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Tailor-made Travel·Culture Tours·16 days / 15 nights·MODERATE

16 Days Across China: Pandas, Karst Mountains, Tibet and Imperial Heritage

Six iconic cities in one paced journey: Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi'an and Beijing by private car, flight and high-speed rail.

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Tour Highlights

Six Cities in One Grand China Tour

Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi'an and Beijing are linked in one sixteen-day route, moving by private car, domestic flight and high-speed rail at a pace you set.

Lhasa and the Tibetan Plateau

Three relaxed days on the plateau take in the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Drepung and Sera monasteries, with an acclimatisation day before climbing.

Pandas, Karst Hills and the Li River

Watch giant pandas at the Chengdu base, cycle Guilin's Ten-Mile Gallery and take a bamboo raft down the Li River past the peaks above Xingping.

Terracotta, Great Wall and Old Beijing

Stand among the terracotta warriors of Xi'an, walk the Mutianyu ramparts of the Great Wall, and pass through the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with a private guide.

Travel across China in one sixteen-day journey. From the Shanghai skyline to Guilin's karst hills, the pandas of Chengdu, the high-altitude monasteries of Lhasa, the terracotta warriors of Xi'an and the imperial landmarks of Beijing, each city builds on the last. Our designers set the route, hotels and guides around your pace, moving you by domestic flights, high-speed rail and private cars. This is a tailor-made trip: tell us your interests and we adjust what you see, how long you stay and where you eat.

Duration

16 days / 15 nights

Tour Type

Tailor-made Travel

Theme

Culture Tours

Group Size

Only Your Group

Start City

Shanghai

Activity Level

MODERATE

Route Map

Main cities on this route

Map pins show the main cities included in this itinerary.

16 Days Across China: Pandas, Karst Mountains, Tibet and Imperial Heritage route mapMapbox route preview
  1. 1Shanghai
  2. 2Guilin
  3. 3Chengdu
  4. 4Lhasa
  5. 5Xi'an
  6. 6Beijing
Day by Day

Your Itinerary

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Your China journey opens the moment you land in Shanghai. A private driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, takes your bags and drives you to your downtown hotel, giving you a first, unhurried look at the skyline along the way. The run from Pudong or Hongqiao takes about an hour past the old concessions, the Huangpu waterfront and the glittering towers as the city settles into evening. Check in, drop your bags and step out for an easy walk; find a nearby counter for soup dumplings, or simply watch the Bund lights come on across the river. There is no fixed schedule today, only time to shake off the long flight, set up your SIM and cash, and fall into the pace of China's most confident city before the sightseeing starts tomorrow.

Today's Highlights

  • Private airport pickup and comfortable hotel transfer.
  • Hotel check-in and free time to relax after your flight.

Begin the day at the Shanghai Museum, where five thousand years of Chinese art unfold through exquisite bronzes, ceramics and jade. Your guide can bring the stories behind these treasures into focus before you wander through the galleries at your own pace. Next, step into Yu Garden, a classical Ming garden of jagged rockeries, dragon-walled corridors, carved pavilions and koi gliding through the ponds. Along the way, notice the clever details of traditional garden design. Then follow the buzz of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, a lively stretch of bright shopfronts, neon signs and sizzling snack stalls. Take your time browsing or sampling a local treat before ending at the Bund as daylight fades, with grand historic buildings on one side and Pudong's glass towers lighting up across the Huangpu River.

Today's Highlights

  • Turn through bronze, jade and ceramic in the Shanghai Museum's round galleries.
  • Wander rockeries and koi ponds among the Ming lanes of Yu Garden.
  • Follow the neon crowd down Nanjing Road past shopfronts and snack stalls.
  • Watch colonial stone meet the lit Pudong towers as dusk settles over the Bund.

Optional Excursions

World’s Largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery Experience

World’s Largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery Experience

Visit the world’s largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery located on West Nanjing Road, Shanghai – bigger than the original Seattle flagship. This one-of-a-kind venue functions like an exclusive coffee museum, showcasing the full coffee roasting process, rare global coffee beans and exclusive limited-edition merchandise. Your experience includes one signature in-store coffee drink to enjoy while exploring this iconic landmark before wrapping up your Shanghai trip.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Qipao Fitting and Traditional Chinese Photography

Qipao Fitting and Traditional Chinese Photography

Experience the elegance of traditional Chinese fashion with a qipao fitting and photography session. Choose your favorite style and enjoy professional styling before taking photos in a traditional Chinese setting. Your local guide will assist with communication, help you understand the different styles, and recommend suitable photography locations to make this a memorable cultural experience.

