Sichuan's Treasures & The Mighty Yangtze
A Cultural Odyssey from Beijing's Imperial Grandeur to Tibet's Spiritual Heartland
Introduction
This meticulously crafted 11-day journey unveils China's most iconic treasures, blending imperial history with spiritual discovery. From Beijing's ancient wonders to Tibet's sacred monasteries and onward to Xi'an's terracotta warriors and Shanghai's dazzling skyline, this expedition offers an unparalleled immersion into China's diverse cultural tapestry.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon landing at Beijing airport, our English-speaking guide will greet you warmly and provide private transfer to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and recover from your long journey, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Majesty
After breakfast, begin your exploration at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest central city square. Walk through the iconic Tian'anmen Tower to enter the magnificent Forbidden City, where we've pre-booked entry tickets to avoid queues. This imperial palace complex reveals 600 years of royal history, including recently discovered archaeological sites from the lost Yuan Dynasty palace.
Featured Experience: Indulge in an à la carte welcome lunch featuring Peking Roast Duck at a carefully selected local restaurant favored by residents rather than tourists.
Continue to the Summer Palace, a spectacular royal garden where Empress Dowager Cixi celebrated her birthdays. Marvel at the Hall of Dispelling Clouds and other architectural masterpieces set against the scenic Longevity Hill.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, à la carte welcome lunch
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure & Hutong Life
Journey to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its excellent preservation and dense beacon towers. Our exclusive package includes round-trip cable car rides, delivering you directly to the most scenic viewpoints while conserving your energy.
Privileged Access: Enjoy pre-arranged cable car access avoiding lengthy waits.
On your return to central Beijing, stop for photographs at the iconic Bird's Nest stadium before experiencing traditional Beijing life through a rickshaw tour of the historic Hutong alleys. Visit a local family in their traditional courtyard home for authentic insights into Beijing's folk customs.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Flight to Lhasa
Visit the exquisite Temple of Heaven complex, where Ming and Qing emperors conducted heavenly rituals. Today, this architectural marvel serves as a popular park for local exercisers.
Essential Preparation: We have secured your Tibet Travel Permit in advance, ensuring seamless entry to Tibet.
Fly to Lhasa where our local Tibetan guide will greet you at the airport. During your transfer to the hotel, receive valuable advice about acclimatizing to the high altitude. Rest in your hotel this evening to begin adapting to Lhasa's 3,656-meter elevation.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 5: Lhasa's Cultural Treasures
Explore Norbulingka, the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas and Tibet's most beautiful garden, featuring rare vegetation on the Tibetan Plateau. Continue to Tibet Museum, housing exceptional collections that interpret Tibetan culture through artifacts, Thangka paintings, and ancient manuscripts.
Unique Experience: Witness the dramatic Buddhist philosophical debates at Sera Monastery, where monks engage in animated doctrinal discussions through clapping and dynamic gestures daily from 3:00-5:00 PM.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Spiritual Lhasa & Potala Palace
Discover the iconic Potala Palace, an architectural wonder built with unique techniques including walls painted with milk, honey, and saffron mixtures for preservation. Learn how iron-reinforced lower walls and specially compressed straw upper walls have maintained this millennium-old structure.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and pace yourself while exploring this hillside palace to prevent altitude discomfort.
After lunch, visit the spiritually significant Jokhang Temple, housing the revered 12-year-old Sakyamuni statue. Wander through ancient Barkhor Street, lined with traditional Tibetan buildings and souvenir shops. Conclude at Lhasa's only nunnery, observing daily chanting rituals from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Flight to Xi'an
Bid farewell to Tibet as your guide assists with airport transfer for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, our local guide will transfer you to your hotel. Rest this evening to fully recover from high altitude exposure, with optional gentle exploration if you're feeling acclimatized.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 8: Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Culture
Stand in awe before the Terracotta Army, the world's largest underground military museum featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses with individualized facial expressions.
Exclusive Encounters: - Meet Yang Zhifa, the farmer who accidentally discovered the Terracotta Army in 1974 - Create your own miniature terracotta figure at a local workshop, carving it with personal markings as Qin Dynasty artisans did 2,200 years ago
Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures from India. Immerse yourself in Tang culture at the Great Tang All Day Mall, featuring historical performances and architecture.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 9: Xi'an City Wall & Muslim Quarter
Join locals for morning exercises at City Wall Park before ascending the 600-year-old Xi'an City Wall. Walk or cycle along this magnificent fortification, then visit the Great Mosque, one of China's oldest and largest Islamic temples.
Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, sampling authentic Halal snacks and cuisine. In the afternoon, fly to Shanghai where our guide will transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Featured Xi'an snacks for lunch
Day 10: Shanghai's Contrasts
Discover Shanghai Museum, ranking among China's top four museums with exceptional bronze, pottery, calligraphy and painting collections. Explore the classical Yu Garden, a southern Chinese garden masterpiece, and adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar.
Farewell Experience: Enjoy an à la carte farewell lunch featuring authentic Shanghai cuisine at a renowned local restaurant.
Embark on a Huangpu River cruise, viewing Shanghai's spectacular skyline including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the historic Bund. Stroll along the Bund's European-style architecture before exploring Tianzifang's artistic alleyways and traditional Shikumen residences.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
At the appointed time, your guide and driver will transfer you to Shanghai airport for your departure, concluding this remarkable journey through China's cultural and spiritual highlights.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast