Ancient Capitals, Tibet & the Yangtze
An Expertly Curated Small Group Tour Through China's Most Iconic Destinations
Itinerary Overview
This comprehensive 14-day journey takes you through China's most remarkable destinations, combining ancient cultural treasures with breathtaking natural scenery. From the imperial wonders of Beijing and Xi'an to the spiritual heart of Tibet in Lhasa, followed by a scenic Yangtze River cruise and culminating in the modern marvel of Shanghai, this tour offers an unparalleled exploration of China's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Arrival Transfer & Hotel Check-in - Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport to your hotel - Free time to rest and adjust to the time zone - Meals: No meals included - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Treasures & Local Culture
Temple of Heaven, Hutong Tour & Forbidden City Exploration - Morning visit to the magnificent Temple of Heaven - Traditional rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs - Peking opera facial mask painting cultural experience - Exploration of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City - Meals: Hotel breakfast and à la carte Chinese lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Day 3: The Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Architecture - Full excursion to Mutianyu Great Wall with round-trip cable car - Photography stop at the exterior of Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube - Meals: Hotel breakfast and à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Day 4: Imperial Gardens & Journey to Xi'an
Summer Palace & High-Speed Rail Transfer - Morning exploration of the Summer Palace - Afternoon high-speed train journey to Xi'an (approximately 5-5.5 hours) - Meals: Hotel breakfast and à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Day 5: Xi'an's Ancient Wonders & Terracotta Army
City Wall, Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter - Morning bicycle ride along the ancient City Wall (optional) - Visit to the legendary Terracotta Warriors Museum - Pottery workshop experience creating miniature warriors - Evening exploration of Bell Tower Square and Muslim Quarter - Meals: Hotel breakfast and à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Day 6: Flight to Mystical Lhasa
Journey to the Roof of the World - Morning flight to Lhasa, Tibet - Afternoon arrival and transfer to hotel - Rest period for altitude acclimatization - Meals: Hotel breakfast - Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel VIP Tower or similar
Day 7: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart
Drepung Monastery & Tibetan Cultural Sites - Morning visit to Drepung Monastery, Tibet's largest monastery - Afternoon exploration of Tibet Museum and Norbulingka Summer Palace - Meals: Hotel breakfast - Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel VIP Tower or similar
Day 8: Potala Palace & Sacred Sites
Tibet's Most Iconic Landmarks - Comprehensive tour of the magnificent Potala Palace - Visit to Jokhang Monastery, spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism - Cultural immersion in Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit - Meals: Hotel breakfast - Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel VIP Tower or similar
Day 9: Flight to Chongqing & Yangtze River Embarkation
Gateway to the Three Gorges - Morning flight to Chongqing - City tour including Three Gorges Museum and Hongya Dong - Evening embarkation on luxury Yangtze River cruise - Meals: Hotel breakfast and à la carte lunch - Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise - Ghost City & National Parks
Fengdu Exploration & Scenic Cruising - Optional shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City - Included visit to Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park - Evening cultural performance: "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" - Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard - Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise
Day 11: Three Gorges Spectacular
Gorge Navigation & Scenic Excursions - Optional visit to White Emperor City - Navigation through dramatic Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge - Boat excursion to Goddess Stream - Captain's farewell banquet - Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard - Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise
Day 12: Three Gorges Dam & High-Speed to Shanghai
Engineering Marvel & Journey East - Morning visit to the massive Three Gorges Dam project - Disembarkation and transfer to Yichang - High-speed train journey to Shanghai (approximately 7.5 hours) - Meals: Breakfast and à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Day 13: Shanghai's Contrasts - Tradition & Modernity
Ancient Gardens & Sky-High Vistas - Shikumen architectural exploration in traditional alleys - Visit to classical Yuyuan Garden and bustling bazaar - Ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views - Evening illumination tour of the historic Bund - Meals: Hotel breakfast and à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
Farewell to China - Breakfast at hotel - Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for departure - Meals: Hotel breakfast
This comprehensive itinerary combines comfortable accommodations, expert local guides, and carefully selected experiences to provide an unforgettable journey through China's most iconic destinations. The small group format ensures personalized attention while allowing for meaningful cultural interactions throughout your adventure.