China Express with Tibet

China Essence · Tibet Express Tour

11 days Beijing · Xi'an · Lhasa · Shanghai, distilling the essence of China, pilgrimage to the holy city of the snowy plateau

11 Days 10 NightsBeijing→Xi'an→Lhasa→Shanghai1,800 – 3,400 USD
11Days
10Nights
4Destinations
1,800From
TibetClassicHistoryPilgrimage
Overview

Trip Overview

China's must-sees plus the sacred land of Tibet: the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Army, shadowboxing under Xi'an's City Wall, an immersive hutong visit, then the sacred Potala Palace in Lhasa and a Huangpu River cruise in Shanghai. A journey to the soul of China.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

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Must-see sights in China: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors

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Learn Tai Chi beneath the Xi'an city wall, Strolling the six-hundred-year-old Ancient Town wall

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Immerse in Cultural Experience: Beijing hutong home visit, acrobatics, Tang-style music and dance

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Deep exploration of the sacred Potala Palace and pure Tibet

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Night tour the Huangpu River, feel the modern pulse and classic Garden

Day-by-day

Day-by-day Itinerary

1DAYBeijing
Day 1 Arrive in Beijing
Beijing
Destination
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the world's great historic cities — a place where imperial grandeur and a fast-moving modern capital share the same skyline. For over 800 years it has been the political and cultural heart of the country, and its monuments — the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace — need no introduction.
BreakfastNot included · Own arrangements
MorningWelcome to China! A private car will pick you up at Beijing Capital Airport or Daxing International Airport and transfer you to Hotel for check-in.
LunchNot included · Own arrangements
AfternoonAfter arrival, enjoy free time to adjust to the time difference and recharge for the journey ahead.
DinnerNot included · Own arrangements
EveningCheck in at Beijing Hotel and rest at leisure.
TransportPrivate airport transferStayBeijing 4-star Hotel
2DAYBeijing
Day 2 Beijing · Tiananmen · Forbidden City · Temple of Heaven · Acrobatics
Day 2 Beijing · Tiananmen · Forbidden City · Temple of Heaven · Acrobatics
BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningVisit Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum to experience 600 years of royal grandeur.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonHead to the Temple of Heaven to admire the ancient sacrificial Architecture complex; enjoy a spectacular China acrobatics Performance.
DinnerIncluded · Includes welcome dinner · Beijing roast duck
EveningEnjoy an à la carte welcome dinner and taste authentic Beijing roast duck.
TransportAir-conditioned tour busStayBeijing 4-star Hotel
3DAYBeijing
Day 3 Beijing · Mutianyu Great Wall · Bird's Nest · Hutongs
Day 3 Beijing · Mutianyu Great Wall · Bird's Nest · Hutongs
BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningTake the round-trip cable car up to Mutianyu Great Wall and take in the majestic views.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonView the Olympic venue Bird's Nest from the bus; ride a rickshaw through the old Beijing hutongs and experience Local Life.
DinnerNot included · At own expense
EveningReturn to City center for free time.
TransportAir-conditioned tour bus + cable carStayBeijing 4-star Hotel
4DAYBeijing
Day 4 Beijing → Xi'an (high-speed rail)
Day 4 Beijing → Xi'an (high-speed rail)
BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningVisit the Summer Palace, StrollingKunmingLakeside and the Long Corridor.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonTake the high-speed rail to Xi'an; upon arrival, a private car will pick you up and transfer you to Hotel.
DinnerNot included · At own expense
EveningCheck in at Xi'anHotel and rest at leisure.
TransportHigh-speed rail + private car pickupStayXi'an 4-star Hotel
5DAYXi'an
Day 5 Xi'an · Terracotta Army · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Tang-style music and dance
Xi'an
Destination
Xi'an
Xi'an, known as Chang'an in ancient times, is one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals and the starting point of the Silk Road. With over 3,100 years of history and 1,100 years as a capital for 13 dynasties, it served as the political, economic, and cultural heart of ancient China. The city is home to the world-renowned Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the remarkably preserved ancient city wall, offering a tangible link to China's imperial past.
BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningVisit the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Museum and feel the awe of the underground army.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonMake a mini terracotta warrior by hand and experience Qin terracotta craftsmanship; visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
DinnerIncluded · Dumpling banquet included
EveningEnjoy a dumpling banquet and watch a wonderful Tang-style music and dance performance Performance.
TransportAir-conditioned tour busStayXi'an 4-star Hotel
6DAYXi'an
Day 6 Xi'an → Lhasa (by plane)
Day 6 Xi'an → Lhasa (by plane)
BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningFly to Lhasa.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonUpon arrival in Lhasa, transfer to Hotel.
DinnerNot included · At own expense
EveningRest well to acclimatize to the high altitude.
TransportPlane + private airport transferStayLhasa 4-star Hotel
7DAYLhasa
Day 7 Lhasa · Drepung Monastery · Norbulingka · Sera Monastery
Lhasa
Destination
Lhasa
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China, is a city of profound spiritual significance and breathtaking beauty. Situated at an altitude of 3,650 meters on the Tibetan Plateau, it is one of the highest cities in the world. Known as the 'Sunlight City' due to its abundant sunshine, Lhasa has been the political, economic, cultural, and religious center of Tibet for over a thousand years. The city's name means 'Place of the Gods' in Tibetan, and its iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominates the skyline, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Tibetan Buddhism and the region's rich history.
BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningVisit Drepung Monastery and feel the solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonTour Norbulingka and admire Tibetan-style Garden.
DinnerNot included · At own expense
EveningVisit Sera Monastery and watch the monk debates.
TransportAir-conditioned tour busStayLhasa 4-star Hotel
8DAYLhasa
Day 8 Lhasa · Potala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street
Day 8 Lhasa · Potala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street
BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningVisit the Potala Palace, the sacred shrine of the snowy plateau.
LunchNot included · Self-arranged
AfternoonTour the Jokhang Temple and feel the power of faith.
DinnerNot included · Self-arranged
EveningStrolling Barkhor Street and take a break at a sweet Teahouse.
TransportAir-conditioned tour bus + walkingStayLhasa 4-star Hotel
9DAYLhasa
Day 9 Lhasa → Shanghai (by plane)
Day 9 Lhasa → Shanghai (by plane)
BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningFly to Shanghai.
LunchNot included · Self-arranged
AfternoonUpon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to Hotel.
DinnerNot included · Self-arranged
EveningFree time to rest for the remainder of the day.
TransportPlane + private car transferStayShanghai 4-star Hotel
10DAYShanghai
Day 10 Shanghai · Yu Garden · ShanghaiMuseum · The Bund · Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai
Destination
Shanghai
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city — a glittering financial capital where the colonial Bund faces the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. It has been a gateway between China and the world for over a century, and that openness still defines its character today.
BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningVisit Yu Garden and ShanghaiMuseum to experience Jiangnan Garden and Shanghai-style Culture.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonStrolling the Bund and admire the collection of international Architecture.
DinnerNot included · At own expense
EveningTake a boat Night tour the Huangpu River and enjoy the dazzling Night views on both banks.
TransportAir-conditioned tour bus + cruiseStayShanghai 4-star Hotel
11DAYShanghai
Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included
MorningFree time according to flight schedule; you may spend your last moments leisurely in Hotel or City center.
LunchNot included · At own expense
AfternoonPrivate car transfer to the airport; check-in assistance.
DinnerNot included · At own expense
EveningConclude your pleasant China journey; wishing you a smooth trip home!
TransportPrivate airport transfer
Hotels

