13 Days Essential China Group Tour with Lhasa & Chengdu Pandas

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. One of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu was first constructed during the Northern Qi Dynasty and later rebuilt and reinforced during the Ming Dynasty, boasting over a thousand years of history. Connected with the Jiankou Great Wall to the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall to the east, it winds through the mountains, approximately 5,400 meters long, with an average height of 7–8 meters. At its widest, the wall can accommodate five horses or ten people walking side by side. 

Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!

After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

Meal: B, L

Transfer via: High speed train Beijing-Xian (second class seat).

On this day, you will have free time till your driver escorts you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties! Upon arrival at the train station, your driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in Xian.

Meal: B

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries and one of the “Eight Wonders” in the world - the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. The currently excavated pits one, two and three contain over 8,000 life-sized pottery figures and chariots, each with its own unique facial expression, clothing and hairstyle, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship over 2000 years ago. First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by this subterranean life-size army of thousands standing silently to guard the emperor. Marvel also at the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses. Examine the ancient army formation, including the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.

After lunch, head to visit the Xian Ancient City Wall, a vital component of ancient urban defense systems, safeguarding Xi'an for around a millennium. Standing as China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall, it stretches approximately 13.7 kilometers with a height of about 12 meters. Ascend the ancient city gates to gaze upon Xi'an's historic cityscape and modern skyscrapers from the corner towers and watchtowers.

There, you will also visit the awe-inspiring Bell Tower, located at the intersection of the four main streets to the east, south, west, and north of Xi'an's ancient city, it is known as the “Heart of the Ancient City.” This quintessential Ming Dynasty wooden pavilion stands approximately 36 meters tall, showcasing Xi'an's history and its bell and drum culture. As night falls, ascend the Bell Tower to admire Xi'an's uniquely beautiful nightscape. 

In the evening, you may also have the chance to witness the enchanting musical fountain and lively square dancing near Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), allowing you to immerse yourself in Xian's vibrant nightlife like a local.

Meal: B, L

This morning, you will go to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the Great Ci'en Temple in Yanta District, Xi'an, a significant cultural heritage site along the Silk Road and one of Xi'an's most iconic historical landmarks. This renowned Buddhist structure from the Tang Dynasty was constructed under the supervision of the monk Xuanzang (652 AD) to house the Buddhist scriptures and statues he brought back from India. The Great Wild Goose Pagoda is a brick-built, timber-imitation, multi-story pagoda. This legendary pagoda was riginally five stories high, and now stands at seven stories with multiple repairs and expansions, approximately 64 meters high.

Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3-4 hours). Upon your arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to your hotel in Chengdu downtown area. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this laid-back city well known for Giant Pandas and Sichuan cuisine.

Meal: B

After breakfast, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in the Chengdu hotel lobby. Today you are going to fulfill your panda dream with a 17-kilometer drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, or simply Chengdu Panda Base.

Chengdu Panda Base has vast bamboo forests and lakes - simulating the natural habitat of giant pandas. For decades, efforts have been made to breed, raise, reintroduce and conduct research on giant pandas and other endangered wild animals. Currently, the base houses one of the largest populations of giant pandas in the world, with approximately 100 individuals. As the closest panda habitat to the city center, it is regarded as the best place for visitors to have close encounters with pandas. Giant pandas are most active during the summer and autumn seasons. In the Panda Museum and Science Popularization Exhibition Area, through the explanations of knowledgeable tour guides, you can gain a deeper understanding of panda conservation knowledge. Besides giant pandas, you can also see red pandas, black-necked cranes and other animals. (Note: Since pandas prefer cool weather, we suggest getting there early because they are most active in the morning. Pandas would rather sleep indoors during temperatures that are high.)

In the afternoon, drive to visit the mysterious Sanxingdui Site Museum (50km, about 1 hour’s drive). A thematic museum centered on showcasing the ancient Shu civilization (dating back 4,800 to 2,600 years), the Sanxingdui site is hailed as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The unearthed unique and highly skilled bronze and gold artifacts of the ancient Shu Kingdom, such as the bronze double-eyebrow mask, the gold scepter, the gold mask, the bronze tree of gods, jade objects and ivory, have astonished the world. After it was unearthed in 1929, Sanxingdui Site have broken the "monistic" pattern of Chinese civilization and demonstrated the development process of a multi-ethnic Chinese civilization. Some of these artifacts were even controversially considered to have been left behind by extraterrestrial beings.

After that, return to Chengdu downtown for an relaxing stroll at Jinli Old Street. With a history over 1,800 years, it showcases the profound cultures of Ancient Shu Kingdom. Take a nice walk on the traditional stone-paved street full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.

Meal: B, L

After breakfast, you will have some free time in Chengdu and explore more on your own till be escorted to airport for your flight to Lhasa (Economy Class Flight Ticket).

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Lhasa, the local driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in Lhasa. You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa the next day.