+$108.00

Advisor quoted

Haipai Qipao Bespoke Experience (paid on site)

Haipai Qipao Bespoke Experience (paid on site)

Try the Haipai (Shanghai-style) qipao, an intangible cultural heritage that blends Western tailoring with Chinese silhouettes. Visit the workshop to learn its hundred-year history, pick your own fabric, and have a tailor measure and make a qipao for you. You can also try making frog buttons and preview the fit in a digital mirror; bespoke cost paid on site.

On request

Advisor quoted

Shanghai Evening River Cruise

Shanghai Evening River Cruise

After daytime sightseeing, join an optional evening Huangpu River cruise. Glide past the lit colonial buildings of the Bund and the towers of Lujiazui, and watch the city shift from day to night from the water.

+$64.00

Advisor quoted

Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary tucked among Shanghai's busy streets. Step into its main halls to see the two white jade Buddhas brought from Burma, along with rows of golden Buddha figures, carved altar screens and devotees offering incense. Your guide will introduce the temple's history and explain the different Buddha statues and their place in Buddhist worship. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Watch the urban skyline give way to green fields, winding rivers and clusters of limestone peaks. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening.

Today's Highlights

  • Light incense before the jade Buddhas and hear morning chanting in the temple.
  • Bank over Guilin's karst spires on your flight in and watch them glow at dusk.

Optional Excursions

Four Staples Lane Breakfast Experience

Four Staples Lane Breakfast Experience

Start the day like a true Shanghainese with the iconic Four Staples (Si Da Jin Gang) - dalengbing (sesame flatbread), cifan (glutinous rice roll), youtiao (fried dough), and doujiang (soy milk). The early-morning immersion begins with a short culture class on Shanghai's breakfast heritage, then dives into the lively Anshan Road Market to taste freshly made classics straight from the vendors, finishing with a basket of soup dumplings and a crash lesson in Shanghainese phrases you can use right away.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Start at Elephant Trunk Hill, where a natural arch between the rock and water creates the shape of an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River. Follow the riverside paths for different views of this iconic Guilin landmark, with your guide sharing the story behind its distinctive shape. Continue to Shangri-La Scenic Area, a peaceful corner of karst hills, clear waterways and traditional wooden bridges. Enjoy a gentle boat ride past small villages and green fields, catching glimpses of everyday rural life. Later, head to the Ten-Mile Gallery for a countryside breeze ride, following quiet lanes past rice paddies, old villages and dramatic limestone peaks. Enjoy the gentle breeze and take in the beautiful countryside views along the way.

Today's Highlights

  • Capture Elephant Trunk Hill reflected in the green waters of the Li River.
  • Stroll the Shangri-La terraces for a slow walk through a hillside village.
  • Feel the breeze on a scenic Ten-Mile Gallery bike ride.

Optional Excursions

Stone Painting Workshop

Stone Painting Workshop

Through the creative stone painting experience, create unique Guilin-themed souvenirs. You can participate in it and add exquisite stones and decorative details onto the pre-designed patterns, turning natural materials into a beautiful landscape painting. This is an interesting and meaningful way to connect Guilin's scenery with traditional craftsmanship.

+$30.00

Advisor quoted

Bicycle Ride at a Slower Pace

Bicycle Ride at a Slower Pace

Swap the scooter for a bicycle and slow down into rural life. Pedal along quiet village paths, passing rice fields, farmhouses, and local scenes. Feel the breeze, hear the countryside, and enjoy the simple rhythm of Yangshuo at a gentler pace.

+$11.00

Advisor quoted

Impression Liu Sanjie (B2 Zone VIP Seat)

Impression Liu Sanjie (B2 Zone VIP Seat)

Watch Yangshuo come alive after dark in Impression Liu Sanjie, where the Li River becomes a shimmering stage and karst peaks rise dramatically behind it. Folk songs, lights, flowing water, and live performances blend with the landscape to create a spectacular mountain-and-water show. B2 offers a straightforward way to enjoy this iconic spectacle, with a green plastic seat and an open-air setting.

