China: Highlights & Tibet

Nǐ hǎo and welcome to China! After a private transfer to the hotel, we’ll begin with a Group Meeting at 6:00PM followed by an orientation walk and a Welcome Dinner.

Zǎoshang hǎo (good morning), Beijing! After an included breakfast, we’re headed to the Summer Palace. Once a retreat for emperors, it now stands as a showcase of classical Chinese garden design with sprawling lakes, graceful pavilions, and verdant scenery. Later, we’ll visit Tiananmen Square, a vast public space known for its significance in China’s modern history. Lunch will be included; afterwards, we’ll walk to the nearby Forbidden City and Jinshan Park. Our day wraps up with a stroll through Beijing’s distinctive hutongs, which are narrow, winding alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes that offer a glimpse into the city’s communal way of life. Tonight, we’ll feast on an included dinner of Beijing Duck!

Fuel up on an included breakfast, because today is all about hiking the famous Great Wall! After a 2-hour transfer, we’ll arrive in Jinshanling, known for being home to one of the most gorgeous sections of the Wall. First, we’ll visit a local farmer who will welcome us with a dumpling meal. From there, our hike to the top of the Wall begins. Notably, this section sees lighter crowds. We’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap amazing photos as we explore the historic and imposing structure. This afternoon, we’ll transfer back to Beijing for another included dinner with the rest of the evening at our leisure.

Today starts early with an included breakfast followed by a transfer to Beijing’s west train station to catch the high-speed train to Xi’an. Along the way, we’ll be treated to scenic views of the countryside. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy an included lunch and check into our hotel. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Xi’an Ancient City Wall and have the option for a walking or biking tour. Later, we’ll visit the Muslim Quarter to sample traditional cuisine, explore the busy market, and perhaps engage in some lively bargaining with the vendors. Tonight, we’re free to relax and shop at our leisure after an included dinner.

Rise and shine! After an included breakfast, we’re off to discover one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. We’ll transfer to the Terracotta Warriors Museum on the outskirts of the city to delve into the mesmerizing history of the army of life-sized sculptures buried with China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Discovered in 1974, the intricately detailed warrior figures, along with chariots and horses, are all arranged in battle formation. Each figure varies in height, expression, and attire, reflecting the diverse military ranks of the Qin dynasty. The site offers visitors a glimpse into ancient China’s military practices and craftsmanship, as well as the emperor’s quest for immortality. Later, we’ll enjoy an included lunch before visiting the Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist monument constructed in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty. Upon returning to the hotel, we’ll have a free evening to choose our own dinner adventure.

After an early breakfast, we’re cranking the altitude up to eleven… thousand, that is! We’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Tibet, where upon arrival, we’ll have a relaxed day as we acclimate to Lhasa’s elevation. Once we’re checked in, we’ll have free time before gathering for an included dinner in the city’s center. The evening is ours to enjoy, but we recommend resting up as we’ll need our energy for tomorrow. Please review our important information page for our note on altitude sickness. 

This morning, savor a breathtaking Tibetan sunrise over an included breakfast and get ready for a big day ahead! We’ll begin at the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred site and a major pilgrimage destination. According to legend, the temple was constructed over a lake after several failed attempts at other locations. Today, it stands with a golden Buddha as its centerpiece! After a delicious and included lunch, we’ll join the pilgrims for a sacred kora, a type of meditative pilgrimage that involves circumambulating Barkhor Street in a clockwise fashion. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to the Sera Monastery, known for its vibrant philosophical debates that offer a glimpse into Tibetan scholarly traditions. Tonight, we’ll gather for an included dinner.

After an included breakfast, we’re off to visit Potala Palace, an architectural marvel perched 427 ft. (130 m) above Lhasa that served as both the government seat and winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. This astonishing structure is divided into the White Palace, which served secular purposes, and the Red Palace, home to religious chapels, shrines, and the tombs of the Dalai Lamas. Our guided tour of this impressive cynosure will be one of the most deeply enriching experiences of the trip. After a break for an included lunch, we’ll have the privilege of meeting a Tibetan family to gain insight into their way of life before a free afternoon and evening. Tonight’s dinner is at our leisure.

