17 Days China Tibet Discovery & Yangtze Cruise Tour from Beijing

Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China as well as a city combining both modern and traditional architecture. You’ll be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of the airport / train station in Beijing and escorted to your hotel in the downtown by a private, comfortable, licensed and non-smoking vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this ever-changing megacity. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to ask for practical suggestions from our experienced tour guide.

Arrival Ideas: There are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to from Shanghai (4.5-6 hrs), Xian (4-6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5-10 hrs), Chongqing (7-9 hrs), Hong Kong (8 hrs), etc.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you’ll deeply explore the rich history and culture of imperial Beijing. First, enjoy a brief visit to the most important landmark - Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The square is surrounded by grand buildings including the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People’s Martyrs and the Forbidden City.

Walk through the Tiananmen to visit one of the world’s five most important palaces - the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of Qing Dynasty (1420 to 1912) with 24 emperors lived. The complex is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world, which consists of 980 buildings with around 10,000 rooms. You'll follow the central axis to visit Meridian Gate, Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme, Hall of Middle Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony and other gates, halls and gardens.

Continue to take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can ascend to its summit for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, the serene landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and Drum Tower. For unforgettable photos, make your way to one of the palace's corner towers, a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.

After lunch, you'll drive to the western outskirts of Beijing to Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Listed as the World Heritage Site, Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, pavilions, halls, temples, gardens, and bridges. Spend some enjoyable time strolling around Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake and Long Corridor and feast your eyes with beautiful landscape.

After the visit, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional evening activities: 1) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater; 2) Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

Forbidden City

Forbidden City from Jinshan Park

The Landmark of Beijing - Tian'anmen Square

Summer Palace

After breakfast, be transferred about 70km (1.5 hours) to witness Mutianyu Great Wall, a stunning, less-frequented segment of this World Wonder and the “longest great wall in China” so far. Tourists can see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall. Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses visitors here for its abundant vegetation. Let's begin your ascent via a cozy enclosed cable car to No. 14 Watchtower, which is your starting point to an unforgettable adventure. Trek westward along the wall, passing majestic watchtowers and soaking in impressive panoramic views. The trail is moderate, family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels. For the daring, climb the Great Man Slope to No. 20 Watchtower, the highest point offering breathtaking vistas. After the exploration, walk back to No. 14 Watchtower and descend comfortably by the enclosed cable car.

Optional Toboggan Experience: For an extra thrill at Mutianyu, consider riding the toboggan (about 2~3mins) or the chairlift cable car to descend the Great Wall, both accessable at No. 6 Watchtower. Please note that there might be a queue, especially during peak tourist seasons like Chinese holidays.

Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, deemed the Son of the Heaven, descended from Heaven to his country through this Sacred Way, would eventually return via this same path. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and the Great Palace Gate, where you’ll encounter the magnificent stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. After that, be sent back to Beijing and make a brief stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to admire the renowned Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

After the visit, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional dinner experience: 1) treat yourself a great dinner to taste the world-famous Peking Roasted Duck, the must-try specialty of Beijing known for its crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.

Mutianyu Great Wall with Verdant Vegetation

Enjoy Light Hiking on Mutianyu Great Wall

Sacred Path

Bird’s Nest in Summer

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. Learn about the symbolism of “Heaven” and “Earth” and explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. Enjoy the vivid life by visiting the surrounding park to see locals playing Taichi, flying kite, dancing, writing water calligraphy, and others.

Next, get back to the traditional part of Beijing to hop on a rickshaw to explore Beijing Hutongs and the culture of quadrangle dwellings. Shuttle among different Hutongs to get a feel of the old Beijing lifestyle, pass various antique shops and different boutiques and truly feel the historical change of Beijing. You'll also visit a local family's home in the Hutongs, offering a glimpse into everyday life.

After the tour, be escorted to Beijing West Railway Station for a high speed train to Xian (about 5hrs). The local guide will pick you up at Xian North Railway Station and escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties.

