The Silk Road Odyssey: Ancient Trading Route
Rewritten Itinerary: A Journey Through Ancient Civilizations and Sacred Peaks
Section 1: Urban Wonders & Ancient Capitals (Days 1-5)
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai - Gateway to Modern China
Your journey begins with arrival at Shanghai Airport, where our representative will greet you and transfer you to your carefully selected hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and acclimate before your adventure through China's most iconic destinations begins.
Day 2: Shanghai's Cultural Tapestry
Immerse yourself in Shanghai's rich cultural heritage starting with the Shanghai Museum, housing over 120,000 cultural relics including the renowned Da Ke Ding bronze vessel. Continue to the classical Yuyuan Garden with its exquisite pavilions, rockeries, and traditional architecture, then explore the adjacent bustling Yuyuan Bazaar.
Enjoy a specially curated à la carte welcome lunch at an esteemed local restaurant featuring authentic Shanghai and Cantonese cuisines. In the afternoon, experience Shanghai's stunning skyline during a Huangpu River cruise, witnessing the dramatic contrast between colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. Conclude with a stroll along the historic Bund and exploration of Tianzifang's creative alleyways filled with galleries, cafes, and traditional residential architecture.
Day 3: Journey to Xi'an - Ancient Capital Exploration
Fly to Xi'an, former capital of 13 Chinese dynasties. Upon arrival, visit the remarkably preserved Xi'an City Wall - the most complete city wall in China stretching 14 kilometers. Option to cycle along the ancient fortifications for a unique perspective. As evening falls, dive into the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a 1,500-year-old market district offering incredible halal street food including Crumbled Unleavened Bread in Mutton Stew and various rice cakes.
Day 4: Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Heritage
Discover the legendary Terracotta Army, the "Eighth World Wonder" featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses arranged in battle formation. Enjoy exclusive access to the home of the Terracotta Army's discoverer for personal insights into this archaeological marvel. Participate in a hands-on workshop creating your own miniature terracotta warrior.
Later, admire the architectural splendor of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-story Buddhist structure from the Tang Dynasty. Experience the dazzling Great Tang All Day Mall as it transforms into an illuminated wonderland at dusk, featuring boutiques, food stalls, and cultural performances.
Section 2: Tibetan Plateau & Spiritual Awakening (Days 5-11)
Day 5: Ascend to Lhasa - Roof of the World
Fly from Xi'an to Lhasa, capital of Tibet, transitioning from ancient Chinese civilization to Himalayan spirituality. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day dedicated to acclimatizing to the high altitude. (Note: All necessary Tibet Travel Permits are arranged by us.)
Day 6: Lhasa's Spiritual Heart
Begin your Tibetan immersion at Norbulingka Park, the former summer residence of Dalai Lamas and the largest Tibetan-style garden in Lhasa. Continue to the Tibet Museum to understand regional history through artifacts, Thangka paintings, and religious relics. The day culminates at Sera Monastery witnessing the captivating monk debates - an extraordinary display of Buddhist philosophical discourse through dramatic gestures and intellectual exchange.
Day 7: Potala Palace & Tibetan Pilgrimage
Experience the magnificent Potala Palace, UNESCO World Heritage site and former residence of successive Dalai Lamas. Marvel at its stunning architecture and priceless collection of Buddhist artifacts. Continue to the spiritual center of Tibet at Jokhang Temple, home to the revered Jowa Sakyamuni statue. Join pilgrims circling Barkhor Street, Lhasa's most vibrant pilgrimage and market circuit. Conclude with a visit to Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, offering rare insight into female Buddhist practice.
Day 8: Himalayan Lakes & Gyangtse Heritage
Journey from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyangtse, stopping at the sacred Yamdrok Yumtso Lake with its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Witness the spectacular Karola Glacier from the roadside before reaching Gyangtse to explore the architecturally unique Palkhor Monastery, where three Buddhist sects harmoniously coexist. Wander through Gyangtse Old Street observing traditional Tibetan lifestyle before continuing to Shigatse.
Day 9: Sakya Monastery & Highland Journey
Travel to Dingri, visiting the significant Sakya Monastery en route - distinguished by its gray walls and immense collection of Buddhist scriptures. Experience local life in Lhatse County before continuing through the breathtaking highland scenery to Dingri.
Day 10: Everest Base Camp - Summit of the World
The journey's pinnacle: visiting Everest Base Camp at 5,200 meters elevation for unparalleled views of the world's highest peak. Continue to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery globally at 5,154 meters, offering a spiritual perspective of Mount Everest's majestic presence. Return to Shigatse for overnight stay.
Day 11: Tashilhunpo Monastery & Return to Lhasa
Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of Panchen Lamas and home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Journey back to Lhasa through spectacular Himalayan landscapes, with the evening free to rest and reflect on your Tibetan experiences.
Section 3: Imperial Beijing & Journey Conclusion (Days 12-15)
Day 12: Flight to Beijing - China's Capital
Fly from Lhasa to Beijing, China's political and cultural capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Day 13: Forbidden City & Imperial Ceremonies
Begin at Tian'anmen Square, the symbolic center of modern China, before entering the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest imperial palace complex. Discover architectural secrets including the ingenious ventilation systems designed to preserve wooden structures. Enjoy an authentic à la carte lunch featuring Peking Roast Duck. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors performed sacred ceremonies in architecture symbolizing the ancient belief in a round heaven and square earth.
Day 14: Great Wall & Royal Gardens
Experience the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, ascending via cable car to walk along this ancient wonder winding through dramatic mountain scenery. On returning to the city, view the iconic Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium before exploring the Summer Palace - a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design combining royal grandeur with natural beauty.
Day 15: Departure from Beijing
Your comprehensive journey through China's cultural treasures and Himalayan heights concludes with transfer to Beijing Airport for your homebound flight, carrying memories of ancient civilizations, spiritual awakening, and natural wonders.