+$50.00

Advisor quoted

Impression Liu Sanjie (B1 Zone Premium VIP Seat)

Impression Liu Sanjie (B1 Zone Premium VIP Seat)

Discover the magic of Impression Liu Sanjie, where the Li River, karst mountains, folk culture, and live performance merge beneath the night sky. As the river reflects the lights and performers move across the water, the entire landscape becomes part of the stage. Choosing B1 means stepping up to an individual black rattan chair and a higher position, giving you a broader, more comfortable view.

+$65.00

Advisor quoted

Impression Liu Sanjie (A2 Zone Deluxe VIP Seat)

Impression Liu Sanjie (A2 Zone Deluxe VIP Seat)

Impression Liu Sanjie turns Yangshuo’s mountains and river into a vast natural theater, with glowing water, dramatic peaks, folk music, and live performances creating a scene found nowhere else. The A2 Zone sits in the elevated upper section, pairing a luxurious rattan chair with a sweeping panoramic perspective. It is an ideal choice for guests who want the scenery and spectacle to take center stage.

+$105.00

Advisor quoted

Impression Liu Sanjie (A1 Zone Ultimate VIP Seat)

Impression Liu Sanjie (A1 Zone Ultimate VIP Seat)

The A1 Zone Ultimate VIP seat for Impression Liu Sanjie gives the widest view over the lit Li River, the karst peaks and the hundreds of performers below. A rattan chair, roof canopy, tea table and electric fan come with the spot - the most comfortable way to watch the evening.

+$135.00

Advisor quoted

Take a short drive to Fuli Ancient Town, famous for its hand-painted silk and paper fans drying along an arcaded market street lined with calligraphers' shops, spice stalls and worn stone lanes. Your guide can introduce the local fan-making craft as you browse the shops. Continue to Xingping, the hill-framed river town painted on the back of the twenty-yuan note, where cormorant fishermen still pose on bamboo rafts and the lanes retain their old-town character. The high point of the day is a slow drift down the Li River on a bamboo raft, passing mirror reflections of the peaks, shallow sandbars and water buffalo at the bank. Back on land, wander Xingping's old street for tea and photographs. In the late afternoon, your driver takes you back to Guilin, leaving the evening free to enjoy the riverside scenery.

Today's Highlights

  • Browse Fuli's fan shops and watch traditional fan-making up close.
  • Wander Xingping's old lanes and capture the scenery on the 20-yuan note.
  • Drift the Li River on a bamboo raft as peaks lean into the still water.

Optional Excursions

Recreate the 20 RMB View: Snap Your Shot

Recreate the 20 RMB View: Snap Your Shot

Stand at the famous Yellow Cloth Shoal viewpoint near Xingping, where the winding Li River, towering karst peaks, and water reflections recreate the landscape featured on the back of China’s 20 RMB banknote. Hold up your note, find the perfect angle, and let your guide capture your own “20 RMB” photo to take home as a memorable Guilin keepsake.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Traditional Cormorant Fishing Demonstration

Traditional Cormorant Fishing Demonstration

Witness the fascinating traditional fishing technique of cormorant fishing and observe how skilled fishermen work together with their trained birds on the water. Get a closer look at this unique riverside tradition, learn about its cultural history, and capture memorable photos with the fisherman and cormorants as a special travel keepsake.

+$76.00

Advisor quoted

Painted Fan Making Experience

Painted Fan Making Experience

Step into Fuli Ancient Town and discover the charm of traditional Chinese fan art. Under the guidance of local artisans, create your own hand-painted fan inspired by Guilin’s landscapes, flowers, or local culture. Take home a unique souvenir filled with creativity and cultural memories.

+$40.00

Advisor quoted

Fly to Chengdu, the relaxed capital of Sichuan known for its food, its tea houses, its slow pace and, of course, its pandas. After you land, your driver takes you to the hotel to drop your bags before the city begins. Walk the broad neon shopping spine of Chunxi Road, packed with department stores, tea shops and snack counters, then slip sideways into Taikoo Li, a low-rise quarter laid out around the ancient Daci Temple, where designer boutiques share courtyard lanes with open-air tea houses and a thread of incense drifting over the walls. Settle in with your first taste of Sichuan over dinner, where the peppercorn makes the tongue tingle: a plate of dan dan noodles or boiled fish in chilli, washed down with hot tea, is how the city eats.

Today's Highlights

  • Step off into Chengdu's easy pace and a first plate of numbing Sichuan spice.
  • Follow the neon crowd down Chunxi Road's wall-to-wall shopfronts.
  • Slip from boutiques into the tea-house courtyards ringing Taikoo Li's old temple.

