15 Days China Tour with Panda Visit & Tibet Adventure

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Welcome to our 15 days private China tour from Shanghai. When you arrive at the airport, a local driver will be waiting for you at the exit hall. Then he will escort you to your hotel in the city center.

   The rest of the day is left for you to organize your activities on your own. You can take a walk on the famous Bund, enjoy Shanghai specialties such as Xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumpling) and Shengjianbao (pan-fried soup dumplings), or enjoy an acrobatic show. If you are interested, we can arrange this show for you (extra charge).

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

2. Day 2: Shanghai City Tour
   Enjoy a Cultural, Historical, and Modern Exploration of Shanghai

   After breakfast, meet your tour guide and starts your guided tour in Shanghai at Shanghai Museum. There are four floors, with the bronze and sculptures on the first floor, ceramics on the second floor, calligraphy and paintings on the third floor, and jades, coins, the furniture during the Ming and Qing dynasties and ethnic minority artifacts on the fourth floor. Your guide will tell you the stories behind some of the precious relics.

   Next, explore a beautiful Chinese garden, Yuyuan Garden. It was originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). See many ancient trees, the Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, celebrities' paintings and calligraphy, clay and brick carvings, plaques and couplets, and other cultural relics and treasures in this garden. Next to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where there are many traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs for sale.

   

   Afterwards, head to SWFC, the Shanghai World Financial Center. Its observation hall has been awarded the Guinness Book of World Records title of "Tallest Observation Hall". You can enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai's modern skyline from it.

   Then, stroll along the Nanjing Road, the first commercial pedestrian street in China. Once the window of Shanghai's opening to the outside world, it is now a shopper's paradise. The Bund, the last stop on today's Shanghai tour, is a must-see for visitors to the city. The streetscape of the Bund, with its river, long embankment, green belt and beautiful buildings, is the most characteristic landscape of Shanghai. You can enjoy classical buildings of different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque.

   In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise and watch the glamorous view of the dazzling city lights reflecting on the water (optional).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Shanghai to Guilin Tour by Flight
   A Serene Visit to a Temple and the Creative District of Tianzifang

   After breakfast, go to the Jade Buddha Temple, a Song Dynasty-style building. This more than 100-year-old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues brought back from Burma by a monk named Huigen. Then, transfer you to explore Tianzifang. It is a vibrant arts and crafts neighborhood evolved from the characteristic Shikumen. You can explore the narrow alleys lined with art galleries, quaint cafes, and boutiques.

   

   Later, you will head to the airport to catch your flight from Shanghai to Guilin.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Guilin

4. Day 4: Guilin to Yangshuo Tour
   Enjoy a Li River Cruise with the Karst Landscape

   In the morning, meet your tour guide and start your Guilin tour with a cruise on Li River. Along the way you will see the most scenic karst landscape with clear mountains, beautiful water, strange caves, deep pools and flying waterfalls. In about 4 hours, you will arrive at Yangshuo. Check in at your local hotel.

   

   In the afternoon, experience optional activities such as countryside cycling or bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. You can also explore West Street, which is located in the center of Yangshuo County. The street is famous for its rich exotic atmosphere, lined with ancient houses and buildings. The small stores on both sides of the street offer a variety of tourist souvenirs and snacks and are well worth a visit.

   In the evening, choose to enjoy the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, a grand open-air show featuring local folk songs and stunning visual effects (optional).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Yangshuo

5. Day 5: Guilin to Chengdu Tour by High-speed Train
   Visit the Landmarks of Guilin City

   After breakfast, drive back to Guilin for Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the confluence of the Li River and Taohua River, the hill is the most iconic landmark in Guilin city. It is like an elephant sticking its long trunk into the river to drink water. There is a cave under the elephant trunk, and a Buddhist pagoda from the Ming Dynasty on the hill. Next, explore the Reed Flute Cave, aka the "Palace of Natural Art". There are numerous exquisitely carved stalagmites, stalactites, stone pillars, and stone flowers inside the cave, like a magnificent underground palace.

