China Highlight with Tibet from Beijing

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Welcome to China. Visit Temple of Heaven
In the morning arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, transfer to hotel. Built in 1420 of the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty at present covering an area of 273 hectares, the grand temple served as the sacrificial place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing to worship the heaven, presenting gratitude for the harvest of this year and praying for another good harvest next year. It is the largest and most important of all imperial temples in China.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*5L Hotel

Day 2: Beijing (B)

Hiking and sightseeing on the Great Wall at Mutianyu
In the morning go to the Great Wall at Mutianyu (about 70 km in the northeast of Beijing). The local section of the Great Wall built in 1368 and restored in 1983, is particularly attractive with its numerous watchtowers along the picturesque ridge in green, gently undulating landscape. The Great Wall was built as a defensive line against attacks by warlike steppe people from the north and was constantly expanded and strengthened, so the strategic passes with barracks, watchtowers, and storage rooms were expanded to the fortress. The Great Wall is one of the eight ancient wonders of the world and the only man-made construction on earth that the astronauts can see on the moon. Starting out in the east on the banks of Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. It gradually becomes the symbol of ancient Chinese civilization. It is about 2 to 3 hours for walking on the Great Wall. In the afternoon return to Beijing.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*5L Hotel

Day 3: High-speed train Beijing – Xian (B)

Forbidden City (Gugong), Tiananmen Square, from Jingshan Park great view of the Forbidden City
Stroll in Tiananmen Square, which is probably the biggest one of its kind in the world. Then go to visit the Forbidden City (Gugong) – the emperor’s palace, which was built between 1406 and 1420 with 9000 halls and rooms, containing many precious relics. Facing south and rising from a terrace, the largest palace in the world represents the supreme power and authority emperors enjoyed during the feudalistic dynasties and exemplifies the elements of palace architecture. Then climb to the “coal hill” (Meishan) of Jingshan Park lined with pines and cypress, a beautiful park just opposite the north gate of the Imperial Palace, for a great view of the Forbidden City – a rectangular basic building with golden roofs in the center of Beijing. In the afternoon transfer to railway station to take the high-speed train (G665 1600/2150) to Xian, capital of province Shaanxi. After arriving, transfer to hotel.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel

🚅 Train ticket from Beijing to Xian is included.

Day 4: Xian (B)

The Eighth Wonder – Terracotta Army, Grand Wild-Goose Pagoda, the best-preserved Chinese city wall
Xian’s main attraction is the famous Terracotta Army of the First Emperor of China Qin Shihuang (reigned 221 – 210 BC). He managed to unit China for the first time. The guardians of his grave offer you one of the greatest insights into the world of ancient China. In the morning visit the Museum of Terracotta Warriors. An inside museum has been built over these pits, covering a floor space of 20,000 square meters and displaying 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, 100 or so chariots, and 30,000 weapons-an assemblages famed as the Eighth World Wonder and a world cultural heritage site. Besides, visit Da Yan Ta (Big-Wild-Goose Pagoda) which was built by Emperor Li Zhi in 650 AD. Biking on the old city wall should not be missed. Built between 1374 and 1378, the city wall has a total length of 13.6 km and is the best preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defense system in China.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel

Day 5: Air Xian – Lhasa (B)

Welcome to Tibet – the roof of the world
In the morning you can join free activities. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport, take the flight (CA3904 1505/1825) to Lhasa (3650m), the capital of Tibet, transfer to the hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days and try to drink some water.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel

Day 6: Lhasa (B)

Potala Palace – a landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang, and Barkhor Street
In the morning visit Potala. It was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later it was expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures, and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship every day. Built in 647, the temple is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel

Day 7: Lhasa (B)

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera
In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery. Located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, Parla Lupu Cave Monastery was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterward visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, visit Sera monastery. Created in 1419, Parla Lupu Cave Monastery has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. The “Buddhism Scriptures Debate” in Sera is very famous.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Snow Heaven International Grand Hotel

Day 8: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gongga Airport, flight to Chengdu (B)

