Spiritual Pilgrimage from Hangzhou to Putuoshan
From the Great Wall to the Roof of the World: An Epic Cultural Expedition
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Welcome to China's Capital
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, where you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to the vibrant energy of China's political and cultural heart.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Grandeur
Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★
Begin your imperial exploration at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square. Cross into the magnificent Forbidden City, wandering through 980 buildings that once housed Chinese emperors. In the afternoon, experience the architectural perfection of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred ceremonies. Optional evening: Traditional Peking Opera performance.
Day 3: The Great Wall Experience
Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Legacy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★
Journey to the majestic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning watchtowers and lush surroundings. Ascend by cable car and spend 2-3 hours walking along this ancient marvel. Descend via cable car or adventurous toboggan. En route back, photograph the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics. Optional: Authentic Peking Duck dinner.
Day 4: Imperial Gardens & High-Speed Adventure
Summer Palace & Bullet Train to Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Explore the exquisite Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. After lunch, experience China's modern engineering marvel - the high-speed train to Xi'an. Watch the countryside transform as you travel at 300 km/h to the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties.
Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Legacy
Terracotta Army & Ancient City Walls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Discover the archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Warriors, an entire army built to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. Visit a pottery workshop to understand ancient crafting techniques. Return to Xi'an to walk or bike along the perfectly preserved City Wall, then explore the Buddhist heritage at Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
Day 6: Ascend to the Roof of the World
Flight to Lhasa - Himalayan Gateway
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa ★★★★
Fly to Lhasa, capital of Tibet, soaring over the breathtaking Himalayas. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, transfer to your hotel for crucial acclimatization to the 3,656-meter altitude. Rest and hydrate to prepare for your Tibetan spiritual journey.
Day 7: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart
Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple Pilgrimage
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa ★★★★
Experience Tibet's spiritual essence at the monumental Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Continue to the sacred Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most revered religious site. Complete your day joining pilgrims circling Barkhor Street, absorbing the profound devotion of Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 8: Tibetan Monastery Enlightenment
Drepung, Sera Monastery & Norbulingka Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa ★★★★
Visit Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest monastery housing 10,000 monks. Explore Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer palace and UNESCO World Heritage site. Conclude at Sera Monastery to witness the famous Buddhist philosophical debates among monks.
Day 9: Himalayan Descent to Panda Kingdom
Flight to Chengdu - Sichuan Basin Welcome
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Atour Hotel Chengdu ★★★★
Bid farewell to the Tibetan plateau as you fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Known for its spicy cuisine and relaxed lifestyle, Chengdu offers a dramatic contrast to high-altitude Lhasa. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy Sichuan's famously laid-back atmosphere.
Day 10: Panda Encounter & Chengdu Culture
Giant Panda Research Base & Local Life
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Atour Hotel Chengdu ★★★★
Meet China's most beloved ambassadors at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Observe these gentle giants in habitats mimicking their natural environment. Experience local Chengdu life at People's Park, joining locals for tea and mahjong. Wander through historic Jinli Old Street, sampling Sichuan snacks. Optional: Authentic Sichuan Hot Pot dinner.
Day 11: Sichuan Culinary Arts
Sichuan Cuisine Museum & Flight to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Delve into Sichuan's culinary heritage at the interactive Sichuan Cuisine Museum. Participate in a cooking class to master iconic dishes like Mapo Tofu. Fly to Shanghai, China's dazzling financial capital, where ancient traditions meet futuristic innovation.
Day 12: Shanghai's Contrasts
Classical Gardens, Colonial Bund & Modern Marvels
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Discover Shanghai's multifaceted personality through Yuyuan Garden's Ming Dynasty elegance and the bustling Chenghuangmiao Old Street. Stroll the historic Bund waterfront, contrasting colonial architecture with Pudong's futuristic skyline. Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple and explore the blend of traditional and contemporary at Xintiandi. Conclude at the Shanghai Museum's exceptional art collection. Optional evening: Dazzling Chinese Acrobatic Show.
Day 13: Shanghai Departure
Farewell to the Middle Kingdom
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight, carrying memories of imperial wonders, Himalayan spirituality, and China's incredible diversity.