Optional Excursions

Chengdu Hot Pot Restaurant Reservation Service

Chengdu Hot Pot Restaurant Reservation Service

Enjoy an authentic Chengdu hot pot experience without worrying about long waiting times. Your guide will help recommend suitable local hot pot restaurants and arrange advance reservations based on your preferred spice level, dining style, and group size. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Chengdu’s famous hot pot culture.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Sichuan Opera Face Changing Experience at Shufeng Yayun

Sichuan Opera Face Changing Experience at Shufeng Yayun

Experience one of Chengdu’s most iconic cultural performances at Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera Theater. Enjoy the famous Sichuan face-changing performance, traditional opera, folk music, and other local artistic shows while experiencing Chengdu’s classic tea house culture. Different seating options are available with different prices. The listed price is based on the standard seat; premium or VIP seating upgrades can be arranged upon request with an additional cost.

+$26.00

Advisor quoted

Traditional Chengdu Teahouse Experience

Traditional Chengdu Teahouse Experience

Sit back in a classic Sichuan teahouse, sip locally brewed tea, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that has made Chengdu famous throughout China.

+$7.00

Advisor quoted

Rise early for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, when giant pandas and red pandas are most active. Watch the cubs tumble over feeding logs and climb wooden towers in the cool morning light, while your guide helps you understand their habits and conservation efforts. Follow the shaded boardwalks between enclosures for a closer look at these much-loved animals. The afternoon slows down at Wenshu Monastery, where incense drifts through the temple halls and locals gather beneath the trees for tea and conversation. Take in the Buddhist traditions with a few insights from your guide, then enjoy the peaceful courtyard atmosphere. Cap the day on Jinli Ancient Street, browsing craft shops, watching street vendors at work and sampling Sichuan snacks, from spicy skewers to peppery local bites.

Today's Highlights

  • Watch panda cubs tumble over their feeding logs in the cool of the morning.
  • Sip jasmine tea beside chanting monks in Wenshu Monastery's courtyard.
  • Graze lantern-lit Jinli Street on skewers and peppery Sichuan snacks.

Optional Excursions

Panda Planet Light & Shadow Exhibition Experience

Panda Planet Light & Shadow Exhibition Experience

Add a multimedia exhibition where light and shadow displays show pandas from a different angle, using interactive visuals and projection.

+$18.00

Advisor quoted

Panda Keeper Volunteer Experience

Panda Keeper Volunteer Experience

Get closer to China’s beloved giant pandas through an educational volunteer experience at Chengdu Panda Base. Learn about panda conservation, join a guided introduction to panda protection, prepare panda food (subject to daily operation arrangements), and discover how keepers care for these adorable animals. Participants will receive a special souvenir or certificate as a memorable reminder of this unique wildlife experience.

+$110.00

Advisor quoted

Tao De Clay Pot Sichuan Cuisine Experience

Tao De Clay Pot Sichuan Cuisine Experience

Upgrade your Chengdu food journey with a local dining experience featuring traditional Sichuan dishes served in a clay pot style. Enjoy authentic Chengdu flavors in a comfortable setting and discover a different side of Sichuan cuisine beyond typical street food.

+$25.00

Advisor quoted

Chengdu Local Breakfast Experience (paid on-site)

Chengdu Local Breakfast Experience (paid on-site)

Start your day like a local with an authentic Chengdu breakfast experience. Visit a traditional local breakfast shop and try popular Sichuan morning dishes such as noodles, dumplings, sweet water noodles, or tofu pudding. Your guide will introduce the local breakfast culture and help you order according to your taste preferences.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Fly to Lhasa, where your driver will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Your guide will assist with check-in and share practical tips for adjusting to the higher altitude. Keep the rest of the day free to rest and settle in. Drink plenty of water, choose light meals and avoid strenuous activity, giving your body time to adapt to the thinner air. If you feel well, enjoy a short, gentle stroll nearby, but take it easy and return to the hotel if you feel tired. A relaxed first day will help you feel more comfortable before exploring Lhasa's remarkable monasteries and highland scenery.

Today's Highlights

  • Land on the Tibetan plateau and let your breath catch up with the altitude.
  • Rest through an unhurried first day so Lhasa's climbs come easier later.

