China highlights with Tibet

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14 Days Private Tour Beijing – Xi’an – Lhasa – Yamdrok - Lhasa – Chengdu – Guilin – Yangshuo – Guilin – Longji – Guilin - Shanghai

The 14-day China Tibet tour takes us first to Beijing, the political center of China. The highlights of Beijing - the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan), the Forbidden City (Gugong) and the Great Wall are in the program.

By modern high-speed train we drive southwest to Xian, an ancient imperial city. Here we expect a view of the world-famous Terracotta Army and old city wall. From here we take a flight to the holy city Lhasa.

In Lhasa - the capital city of Tibet - you have two days for the attractions: Potala, Jokhang, Norblinka and Sera. And from Parla Lupu Monastery we'll enjoy the magnificent view of Potala Palace. We could circle around the Tibetan holiest Monastery Jokhang with pilgrims, who come from all over Tibet and the Tibetan cultural areas of Kham-Amdo of the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Many pious Tibetans measure the way on the Barkhor market with their body length. Before we leave Tibet, we visit the crystal clear holy lake Yamdrok.

By air we reach Chengdu, the capital of province Sichuan, the home town of Panda. Here we'll visit the pandas, stroll in the Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), and drink tea at a typical old teahouse in the people's park, which is a leisure lifestyle of Chengdu. And of course, we will discover the spicy Sichuan cuisine and more.

On the journey in south China, the picturesque karst landscape of Guilin and Yangshuo should not be missed. Then drive to the Longji Terraces, one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in the world, and meet with some people of Zhuang minority.

Finally, we arrive in modern harbor city Shanghai in East China. The view of the impressive skyline of Shanghai at the Bund (Waitan) is unforgettable. Of course, we will visit the famous Yu Garden, one of the most beautiful examples of garden art in China.

Highlights

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Beijing

Welcome to China. Visit Temple of Heaven

In the morning arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, transfer to hotel. Built in 1420 of the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty at present covering an area of 273 hectares, the grand temple served as the sacrificial place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing to worship the heaven, presenting gratitude for the harvest of this year and praying for another good harvest next year. It is the largest and most important of all imperial temples in China.

Overnight at 4*5L Hotel

Temple of Heaven

DAY
2

Beijing

Hiking and sightseeing on the Great Wall at Mutianyu

In the morning go to the Great Wall at Mutianyu (about 70 km in northeast of Beijing). The local section of the Great Wall built in 1368 and restored in 1983, is particularly attractive with its numerous watchtowers along the picturesque ridge in green, gently undulating landscape. The Great Wall was built as a defensive line against attacks by warlike steppe people from the north, and was constantly expanded and strengthened, so the strategic passes with barracks, watchtowers and storage rooms were expanded to fortress. The Great Wall is one of the eight ancient wonders of the world and the only man-made construction on earth that the astronauts can see in the moon. Starting out in the east on the banks of Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. It gradually becomes the symbol of the ancient Chinese civilization. Have a walking on the Great Wall about 2 to 3 hours. In the afternoon return to Beijing.

Overnight at 4*5L Hotel

Breakfast

Great Wall

DAY
3

High-speed train Beijing – Xian

Forbidden City (Gugong), Tiananmen Square, from Jingshan Park great view of the Forbidden City

Stroll in the Tiananmen Square that is probably the biggest one of its kind in the world. Then go to visit the Forbidden City (Gugong) - the emperor's palace, which was built between 1406 and 1420 with 9000 halls and rooms, containing many precious relics. Facing south and rising from a terrace, the largest palace in the world represents the supreme power and authority that emperors enjoyed during the feudalistic dynasties, and exemplifies the elements of palace architecture. Then climb to the "coal hill" (Meishan) of Jingshan Park lined with pines and cypress, a beautiful park just opposite the north gate of the Imperial Palace, for a great view of the Forbidden City - a rectangular basic building with golden roofs in the center of Beijing. In the afternoon transfer to railway station to take the high-speed train (G665 1600/2150) to Xian, capital of province Shaanxi. After arriving, transfer to hotel.

Overnight at 4*Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel

Breakfast

Forbidden City (Gugong)

DAY
4

Xian

The Eighth Wonder - Terracotta Army, Grand Wild-Goose Pagoda, the best-preserved Chinese city wall

Xian's main attraction is the famous Terracotta Army of the First Emperor of China Qin Shihuang (reigned 221 - 210 BC) who managed to unit China for the first time. The guardians of his grave offer you one of the greatest insights into the world of ancient China. In the morning visit the Museum of Terracotta Warriors. An inside museum has been built over these pits, covering a floor space of 20,000 square meters and displaying 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, 100 or so chariots, and 30,000 weapons-an assemblage famed as the Eighth World Wonder and a world cultural heritage site. Besides, visit Da Yan Ta (Big-Wild-Goose Pagoda) which was built by Emperor Li Zhi in 650 AD. Biking on the old city wall should not be missed. Built between 1374 and 1378, the city wall has a total length of 13.6 km and is the best preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defense system in China.

