14 Days Beijing-Xi'an-Lhasa-Yangtze-Shanghai Group Tour

Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
 

Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you will be met by our local driver at the airport with TCT signboard, and then transfer you to check in your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day for you to get over the jet lag.
 

Please note:
1. We generally arrange the airport pick up from Beijing Capital International Airport(PEK). If your flight arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport(PKX), it will cause an transfer supplement: US$90 per 5-seat car per way
2. Our airport transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is generally arranged on sharing basis according to the arrival timing of each client's flight. If any tourists request a separate private transfer service from Beijing Capital International Airport, it will cause a transfer supplement: US$50 per 5-seat car per way.

Beijing City View
 

Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A la carte Chinese lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
 

TCT local guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at the appointed time. It will be an exciting day as we will explore the world well-known wonders today. The 1st stop is Temple of Heaven, the existing largest structure for sacrifice to heaven and a place where the emperors prayed for a year of abundance. In the visit of Temple of Heaven, you will be astonished by the exquisite ancient Chinese architectures. Besides, you will see local seniors doing morning exercises in the square and full of vigor. You will have chance to watch Chinese Kongfu, Taichi, square dancing, playing cards, playing chess etc.

Then you will enjoy a Beijing Hutong tour by rickshaw with a local family visit, which will give you a deep impression of the local residents' live. Then we will have a stop at a Chinese courtyard and take a Chinese culture experience - Peking opera facial mask painting.

A la carte lunch is served at a local restaurant to have a taste of the authentic Chinese food at noon time and have a break at the restaurant.

Then continue this Beijing city treasure tour by a visit to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square, the locality of numerous major political and historical events. It is the witness of Chinese development. It is only a walking distance from Tian'anmen Square to Forbidden City, the world's existing largest and most complete ancient wooden structure buildings. You will explore the glorious palace halls and gardens for more than 2 hours in Forbidden City, learning the legendary story of the emperors and how the royal family lived there. You will be stunned by the numerous old art treasures exhibited in halls. The memorable Beijing city tour for the 1st day ends by dropping off at your hotel lobby. 

Note:  At night, alively and dramatic Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theater or the Acrobatic Show can be your optional night entertainment.  

Forbidden City
 

Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A la Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
 

It will be an exciting day today. In the early morning, guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. Today we will visit the must-visit spot in Beijing--- Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the famous sections of China Great Wall. It takes about 2 hours driving from the downtown of Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. (***Round way cable car are included at Mutianyu Great Wall***)
 

A la carte lunch is arranged at a good restaurant at the foot of Mutianyu. Drive back to downtown of Beijing. When we reach Beijing, we will have a photo stop outside the Bird Nest and Water Cube, which were the famous sites constructed for 2008 Beijing Olympic. The tour finishes by dropping off at your hotel. If you would like to try local specialty tonight, you could ask for some suggestion about Peking Roast Duck Restaurant.

Mutianyu Great Wall
 

Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Xian ★★★★
 

In the morning, check out from hotel and start to visit the last spots in Beijing --- Summer Palace, the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. The Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are regarded as the representative of Summer Palace. In the park, you could choose to take a boating trip on the lake, enjoying the beautiful royal garden view. Walk along the Long Corridor--- the longest corridor in the world, admiring the extremely rich and prestigious paintings on the beams of the corridor.

A la carte lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant on the way to Beijing West Railway Station to take high speed train (2nd class seat, duration: about 5-5.5 hours) from Beijing to Xi'an. TCT guide will wait at the exit of Xi'an train station with our signboard and transfer you to check in hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the time.
 

Beijing Hutong
 

Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Xian ★★★★
 

Today we will have a full day to explore this historical and cultural city in China. Pick up from hotel in the morning, and then have a visit to the landmark of Xi'an---Xian City Wall. You could choose to have a bicycle riding on the city wall (***Bicycle riding is optional and excluded from our price***). 

After that, we will drive to the highlights in Xi’an ---the Terracotta Warriors. On the way to Terracotta Warriors, we will have a stop at a cave dwelling pottery workshop, where you will have chance to learn how to make a miniature terracotta warrior and discover the unique ancient housing style in north China.  A la carte lunch is arranged at a local restaurant nearby Terracotta Warriors. In the afternoon, we will have enough time to visit this world wonder --- Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation.

When you back to downtown, we will walk around Bell Tower Square and walk to the well-known Muslim Quarter, where you could  enjoy your shopping time  and challenge a variety of local snacks. The tour finishes by dropping-off at the hotel lobby.