Climb to the Potala Palace, the thirteen-storey white-and-red citadel on Red Hill and winter home of the Dalai Lamas, its stairways threading up past whitewashed halls, chapels and golden relic stupas, with the Lhasa valley opening below. Your guide will share the stories behind its architecture and treasured halls as you explore. Entry is timed to a booked slot, so an early start allows plenty of time for the visit. Walk down into the old city and the Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest shrine, where pilgrims prostrate at the door and centuries of butter lamps fill the dim interior with warm smoke. Join them on the Barkhor Street circuit, spinning bronze prayer wheels as you pass stalls of prayer beads and silver amulet boxes. From the square below, admire the full temple facade in the late light.

Today's Highlights

  • Explore the Potala Palace's grand halls, golden stupas and Tibetan history.
  • Witness pilgrims lighting butter lamps and praying at Jokhang Temple.
  • Spin prayer wheels on the Barkhor path, circling the temple with the pilgrims.

Explore two of Tibet's great monastic universities in a single day. Drepung spreads up a hillside like a whitewashed town, once home to tens of thousands of monks, its tiered assembly halls, chapels of past dalai lamas and courtyard of fluttering prayer flags reached by a gentle winding path, where you learn how the Gelug school studied philosophy, ritual and debate. Drive north to Sera Monastery, tuck in a valley below ochre cliffs, for its famous afternoon scene in the debate courtyard, where pairs of young monks squat on the flagstones, clap their hands overhead and spar out loud over Buddhist philosophy while a small circle of listeners gathers. Robed monks move between the chapels all afternoon in the clear, cool mountain air until the session finally breaks up.

Today's Highlights

  • Wander Drepung's hillside assembly halls and the chapels of past dalai lamas.
  • Watch Sera monks debate Buddhist philosophy with animated gestures.

Leave the plateau behind and fly east to Xi'an, the ancient heart of China, capital through thirteen dynasties and the eastern end of the Silk Road, dropping from the thin mountain air back into the green river valley. Settle into your hotel inside or beside the old city and take the rest of the day free. There is plenty to do on your own: walk a stretch of the huge Ming wall that rings the historic grid, follow the traffic and street-food smoke into the Muslim Quarter, or find a teahouse and watch the evening come in over the rooftop lanterns. No fixed plan tonight is exactly the point, a gentle, self-guided beginning to the fullest sightseeing day of the whole trip, which opens for you in the morning.

Today's Highlights

  • Descend from the plateau into Xi'an, capital of thirteen Chinese dynasties.
  • Wander the old walled lanes on your own and follow your nose to street food.

Ride or walk along the top of Xi’an’s massive Ming City Wall, taking in sweeping views across the old city and its lively streets below. Your guide shares how these ancient ramparts once guarded the imperial capital. Then dive into the sights and smells of the Muslim Quarter, sampling freshly grilled lamb skewers, crisp flatbread and hand-pulled noodles as you browse the bustling lanes. Pause beneath the Bell and Drum Towers at the city’s central crossing before visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, where Buddhist scriptures brought from India helped shape China’s religious history. After sunset, stroll along Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City, surrounded by glowing lanterns, grand Tang-style buildings and lively street performances. If timing allows, enjoy the musical fountain show near the pagoda.

Today's Highlights

  • Straddle the top of Xi'an's Ming wall and look down on the old grid below.
  • Follow cumin smoke through the Muslim Quarter's grill-lined lanes.
  • Face the gilded Bell and Drum Towers standing guard at the city crossing.
  • Climb the brick Giant Wild Goose Pagoda that once held scriptures from India.
  • Watch Tang-style lanterns and water shows light up Everbright City after dark.

Optional Excursions

Xi'an City Wall Bike Ride

Xi'an City Wall Bike Ride

If you find yourself with some extra time, a bike ride along the Ancient City Wall is an exhilarating way to enhance your Xi'an experience. This activity allows you to pedal around one of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering a unique and active exploration of its expansive ramparts.

+$7.00

Advisor quoted

Xi’an Shadow Puppet Performance Experience

Xi’an Shadow Puppet Performance Experience

Discover the charm of Xi’an’s traditional shadow puppetry through a captivating live performance. Enjoy the delicate craftsmanship, expressive movements, and storytelling art behind this ancient folk tradition.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Xi’an Paper-Cutting Experience

Xi’an Paper-Cutting Experience

Explore Xi’an’s traditional paper-cutting art with a hands-on cultural experience. Learn about this delicate folk craft and create your own paper-cut artwork inspired by local heritage and Chinese traditions.

