17 Days Tour Plan
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
- Day 11
- Day 12
- Day 13
- Day 14
- Day 15
- Day 16
- Day 17
Welcome to China! Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel.In the early evening, we’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a vibrant pedestrian avenue known for its lively atmosphere, numerous shops, and diverse restaurants. This will be a great opportunity to get acquainted with the city. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.
An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of Beijing, the vibrant capital of China. We’ll embark on a full-day tour, discovering some of the city´s most iconic avenues. Our journey will take us to the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, better known as the Forbidden City, the most majestic architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years.We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of the best-preserved imperial gardens in Beijing. From its summit, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting. Next, we’ll stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, from where we can admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.Lunch will be included.Our journey will continue with a visit to the Summer Palace, the imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its picturesque gardens and serene lakes. In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in traditional Beijing life with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighborhoods. Here, we’ll experience the city´s rich cultural heritage, explore traditional shops, and visit a Siheyuan, a classic courtyard house that reflects the city´s architectural charm.We’ll then return to the hotel for an overnight stay.Note: Due to heritage protection measures and visitor safety regulations, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee this visit. If access is unavailable, we’ll instead explore the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both of which are emblematic sites in Chinese history and culture.
We’ll take an excursion to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section, a spectacular architectural masterpiece whose history spans more than 2,000 years. We’ll ride the cable car up and down to access the Wall (tickets included). We’ll bid farewell to Beijing with a delicious lunch included, featuring the famous Peking duck. Afterward, we’ll transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
Our tour of Shanghai will take us through its most iconic sights. We´ll begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s modern financial district, located across the Huangpu River. This area is home to towering skyscrapers, including the iconic Pearl Tower.We’ll then take a scenic ferry ride across the Shanghai River, offering spectacular views of both the historic and contemporary sides of the city.Next, we’ll stroll through the Old City and visit the serene Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of China’s rich cultural heritage.Our tour will continue through Xintiandi, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its stylish boutiques, cafés, and vibrant atmosphere.Lunch will be included.In the afternoon, we’ll explore Tianzifang, a former residential district now famous for its maze-like alleys, charming craft shops, and contemporary art galleries.We’ll conclude our day with a walk along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings reflect the influence of European trade in Shanghai.Free afternoon. If you wish, you can enjoy a boat trip to see Shanghai at night, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train (scheduled departure at 07:17 a.m.). In just over five hours, we’ll travel 1,000 km through picturesque landscapes, passing through beautiful stretches of countryside before arriving in Luoyang.Lunch will be included.Our visit will begin at the awe-inspiring Longmen Buddhist Caves, an extraordinary complex stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the river. Here, more than 100,000 Buddha statues and carvings have been sculpted into the stone, creating one of China’s most remarkable archaeological sites. To fully appreciate the grandeur of this site, we’ll also enjoy a scenic boat ride along the river.Afterward, we’ll transfer to the ancient city of Luoyang, where we’ll pass through its imposing walls and immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere of its illuminated streets, filled with traditional charm and vibrant local activity.
In the early morning, on the outskirts of Luoyang, we’ll visit the White Horse Buddhist Monastery, a vast and historic center of Buddhist learning that welcomes scholars and practitioners from around the world.We’ll then continue our journey to Sanmenxia, a city rich in history. Here, we’ll admire the mighty Yellow River and visit the Baolun Temple, known for its striking tall pagoda. We’ll also explore the renowned Guo Museum, considered one of the finest in China, where we’ll see the ancient funeral carriages of the former State of Guo, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.Lunch will be included.Our journey eastward will take us past the sacred Mount Hua, one of China’s holiest mountains, known for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Xian, where our day will come to an end.
We have arrived in Xian, the fascinating city where the ancient Silk Road began.In the morning, we’ll visit the legendary Terracotta Army, an astonishing archaeological site where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, hidden underground for centuries, stand guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor.Afterward, we’ll return to Xian to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist structure that has stood for over a thousand years.Next, we’ll explore the city’s historic walled center, passing through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where we’ll visit the Great Mosque. This unique site reflects the rich blend of cultures and religions that have shaped China over the centuries.Our tour also includes entrance to the Drum Tower, where we’ll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese music played on ancient instruments.Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace.
We leave Xian in a very modern high-speed train, and in just over three hours we cover the 700 km that separate us from CHENGDU. On arrival we will go to the Panda Bear research and breeding centre, a reserve where 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas live. Lunch included. In the afternoon we will take a stroll through the People´s Park, with its small lake, the local people doing Taichi, and its tea houses.-
Today we include full-day tour of Sichuan Province, with its pleasant landscapes and traditional villages. In DUJIANGYAN we see the traditional irrigation system, which has been working for more than 2000 years and is a world heritage site. QUINGCHENG SHAN, “mountain of the green city” is a Taoist holy mountain. Its paths through the forests show us caves, pavilions and centuries-old wooden temples, lunch included. Finally, we will visit the ancient city of JIEZI with its alleys with over a thousand years of history. Return to CHENGDU.