Hotel Reference

DestinationHotelRatingRoom typeNights
BeijingBeijing 4-star Hotel4-starStandard Twin Room3 nights
Xi'anXi'an4-diamondHotel4-diamondStandard Twin Room2 nights
LhasaLhasa4-diamondHotel4-diamondStandard Twin Room3 nights
ShanghaiShanghai4-diamondHotel4-diamondStandard Twin Room2 nights
Activities

Recommended Activities

Potala Palace
Potala Palace

World Culture Heritage site, the sacred temple of the snowy plateau.

Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple

Tibetan Buddhism Holy Land, center of faith.

Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang
Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang

The Eighth Wonder of the World, an underground army formation from the Qin Dynasty.

Included / Not included

Pricing

Included

  • Domestic flight and train tickets
  • HotelAccommodation (daily breakfast included)
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Driver and air-conditioned tour vehicle
  • First entrance tickets to attractions

Not Included

  • International round-trip airfare
  • China visa fees
  • Optional paid activities
  • Any expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, or force majeure
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Tips for guide and driver
Notes

Good to Know

  • This itinerary is privately customized and the order may be adjusted according to your flight/train schedule.
  • Traveling to Tibet requires entry permits; please prepare the relevant documents in advance.
  • Lhasa is at a high altitude; please plan reasonably according to your physical condition and be mindful of altitude sickness.

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