+$14.00

Advisor quoted

Qinqiang Opera

Qinqiang Opera

Sit in the vintage theater, hear the piercing clapper opera's soaring vocals, and experience the "living fossil of Chinese opera." Pre-show exhibition covers 100 years of Qinqiang history.

+$36.00

Advisor quoted

Hanfu Photography

Hanfu Photography

Dress in traditional Hanfu, add classic accessories, and have your photo taken in a historic setting - a hands-on way into old Chinese style. (Cost is calculated by the actual number of participants.)

+$62.00

Advisor quoted

The Longest Day in Chang'an Theme Block

The Longest Day in Chang'an Theme Block

Walk a full-scale recreation of Tang Dynasty Chang'an, based on The Longest Day in Chang'an. Lantern-lit streets, Tang performances, costumed characters you can talk to and traditional snacks; you can rent Hanfu to move through it.

+$11.00

Advisor quoted

Rise early for the drive to the Terracotta Army Museum east of Xi'an, where thousands of life-size clay soldiers, officers, horses and chariots stand in buried pits. Each warrior has individually moulded features, reflecting the scale of Qin Shi Huang's ambition to command an army in the afterlife. Walk through the vast No. 1 Pit as your guide explains how the figures were made, their military roles and the ongoing excavation work. Then visit the bronze chariot exhibition to admire the finely cast horses and drivers. In the afternoon, your driver takes you to the railway station for the high-speed train to Beijing. Watch loess terraces, wheat fields and city suburbs pass by before your Beijing guide meets you at the station and arranges your hotel transfer.

Today's Highlights

  • Stand before thousands of life-size Terracotta Warriors in the vast excavation pits.
  • Learn how Qin Shi Huang prepared his army for the afterlife.
  • Admire the intricate bronze chariots and their finely crafted details.
  • Travel from Xi’an to Beijing by comfortable high-speed train.

Optional Excursions

Xiaonanmen Morning Market Experience

Xiaonanmen Morning Market Experience

Experience the authentic morning life of Xi’an at Xiaonanmen Morning Market, where locals gather for fresh produce, traditional snacks, and regional specialties. Stroll through the lively streets, taste local flavors, and discover the everyday culture of the city beyond its famous landmarks.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Qin Terracotta Warriors Village Visit

Qin Terracotta Warriors Village Visit

Step beyond the museum to explore a local village near the Terracotta Warriors, where you can discover traditional village life, local craftsmanship, and the living culture surrounding this world-famous archaeological site.

+$5.00

Advisor quoted

“The Code of the Empire – Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum” XR Experience

“The Code of the Empire – Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum” XR Experience

Step into the Qin Dynasty with an XR experience recreating the Terracotta Warriors and Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Interactive technology walks you through the ancient army and the story of China's first emperor.

+$30.00

Advisor quoted

Create Your Own Terracotta Warrior: DIY Workshop

Create Your Own Terracotta Warrior: DIY Workshop

Create your own Terracotta Warrior in this fun 30-minute hands-on workshop inspired by the Qin Dynasty’s ancient craftsmanship. Perfect for all ages, this activity offers a unique cultural experience and memorable souvenir.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Xi’an Local Lunch

Xi’an Local Lunch

Savor authentic Xi’an flavors with a local lunch featuring traditional specialties. Discover the city’s rich culinary heritage through regional dishes and enjoy a relaxing dining experience during your journey.

+$18.00

Advisor quoted

Enter the capital at Tiananmen Square, where your guide introduces the history and significance of this vast public plaza and the landmarks surrounding it. Continue through the grand gates of the Forbidden City, once home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors. As you walk through its courtyards, throne halls and palace galleries, your guide brings imperial rituals, court life and the stories behind the architecture to life, helping you appreciate more than the scale of the complex. Then head northwest to the Summer Palace, where the emperor's garden spreads around Kunming Lake beneath Longevity Hill: stroll the painted lakeside corridor, take a boat onto the open water, and climb toward the hilltop tower for a wide view back over the lake and the rooftops of old Beijing.

Today's Highlights

  • Cross Tiananmen Square and hear the stories behind its landmarks.
  • Explore the Forbidden City with insights into imperial life and palace traditions.
  • Boat around the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake and climb Longevity Hill.