This morning, we bid farewell to Tibet. We’ll enjoy an included breakfast before transferring to the airport for our flight to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China’s most liberal cities. Upon arrival, we’ll begin at People’s Park, a green oasis where locals gather to socialize and practice tai chi. We’ll also visit Dufu Cottage, a historical site dedicated to the famous Tang dynasty poet, Du Fu. Later, we’ll make our way to Kuanzhai Alley, one of Chengdu’s most famous landmarks. This charming area, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, provides a glimpse back in time to old Chengdu. As we stroll through its narrow lanes, lined with quaint teahouses, boutique shops, and boutique eateries, we’ll get a true sense of the city’s leisurely pace and the everyday life of its residents. Tonight, we’ll gather for an included dinner.

Today begins early with an included breakfast before we visit adorable panda bears! Mornings are the best time to observe these gentle giants as they enjoy their breakfast while engaging in playful behavior. After our panda encounter and an included lunch, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Leshan to see the larger-than-life Leshan Giant Buddha. This colossal statue, carved into a cliff face and standing at over 233 ft. (71 m) tall, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest stone Buddha statues in the world. Following our visit to Leshan, we’ll return to Chengdu for a free evening. Tonight we’ll have the option to experience Chengdu’s famous hotpot for dinner. This beloved Sichuan dish features a communal pot of spicy, flavorful broth in which you cook thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and noodles. It’s a culinary adventure and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

This morning, we’ll enjoy an included breakfast before transferring to the airport for our flight to Shanghai, China’s financial hub known for its fusion of colonial-era architecture and cutting-edge skyscrapers! Upon freshening up at our hotel, we’ll head to the Bund, a waterfront promenade that offers unobstructed views of the Huangpu River and the contrasting architectural styles on either side. Here, we’ll get a feel for this futuristic city’s vibe over cocktails at one of the Bund’s hottest rooftop bars. Tonight, we’ll indulge in an included dinner.

Good morning, Shanghai! After an included breakfast, we’ll head to the City God Temple, a culturally rich site nestled in the heart of the city. As we meander through this captivating area, we’ll cross picturesque small bridges that add a touch of classic Chinese charm. Next, we’ll visit the renowned Yu Garden, an exquisite classical garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Once we’ve refueled on an included lunch, we’ll discover People’s Square, a central hub of Shanghai’s civic life, before visiting the Shanghai History Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of art, ancient ceramics, jade artifacts, and calligraphy. Finally, we’ll wander through the French Concession area of Xin Tian Di, a cosmopolitan neighborhood with a wide array of boutique shops and eateries. Tonight, we’ll gather for a wonderful Farewell Dinner.

After an included breakfast, we’ll enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport. Safe travels home to those who aren’t joining our Hong Kong extension! Click here for pricing and details.

For those continuing on to Hong Kong with us, we’ll be on a morning flight that arrives in time for an included Dim Sum lunch. With bellies full, we’ll set out to discover some of the top spots in this gargantuan megalopolis, starting with one of its best views at Victoria Peak! Once we’ve crossed the harbour to Hong Kong Island, we’ll ride a train up the steep hill to a scenic vantage point overlooking the unending sprawl of the city below. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Central District and its famous Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. Aside from being an attraction on its own, the system is lined with cafés, bars, and shops. Tonight, we’ll enjoy an included dinner before finding the perfect spot along the waterfront to take in A Symphony Of Lights, the world’s largest permanent light and sound show that transforms the harbour into a dazzling spectacle on a nightly basis.

Today begins with an included breakfast before we head to Lantau Island, the largest island in Hong Kong. Our first stop will be the Tian Tan Buddha statue (a.k.a. The Big Buddha), perched atop the island’s rolling hills. Completed in 1993, the bronze giant is an extension of the nearby Po Lin Monastery, which we’ll also visit. After an included lunch, we’ll return to downtown Hong Kong to explore the colorful Wong Tai Sin Temple dedicated to the Taoist deity known as the “Great Immortal Wong.” Later, we’ll head to the Mong Kok area to dabble in its bustling markets. Tonight, we’ll gather for our final included dinner.

After an included breakfast, we’ll enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport. Safe travels home!