China's Grand Odyssey: Heritage & Nature
An Unforgettable Expedition from Ancient Capitals to Himalayan Heights
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★
Meals: No meals included
Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to China's dynamic capital city. Consider taking an evening stroll around the Ritan Park area to begin absorbing the local atmosphere.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart - Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, before entering the magnificent Forbidden City. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed annual ceremonies for good harvests. The day includes a visit to a pearl specialty store. Optional Peking Opera performance available in the evening.
Day 3: The Great Wall Experience - Mutianyu Section
Accommodation: Citadines Ritan Service Apartment ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Journey to the countryside to walk upon one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements - the Mutianyu Great Wall. This beautifully restored section offers breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities. Choose to ascend/descend via cable car or experience the thrilling toboggan ride. On your return to the city, stop for photographs at the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics. The day includes a traditional tea ceremony experience. Optional Peking Duck dinner available.
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Explore the exquisite Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design featuring Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. After lunch, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Xi'an (approximately 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide will transfer you to your hotel in this ancient capital that once marked the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Walls
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Discover one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Marvel at the life-sized soldiers, chariots, and horses created to accompany China's first emperor into the afterlife. Visit a pottery workshop to learn about traditional craftsmanship. After lunch, ascend the remarkably preserved Xi'an City Wall - consider renting a bicycle to circle the ancient fortifications. Continue to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda before immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, where Islamic culture has flourished for over a millennium.
Day 6: Flight to Lhasa - Ascending to the Roof of the World
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Xi'an Airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, meet your Tibetan guide and transfer to your hotel (approximately 1.5 hours). The remainder of the day is dedicated to acclimatization to the high altitude (3,650 meters/11,975 feet). Rest, hydrate, and avoid strenuous activity.
Day 7: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart - Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Begin your Tibetan exploration at the iconic Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas and UNESCO World Heritage site. This architectural marvel dominates Lhasa's skyline with its towering structure containing over 1,000 rooms. After lunch, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, Tibet's spiritual center, followed by a walk through the bustling Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit, where you can observe devout pilgrims and shop for traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
Day 8: Tibetan Monastery Circuit - Drepung & Sera
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Today explores three significant monastic institutions. Begin at Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest monastery housing over 10,000 monks. Continue to Norbulingka, the Dalai Lamas' summer palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. Conclude at Sera Monastery, famous for its lively Buddhist philosophy debates held most afternoons in the courtyard.
Day 9: Flight to Chengdu - Land of Abundance
Accommodation: Atour Hotel Chengdu ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a final morning in Lhasa before transferring to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this city renowned for its teahouse culture and spicy cuisine.
Day 10: Panda Conservation & Chengdu Lifestyle
Accommodation: Atour Hotel Chengdu ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Experience the highlight for many visitors to Sichuan - the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Observe these beloved creatures in habitats designed to mimic their natural environment, with optimal viewing during morning feeding times. After lunch, experience local life at People's Park, where you can join locals in teahouses, watch mahjong games, and enjoy traditional ear cleaning. Conclude at Jinli Old Street, a restored ancient street showcasing Sichuan culture, snacks, and crafts. Optional Sichuan hot pot dinner available.
Day 11: Sichuan Cuisine & Flight to Shanghai
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Delve into Sichuan's famous culinary traditions with a visit to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. Beyond exhibits on the history of Sichuan food, you'll participate in a hands-on cooking class learning to prepare classic dishes. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city.
Day 12: Shanghai Highlights - Tradition Meets Modernity
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Explore Shanghai's diverse attractions beginning with the classical Yuyuan Garden, a Ming-dynasty masterpiece. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony before exploring the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Old Street). Stroll along The Bund, admiring the spectacular contrast between colonial-era architecture and Pudong's futuristic skyline. After lunch, explore Xintiandi and the Former French Concession, then visit the active Jade Buddha Temple housing precious jade Buddha statues. Continue to the Shanghai Museum on People's Square, showcasing exceptional Chinese art and artifacts. The day includes a visit to a silk museum. Optional acrobatic show available in the evening.
Day 13: Departure from Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a final Chinese breakfast before transferring to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your remarkable journey through China's cultural and natural wonders.