China with Essential Tibet [Beijing-Xi'an-Lhasa-Shanghai]

День 1: Beijing

Beijing
Our intrepid adventure begins in the bustling capital Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.

День 2: Beijing

Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Discover Beijing’s rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China’s communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. In the afternoon, we take a 40 minute transfer and explore the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises walkways, gardens, palaces and lakes, stroll around and admire the beauty of the setting along with the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics. Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with famous Beijing Roast Duck. Overnight at the hotel.

День 3: Beijing

Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We embark on a 90 minute scenic drive to the Juyongguan section of the wall, which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 kilometres. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth - the god’s world and the human world - and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital’s past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side. Dinner free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

День 4: Xian

Beijing - Xi'an (Breakfast)
We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class.
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

День 5: Xian

Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We explore Xi'an’s ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Continue with a visit to the Great Mosque, founded in 742 and considered the oldest in China. Then explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively maze of alleys, market stalls, colorful lanterns, and spice-scented shops. Local specialty of Dumpling Dinner, another essential experience before leaving Xi'an. Overnight at the hotel.

День 6: Lhasa

Xi'an - Lhasa (Breakfast)
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the Airport for our domestic flight to Lhasa, flying economy class. Located at an altitude of about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), Lhasa is a city of extraordinary spiritual and cultural significance, home to magnificent palaces, ancient monasteries, and a rich Tibetan heritage. Once a forbidden city, it remains a deeply sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims and a captivating place for travelers. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel with the rest of day at leisure to acclimatize to the altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.

Please note: Due to the elevation, some travelers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath. It is recommended to take it easy on your first day, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and allow your body to adjust naturally. Should symptoms persist or worsen, consult a guide or medical professional.

День 7: Lhasa

Lhasa (Breakfast, Lunch)
Explore the 'Place of the Gods' as we visit Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and one of the highest cities in the world. We visit its major tourist attraction, the red-and-white Potala Palace which once served as the winter home of the Dalai Lama. Today, this magnificent building has been converted into a museum with exhibits of dazzling golden stupas, thangkas (paintings on silk, usually depicting a Buddhist scene) and other impressive examples of Tibetan Buddhist art. The entire structure is spread over thirteen levels and contains 1,000 rooms and 10,000 shrines.
Afterwards, we head to Sera Monastery, a serene sanctuary situated at the foot of Tatipu Hill and one of Lhasa’s most famous monasteries. The highlight is the Monks debate at around 3-5 in the afternoon. Overnight in Lhasa.

Please note: Visiting the Potala Palace requires good physical condition due to the many staircases and the effects of high altitude. It is advisable to move slowly.

День 8: Lhasa

Lhasa (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we proceed to Jokhang Temple which houses the most revered golden Buddha in Tibet. The ornate design of this shrine has drawn abundant Buddhist pilgrims over the years and created a well-trodden path around the temple in an area known as Barkhor Street. Take time to observe the colorful procession of pilgrims from all over Tibet, dressed in traditional robes, moving clockwise as they spin prayer wheels or prostrate themselves before the main gate. It’s a unique experience to join the locals in browsing the vibrant market stalls or relaxing with a fragrant cup of Tibetan tea or coffee while soaking in the atmosphere. After a local lunch, continue to Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. This peaceful palace complex is surrounded by gardens and offers a glimpse into the secular side of Tibetan leadership and life. Overnight in Lhasa.

День 9: Shanghai

Lhasa - Shanghai (Breakfast)
We transfer to Lhasa Airport for our onward flight to Shanghai, travelling in economy class. Upon arrival at Shanghai Airport, we are met by our guide and transferred to the hotel to check-in. Breakfast is at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

День 10: Shanghai

Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

День 11:

Shanghai (Breakfast)
All good things must come to an end and today sees our ten-day adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.