We’ll head to the airport for the included flight to the city of Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, we’ll meet our guide and take a bus to Lhasa (3,700m), the capital of Tibet. The journey takes about an hour and a half. After checking in at the hotel, you’ll have a free evening to acclimatize to the altitude. You’ll also have time for a leisurely stroll through the local bazaars.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided tour of Lhasa’s most iconic landmark: the Potala Palace. This awe-inspiring 13-story structure, once the tallest building of its time, served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. The palace’s magnificent architecture can be seen from various points across the city and stands as a supreme relic of the nation, dating back to the 7th century A.D. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Here, we’ll witness the famous “Debate on Buddhist Scriptures,” a captivating tradition unique to Sera. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Lhasa.
We’ll enjoy a guided tour of Tibet´s most revered religious structure, the Jokhang Temple. Known as the ‘House of Buddha’ in the Tibetan language, it is said to hold a statue personally crafted by Buddha Sakyamuni during his lifetime. The temple serves a vibrant convergence of Tibetan spiritual and secular life, where people from all Tibetan tribes come together. Surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Market, one of the most important religious routes and a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike to shop. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s summer residence. After, we’ll return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
We’ll travel along the Tsangpo River to visit the remarkable Samye Monastery, believed to be the first monastery in Tibet, built between 775 and 779. Although the original structure is no longer intact due to damage from wars and natural disasters, the monastery has been rebuilt multiple times and remains a powerful symbol of Tibetan identity. Its main building is a three-story tower showcasing a blend of Tibetan, Han, and Indian architectural styles. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Yumbu Lakhang Palace, the first building in Tibet and the palace of its first king. We’ll end the day in Tsetang for an overnight stay.
Spectacular landscapes will await us as we head up the Kambala Pass (4,790 m), where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Yamdrok Lake. The sight of the turquoise lake with the distant snow-capped peaks is both marvelous and awe-inspiring. Lunch will be included en route. We’ll descend from the Kambala Pass to continue our journey along the lake’s shore. Passing charming small villages along the way, we’ll arrive in Gyangtse, where we’ll visit the Perkhor Chode Monastery at sunset. Overnight stay.
We’ll depart for Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet and capital of Tsang, located at an altitude of 3,810 m. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the Panchen Lama of Tibet, a sprawling complex featuring a massive statue of Maitreya, prophesied to be the next Buddha who will arise in this world. Lunch will be included. Several temples within the monastery contain ornately decorated reliquaries, known as “chortens.” Visit the open-air market in Shigatse, a perfect spot to discover true treasures of Tibetan craftsmanship. Overnight stay.
We’ll journey by road along the Yarlung Tsangpo River back to Lhasa. Lunch will be included. Along the way, we’ll stop in a small roadside village to visit a traditional incense mill and Tibetan craft workshop. Arrival in Lhasa and overnight stay.
After breakfast, we´ll provide a transfer to the airport and our services will come to an end, aiming to leave you with lasting memories.
Planned Hotels or similar
MERCURE BEIJING DOWNTOWN
1087956688
H7565-re@accor.com
No.16 jia,xi da wang road, chaoyang, cp 100124,beijing,100124
Beijing,China
GRAND CONCORDIA
1051086688
No. 26 xiaoyun road, chaoyang district, beijing, china, 100016,100016
Beijing,China
GRAND MERCURE BEIJING CENTRAL
106603668
China, beijing, xicheng district,100031
Beijing,China
NOVOTEL SHANGHAI ATLANTIS
2150366666
28 pu dong avenue 200120 shanghai china,200120
Shanghai,China
RAMADA BY WYNDHAM DOWNTOWN
37965150000
info.luoyang@wyndhamhotels.com
76 jinguyuan road, luoyang,471000
Luoyang,China
MERCURE LUOYANG
3796233999
Kaiyuan avenue geological and mining building, luolong district, luoyang city,000
Luoyang,China
DELTA BY MARRIOTT XIAN
2968528888
West of longshu north road, no. 22, lian hu qu, xi´an, shaanxi, china, 710014,710014
Xian,China
NOVOTEL XIAN SCPG
29862688
H9253@accor.com
China, shaanxi, xi´an, lianhu, weiyang rd, 33,0
,China
DORSETT CHENGDU
2883328666
168 xi yulong street, qingyang district, chengdu,610015
Chengdu,China
TSEDANG
8916820999
No 6,beijing west road lhasa tibet china,0
Lhasa,Tibet
SHAMCHU GARDEN
8937839999
No 6,hubei rd,shannan tibet china,0
Tsetang,China
SHIGA YANGCHA GRAND
0892853699
No2,xueqiang rd,shigatse tibet china,0
Shigatse,China