system, exploring Hong Kong on your own is easy and helps reduce costs.

We’ve included hotel accommodation with breakfast for you. Upon arrival at Hong Kong airport, follow the signs to the Airport Express and take the 20-minute train to Kowloon station. From there, you can use the free K3 shuttle bus to your hotel. If you prefer a complete package, feel free to contact us.

A full day is free for you to visit Hong Kong on your own. Here are some recommends for your information. You could reach new heights as you head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views over this exciting city. Or it’s onto the fishing village of Aberdeen & a cruise around the harbour. Or pick up gifts for friends & family at the Stanley Markets. Tonight toast your China experience & savour the taste of your last meal in China.

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.