China Tibet Highlights Tour

Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant capital of China and the perfect starting point for your 14-day China and Tibet adventure. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. If you’d like ideas for your first evening in Beijing, your guide will be happy to offer recommendations.

This morning, meet your local guide and driver at your hotel and start your day at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a landmark of modern China. From there, walk to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 Ming and Qing emperors. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds the world’s largest collection of preserved wooden structures. As you explore the halls and courtyards, your guide will share fascinating stories of palace life.

Next, head to nearby Jingshan Park, where a short climb offers sweeping views over the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City and central Beijing.

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a sprawling royal retreat known for its beautiful gardens, pavilions, and lakeside views. Stroll along the famous Long Corridor and learn about the leisure life of the Qing emperors.

In the evening, consider trying Beijing’s signature dish – Peking roast duck at a renowned local restaurant like Quanjude or Da Dong, or enjoy a lively cultural performance such as a Peking Opera or Kung Fu show.

In the morning, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and less crowded sections of the Great Wall of China. Surrounded by lush mountains, it’s a perfect spot for walking and photography. You can either hike up or take a cable car to reach the wall (optional, extra fee). Spend around 3–4 hours exploring the watchtowers and soaking in the stunning views. For a fun and memorable descent, you can opt for a toboggan ride (optional, additional fee).

In the afternoon drive to visit the Changling Tomb, the largest and best-preserved of the Ming Tombs. Known for its grand design and historical significance, it’s often called a “mini Forbidden City.”

You will also stop at Olympic Green, where you can view the exterior of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, two landmark venues from the 2008 Beijing Olympics (entrance tickets not included).

To end the day, choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at the lively Donghuamen Night Market to sample local snacks and experience Beijing’s bustling evening vibe.

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, now a peaceful park where locals practice tai chi and morning exercises. Then head to the historic Shichahai area for a glimpse of old Beijing life. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through narrow Hutong alleys, visit a traditional courtyard home, and stroll along the charming Yandai Xiejie near the Drum Tower. If time is allowed, explore Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gongwang Fu), a grand Qing Dynasty residence known for its elegant halls, tranquil gardens, and rich history as the home of one of the era’s most influential statesmen.

Then transfer to board afternoon high-speed train to Xi’an – about 4.5 hours’ ride. Xi’an train station pick-up and transfer to the hotel.

This morning, head out to one of China’s most iconic sites—the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” this vast underground army was built over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. You’ll explore the impressive excavation pits and even have a chance to create your own mini warrior figure in a hands-on clay workshop (optional, extra fee applied).

In the afternoon, return to the city and walk along the top of the Xi’an City Wall, the oldest and best-preserved of its kind in China. It’s a great spot to take in panoramic views of the old city. Then wander down Shuyuan Men Street, a lively alley filled with traditional art shops and calligraphy studios. Finish the afternoon at the Muslim Quarter, where you can sample delicious local snacks and experience the vibrant Hui culture.

In the evening you might choose to enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show (excluded, fee on your own), a dazzling performance of classical Chinese music and costume. Or take a stroll through the spectacular Datang Everbright City, known for its Tang-style buildings, light shows, and lively street performances—a modern cultural hub that really comes alive after dark.

In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa, the sacred heart of Tibet. The journey takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and begin acclimatizing to the high altitude. Your Lhasa sightseeing begins tomorrow.

Start your Lhasa city tour with a visit to the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. This towering red-and-white structure is the most iconic symbol of Tibet. Inside, you’ll walk through ancient chapels, see golden stupas, and take in panoramic views over the city.

Next, explore the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist site. Founded over 1,300 years ago, it draws pilgrims from all over the plateau who come to pray before the revered statue of Jowo Shakyamuni.

Then stroll along Barkhor Street, the traditional pilgrimage route around Jokhang Temple. It’s a great place to observe Tibetan devotion, interact with locals, and browse stalls filled with prayer flags, incense, and handmade crafts.

To relax and soak in the local rhythm of life, enjoy a sip of sweet Tibetan tea at a nearby local tea house, a favorite gathering place where locals meet, chat, and unwind.

Today, drive to Ganden Monastery, perched high on Wangbur Mountain about 35 km (20 miles) from central Lhasa. As one of Tibet’s oldest and most significant monasteries, Ganden is part of the “Great Three” Gelugpa university monasteries and was once the residence of the Dalai Lama before the Potala Palace was built. After exploring its impressive chapels and assembly halls, you’ll have the option to take a light kora walk around the monastery. This scenic pilgrimage route offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as a peaceful introduction to Tibetan spiritual traditions.

In the afternoon, return to Lhasa to visit Sera Monastery, also part of the “Great Three.” Famous for its lively monk debates, held most afternoons in a stone courtyard, Sera gives a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist education and practice.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Lhasa at your own pace.

After visiting several important monasteries and learning about Tibetan Buddhism over the past two days, today you’ll journey out of Lhasa to the breathtaking Yamdrok Tso lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. The drive takes you over the Kamba La Pass (4,794 meters / 15,728 feet), where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the lake’s turquoise waters winding between snow-capped peaks. It’s an ideal place for photos and a quiet moment to take in the vast beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.

At the lakeside, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family living nearby, where you’ll gain insight into traditional lifestyles. Your warm hosts will invite you to try butter tea or sweet tea, a unique part of Tibetan hospitality. In the late afternoon, return to Lhasa.

This morning, you’ll be transferred to Lhasa airport for your flight to Chengdu (approx. 2 hours). Be sure to grab a window seat, on a clear day, the aerial views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. Upon arrival in Chengdu, your local guide will meet you and take you straight to Leshan to see the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha. Standing 71 meters tall and carved directly into the cliff face, this massive stone statue was completed during the Tang Dynasty after 90 years of work. Ingeniously built with a hidden drainage system, it has stood the test of time for over 1,200 years. In the late afternoon, drive back to Chengdu for an overnight stay.

Start your day with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – one of the best places in the world to see giant pandas up close. Learn about these rare and beloved animals, who now only inhabit a few mountainous areas in central China, especially Sichuan Province.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle with a visit to People’s Park. Watch locals practice tai chi, play Mahjong, dance, or even matchmake for their children. Take a break with a cup of tea at the well-loved Heming Teahouse, a true slice of local life. Then wander through Jinli Ancient Street or Kuanzhai Alleys, where traditional architecture, lively shops, and mouthwatering street food offer a perfect blend of culture and flavor.

Later in the day, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, your final destination of this 2 week China itinerary. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and head to your hotel for check-in and rest.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its elegant pavilions, koi-filled ponds, rockeries, and shaded walkways, an oasis of calm in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Old Town. Just next door, explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, perfect for picking up local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

Next, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People’s Square to learn about the city’s transformation from fishing village to global metropolis through impressive models and multimedia displays.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Ride up to the observation decks for panoramic views of the city and the Huangpu River. Then, take a walk down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s bustling commercial street, before arriving at the historic Shanghai Bund, where colonial architecture faces off with the modern skyline across the river.

In the evening, you can choose to enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise (optional, extra fee applied), offering stunning views of illuminated Shanghai.

As your China tour nears its end, enjoy a full free day to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Whether you prefer shopping, strolling through local neighborhoods, or diving deeper into the city’s culture, this is your time to experience the city your way. Feel free to ask your local guide for personalized recommendations on places to visit, hidden gems, or local restaurants to try.

It’s time to say goodbye to your incredible journey through China. Your driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip home!