15 Days Shanghai Chengdu Lhasa Xian and Beijing Tour

Tour Route: Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Chengdu - Lhasa - Xian - Beijing

Trip Overview:

An epic tour that takes you from the east of China to the Tibetan plateau and back, this 15-day adventure is a tour of China’s most historic cities. From the primary city of commerce in Asia, and the stunning sights of this amazing city’s famous skyline, to the Jade Buddha, you will explore the ancient and modern together, before heading off to the panda capital of China, to visit the cuddly giant pandas of ancient Chinese mythology.

In Lhasa, after the long train expedition, you will see the most sacred temples in the world, and the most iconic symbol of Tibet, the Potala Palace. In ancient Xi’an, the Terracotta Army of the First Emperor stand guard over his tomb, and the ancient wall still protects this former Imperial capital. In the modern-day capital of China, Beijing, you can get the best view of the Great Wall, from on top of it, and visit the ancient Imperial Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.

Tour Code: TTO-TT-STT15
Trip Level:
Tour Type: Private tour with private guide and vehicle
Time to Visit:

Highlights:

Explore the delights of Shanghai’s old and new facets, and see the world’s most famous skyline from inside the city.
Visit the cuddliest animals on the planet at the Chengdu Panda centers.
Go down into the bowels of the Potala, the impressive but spiritless citadel of the Dalai Lamas.
Join the shuffling, murmuring pilgrims around the shrines of the Jokhang, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
Stand alongside history’s oldest clay army at the site of the Tomb of the First Emperor of China.
Climb up to the Great Wall and feel the history of Beijing’s Imperial Palaces and ancient Temples.

15 Days Shanghai Chengdu Lhasa Xian and Beijing Tour

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai

When international flight lands in Shanghai, please take a taxi by yourself to our reserved hotel. The rest of the day free for you to be on your own.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Day 2: Shanghai Day Tour: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden and the Bund

In the morning, visit Shanghai Museum. It is a large museum exhibiting the ancient art while featuring bronze ware, chinaware, calligraphy and painting. Then, travel to the Yu Garden, which is a famous classic garden of south region. The beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere here make it a peaceful place in bustling Shanghai.

In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the Bund area for a short cruise on the Huangpu River. Standing on the cruise ship, you will see many western-style buildings from Shanghai's colonial days in Puxi area. While on Pudong side, rows of skyscrapers will come into view. The utterly different buildings are the best records of the development of the city. You will explore the Bund area and then visit an old street in Shanghai.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Day 3: Shanghai to Suzhou via Tongli Water Town

Today, we will head to Tongli Water Town, which is an ancient town with over 1,000 years. It is a short drive of about 1.5 hours. There you can have a leisure walk in the town and visit the popular sites, such as Tuisi Yuan, Pearl Pagoda, Triple Bridge and so on.

After a short trip in Tongli, we will move on to Suzhou. Upon arrival, you will firstly visit the Lingering Garden, where you can enjoy a classical beauty of the traditional Chinese gardens in this region. Then you will visit No.1 Silk Factory to learn more about the silk making process.

Stay overnight in Suzhou.

Day 4: Suzhou to Hangzhou by High Speed Train

In the morning, you will take a high speed train to Hangzhou from Suzhou. You will first visit the famous West Lake, the landmark of Hangzhou city. You can enjoy a leisure cruise there to appreciate the natural beauty with the ancient pagodas, bridges and temples.

After that, you will visit Lingyin Temple. With about 1700 years' history, the old temple hidden in the forest creates a calm atmosphere for you. You can slow your step and experience the peace of Buddhism. Not far from Lingyin Temple is the Feilai Peak, from which you can see many ancient Buddhist carvings.

The last stop is Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village, where you can enjoy a cup of Dragon Well Tea and learn more about Chinese tea culture and tea making process from the China National Tea Museum.

Stay overnight in Hangzhou.

Day 5: Fly from Hangzhou to Chengdu

Today, we will first visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda before taking the flight to Chengdu from Hangzhou. Standing at the side of Qiantang River, the Six Harmonies Pagoda was built in 970 in Song Dynasty, and it is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be picked up and transferred to the reserved hotel. You can have a good rest at your hotel and explore this land of abundance as you like.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Day 6: Chengdu Day Tour

In the morning, you will have a special date with the adorable giant pandas in Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. You could also learn more about the life and habits of the national treasure of China.

Then, head to visit the Wenshu Temple, Renmin Park and Jinli Street. As the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, Wenshu Temple is famous for its exquisite gardens and halls. Renmin Park is a beautiful city park often filled with locals, and you can enjoy a cup of tea to experience the slow life of Chengdu there. In the end of today, you will walk along the Jinli Old Street to fully appreciate Sichuan’s customs and folk arts.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Day 7: Fly from Chengdu to Lhasa

Take a morning flight to Lhasa, and upon arrival our guide will welcome you with a warm Tibetan style greeting and present you with Hada (traditional Tibetan scarves). Then you will be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city at the comfort of your own private vehicle.

