China to Tibet - 11 days

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore Beijing or unwind at the hotel in preparation for the adventure ahead. In the evening, enjoy a tasty welcome dinner.

You’ll start your day by visiting Tiananmen Square, a site of profound historical importance where the People's Republic of China was founded and which has been the backdrop for numerous significant events in China’s history. Take a moment to admire the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong that hangs over the Tiananmen gates.





Next, you’ll proceed to the Forbidden City, the grand palace complex that served as the imperial residence for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This vast palace boasts over 800 opulent buildings and 9,000 chambers. Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit coincides with a Monday or if tickets are sold out, you will have the option to visit the Lama Temple or Confucius Temple as alternatives.





Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven, renowned for its impressive religious architecture. Continue to the bustling Marriage Market, where parents gather to find suitable matches for their children.





As evening falls, enjoy a tea ceremony, a graceful ritual that emphasizes harmony, respect, and tranquility, allowing participants to savour both the tea and the serene atmosphere. Then, return to your hotel to relax and unwind, with the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set out to visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. In spring, the mountain is covered with beautiful flowers; in summer, it is lush and accompanied by the sound of flowing water; in autumn, the mountains are adorned with red leaves and abundant fruits; and in winter, it is blanketed in white snow, presenting a picturesque northern scenery. Perhaps even take the cable car, which can be arranged locally.





After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a jade factory, where you can learn about and purchase exquisite jade jewelry.





In the afternoon, spend a leisurely time exploring the Summer Palace, where you can admire the blooming gardens grand pagodas. The Summer Palace is an impressive example of man-made beauty centered around Kunming Lake, an artificial body of water that was created by a labor force of over 10,000 workers. The rest of the evening will be spent at leisure.

Beijing - Xi'an. Begin the day with a tour of Beijing’s alleyways, known as ‘Hutongs,’ in the style of a Hutong Walk. This is also the perfect opportunity to sample some of Beijing's unique street food. Wander through these charming and historic alleys, admiring the tightly packed courtyards that house several households. During your exploration, you’ll even peek into an unassuming courtyard once frequented by the last empress of the Qing dynasty in her later years.





Following your Hutong tour, you’ll enjoy lunch before transferring to Beijing West Railway Station. Here, you’ll board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival in Xi’an, you’ll meet your local guide at the railway station and be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Dive into history at the Terracotta Warrior Museum, where you can marvel at the collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. These life-sized figures were meticulously modeled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army, and the site includes approximately 8,000 soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses - none of which are identical. This impressive army was created to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, which are housed in a vast mausoleum complex.





Following this, you'll enjoy a visit to a Terracotta Warrior Factory, where you'll learn about the intricate production process of these ancient artworks, a tradition that has remained unchanged since the Qin dynasty. As a special highlight, you may also have the opportunity to meet one of the farmers who discovered the Terracotta Army!





Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant before continuing your exploration at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Admire the exterior of this well-preserved ancient structure - one of the oldest surviving buildings of its kind in China.





The evening is free for you to explore at your leisure, allowing you to explore local dining options on your own.

Xi'an - Chengdu. Enjoy breakfast before boarding a high-speed train journey to Chengdu. The journey will take approximately 3-4 hours. Upon arrival in Chengdu, you'll be greeted by your local guide at the railway station.





Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before spending a leisurely afternoon at People's Park, the largest green space in downtown Chengdu. With its lake, gardens, teahouses, and monuments, it's an ideal place to observe local life. Stroll along the lake, watch people sing and dance, or paint water calligraphy. You can also relax in a teahouse, where you can learn to play Mahjong or Chinese chess.





Next, visit the Narrow and Wide Alley, a historic area part of Chengdu’s Cultural Protection Project. This area features traditional courtyards (Siheyuan) and old alleys where notable figures once lived.





As evening sets in, transfer to your hotel in the city center for check-in. The evening is free for you to explore your own way.

Today you'll visit the Panda Research Center for an up-close look at China’s beloved giant pandas. Wander through this sanctuary to witness the pandas' playful antics and learn about crucial conservation efforts to protect their future.





You'll have the opportunity to see giant pandas in their naturalistic habitat, engaging in their daily activities such as eating bamboo, playing, and interacting with one another. The center focuses on conservation and research efforts to ensure the survival of this endangered species. You may also observe the center's breeding programs and learn about the challenges faced in preserving panda populations. This visit offers insight into the efforts made to protect one of China’s most iconic and cherished animals.





Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then spend the afternoon at your leisure, allowing you to explore the city on your own.

Chengdu - Lhasa. After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa, which takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is at your leisure, but it's highly recommended to rest for the remainder of the day to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Explore what Lhasa has to offer as you embark on a visit to the Potala Palace, a monumental structure that rises more than 130 metres above the Red Hill of Lhasa Valley. This iconic landmark stands as a symbol of Tibetan culture and religion.





Then, proceed to Jokhang Temple, the most revered monastery in Tibet. Central to Tibetan Buddhism, the temple holds deep spiritual significance and is a focal point for Buddhist pilgrimage, playing a crucial role in Tibetan religious practices.





Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before venturing into the Barkor area. Here, you can explore the bustling marketplace, known for its traditional crafts, souvenirs, and vibrant street life. Dinner is at your own leisure.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before visiting Norbulingka, often called the "Plateau Botanic Garden" and the "Summer Palace of Lhasa." This expansive garden, covering 3.6 million square meters, showcases over 100 rare plant species from the Himalayas and beyond.





After lunch, head to Sera Monastery for a glimpse into life in a Tibetan monastery. Here, you may witness a lively debating session among the monks in the Debate Courtyard, a traditional method of learning and discussing Buddhist doctrines. Monks engage in this animated debate by clapping their hands and pointing, making for a dynamic and engaging experience. Afterwards, enjoy your final night at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We hope you enjoyed your journey through China and Tibet. Safe travels!