Temple of Heaven

Beijing Hutong Rickshaw

Old Alley of Beijing Hutong

Good morning! After breakfast, you'll be escorted about 40km to marvel at the Eighth Wonder of the World - Terracotta Warriors and Horses which was found in 1974 by local farmers and later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Get into the living historical classroom to witness one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Visit the three pits containing more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses and know the history of Qin Dynasty (221-207BC), the emperors and the funerary art.

After lunch, return to Xian to visit the 1,350-year-old Da Cien Temple, renowned for Buddhist sutra translations during the Tang Dynasty. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda with seven stories at a height of 64.5 meters is the famous building there. This pagoda was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuan Zang (the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”) to preserve precious Buddhist relics, scriptures and figures of Buddha he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. (Note: Please note: It charges extra 30 Yuan to climb up the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.)

In the evening, stroll through the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, where nightscape illuminates and makes you recall the prosperous Tang Dynasty. A visit here at night offers a marvelous neon scene, quite different from daytime.

Optional activities: 1) Try on Hanfu, the traditional clothing of the Han Chinese in the ancient periods, and take some beautiful photos! 2) Enjoy the wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm).

Witness the Magnificent Terracotta Warriors Army

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Summer

Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

Hanfu Experience in Xian

After breakfast, be transferred to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a tranquil structure smaller and 55 years younger than its “sister” - the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during 707 to 709 AD, this 43.4-meter-tall, 13-tierd (originally 15) pagoda resembles a tall rectangular pyramid. Remarkably, the pagoda has survived nearly 70 earthquakes but stands firm today. Walk around to appreciate its beautiful design and take some fantastic photos. Then, walk several minutes to the nearby Xian Museum, boasting over 130,000 pieces of jade relics, seals, paintings, porcelains, Buddhist statues, stone carvings and more for your admiration.

Next, head back to downtown Xian to discover the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved existing ancient city wall in China. This rectangular city wall is 13.75km in length, 12m in height and 15-18m in width which needs about 4 hours’ walk for a full circuit. Just like the merchants and envoys on the Silk Road thousands of years ago, you'll enter the interior of the city walls through the Hanguang Gate and visit a mini museum to see the real Tang Dynasty city wall ruins from over 1400 years ago. After that, get up to the wall to have a leisure stroll and enjoy a panoramic view of Xian. Then, continue to the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste different local snacks and explore the harmonious local culture.

The rest of today is free for you to discover this ancient city.

Optional activity: Renting a bike to enjoy a relaxing cycling on the Ancient City Wall is strongly recommended. The cycling routes and duration are flexible. Feel free to discuss with your tour guide.

Xian Ancient City Wall - Hanguang Gate

Enjoy Leisure Cycling on Xian Ancient City Wall

Xian Ancient City Wall

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Walk along Muslim Quarter to Taste Some Snacks

After breakfast today, you will be escorted to Xian Xianyang Airport for a flight to Lhasa (about 3 hours and 20 minutes). Tashi Delek, Welcome to the holy land - Tibet! You will be met by our local tour guide at airport / train station, then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa City by a private, comfortable and non-smoking vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and high altitude of Lhasa or explore local area near your hotel if you like.

High altitude acclimation tips: 1) To well acclimate the high altitude of Lhasa (about 3650 meters), you’d better take a good rest after arrival; 2) Go for some leisure walk instead of strenuous physical activities; 3) You’d better not have bath on the first day in case of catching a cold; 4) Drink more water or have some fruit.

On this day, start your spiritual trip to the landmark of Lhasa - Potala Palace with 1300 years’ history. Standing 117 meters high with 13 storeys, the castle-like palace rises upwards from the foot to the top of Red Hill. Climbing up the sacred steps to the Red Palace and White Palace you will explore 698 murals, almost 10,000 painted scrolls, numerous sculptures, carpets, canopies, curtains, porcelain, jade, and fine objects of gold and silver, as well as a large collection of sutras and important historical documents. You’ll have the chance to see gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas.