For most of the way, you follow the Kyichu River, you could see Tibetan homes with their trapezoid shaped windows and fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetans walking beside the roads wearing their distinctive national costumes. One of the first buildings you could see as you enter the city is the Potala Palace, sitting majestically on a hill dominating Lhasa.

Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink more water.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 8: Lhasa Day Tour: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Today, you will first visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that once housed over ten thousand monks. Here, you'll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Additionally, you'll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks' practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you'll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees.

After today's sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow members.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 9: Lhasa Day Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.

Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.

Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 10: Flight from Lhasa to Xian

Today, you will head to take the flight to Xi’an from Lhasa. Your guide will transfer you to the airport.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, the local guide will pick you up upon your arrival, and then take you to the reserved hotel. The rest of the day is for you to have a good rest.

Stay overnight in Xi'an.

Day 11: Xian Day Tour: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter

In the morning, you will visit the Museum of Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, a must-see when in Xi'an. Around 8,000 ancient, life-sized figures were created to accompany the first Emperor of China to the afterlife and were part of his mausoleum. Each figure has a unique facial structure and expression as if they had been made from living people. The warriors were buried with the Emperor in 208BC and were not discovered until 1974.

After the warriors, you will head over to the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an for a leisure bicycle tour. The wall around the inner part of the city was built in the 14th century and is 14km long. It is an amazing example of ancient defensive structures. Then you will travel to the Muslim Quarter, the largest area of Muslim business in the city. It is the perfect place to buy souvenirs of Xi'an and China, with a wide range of local snacks and handicrafts.

Stay overnight in Xi'an.

Day 12: Xian Tour: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum; High Speed Train to Beijing

In the morning, you will continue exploring this fascinating city of Xi’an. First, you will visit one of the most popular sites in Xi'an, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in 652, the pagoda is a repository of Buddhist figures and scriptures brought to Xi'an from India by, Xuanzang, the first abbot of Daci'en Temple.

Afterwards, you will head to Shanxi History Museum, where you can take in the glory and ancient history of China. The museum holds artifacts that date back as far as the Paleolithic era, up to the more recent Qing Dynasty. The museum is packed with thousands of exhibits from all periods of history, and is a busy, popular attraction.

Finally, the guide will take you to the railway station for your high-speed train to Beijing. On arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Day 13: Beijing Tour: the Great Wall, Ming Tomb

In the morning, you’ll visit the Great Wall’s Badaling section, where you’ll experience firsthand one of the world’s greatest wonders. This well-preserved and iconic segment of the Great Wall offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into China’s rich history. As you hike along the ancient walls, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch and explore the famous Beijing Jade Factory, a perfect spot for shopping and learning about traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

In the afternoon,you will discover the Ming Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Beijing. Built in 1590 during the Ming Dynasty, it's the resting place of Emperor Shenzong and his queen. Renowned for its grand scale, spanning 100,000 square meters, the tomb showcases the traditional layout of Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleums. You’ll also explore the underground palaces to gain firsthand insight into this historical marvel.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 14: Beijing Tour: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tianenmen Square

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the first site of the day. It is the world’s largest city square. While exploring the square, you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as Tiananmen Tower, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum.

Next, you will enter the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, boasting over 500 years of history as the residence of 24 emperors. With its staggering 9,000 rooms, though only a fraction are accessible to the public, you'll get an image of how the ancient Chinese emperors managed the country and what their daily life was like.

In the afternoon, you will go to visit the Temple of Heaven, located 6 kilometers from the Forbidden City. This sacred site served as a place where ancient Chinese emperors worshipped the sky, offering prayers for rain, prosperity, and peace for the country and its people.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 15: Beijing Departure

Today, you will be transferred to Beijing International Airport for your flight home or next destination.

What’s Included?

1. Tibet travel documents such as Tibet Travel Permit (excluding expedited processing fees), and delivery of the permit to your hotel in mainland of China.

2. Comfortable, clean and safe tourist vehicles with experienced local drivers offering attentive service.

3. Accommodations depend on your preference. Please tell us your preferred accommodation class when submitting the enquiry, and we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.

4. All meals listed in the itinerary.

5. Excellent local Tibetan English-speaking tour guide.

6. Admission tickets for all tourist attractions listed in Itinerary.

7. Travel accident insurance.

8. Other services: exquisite Tibetan souvenirs, tourist map, portable oxygen, medical oxygen in the vehicle, bottled mineral water, and more.

What's Excluded?

