Welcome to China! Upon your arrival, your friendly tour guide holding your name sign will greet you at the arrival hall, then transfer you to the hotel and have a rest to recover from jet lag.

After a night's sound sleep, get refreshed for today's exploration. First, visit Tiananmen Square and then move to the Forbidden City, the largest collection of wooden constructions preserved today. Housing over a million incomparable treasures, it is also known as Palace Museum. As imperial palace for both Ming and Qing Dynasty, Forbidden City witnessed the rise and fall of the two dynasties from the year 1420 to 1912. Walking through different halls and exquisite architectures of the Palace, travel back into the history of ancient China with your professional guide.

Then embark on a bike tour into the traditional Hutong neighborhood made up of small alleyways and quaint courtyards. With your insider guide, you could discover real authentic local life at some quiet and lesser-known Hutongs. And you will have the chance to visit a local family's courtyard.

The Forbidden City

Morning sightseeing starts with the Temple of Heaven served as the most significant ceremonial place for ancient emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties. Soak up the beautiful architecture that symbolizes Chinese Feng Shui philosophy, and encounter the locals gathering in the surrounding area for morning exercises like playing Tai Chi and kicking shuttlecock. You are more than welcome to join these friendly local people to work out together.

Then you will be chauffeured to Mutianyu Great Wall, the extant longest rampart (54.km, 3.4mi) of the Great Wall with fewer tourists and wild sceneries. Meandering its way across the majestic mountains, it had perfectly guarded central China from nomadic groups' invasion over 2,000 years. Ascend to the top to absorb the majestic natural scenery and wonder at the amazing defensive work built by the ancient Chinese. What's more, round-trip cable car is included for an easier hiking on top of the Wall.

Afterwards, drive back to the city and have a stopover to the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube to take some great photos.

The Temple of Heaven

The Mutianyu Great Wall

Start the day with a visit to the morning stunner of Beijing, the Summer Palace. Venture into the enchanting imperial garden and hit the mesmerizing spots like the marble boat, lakeside pavilions, elegant bridges and the corridor with meticulous paintings. Enjoy a boat a ride on the Kunming Lake for a breath of serenity.

Afterwards, you will be taken to the railway station to take a 4.5-hour high-speed train to travel to Xi'an, another ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, meet your friendly Xi'an guide and get back to hotel.

The Summer Palace

About 1-hour drive from the downtown area, you will get to Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. ‘Incredible’ is the most frequently used word to describe the underground army after people see the vividly made clay figures, each owning distinctive facial expression, hair style, figure as well as uniform, protecting the emperor in his afterlife.

Then drive back to the city to visit the largest and best-preserved City Wall and have an overview of this old capital. Follow your guide to take a stroll on top and find some best angles to shoot some photos of the great architecture or cycle around a bit based on your preference.

Afterwards, drive to the famous local Muslim Quarter and the ancient Great Mosque built in traditional Chinese style and enjoy some free time in the famous bazaar.

Terracotta Army

Biking on the City Wall

Catch a morning flight to Lhasa, which will take 3.5 hours. Please take a break in the hotel upon arrival and adapt yourself to the high altitude gradually. Lhasa enjoys an average altitude of around 3658 meters (12,000 ft), and the spots like Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery get higher altitude of 3800 meters (around 12,500ft). 

Note: Please do not take a shower, drink alcohol or smoke in the first two days upon arrival. Please keep warm.

Unveil the mysterious Tibet from a glimpse of the sacred Potala Palace, the world-famous landmark of Tibet built by Songtsen Gampo to marry his bride, Princess Wencheng from Chang'an (ancient capital of Xi'an) during 7th century. Known as a museum of Buddhist art, Potala Palace treasures the profound Tibetan cultures like scripture shrines, eye-catching murals and Tibetan temples that will make your Lhasa explorations worthwhile.

Afterwards, explore the Jokang Temple built in 647AD by order of Songtsen Gampo, the holiest and most divine Buddhist temple dedicated to the 12-year-old Shakyamuni statue brought from ancient capital Xi'an by Chinese Princess Wencheng, receiving thousands of faithful pilgrims to worship every day. Mural paintings, sphinx and religious sculptures takes you to be impressed by the profound Tibetan Buddhism.

Delve into the bustling Berkhor Street located at the old block of Lhasa where devout pilgrims, boutique Tibetan souvenirs as well as delicious local snacks will amaze you.

Potala Palace

Set out for a relaxing exploration to Norblingka, the largest Tibetan garden built as a summer palace for Dalai Lamas. Stroll in the verdant gardens and appreciate various plants and grand Tibetan architectures.

Then proceed to the imposing Drepung Monastery with a history of over 500 years, teemed with snowy-white architecture complexes like rice piling up the majestic mountains seen from the distance, thus named Drepung associated with the prosperity.

At last, end your day with a visit to the Sera Monastery dating back to 600 years old, highlighted in its famous fierce debate over Buddhism scriptures to admire their pursuit of the Buddhism belief.

Your exploration at this holy land ends today, and you will fly to Chengdu. Your Chengdu tour guide and driver will meet you and then take you to hotel for a good rest.

Drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda and enjoy your time visiting these adorable star mammals where you will see adult pandas and panda cubs or even some new born babies if you are lucky.

Then move to Jinli Old Street and admire the old constructions and fun stalls together with famous Chengdu snacks.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisure walk in Wangjiang Park that can best present Chengdu’s leisure life from its tea houses, ear-cleaning vendors, group activities such as Taichi, Mahjong and folk dances.

Lovely Pandas at Chengdu Panda Center

Proceed to admire the stunning Leshan Giant Buddha with a history of over 1,200 years for about 2-hour driving. Carved into the steer cliff, the solemn Giant Buddha sits in the heights of 71 meters with his head reaching to the top of mountains and his feet stretching into the bank of river. Climb all the way up the hillside through the narrow stone staircases to appreciate the colossal statue at close proximity. Feel awe for the largest stone of Maitreya Buddha in the world whose feet can accommodate over a hundred of people at one time as you descend from the steer zigzagged plank from the left. Then enjoy a boat cruise to be enthralled by the spectacular panoramic view of the majestic Buddha.

After the tour, fly to Shanghai and your friendly guide will hold your name board and wait for you at the exit of airport.

Start your day with a visit to the Yu Garden where you'll enjoy the delightful and elaborate landscape made up of exquisite pavilions, corridors, lakes and rockeries.

Then stroll on the bustling Nanjing Road and the Bund along the riverside, praised as a World Architecture Museum.

Get on top of the Shanghai World Financial Center to get a bird's-eye view of the metropolis.

Continue your sightseeing to Xintiandi (New World of Shanghai) where multicultural constructions in old or fashion styles are intertwined.

At last, visit the Propaganda Poster Art Center to feel the passion and energy of people in 1960s.

The Bund Shanghai

The Propaganda Art Center

Today, your wonderful 13-day tour ends and you will be escorted the airport for your departure flight.