Optional Excursions

Tea Ceremony Experience at Lao She Teahouse (paid on-site)

Tea Ceremony Experience at Lao She Teahouse (paid on-site)

Enjoy a traditional tea experience at the historic Lao She Teahouse in Beijing. Relax in an authentic cultural setting, taste classic Chinese tea, and experience the charm of traditional teahouse culture. Our guide can help arrange the reservation, with the tea cost paid on-site.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Peking Duck Experience (Reservation Assistance)

Peking Duck Experience (Reservation Assistance)

Have a traditional Peking Duck meal at an established Beijing restaurant. Your guide can help with recommendations and reservations; you pay for the meal directly. A straightforward way to try the city's signature dish.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Hanfu Portraits: Step Into China’s Imperial Elegance

Hanfu Portraits: Step Into China’s Imperial Elegance

Dress in traditional Hanfu and have your portrait taken against Beijing's historic settings. Professional styling and photography are included, so you come away with a set of Hanfu photos rather than a quick snapshot.

+$135.00

Advisor quoted

Leave the city behind for the Mutianyu Great Wall, a beautiful mountain section that is generally quieter than Badaling. Ride the cable car up or take the chairlift for a more adventurous ascent, then follow the ancient stone ramparts as they snake over wooded ridges and disappear into the distance. Climb a watchtower, pause for sweeping mountain views and hear your guide explain how this frontier defence once guarded the capital. Back in the city, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Walk beneath the sweeping blue roof of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and through the peaceful parkland around it. As the day winds down, wander Beijing's hutongs, slipping past grey-brick courtyard homes, local shops and neighbourhood scenes that offer a glimpse of everyday life in old Beijing.

Today's Highlights

  • Ride the cable car or chairlift up to the Mutianyu Great Wall.
  • Walk the ancient ramparts and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
  • Learn from your guide how emperors prayed for good harvests at the Temple of Heaven.
  • Wander the hutongs and get a glimpse of everyday local life.

Optional Excursions

Mutianyu VIP Experience

Mutianyu VIP Experience

A premium way to see the Mutianyu Great Wall: priority access, a private shuttle, and a round-trip cable car over the mountains, followed by a complimentary tea break after you've walked the Wall.

+$150.00

Advisor quoted

Mutianyu Cable Car & Toboggan Upgrade

Mutianyu Cable Car & Toboggan Upgrade

Upgrade your Mutianyu Great Wall experience with a cable car ride up and a toboggan slide descent. Reach the Great Wall comfortably, enjoy panoramic mountain views along the way, and end your visit with an exciting ride down the hillside.

+$20.00

Advisor quoted

Tai Chi at Temple of Heaven

Tai Chi at Temple of Heaven

Experience the ancient art of Tai Chi at Beijing’s iconic Temple of Heaven. Practice gentle movements with a professional instructor while enjoying the peaceful gardens and historic surroundings. Discover balance, relaxation, and traditional Chinese wellness in a unique cultural setting.

+$90.00

Advisor quoted

Hutong Rickshaw Ride

Hutong Rickshaw Ride

Take a traditional rickshaw ride through Beijing’s hutongs. Relax as you travel along narrow alleys, admire courtyard homes, and experience the history, culture, and authentic charm of old Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Hutong Home Visiting Experience

Hutong Home Visiting Experience

Discover the charm of Beijing’s Hutongs through a local home visit. Stroll through historic alleys, meet local residents, and gain insight into traditional lifestyles, daily routines, and cultural heritage for an authentic Beijing experience.

+$5.00

Advisor quoted

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Beijing, with time for breakfast, a last stroll or some packing at your own pace. At the agreed time, your driver will meet you at the hotel and provide a private transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport for your departure flight. Your guide can assist with any final arrangements and make sure you have everything ready for the journey home. As the city fades from view, take with you memories of China's imperial landmarks, mountain landscapes, ancient traditions and the warm encounters along the way. Thank you for travelling with Your Way Holiday, and we hope to welcome you back to China for another journey.

Today's Highlights

  • Enjoy a private hotel-to-airport transfer with driver assistance.
  • Take home lasting memories of your 16-day journey across China.
Details

What's Included

Included

  • Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views.
  • Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs.
  • Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees.
  • Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service in the city.
  • Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time.
  • Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey.
  • Travel Protection: Enjoy extra peace of mind with travel agency liability insurance coverage.
  • Train Tickets Included: All train tickets listed in the itinerary are included. Simply present your passport for a smooth and priority-assisted station entry and exit experience with our online ticket reservation system.
  • Accommodations with breakfast matched to the selected comfort level.

