11Days Taste of China & Tibet

Arrive in Beijing.

Beijing has been the heart and soul of Chinese culture, politics and society for over 5000 years. We commence our sightseeing program of this fascinating city with a walk through the landmark Tiananmen Square, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City - the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world.

Proceed to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the palace complex before wandering through the traditional dwelling quarters of Beijing - Hutong area on a human-powered pedi-cab in the afternoon.

Also visit the Summer Palace, this was where the Imperial court would come to escape the heat of Beijing’s summer, and today it is a popular recreation spot.

We visit renowned imperial site –the Temple of Heaven including visit the Imperial Hall of Pray Harvest, the Imperial Vault and the Imperial Sacrificial Altar. We see the echo wall and stones in the vault and on the altar where the emperors whispered with the Celestial Beings by the special features of the phenomenon utilize the theory of sound wave.

Then we travel to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall (UNESCO). As China's most renowned monument, Great Wall is the most spectacular structures ever built by humans and as the only one visible from space. Mutianyu section, as one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. (Round trip cable car is included)

Evening transferred to Beijing train station to connect your High speed train to Xian

Arrive in Xian. Upon arrival, you will be met and transfer to the Hotel

At around 10:00 head to Shanxi History Museum, one of the best museums in China. View the more than 370,000 relics with your guide, to gain a clear understanding of Shanxi history and culture. Next is a stop to the oldest and best preserved city walls in China, Xi'an City Wall. Time permitting you can choose to rent bicycles and ride around the whole thing. Then head straight to Shuyuan Men, this ancient street where you observe people's life as it was during the Tang dynasty.

Today, proceed for a full day tour to the 2000 year old Army of Terracotta Warriors which remains stunningly well preserved: a vigilant force standing guard over an ancient imperial burial site. The 6000 life-sized terracotta warriors and warhorses were discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well! There is speculation that the sculptors used fellow workers as models, each of the figures differs in facial features and expressions.

Also visit the Great Mosque which is the main place of worship for Xian's 70,000 Muslims. Please cover your knees and shoulders at this site, out of respect for local cultural customs. You will be able to stroll through the grounds but not enter the prayer area.

Today you will visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Palace and Sera Monastery. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung Monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala. It was once the world's largest monastery with 10,000 monks hailing from monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its practice of debating Buddhism and philosophy, the clapping sound and the aggressive expression of the monks -all are well worth seeing. Norbulingka was the summer palace of The Dalai Lama; you will visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and flowers throughout the summer time.

On the way to Namtso Lake, you will have a far view of Nyenchen Thanglha Snow Mountain. Enjoy the view of the vast grassland and spectacular natural scenery. You’ll arrive at Namtso after pass Nagela Pass[5150m]. It’s the highest salt lake. It means “holy lake” in the Tibetan language. In the early summer, flocks of wild ducks fly to inhabit here and breed their offspring. Wild animals such as black bears, yaks, wild donkeys, bharals, foxes, roe deer and marmots can often be found around the lake. You can do a bit trekking at the lake side.

On the way back to Lhasa keep an open eye for happy nomads families. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Morning you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Lhasa Airport to connect your onward flight to Chengdu. 

In the morning visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been created to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding pandas.  

Afternoon visit Sanxingdui Museum before driving back to Chengdu

This evening enjoy Face-changing Show at local tea house.

Today at an appointed time, transfer to the train station for 2 hours bullet train to Chongqing.

Upon arrival, be met and transfer to the Cruise.

On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders throughout the Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy its scenic views.

Before arriving at Yichang you will visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station site. Disembark to a smaller specially-designed sightseeing vessel and travel through the ship elevator.

Continue to Yichang by coach and our guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai.

On arrival at Shanghai Airport, you will be met and transferred to your Hotel

This morning you will be taken for a city tour od Shanghai. The first attraction of the day will be the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and flowers, perfect for the horticulturist.

At the Jade Buddha Temple, one can expect impressive temples, both historical and modern, sporting large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai Museum, there will be an opportunity to visit the waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis.

Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city

Today at an appointed time, you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Airport for your onward flight