Note: You could ask your local guide for some information about evening entertainment or night show, such as Tang Dynasty Show.

Terracotta Warriors
 

Meals: Hotel Breakfast
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel VIP Tower or similar ★★★★
 

In the early morning, our guide will pick you up from hotel and transfer you to airport to meet the morning flight to Lhasa, Tibet. The flight will arrive at Lhasa Airport at around noon time. Our local guide will meet you and show your way to the bus. You may need to wait for other tourists for a while before the driver transfer you to hotel.
 

Note: The free airport transfer from airport to hotel and fixed departure time:  9:30 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm
 

Good to know: For the first timer to Tibet, either by flight or train, a good rest is a must for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Never rush to tour the street or attractions on your own. Walk slower and do not exert yourself like running or jumping. If you have any discomfort, do tell it to your guide, and he will help you out.

Lhasa City View
 

Meals: Hotel Breakfast
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel VIP Tower or similar★★★★
 

After breakfast in the hotel, the tour guide will take you to Drepung Monastery, the biggest Tibetan monastery that housed more than 10,000 monks in the past. Drepung means Rice Heap in the Tibetan language. The entire monastery is large in scale and the white buildings cluster and covers the hillsides. It's the highest-ranking monastery in the Gelug Sect.
 

In the afternoon you will first visit the Tibet Museum. Here you can see life scenes, exquisite clothing, house architecture, and festival customs, etc. to explore the special and mysterious Tibetan customs. Then you will visit Norbulingka, which is a typical Tibetan-style royal garden, the summer resort of the Dalai Lama.

Our clients in Lhasa

Meals: Hotel Breakfast
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Lhasa Hotel VIP Tower or similar ★★★★
 

On your third day, you will be feeling much more acclimatized to Lhasa’s high elevation. It is an excellent idea to spend the day exploring the  Potala Palace , which is the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. It's best to explore the inside of the Potala in the morning for 2-3 hours. Afterward, you may walk the pilgrimage route around the Potala Palace.
 

In the afternoon, you will head to the Jokhang Monastery, which is well known as the center of Tibetan Buddhism and features Buddhist prayer wheels, reclining deer, and golden sutra streamers, etc. Also, you can see many pilgrims praying in front of the temple and doing kora. After visiting the Jokhang Temple, you will stroll in the old alleys of Barkor Kora, where you can drink sweet tea, chat with locals and even bargain with the street vendors to understand the real-life in Lhasa.

Good to know: Taking photos is forbidden in the monastery. If you want to take photos of Tibetan pilgrims, a gentle ask for permission would be appreciated. Swimming and fishing are not allowed in holy lakes in Tibet; Do not talk about sensitive topics like politics; International tourists are not allowed to travel alone in Tibet according to the policy; Walk clockwise around Barkhor Street; Never venture into the unknown trails. If you are uncertain about something, it’s advisable to ask your guide before you do it at will.

Potala Palace

Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
 

After breakfast, take the morning flight to Chongqing. Your Chongqing tour guide will wait for you at the train station. After lunch, we will go to know more about Three Gorges and Yangtse River by visiting Three Gorges Museum, not only the largest monographic museum in China, but also a public undertaking for the preservation, education, scientific research in respect of cultural relics and the natural environment of Chongqing and the Three Gorges area. The Chongqing People Hall is just located opposite to the Three Gorges Museum. You can take a picture of this construction like Temple of Heaven from the apperance. Then we will go to visit Hong Ya Dong at  the riverside area of the Yangtze River.  It is the best place to visit group of stilted buildings, appreciate Hongya Dicui, stroll mountain city old street, watch ba-yu culture, and taste delicious food, and it is also the Jiangbei lounge.
Then transfer to the cruise terminal and check-in at the Victoria cruise. The check-in time is between 18:00 and 20:30. The Yangtze River cruise boat departs from Chongqing at 21:00.
 

Notes:
1. If you have enough free time in Chongqing before embark, you can have a try of Chongqing Hot Pot for your dinner.
2. Generally, the cruise departs from Chongqing Chaotianmen terminal, but some cruise boats may depart from Fengdu or Fuling Terminal (from Chongqing about 1.5-2 hours' drive), which depends on the water level and the cruise's arrangement. 

Chongqing City View
 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
 

Enjoy a full day Yangtze cruise! In ther morning, you will have an optional shore excursion short visit to Fengdu (depends on river condition). Fendu is known as the 'Ghost City' to most Chinese people. Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park is arranged as your shore excursion. You can also choose to take the additional shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City with extra fee. Tonight a captain welcome reception is arranged for all the tourists. Feng Yan San Guo “Rommance of the Three Kingdoms” Show is another show excursion for you in the evening.