   

   Afterwards, head to the Guilin train station to catch a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 6-hour). Of course, you can choose to fly to Chengdu (more comfortable and expensive).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

6. Day 6: Chengdu Panda Tour
   Meet the Cute Pandas Up Close and experience Slow-paced Life

   Today, your China tour package comes to Chengdu. The first stop is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which provides an opportunity to allow you to get up close and personal with the adorable giant pandas and red pandas. The base fully simulates the wild living environment of giant pandas, with lakes, streams, bamboo forests and lawns. Your local guide will tell you about their daily activities and living habits.

   

   Afterwards, head to Wenshu Temple, which was built in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and is still frequented by local people who come to pray and relax themselves today. It is a good place to learn Buddhism.

   Continue your cultural exploration in Renmin Park. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea and watch local people playing cards, playing mahjong, and napping. Last, go to explore the bustling Jinli  Old Street, a quite popular place in Chengdu. Enjoy shopping and tasting some yummy local food.

   Optional Activity: In the evening, you can pay extra to watch the Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show, a quick face-changing performance that is truly unique to the area.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

7. Day 7: Chengdu to Lhasa Tour by Flight
   Lhasa River

   After a leisurely morning in Chengdu, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa (3,650m / 11,975ft), Tibet. Upon arrival, a local driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.

   Warm Tips:

   • To reduce or avoid symptoms of altitude sickness, please avoid strenuous exercise on your first day in Lhasa.
   • Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.
   • Avoid drinking alcohol.
   • Do not take a shower to avoid catching a cold.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

8. Day 8: Lhasa Highlights Tour
   Explore the Highest Palace in the World

   After breakfast, meet your guide and start your Tibet tour from the magnificent Potala Palace. Built in the 7th century AD, this is the highest palace in the world and the largest ancient palace complex in Tibet. The entire palace has a distinctive Tibetan style, built on the mountain, mainly by the White Palace and Red Palace. Potala Palace also collects countless treasures, which can be called a temple of art.

   

   After lunch, visit the Jokhang Temple, a blend of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. With a history of more than 1,300 years, the monastery is the most splendid existing building in Tibet from the Tubo period (633-842) and the earliest adobe structure in Tibet. The 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni enshrined in the temple is the treasure, which is one of the must-see attractions for tourists and pilgrims.

   Last, stroll through Barkhor Street, a famous pilgrim route and the busiest commercial street in Lhasa. It preserves the traditional appearance and living style of the ancient city more completely.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

9. Day 9: Lhasa Temple Tour
   Witness the Amazing Debates in Sera Monastery

   Today, your driver and guide will drive you to Norbulingka Park, a large and beautiful UNESCO-listed garden covering 360,000 square meters. It was the summer palace for successive Dalai Lama. The park is home to over 100 species of plants and flowers, and the shade of trees covers the sun, like a " land of idyllic beauty" in Lhasa. In addition, you will see magnificent palaces, mostly in the Tibetan style with golden roofs and red and white walls.

   Next, you are transferred to Drepung Monastery. The monastery complex is magnificent, with white houses and red halls lining the mountainside. Entering the interior of the temple, you will appreciate the exquisite carvings, solemn statues of Buddha, and a large number of Thangka paintings, embroidery, murals and other valuable art treasures.

   Sera Monastery is the last stop on your Tibet tour of China. Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, it is known as the three major monasteries in Lhasa and is the latest of the three to be built. Here you will witness one of the most famous debates in Tibet.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

10. Day 10: Lhasa to Xian Tour by Flight

    Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel, with a relaxing breakfast. Then your driver picks you up at the hotel hall and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Xi'an, the Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties.

