17 Days China Highlights Tour with Holy Tibet Discovery & Chengdu Pandas

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, China's capital city. Your tour guide and driver will greet you at the airport or train station exit, then escort you to a carefully selected downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to rest from jet lag or explore the area around your hotel at your own pace.

Arrival Ideas: Beijing is well linked by air and high-speed rail. It has two international airports – Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport – operating numerous international and domestic flights from most Chinese cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin and Hangzhou. You can also take high-speed trains to Beijing from Xian (4-5hrs), Shanghai (4.5-6hrs), Zhengzhou (2.5-3hrs), Wuhan (4-5hrs) and Harbin (5-5.5hrs).

Free Time Ideas:

Feel free to ask your tour guide for practical tips to plan your free time, and all suggestions will be tailored to your available time and personal interests.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a trip to Tian'anmen Square. As the world's largest public square and a symbol of China, it has stood at the center of the nation's historical shifts for decades.

Next, walk across to the Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. With over 8,700 rooms, it is China's most significant and well-preserved collection of ancient wooden structures.

You will enter through the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis. This route ensures you see the most important palaces and imperial treasures while your guide shares stories of the emperors who lived within these walls.

Following the palace tour, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Forbidden City's russet roofs contrasted against the modern Beijing skyline.

In the afternoon, experience local life in the Old Hutongs. Take a traditional rickshaw ride through these narrow alleys to see historic courtyard homes and browse the unique shops tucked away in the neighborhood.

Optional Activity:

For dinner, you can try the world-famous Peking Roasted Duck at the historic Quanjude (全聚德) restaurant. Your guide can help with the booking.

This morning you'll drive northwest from Beijing (about 73 km, 1.5–2 hours) to Mutianyu Great Wall. It is one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall and is known for its solid structure and open views. Compared with other sections, it is less crowded and easier to explore at your own pace.

Take the cable car up to around the 14th watchtower and start your walk along the western route. The path is well maintained, with a series of Ming-era watchtowers along the ridge. If you feel up for it, continue toward the 20th tower for broader views and a bit more challenge.

The slopes are covered with pine and cypress, and the wall follows the mountain ridges in long curves. It's a good place for photos, with clear sightlines in both directions. Take your time on the steps and enjoy the changing angles along the way.

After the visit, return to Beijing and stop for photos outside the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). Both were built for the 2008 Olympics and later used again in 2022. After that, transfer back to your hotel for a restful evening.

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the Summer Palace, dubbed the "Museum of Royal Garden" and once the summer retreat for China's imperial families. Its grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers and corridors make for an outstanding landscaping work. Take a leisurely walk here, and take your time to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views and beautiful lakes, a pastoral escape that mirrors the scenes of traditional Chinese paintings.

After the tour, you'll be escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian - capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties, which takes about 4.5-5.5 hours. When you arrive at Xian's train station, the local tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit and then escort you to your hotel in Xian.

Morning: Terracotta Warriors Museum

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive about 1 hour to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. This is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century, built by China's first emperor Qin Shihuang to guard him in the afterlife.

Start in Pit One, the largest excavation area with over 6,000 life-sized soldiers and horses arranged in battle formation. The scale is staggering - rows of archers, infantry, and charioteers stand frozen in time. Move to Pit Two (二号坑) to see around 1,300 warriors, including kneeling and standing archers, cavalry, and chariot formations. Each figure has a unique face and expression. (Note: If you're interested, you can join a Terracotta Warrior DIY session to make your own miniature warrior.)

Afternoon: Bell Tower, Drum Tower & Great Mosque

After lunch, return to Xian downtown and visit Bell & Drum Tower Square. Here you'll find the largest and best-preserved Bell Tower and Drum Tower in China.

A short walk brings you to the Great Mosque - a unique complex of multi-story buildings, towers, and pavilions. The architecture blends Chinese-style exteriors with Muslim-style interiors, creating a peaceful and fascinating atmosphere.

Late Afternoon: Muslim Quarter

Continue into the bustling Muslim Quarter, where narrow streets are lined with food stalls and shops. The air fills with the aroma of sizzling lamb skewers, fresh flatbread, and local snacks. It's the perfect place to sample Xian's famous street food and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Xian Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda

This morning, drive to Xian Museum, one of China's top museums. It houses over 110,000 cultural relics that tell the story of Xian's 3,000-year history - its economy, social life, and trade with foreign cultures.

Before entering the museum, take in the view of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO site and one of two famous Buddhist pagodas from the Tang Dynasty, built about 1,300 years ago. The "Morning Bell of Small Wild Goose Pagoda" is known as one of the "Eight Sights of Central Shaanxi."

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Hanfu Experience

Next, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the Tang Dynasty. Built over 1,300 years ago, this seven-story square pagoda stands within the peaceful Da Ci'en Temple. It was originally built to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuan Zang - whose journey later inspired the classic novel Journey to the West.