In this afternoon, pay a visit to Jokhang Temple which is considered as the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple was designed according to the Mandala, the famous model of ideal universe in Buddhism theories as well as mixed with the style of Tibet, China, Nepal and India. You’ll be impressed by the devout pilgrims coming from different places to worship to the Buddha, see precious statue of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12, explore other splendid images of Buddha and mural paintings inside the temple.

Next will be followed a spiritual walk around Barkhor Street. It is a circular and wide street encircling the Jokhang Temple that local Tibetans like to walk on the street for several circles usually in the late afternoon as a daily tradition of pilgrimage. You can either join in the locals walk around the street or visit the shops selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods, religious items and handcrafts. 

Tips of today: 1) Walk slowly while climb to the top of Potala Palace; 2) Taking photos is not allowed inside the palace; 3) Please bring some water, a hat, sun cream and sun glasses with you for today’s visiting.

Potala Palace

Pilgrims Worship in front of Jokhang Temple

Our Customers at Barkhor Street

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Norbulingka Park, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas as well as the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Enjoy a relaxing walk in the large garden with four palace complexes, a monastery as well other halls and pavilions surrounded by lush trees and beautiful flowers. If time is right, attend the Shoton Festival to watch the Tibetan Opera performed by famous Tibetan teams.

Next drive several kilometers to the western outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Being one of the Three Greatest Monasteries in Lhasa as well as the largest monastery in Tibet, it had 10,000 monks lived and studied in the monastery in its heyday. Throughout its history, many important and famous Tibetan leaders used to study here, especially the Dalai Lamas. So Drepung Monastery is also respectfully known as the “Mother School of Dalai Lamas”. You’ll feast your eyes with numerous statues, murals, Buddhist classics, etc.

Later you’ll head to Sera Monastery to enjoy the famous “Buddhism Debate”. As a daily routine, the monks gather in a courtyard and debate on the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures, which is thought to be helpful to facilitates better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the city. The rest time is your own free time to rest.

The etiquette of visiting monastery: 1) Wear formally and avoid short and uncover shoulders; 2) Go in clockwise when visiting the halls; 3)Take off your sunglasses and hat before enter the chapels; 4) Taking photos is usually not allowed inside the chapels.

Spectacular Buddhism Debating in Sera Monastery

Drepung Monastery, Mother School of Dalai Lamas

Norbulingka Park

Today is free until your guide picks you up and escorts you to the airport and take a flight to Chengdu from Lhasa (about 2hrs). Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of Chengdu airport and escorted to your hotel in downtown area. The rest of today is on your own to explore this leisure city.

Chengdu, The Land of Abundance

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a 15-km drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (simply Chengdu Panda Base). This world's most important panda scientific research center is home for over 100 giant pandas. Walk through the verdant bamboo-lined paths, witness the fascinating progression of pandas from baby to adult, watch the adolescent pandas aged 1-5, eating, playing, tumbling and climbing. If lucky, you may be able to see the precious panda babies in the nursery rooms. Don't miss the informative Panda Museum for more scientific facts about Giant Pandas.

After the memorable panda visit, head to Wenshu Monastery, a serene Buddhist temple in the bustling downtown of Chengdu. Walk in the spiritual temple and marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architectures, Buddhist statues, scriptures, and relics. Adjacent is (Wenshufang), a small bazaar for a leisure stroll to experience local market and living style.

Next, visit Renmin Park to feel the famed laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu. Sip a cup of Chinese tea in a century-old teahouse, chat with friends, watch locals indulging in different folk activities, like napping, ear cleaning, Mahjong, dancing, water calligraphy, etc.! Then, discover the famous Jinli Old Street, a vibrant hub full of local snacks, delicate artifacts, folk shows and other activities. Time will fly as you explore along the ancient streets!