Victoria Cruise Itinerary: (only for reference, may change by cruise without notice)

[06:30-08:30] Early Bird Coffee and Tea; Practice Tai Chi on board and Buffet breakfast.

[09:00-13:30] Shore excursion---Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park is arranged in the morning. Or take additional shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City with extra cost. Buffet lunch is served on board.

[16:00-21:30] Late afternoon Captain's Welcome Reception with buffet dinner. In the evening, you can choose to take the additional Shore excursion---FengYan SanGuo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show.

Notes:
1. The cruise shore excursion and docks are subject to the arrangements which might influent by seasons, water levels, cruise canals and climates and subject to change without prior notice. During the cruise, you will receive the schedule from boat for declares the daily programme
2. Service fee to river guide and cruise crew on board is RMB150 per passenger which does not including in fare.
3. The other personal expense such as internet service, laundry, drinks and bar charge etc are not including.

Yangtze River Cruise
 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
 

Today, an optional excursion will be arranged at around 07:30 to the White Emperor City - a place offers a view looking toward the Qutang Gorge is depicted on the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill. Back to the ship and then pass through Three Gorges that namely Qutang Gorge - considered the most dramatic by many visitors, Wu Gorge - known for its deep valleys and forest covered mountains, and then after lunch, you will have a boat excursion to Goddess Stream .

Victoria Cruise Itinerary: (A bit different from the itinerary of other cruises):
06:30 - 07:00 Early bird coffee and tea/ practice Tai Chi at upper deck
07:00 - 08:30 Breakfast (Buffet)
07:30 - 10:15 Optional Shore excursion - White Emperor City (at your own expense RMB295 P.P)
10:45 (Est.)    Sailing through Qutang Gorge
12:45 (Est.)    Scenic cruising - Wu Gorge
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch (Buffet)
15:15 - 18:15 Shore excursion - Goddess Stream (or Shennong Stream depends on river condition)
19:00 - 20:30 Captain's Farewell Banquet (set-menu table dinner)
21:00 - 21:45 Crew cabaret
(18:30-23:00) Check out and pay for the bills if any

1. Excursion trip to White Emperor City, you would take the coach directly to Baidi Temple in 20 minutes' drive. You will have two hours for your White Emperor City visit to appreciate the rich historic story and mysterious land.

Qutang Gorge
 

Meals: Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Shanghai ★★★★
 

In the morning, you will firstly visit the Three Gorge Dam (2.5 - 3 hours) - planned to be by far the largest hydroelectric project in the world. After the visiting, the local tour guide will pick you up and transfer to a good local restaurant to have a lunch before being transferred to train station to take high speed rail( about 7.5 hours) to Shanghai. Your Shanghai tour guide will wait for you at the station and help you to transfer to the hotel.

Three Gorges Dam
 

Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Shanghai ★★★★
 

The last day but still an inspiring day to explore the city of Shanghai,the largest and most modern city in mainland China. We will start the tour by walking into Nong Tang, the alleys in Shikumen, where you could witness the locals' relaxing and plain life. You will also find the unique architectural feature of Shanghai.

Then continue the day trip to Yuyuan Garden which is a Chinese classic garden in city downtown. Then continue to explore the Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Old Street) nearby.

After a la carte lunch is served at a local restaurant, we continue our trip to the foot of The Oriental Pearl TV Tower to visit Shanghai City History Museum(The Former Shanghai Wax Museum), where you will know more about the history and development of Shanghai. Then take the elevator up to the 2nd ball of the TV tower, from which you will have a bird-eye view of Shanghai. Go on driving through Lujiazui, the finance & trade zone in Pudong of Shanghai, where you will find many skyscrapers. We will have a view of the modern skyline of Shanghai.

Then back to the Bund, admire the illuminated buildings lining the Huangpu River. From the Bund, you could see the landmark of Shanghai--- The Oriental Pearl TV Tower as well as other high-rised buildings, just on the opposite of Huangpu River.

The Bund
 

Meals: Breakfast

Your China Experience is over too soon as your transfer to the airport by our driver and board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to this ancient land.
 

Service Ends
 

Please note: We generally arrange the free hotel-airport transfer on sharing basis according to all the travelers' departure flights. If a separate private transfer is required, it will cause transfer supplement: US$75 per 5-seat car per way. Independent private transfer service will be required in advance.