Here, you'll have a Hanfu experience. Hanfu is the traditional clothing of the Han people, worn for thousands of years. Choose your favorite outfit and stroll around the pagoda grounds, capturing photos with this ancient Tang Dynasty landmark as your backdrop.

Optional Tour - Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

Spend your evening at Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a 1,500-meter pedestrian street lined with stunning Tang-style architecture and sculptures. Enjoy authentic Xi'an cuisine and watch street performances as you soak up the atmosphere of China's golden age. This optional tour is the perfect way to end your day.

After breakfast, you'll have free time in Xian to explore the city at your own pace. Our team will escort you to the airport in time for your 3.5-hour flight to Lhasa.

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang Autonomous Region. Upon your arrival at Lhasa Airport, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to a downtown hotel for check-in.

Spend the rest of the day resting in your hotel to acclimatize to Lhasa's altitude of 3,650m, and get ready for your exploration starting the next day.

Kind Reminds:

1. To avoid altitude sickness, take it slow, keep warm, drink water frequently, skip showers for the first 1-2 days, get plenty of rest, and avoid strenuous activity.
2. Always follow your doctor's altitude advice based on your personal health condition.
3. Let your guide or hotel staff know immediately if you feel unwell or need assistance. Local people are always ready to help and experienced in handling altitude-related issues.

Today you will explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites that define the spiritual and architectural heart of Tibet. Start your morning at the Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas since 1649.

To reach the Red Palace, situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters, you will climb 365 stone steps. Inside, your guide will lead you through sacred chapels and shrines filled with jeweled works, intricate wood carvings, and murals dating back centuries.

You will see many pilgrims who have traveled long distances to pray here. Learn about King Songtsen Gampo, who first established the palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng.

Afterward, head to the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha," as it houses a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, considered the holiest treasure in the Buddhist world.

Watch the devoted pilgrims performing prostrations in front of the temple - a powerful display of faith that has remained unchanged for centuries. The temple's unique architecture reflects a mix of Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepalese styles.

Finally, walk through Barkhor Street, the ancient pilgrim circuit surrounding the temple. Today, it is a lively market where traditional "kora" rituals meet local commerce.

It is the perfect spot to try yak butter tea, browse for Tibetan or Indian handicrafts, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the old city. After the tour, return to your hotel to continue acclimating to the altitude.

Today, you will dive into Tibetan Buddhism by visiting two of the "Great Three" Gelug university monasteries: Drepung and Sera.

In the morning, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to Drepung Monastery. Before the 17th century, this was the residence of the Dalai Lamas. It remains famous for the Shoton Festival each August, where a giant Buddha Thangka is unfolded on the hillside.

Explore the unique architecture and observe the monks' daily lives. You will also participate in a 2-hour Tibetan culture workshop, which includes an introduction to local traditions, the art of Tibetan incense making, and traditional block printing.

In the afternoon, drive 40 minutes (14km) to Sera Monastery. The monastery compound, with its white stone walkways, offers a peaceful atmosphere. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful religious sites in Lhasa.

The highlight here is the Monks' Debate, held between 15:00 and 17:00 (except Sundays). Watch the animated exchanges where standing questioners use dramatic palm slaps and foot stomps to challenge the seated answerers - gestures meant to "activate wisdom" rather than show aggression.

After this immersive cultural experience, your driver will escort you back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Enjoy a free morning in Lhasa. Explore the city at your own pace - perhaps a last stroll through Barkhor Street or a quiet moment at a local teahouse.

When you're ready, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu (about 2 hours).

Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in downtown Chengdu. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

If you're up for it, try a Sichuan hotpot dinner - numbing, spicy, and unforgettable. Or catch a Sichuan Opera performance to see face-changing and puppetry. Your guide can point you in the right direction.

Chengdu Panda Base

After breakfast, drive about 17 kilometers to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This is the largest captive panda breeding center in the world, home to over 100 pandas of all ages.

Watch pandas playing, eating bamboo, climbing, and napping. If you visit in autumn, you might spot pink newborn cubs in the nursery houses. Red pandas also roam nearby - smaller and just as charming. Your guide will take you through the Panda Museum to learn more. (Note: Pandas are most active in the cool morning hours, so an early start is recommended.)

Wenshu Monastery & People's Park

Next, visit Wenshu Monastery, the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu. The peaceful atmosphere offers a quiet escape from the city.

Then head to People's Park to experience Chengdu's famous slow lifestyle. Sit at a century-old teahouse, order a cup of jasmine tea, and watch locals play mahjong, practice tai chi, or sing folk songs. You might even spot the "blind date corner" where parents gather to find partners for their adult children.

Jinli Old Street

End your day with a stroll through Jinli Old Street, an 1,800-year-old street showcasing the culture of the Ancient Shu Kingdom. Walk along the stone-paved lanes lined with shops selling local snacks, delicate handicrafts, and folk art. The atmosphere is especially lively after dark.