Optional activity: 1) enjoy a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine or hotpot at a local restaurant; 2) watch Sichuan Opera at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse, featuring stick puppets, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, folk music, acrobatic and dance (usually during 20:00~21:30).

Chengdu Panda Base

Explore Three Kingdom Culture in Jinli Old Street

Wenshu Monastery

Enjoy some leisure moment in Renmin Park

This morning, you will be transferred to Chengdu Eastern Railway Station to take a high speed train to Chongqing (about 1.5~2hrs). Upon arrival at Chongqing Northern Railway Station, you will be met by our tour guide and then go to visit Ciqikou Ancient Town - Chongqing's old harbor and once the site of the residential houses of many of Chongqing's richest merchants.  Here you can still see exquisite Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, visit local shops and tea houses, watch local Sichuan street performances and undertake other interesting activities. After this you will be taken to the next highlight site, Three Gorges Museum, a large monographic museum presenting the history and culture of the Three Gorges Dam Project and its place in Chinese history.

In the late afternoon, be transferred to board your 4-day Yangtze River cruise at Chaotianmen Dock (18:00~21:00), which will sail at 21:00!

Tips for Cruise Boarding: 1) Chaotianmen Dock consists of 12 sub-piers; please confirm the exact boarding pier with your travel consultant one day prior; 2) Tell your driver the exact pier to minimize walking; 3) Boarding time and pier changes based on the ship line or factors like water level, season, weather condition, etc. Please pay attention to the important information from your travel consultants.

Three Gorges Museum

Ciqikou Old Town

Chongqing Chaotianmen Port for Yangtze Cruise

Good morning! Wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine over the tranquil Yangtze. You can either follow the Taichi master to play Taichi or enjoy a cup of coffee to start a beautiful day!

Enjoy various entertainment onboard, like attending a Yangtze River History and Culture Lecture, enjoying seasonal themed activities, meeting new friends at the Captain's Welcome Party, having fun at the wonderful evening show, etc.

You will follow a local English-speaking tour guide to visit Fengdu Ghost City onshore, which is about 2,000 years old and called “the Homeland of Divine Comedy in China”. In this “City of Ghosts”, you will see a series of temples, shrines, palaces, pavilions, and more traditional styled architecture complex. The colorful statues and story scenes of afterlife in hell displayed show the underworld, cruel tortures, different kinds of devils, Chinese demons and the traditional Chinese belief: pure spirits would be rewarded, and sinful ones would be subject to severe punishments. (Please note: Fengdu Ghost City visit requires much walking and comfortable shoes are highly recommended!)

Optional Excursion to Feng Yan San Guo (Three Kingdoms Fire Show): A reputable and impressive real landscape show telling the brilliant history during the Three Kingdoms Period (over 1,800 years ago) and praising the loyalty spirit of General Guan Yu. (with an extra fee)

Beautiful & Tranquil Yangtze River

Play Taichi in the Morning

Fengdu Ghost City

Three Kingdoms Open Air Show

Today, you'll sail through the spectacular Three Gorges! Soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.

You'll switch to a smaller boat to take an enjoyable shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), a tributary of the Yangtze River. Sail down this primitive stream to closely marvel at steep mountains and hanging coffins high on the cliffs, hear local history, and appreciate featured dance and music by Tujia ethnic people!

At evening, enjoy the well-prepared Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard and have a whale of time of the last night onboard!

Optional Excursion to White Emperor City: This cultural and historic site at the entrance of Qutang Gorge tells the touching stories of the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and is the best spot to appreciate the magnificent “Kui Gate” on the 10 RMB note! (with an extra fee)

Magnificent Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge

Breathtaking Wu Gorge Scenery

Enjoy Wu Gorge Scenery on Sundeck

White Emperor City

Shennv Stream with Primitive Gorge Scenery

After breakfast, go through a check-out procedure, disembark at Maoping Port and take the arranged tourist bus to visit the global famous Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest hydropower station in the world, with an annual energy output of 84.7 billion kilowatt-hours. The Dam is about 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) long and about 115 meters (377 ft) wide. With a water capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters, it can hold a huge reservoir to efficiently prevent flooding in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze. Take your time to appreciate this great project from different angles and learn more at the project museum.