1. Chinese Visa (for any visa assistance services, please contact us for details)

2. International flights to and out of China.

3. Domestic flight or train to and out of Lhasa (If you need ticket booking service, please leave your requirements in the Online Inquiry form.)

4. Some meals not included in the itinerary.

5. Tips to the guide and driver based on your satisfaction with their services. We recommend paying a total of $7 per person per day for both the guide and driver.

6. Additional expenses resulting from force majeure events (such as natural disasters, traffic controls, loss of valuables, visa delays, flight delays or cancellations, etc.).

7. Personal expenses and any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusion list.

Trip Notes

1. How to Get the Tibet Travel Permit?

The Tibet Travel Permit is essential for any Tibet tour. We help to obtain this permit free of charge when you book your Tibet tour through us. Simply send us copies of your passport and China visa at least 20 days in advance. Once we receive your documents, we will promptly process the permit application with the Tibet Tourism Bureau. After obtaining your permit, we will notify you and send it to your hotel in mainland China.

In exceptional cases, our staff can personally deliver the permit to you at the airport or railway station. With years of experience in handling Tibet Travel Permit, we assure you a smooth visit to Tibet by ensuring the acquisition of your permit.
2. Where to Stay in Tibet?

Accommodation facilities and services in Tibet might not match those found in the coastal and central parts of China. However, there's a diverse range of hotel options available. However, you can choose from a wide range of hotel options. In big cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, from cheap and clean youth hostels to distinct Tibetan-style 3-star and international 5-star luxury hotels, you will find one that suits your interests and budget.

As you travel to remote areas of Tibet, such as EBC and the Mount Kailash region, the accommodations tend to be more basic. Some may have air-conditioning in the hotel, while others may only offer electric blankets in the guesthouses. Nonetheless, we always handpick cozy and safe accommodations for you along your itinerary in Tibet, ensuring a pleasant night's stay for your Tibet tour.
3. How about the Guiding and Tipping in Tibet?

Our English-speaking guides are natives of Tibet with good knowledge of Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. Most are trained to offer Western-standard service. Throughout your stay in Tibet, we will monitor your health and provide prompt assistance to you. If you encounter any trouble, please do not hesitate to contact them or our customer service manager.

Travelers' tipping to Tibetan guides and drivers is seen as extra gratitude for their excellent service, much like what you do in the West. Normally, a tipping amount of 7 USD per day is acceptable. The basic principle is rewarding good service with fair pay.
4. How are the Toilets in Tibet?

Undoubtedly, for many Western tourists, using toilets in Tibet can be a challenging experience. Therefore, it's advisable to moderate your expectations. If you travel to Lhasa by Tibet train, both western-style and squat toilets are available onboard. Staying in hotels rated above 3 stars in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse ensures access to standard Western flush toilets, eliminating any discomfort.

However, when visiting attractions like Yamdrok or Namtso or outdoor sites like EBC, you're likely to encounter smelly and unclean pit toilets. It's recommended to carry sufficient toilet paper for such occasions.
5. How is the Weather in Tibet? What to Pack for Visiting Tibet?

One of the notable weather features on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the significant temperature fluctuation between day and night. In Lhasa, the annual temperatures range from -2℃ to 12℃ (spring), 9℃ to 22℃ (summer), 7℃ to 19℃ (fall), and -7℃ to 9℃ (winter). Ensure proper clothing, such as thermal tops, a fleece jacket, breathable underwear, a down jacket, jeans, a beanie, and other essentials.
Moreover, essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are crucial to shield yourself from the intense, blinding sunlight of the plateau. Staying hydrated by drinking more water and including vegetables in your diet is advisable to prevent dehydration during your travels in Tibet.
6. How to Prevent from Altitude Sickness in Tibet?

For first-time visitors to Tibet, whether arriving by flight or train, allowing ample rest is crucial for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Avoid rushing to explore the streets or attractions independently. Walk at a slower pace and refrain from exerting yourself by running or jumping. Spending at least two days in Lhasa before venturing to places like Shigatse or Namtso allows for better acclimatization. If you experience any discomfort, inform your guide, and they will assist you.
7. Are There some Dos and Don'ts while Touring Tibet?

Photography is generally prohibited in monasteries. If you wish to capture images of Tibetan pilgrims, kindly seek their permission or maintain a considerable distance while taking photos. Swimming and fishing are prohibited in the sacred lakes of Tibet. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics. According to policy, international tourists are not permitted to travel alone in Tibet.
While navigating Barkhor Street, adhere to the custom of walking clockwise. Refrain from exploring unfamiliar trails. Take proactive steps to preserve Tibet's delicate ecosystem.
Given that Tibetan Buddhism profoundly influences the lives of Tibetans, always show reverence and respect for their unique customs. If uncertain about any practice, it's advisable to seek guidance from your tour guide before proceeding.

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