If you're interested, your guide can help you find a teahouse with Sichuan Opera performances later in the evening.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the station for a high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Upon arrival in the "Mountain City," your local guide will meet you at the exit to begin your city exploration.

The first stop is the Three Gorges Museum. With a collection of over 280,000 relics, the museum provides a deep understanding of the Yangtze River's history and the formation of the Three Gorges. You can also see the People's Assembly Hall just outside for photos.

After lunch, experience Chongqing's unique urban layout on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2. Ride from Huanghuayuan to Liziba Metro Station to witness the "train through the building" - a 11-storey residential block with a monorail track running directly through it.

Next, visit E'ling Park for a panoramic view of the city. Known as "Little Hong Kong," the park offers a stunning vantage point to see the dense skyscrapers and the two winding rivers that surround the city's peninsula.

In the late afternoon, explore Hongya Cave. This 11-storey complex features traditional Ba and Shu style wooden stilt houses built into the cliffside. It is most impressive at nightfall when the orange lights illuminate the layered architecture against the river.

Finally, you will be transferred to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your 5-star cruise ship. Your journey down the Yangtze River officially begins at 21:00 as the ship departs into the sparkling nightscape.

Wake up leisurely on the cruise as it sails peacefully along the Yangtze River. Enjoy a buffet breakfast while taking in the river views - misty mornings and gentle sunshine add to the experience.

Throughout the day, the cruise offers activities and shore excursions to traditional cultural sites. You can join a tour or stay onboard to relax and learn about Chinese culture.

In the afternoon, follow a local English-speaking guide on a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. This complex of temples, memorials, and monasteries is dedicated to the afterlife. Your guide will share legendary stories about the underworld, Chinese demons, and judgment of souls.

Alternative Option: If you prefer, you can visit Shibaozhai Pagoda for an additional fee. This 12-story red wooden pagoda is one of the world's eight extraordinary architectures. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Yangtze River.

Today is dedicated to the spectacular Three Gorges. You will first sail through Qutang Gorge, famous for the dramatic and steep cliffs of the Kui Gate.

Next, the ship enters the serene Wuxia Gorge, known for its misty peaks and secluded beauty. Finally, you will pass through the rugged Xiling Gorge, an area historically known for its turbulent waters and shoals.

Throughout the morning, enjoy live commentary on the observation deck as you take in these iconic river landscapes.

In the afternoon, join a shore excursion to Shennv Stream in Wushan County. You will switch to a smaller boat to navigate this primitive tributary, allowing for a closer look at the sheer mountain walls.

Along the cliffs, you can spot ancient hanging coffins tucked high into the rock faces. During the boat ride, local Tujia guides may invite you to join in traditional singing and dancing performances.

In the evening, attend the Captain's Farewell Party. Gather with your fellow travelers for a final celebratory dinner on board as the cruise journey approaches its conclusion.

After breakfast, complete the check-out procedure and disembark at Maoping Port. Today's highlight is the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in China.

View the massive dam and its lock system up close. The structure spans 2,335 meters across the Yangtze, stands 181 meters high, and is 115 meters wide. Optional experience: Take the world's largest ship lift for an up-close view of the dam - a thrilling and unique perspective.

After the visit, take the cruise company's tourist bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal (arriving around 12:30-1:30 PM). In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai (about 2 hours).

Upon arrival in Shanghai,our team will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in downtown Shanghai.

This morning, visit the Shanghai Museum. The building itself is designed in the shape of a "Ding" (an ancient bronze vessel), with a round top and square base symbolizing the traditional concept of "round sky, square earth."

Inside, you will find a collection of 120,000 relics spanning 5,000 years of history. Focus on the Exhibition Hall of Bronze and Ceramic to see the Da Ke Ding (a 3,000-year-old bronze vessel) and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical bells).

Next, head to Yu Garden, a celebrated classical garden hidden in the city center. Walk through the traditional pavilions and take in the intricate rockeries and sculptures that define this Ming Dynasty sanctuary.

Just outside the garden, explore the Yuyuan Bazaar. This lively area is the perfect spot to sample local Shanghai snacks, such as steamed soup dumplings, or browse for traditional handicrafts and folk art.

In the afternoon, take a stroll along Nanjing Road. This famous pedestrian street is lined with historic shops, modern brands, and busy cafes, leading you directly toward the riverfront.

Reach The Bund, Shanghai's most iconic landmark. Known as an "Exhibition of International Architecture," it features 52 historic buildings in various global styles. From the promenade, you can look across the river at the futuristic Pudong skyline.

Your final stop is the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China at 632 meters. Take the high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor observatory (546 meters high) for a spectacular 360-degree view of the modern metropolis.

Your 17-day China grand tour draws to an end today. You'll have free time in Shanghai to explore at your own pace, until your driver escorts you to the airport or train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China journey. We're always here to assist you, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more travels in China and Asia!