Overnight at 4*Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel

Breakfast

Terracotta Army

DAY
5

Air Xian – Lhasa

Welcome in Tibet – the roof of the world

In the morning you can join free activities. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport, and take the flight (CA3904 1505/1825) to Lhasa (3650m), the capital of Tibet, transfer to hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Barkhor Street

DAY
6

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala. It was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later it was expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. Built in 647, the temple is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
7

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery. Located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, Parla Lupu Cave Monastery was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
8

Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake - Gongga Airport, flight to Chengdu

Yamdrok Lake. Home town of panda

In the morning drive to Yamdrok Lake (4,441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. In the afternoon, transfer to Gongga Airport, and take a flight (CA4111 1610/1815) to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, home town of giant panda.

Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel

Breakfast

Yamdrok Lake

DAY
9

Flight Chengdu - Guilin

Giant Panda Base, Kuanzhai Xiangzi, Drink tea in People’s Park

In the morning, visit Chengdu Giant Panda Base of Breeding and Research. It was founded in 1987. Today there are over 50 giant pandas living here. In the afternoon stroll in the beautiful old block of Chengdu - Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), the relics of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which are unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, tea houses, restaurants and guesthouses were gathered here. Then it became the "lobby of leisure capital Chengdu". Walking here, it gives you a first impression of the "city of loafers". Then visit the People’s Park in the city center. Here you can have a seat in an old tea house and enjoy your covered-bowl tea in a comfortable environment with bamboo chair and bamboo table. The tea culture of Chengdu is well known throughout China. In the evening, transfer to airport and have a flight (CA4323 2015/2205) to Guilin. There is an old saying that praise the beauty of Guilin: “he most beautiful landscape under the sky is in Guilin, an even nicer one is in Yangshuo". The landscape resembles a Chinese ink painting. For thousands of years it has magically attracted innumerable poets, painters and calligraphers, who got their inspirations there.

Overnight at 4*Guilin Park Hotel

Breakfast

Panda

DAY
10

Guilin – Yangshuo

Majestic karst mountains in Yangshuo, Yulong River

In the morning, drive to Yangshuo, famous for the majestic karst mountains. On the way, climb up to the viewing platform of Xianggongshan to enjoy the panorama of the magical karst landscape and the Li River. After lunch, you can take a soft hike through the karst landscape. Then take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River, a magical tributary of the Li River with green fields, bamboo groves and the impressive karst mountains on the shore.

Overnight at The Giggling Tree Guesthouse

Breakfast

Yangshuo

DAY
11

Yangshuo – Guilin – Longsheng

Rice terraces of Longsheng, Sunset in terraces

Drive back to Guilin and then visit Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill. Then drive to the rice terraces of Longsheng. Walking from parking lot to an inn between terraces, there is a traditional wooden house with a style of Zhuang nationality. You can enjoy the sunset in terraces if the weather is well.

Overnight at Star-wish Resort

Breakfast

Rice Terraces of Longsheng

DAY
12

Longsheng – Guilin, flight Guilin - Shanghai

Sunrise of the Longji rice terraces, hiking in the Longji rice terraces

The sunrise in the Longji rice terraces should not be missed. Slowly the sunbeams light up the rice terraces, the cock crow and the local people go to work. After breakfast, hike through the famous rice terraces. As far as the eye can see, innumerable terraced paddy fields stretch along the steep mountain slopes to a height of 900 meters. The narrow rice fields have been cultivated by the Zhuang and Yao ancestors since the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) for centuries were still managed manually today. This is one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes on earth. Afterwards you will visit an old village of the Zhuang or Yao people to experience the tradition life closely. In the afternoon return to Guilin, then transfer to airport, take a flight (CA1970 2230/0055+1) to Shanghai, the largest booming city in China.

Overnight at 4*Greenland Jiulong Hotel

Breakfast

Rice Terraces of Longsheng

DAY
13

Shanghai

Shanghai, world metropolis, Yu Garden (Yu Yuan), the Bund

In the morning you get free activities. In the afternoon visit the famous Yu Yuan (Yu-Garden). From here you can explore the enchanting old city area. You dive into the world of the Far Eastern culture with all your senses: The distinctive flair of the old street with its tiny alleys, food stalls and small shops. Originally built in 1559, it served as the private garden of high-ranking official by then. The word “Yu” contains a meaning of “safe and peaceful”. Afterwards, take a walk on the Bund (Waitan), the waterfront of Shanghai. The view of the skyline as well as the old gorgeous buildings in European style is impressive.

Overnight at 4*Greenland Jiulong Hotel

Breakfast

Shanghai

DAY
14

Flight Shanghai - home

Leave China for home

Transfer to take maglev train to airport for homeward flight. End of the amazing tour in China.

Breakfast

Shanghai

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With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

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Hotel, program, itinerary, flight and train are subjected to change with prior notice.

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