    Upon arrival, a local Chinese-speaking driver will transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to rest and the evening is yours to explore the ancient city at your own pace.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Xian

11. Day 11: Xian Terracotta Army Tour
    Marvel at the Life-size Clay Warriors at the Eighth Wonder of the World

    Today, your Xian guide will meet you at your hotel and then transport you back in time when visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", it is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring life-sized warriors, and many horses and chariots. Your guide will lead you to visit the Pits 1, 2 and 3 of the Terracotta Army and explains the stories behind them to you.

    

    After lunch, drive back to the downtown area to explore the grand Ancient City Wall. It is a well-preserved defensive structure encircling the Xian city center. You can choose to take a leisurely bike ride along the wall to enjoy scenic views of Xian (optional, at additional cost). Next, visit Muslim Quarter. This is a centuries-old Hui people gathering area filled with a strong Muslim atmosphere. You can enjoy various Xian snacks here.

    In the evening, you can freely wander along the illuminated Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City by yourself.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Xian

    

12. Day 12: Xian to Beijing Tour by High-speed Train
    Discover Buddhist History, then Delve into China's Past

    Your China tour in Xian continues with a visit to Da Cien Temple, the location of the landmark Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. With 7 floors and a height of 64.517 meterst, it was built to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

    Afterwards, you will immerse in the rich history at the Xi'an Museum. Covering an area of 160,000 square meters, Xi'an Museum consists of three parts: the museum, Jianfu Temple, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The museum has a collection of 130,000 cultural relics from various historical periods in Xi'an, including some unearthed from influential dynasties in Chinese history such as the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. The Tangsancai Horse from the Tang Dynasty, unearthed in 1966, is the treasure of this museum.

    

    In the afternoon, take a high-speed train from Xi'an to Beijing, the capital of China. The train journey takes around 5 hours.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

13. Day 13: Beijing Historical Sites Tour
    Experience Imperial History of the Qing Dynasty

    After breakfast, begin your Beijing city tour with Tiananmen Square. Covering an area of 440,000 square meters, it can accommodate 1 million people for a grand gathering at the same time.

    After that, walk a short distance north to the Forbidden City. It was once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the symbol of ancient China. Today, you will have a guided tour to admire the large-scale precious architecture and many valuable artifacts. Next, hike up to Jingshan Park to enjoy the panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing's skyline.

    

    Spend your afternoon in Summer Palace. With an area of 2.9 square kilometers, this palace was the best place where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. Here you will enjoy the amazing lake view, explore the exquisite long corridor, appreciate precious cultural relics, step on the elegant stone bridge, etc. In addition, you can take the option of a boat ride to enjoy the Kunming Lake (optional, if the weather permits).

    In the evening, watch a Chinese Kung Fu Show where skilled performers demonstrate martial arts techniques and acrobatics (optional, extra charge).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

14. Day 14: Beijing Great Wall Tour
    Ascend the Stunning Mutianyu Great Wall for a Scenic Hike

    Today, you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most famous and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Built along steep ridges, green, densely wooded deep valleys, Mutianyu Great Wall boasts spectacular view with less crowded visitors than the most popular Badaling Great Wall. If you want to reach the highest point, cable car is available and it is optional (at your own expense).

    

    Afterwards, you will be transferred to visit the Sacred Way. This is an ancient pathway lined with massive stone sculptures leading to the Thirteen Tombs of Ming Dynasty. On the way back to Beijing, stop to see the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube from the outside.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A

15. Day 15: Departure from Beijing
    Take a Rickshaw Ride through Traditional Hutongs

    On your last day, go to visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning. Located in the southern part of Beijing, it has served as a complex of sacrificial building where Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for peace and harvest. It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

    After that, visit the Beijing local folk residence: Hutongs. There is opportunity for you to take a rickshaw to explore Hutong to see daily life of native Beijing people. Following your expert guide to pay a visit to the local family at Hutong, you will find another face of the city that totally different from what you see on major streets.

    This is the end of your 15-day private tour of China. Your guide will then escort you to catch your flight or train to your next destination or home. So glad to have you on our China tour and look forward to seeing you next time. Safe travels!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A