Yamdrok Lake. Home town of panda
In the morning drive to Yamdrok Lake (4,441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. In the afternoon, transfer to Gongga Airport, and take a flight (CA4111 1610/1815) to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, the hometown of the giant panda.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel

Day 9: Flight Chengdu – Guilin (B)

Giant Panda Base, Kuanzhai Xiangzi, Drink tea in People’s Park
In the morning, visit Chengdu Giant Panda Base of Breeding and Research. It was founded in 1987. Today there are over 50 giant pandas living here. In the afternoon stroll in the beautiful old block of Chengdu – Wide Alley and Narrow Alley (Kuan Xiangzi and Zhai Xiangzi), the relics of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which are unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, teahouses, restaurants, and guesthouses were gathered here. Then it became the “lobby of leisure capital Chengdu”. Walk ing here, it gives you a first impression of the “city of loafers”. Then visit the People’s Park in the city center. Here you can have a seat in an old teahouse and enjoy your covered-bowl tea in a comfortable environment with a bamboo chair and bamboo table. The tea culture of Chengdu is well known throughout China. In the evening, transfer to the airport and have a flight (CA4323 2015/2205) to Guilin. There is an old saying that praises the beauty of Guilin: “the most beautiful landscape under the sky is in Guilin, an even nicer one is in Yangshuo”. The landscape resembles a Chinese ink painting. For thousands of years, it has magically attracted innumerable poets, painters, and calligraphers, who got their inspirations there.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Guilin Park Hotel

✈️ Domestic flight from Chengdu to Guilin is not included.

Day 10: Guilin – Yangshuo (B)

Majestic karst mountains in Yangshuo, Yulong River
In the morning, drive to Yangshuo, famous for the majestic karst mountains. On the way, climb up to the viewing platform of Xianggongshan to enjoy the panorama of the magical karst landscape and the Li River. After lunch, you can take a soft hike through the karst landscape. Then take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River, a magical tributary of the Li River with green fields, bamboo groves, and the impressive karst mountains on the shore.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Mehood Hotel

Day 11: Yangshuo – Guilin – Longsheng (B)

Rice terraces of Longsheng, Sunset in terraces
Drive back to Guilin and then visit Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill. Then drive to the rice terraces of Longsheng. Walking from the parking lot to an inn between terraces, there is a traditional wooden house with a style of Zhuang nationality. You can enjoy the sunset on terraces if the weather is well.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Star-wish Resort

Day 12: Longsheng – Guilin, flight Guilin – Shanghai (B)

Sunrise of the Longji rice terraces, hiking in the Longji rice terraces
The sunrise in the Longji rice terraces should not be missed. Slowly the sunbeams light up the rice terraces, the cock crow, and the local people go to work. After breakfast, hike through the famous rice terraces. As far as the eye can see, innumerable terraced paddy fields stretch along the steep mountain slopes to a height of 900 meters. The narrow rice fields that have been cultivated by the Zhuang and Yao ancestors since the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) for centuries were still managed manually today. This has created one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes on earth. Afterward, you will visit an old village of the Zhuang or Yao people to experience the traditional life closely. In the afternoon return to Guilin, then transfer to the airport, take a flight (CA1970 2230/0055+1) to Shanghai, the largest booming city in China.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Greenland Jiulong Hotel

✈️ Domestic flight from Guilin to Shanghai is not included.

Day 13: Shanghai (B)

Shanghai, world metropolis, Yu Garden (Yu Yuan), the Bund
In the morning you get free activities. In the afternoon visit the famous Yu Yuan (Yu-Garden). From here you can explore the enchanting old city area. You dive into the world of the Far Eastern culture with all your senses: The distinctive flair of the old street with its tiny alleys, food stalls, and small shops. Originally built in 1559, it served as the private garden of high-ranking officials by then. The word “Yu” contains a meaning of “safe and peaceful”. Afterward, take a walk on the Bund (Waitan), the waterfront of Shanghai. The view of the skyline, as well as the old gorgeous buildings in European style, is impressive.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at 4*Greenland Jiulong Hotel

Day 14: Flight Shanghai – Home (B)

Leave China for home
Transfer to take maglev train to the airport for homeward flight. End of the amazing tour in China.