China: Empires, Pandas & the Himalayas

When your flight lands in Beijing, your local guide and driver will be waiting for you at the customs exit, holding a sign with your name for a smooth and stress-free arrival. From here, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your journey—whether that means unwinding at the hotel, taking a short walk to explore the surrounding area, or simply resting to adjust to the new time zone.

Accommodation: TBA

On this day, you will first visit Tiananmen Square, which has witnessed many significant moments in China’s history. From there, continue into the magnificent Forbidden City. With a history spanning over 600 years, this royal palace continues to impress with its imposing pavilions, elegant details, and rich historical stories.

In the afternoon, visit Jingshan Park and climb up for a full view of the grand royal building complex of the Forbidden City. Afterward, enjoy a rickshaw tour through the hutongs, where you can experience the atmosphere of local life.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast, Lunch)

Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit to the world-famous Great Wall at the Mutianyu Section. Reputed as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Great Wall was first built over 2,000 years ago as a complex defensive structure for ancient China.

Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Sacred Road, lined with stone statues of divine beasts and officers. Afterward, return to downtown Beijing.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast, Lunch)

Begin your day with a visit to a morning food market, offering a glimpse into local daily life.

Next, continue to the Temple of Heaven, where locals gather to practice their morning exercises.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the railway station to board a high-speed train to Xi’an, providing a chance to experience China’s impressive rail system.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast)

Begin your day with a visit to the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors. These clay statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots, all arranged in battle formation, were commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty as part of his mausoleum.

Continue to a jade gallery. After lunch, visit the Ancient City Wall, the largest ancient wall in the world.

Optional: This evening, you may consider attending the Tang Dynasty Show as optional entertainment.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast, Lunch)

You will be free to pursue your personal activities until you are escorted to the airport for your flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. For the remainder of the day, you are advised to relax at the hotel to help adapt to the high altitude.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast)

Begin your day with a visit to the impressive Potala Palace. Built in 641 A.D., this remarkable structure served as the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and remains a powerful symbol of Tibet. Its striking architecture, golden Buddha statues, red-robed lamas, and devoted pilgrims make it a truly memorable site.

Later, continue to the historic Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. You will also walk along the circular pilgrimage route at Barkhor Street, where local followers gather and practice their traditions.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, begin your tour with a visit to Norbulingka Park, known as the “Summer Palace of Tibet.” Continue to Drepung Monastery, an ancient temple that once housed 10,000 monks at its peak.

Your day concludes at Sera Monastery. Built in 1419, it is one of the three largest monasteries in Tibet and is well known for its Buddhist scripture debates.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast, Lunch)

You will be free during the day until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your onward flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your personal guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is yours to relax.

Optional: This evening, you may consider attending a Sichuan Opera performance, known for its unique face-changing skill.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast)

On this day, you will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, followed by a trip to Wenshu Temple.

Later, spend some time in a tea house, where you can enjoy a cup of traditional Chinese tea and take in the atmosphere of Chengdu. You will then have time to explore Jinli Old Street before enjoying some leisure time.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast, Lunch)

You will have time to explore on your own in the morning before being transferred for your flight to Shanghai, a metropolitan city known for its blend of Eastern and Western culture.

Optional: If interested, you may choose to take a private Sichuan cuisine cooking class, preparing three or six dishes over approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast)

Begin your day with a visit to the elegant Yu Garden, followed by the bustling Yuyuan Market, where you can catch a glimpse of local life. Continue to a silk workshop.

Later, walk along the Bund beside the Huangpu River and take in the impressive architectural scenery.

Enjoy your leisure time in the afternoon.

Accommodation: TBA (Breakfast)

All good things must come to an end. Today, you will say goodbye to China, bringing with you lasting memories from your journey.

(Breakfast)