Kind Reminder:

1. The best way to adapt to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau is to slow down, stay warm, drink lots of water, avoid taking a shower for the first day or two, relax, and get enough sleep.

2. Depending on your health condition, you should always heed your doctor's recommendations regarding altitude before your trip.

3. If you feel ill or need assistance after arrival or during the tour, don't hesitate to inform your guide or the hotel staff. The local people are skilled at treating altitude sickness and are always eager to help you.

Meal: B

Today, have fun in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center for a close touch of Tibetan culture, and you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery.

In the morning, enjoy the experience in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, fully immerse yourself by making Tibetan incense, Tibetan calligraphy, and the secrets of block printing. Tibetan incense is typically burned as an offering during religious ceremonies and rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. The ingredients used for Tibetan incense usually include juniper, sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon, cloves, and various medicinal herbs. Besides learning how to make Tibetan incense, you can also participate in writing your own name in the Tibetan Language with the help of a local teacher, and engraving and printing it out. Handmade Tibetan incense and printed text can be taken home as a souvenir of the Tibetan cultural experience. 

Drive around 7 km (about 20 minutes) in the afternoon to visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet's three magnificent Gelug university monasteries, and an must-visit temple if you want to close-up look into Tibetan Buddhism's doctrine and practices. Watching the monks debate, which happens between 15:00–17:00 (except on Sundays), is the highlight of Sera Monastery. An intriguing type of communication is the discussion, in which one monk stands in the role of the questioner and the answerer or group of answerers sits. The standing monk stomps, smacks his hands, and asks questions; each motion has a specific purpose, like bringing insight to life, and is not intended to be violent. Furthermore, there’s possibility that you can learn about the monastic way of life, tour meditation halls, and participate in prayer rites.  
In the evening, enjoy a group dinner featuring delicious Tibetan cuisine.

Meal: B, D

Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

You may explore the Potala Palace by walking up there in the morning. It serves as the Dalai Lama's customary home and winter palace in addition to being Tibet's landmark (1649-1959). You will reach the tallest palace in the world at 3,700 meters after ascending 365 steps from the Potala Palace gate to the Red Palace. From there, you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of Lhasa city. You will be astounded and moved by the Red Palace's exquisite paintings, exquisite jeweled pieces, expertly carved details, vibrant decorations, and the enigmatic tales behind the riches as you tour the main halls, chapels, and shrines of former Dalai Lamas. You will see a lot of Tibetan pilgrims within the Potala Palace who travel great distances to worship at this hallowed location, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them. More information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who initially constructed the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, can also be requested from your guide. (Please be aware that depending on the visiting time listed on your Potala Palace ticket, the visit order may change. Every tourist must go with a tour group to the palace and spend an hour there. Please be aware that taking pictures within the palace is not permitted.

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street located in the old town of Lhasa, and the most important circular pilgrimage route (kora) for Tibetan Buddhist devotees surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Today, it is also a renowned commercial street in Lhasa, lined with various Tibetan-style buildings, ancient residences, handicraft shops, Tibetan restaurants, and teahouses.

Meal: B

On this day, after breakfast, your group will be escorted to airport for your flight to Shanghai (Economy Class Flight Ticket). Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai's long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai's unique culture.

Upon your arrival at the airport in Shanghai, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel

Meal: B

First, head to the Pudong Area. One eye-catching feature is the trio of towering skyscrapers in the Lujiazui financial district. Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Here, you will ascend the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower - featuring a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators, traveling at 64 km/h, up to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters (about 1,791 feet) above ground. Enjoy unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views over the city and look down on the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.

Later, visit the Shanghai Museum to the south of the People's Square, to admire the finest art collection of ancient China, and understand China's five-thousand-year civilization. First, take a loot at its architectural design, which embodies the ancient Chinese philosophical concept of “heaven is round and earth is square.” Then, discover over 120,000 artifacts across 11 permanent exhibition halls and 3 temporary galleries at the museum , with particularly rich and valuable collections of bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade artifacts, and coins.

In the afternoon, stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with famous brands, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and towering buildings. Continue walking to the Bund, a landmark and a must-visit sight in Shanghai. Known as the "Exhibition of International Architecture," the Bund boasts century-old buildings of various styles such as Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. With the towering skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the Hupu River, you will witness a unique urban landscape.

Meal: B, L

Travel Note:

(1) The Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden are closed on Mondays. Visits may be adjusted to include the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, City God Temple, or French Concession.

(2) During peak season, if the Shanghai Museum (People's Square) is unavailable, it will be replaced by the Shanghai Museum East Branch.

It is time to end your 13-day Beijing Xian Chengdu Lhasa Shanghai group tour. You will have some free time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Meal: B

Trip Extension Ideas

We will be happy to help you with an extra vacation if you would prefer to see other places in China rather than go back home immediately. Please share your thoughts with us!