Then, take the tourist bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal in Yichang downtown (arriving around 12:30-13:30). Your local guide and driver will pick you up there and transfer to Yichang East Railway Station for the bullet train to Shanghai (6-8 hrs). Upon arrival, be met by our local guide at the arrival hall of the railway station and escorted to your hotel in downtown. Have a nice sleep!

Optional Experience of Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: Take a tourist boat to sail through this world’s largest ship lift with an elevation of about 113 meters (370 ft), which is totally fresh and exciting! (with an extra fee)

Notes: 1) No matter you take Ship Lift or not, you’ll check out and take your luggage away in this early morning. 2) Only Dam visit: take the bus from Maoping Port to visit Three Gorges Dam and arrive at Yichang downtown at around 12:30. 3) Dam visit + Ship Lift: switch to a tourist boat to sail through the Ship Lift and visit Three Gorges Dam. Then, take the bus and arrive at Yichang downtown at around 13:30. 4) During peak season, ship lift will be busy and seats on the boat may be unavailable. Please consider carefully before joining.

World-famous Three Gorges Dam

Three Gorges Dam - 185 Observation Deck

Three Gorges Dam in Summer

Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, the Largest Ship Lift in the World

Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift

After breakfast, enjoy your full-day exploration of the Magic Shanghai with west-meet-east, modern-blend-tradition culture. Let's start with Shanghai Museum, one of the Four Greatest Museums in China. Admire its stunning "Ding"-style exterior which symbolizes “a round heaven and a square earth”. Enter to treat your eyes with an extensive collection of international-standard historical relics from over 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, jades, coins, furniture, seals, sculptures, etc. (An Audio Explanation Device will be prepared for your better understanding of the history and technology.)

Next, have an interesting walk at Yu Garden, a typical ancient Chinese garden in Jiangnan area similar to the classical Suzhou Gardens! This garden boasts traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant decorations, glittering pools with roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky, all designed to refresh your spirit. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor local snacks and explore exquisite traditional handicrafts and artworks.

Continue to the third-tallest building in China - Shanghai World Financial Center in Pudong New District. Ascend to the 100th floor (474 meters) for a breathtaking panoramic view of Shanghai's downtown, the Huangpu River, and neighboring skyscrapers. Later, go to Nanjing Road, another landmark of Shanghai, a shopping paradise as well as a great place for a nice walk to feel the modern vibes of Shanghai. Finally, take a delight stroll along The Bund with a rich array of buildings of diverse architectural styles. Soak in the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while appreciating the stunning Shanghai skyline!

Optional activities: Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of darkness (about 50 minutes).

The Bund - Best Place to See Shanghai Skyline

Shanghai Museum

Walk through the Zigzag Bridge of Yu Garden

Have Panoramic View on the Top of Shanghai World Financial Center

The Bund - An Exhibition of International Buildings

Good morning! After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel for an interesting visit to Shanghai's evolution at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Witness how a humble fishing village has transformed into a super modern metropolis. Engaging exhibits, including rare vintage photos of landmarks like the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden from the international settlement era, coupled with interactive multimedia and intricate models, offer an entertaining and insightful experience. You won't miss the highlight - massive model showcasing Shanghai's detailed urban layout.

Next, go to Tianzifang which is a vibrant arts and crafts hub developed from a renovated traditional residential area. It is the typical place to appreciate the preserved Shikumen architecture and soak up the local lifestyle. You can leisurely stroll along the quaint alleys, observe Shanghai's daily routines, sip a drink at an outdoor café, and discover unique finds in trendy boutiques, blending international flair with authentic Shanghai culture.

After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport / train station for your flight to the next destination or home. Tour ends!

See the Future of Shanghai in Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Tianzifang