Not Included

  • Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary.
  • Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD)
  • Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip.
  • Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.
Rest & Recharge

Where You'll Stay

Hand-picked hotels chosen for location, character, and comfort.

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Shanghai2 nights

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

A luxury five-star hotel located in the heart of downtown Shanghai, just steps away from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and close to the Bund, People’s Square, and major city attractions. Combining classic European elegance with modern comfort, the hotel offers spacious rooms, refined dining options, excellent service, and convenient access to Shanghai’s cultural and shopping highlights.

Shangri-La Guilin
Guilin2 nights

Shangri-La Guilin

A luxury five-star hotel located along the scenic Li River, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by Guilin’s iconic karst landscapes. Combining elegant accommodations with warm Shangri-La hospitality, the hotel features spacious rooms, beautiful gardens, excellent dining options, and family-friendly facilities. With convenient access to attractions such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and the city center, it provides an ideal base for exploring Guilin’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

LS Hotel Liangsu Yangshuo
Yangshuo1 night

LS Hotel Liangsu Yangshuo

A boutique luxury hotel nestled among the stunning karst landscapes of Yangshuo, offering a peaceful retreat with elegant design, panoramic mountain views, and personalized service. Located near the Big Banyan Tree scenic area, the hotel provides convenient access to Yangshuo’s natural attractions, including the Li River, Yulong River, and West Street. Enjoy stylish rooms, scenic balconies, a relaxing pool, and a tranquil atmosphere for an unforgettable countryside escape in Guilin.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu
Chengdu2 nights

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu

A luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Chengdu, offering elegant accommodations, personalized service, and panoramic city views. Located near Tianfu Square, the hotel provides convenient access to Chengdu’s famous attractions, including the Giant Panda Base, Kuanzhai Alley, and Chunxi Road. Enjoy refined dining, a relaxing spa, and exceptional comfort for an unforgettable stay in the city of pandas.

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
Lhasa3 nights

The St. Regis Lhasa Resort

A luxurious retreat blending elegant Tibetan-inspired design with modern comforts. Enjoy spacious rooms, refined dining, an indoor heated pool and spa facilities. Its convenient location on Jiangsu Road offers easy access to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, making it a comfortable base for exploring Lhasa.

Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
Xi'an2 nights

Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square

A luxury five-star hotel located in the heart of Xi’an, combining French elegance with traditional Chinese charm. Situated in the historic Renmin Square area, the hotel offers easy access to the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, and other major attractions. Guests can enjoy stylish rooms, excellent dining options, a relaxing spa, and modern facilities for a comfortable stay in Xi’an.

Regent Beijing by IHG
Beijing3 nights

Regent Beijing by IHG

A luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Wangfujing, offering elegant rooms, exceptional service, and convenient access to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Beijing’s historic hutongs. Enjoy modern comfort, fine dining, a relaxing spa, and the legendary Forbidden City afternoon tea experience.

Your Ride

Transportation & Vehicles

Comfortable, safe, and well-maintained vehicles throughout your journey.

Our Vehicle Service Standards

🚗

Late-Model Vehicles (2022+)

All vehicles are 2022 or newer models — modern, safe, and meticulously maintained.

🧹

Daily Deep Cleaning

Every vehicle is sanitized and detailed before each use.

👨‍✈️

Professional Drivers

Licensed, uniformed drivers with 5+ years of tourist transport experience.

🛡️

Full Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive commercial insurance for all vehicles and passengers.

📱

Onboard Amenities

Complimentary water, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, and tissues on every ride.

❄️

Climate Comfort

Dual-zone climate control ensures perfect temperature year-round.

Premium MPV cabin reference image
Private car cabin reference image
Premium MPV exterior reference image
Private car exterior reference image

We usually arrange a 5-seater for 1–2 guests, a 7-seater for 3–5 guests, and a 12-seater for 6–9 guests, and so on. All vehicles have ample luggage space. Photos are for reference only. Vehicle brands and models may vary by destination.

Dining Experience

Dining & Meals

Have a specific restaurant or dietary need in mind? Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other requests can be accommodated with advance notice.

Our Dining Philosophy

🏛️

Heritage Restaurants

Historic establishments with decades of culinary tradition — where locals celebrate.

🏠

Local Family Kitchens

Home-cooked meals with local families — authentic recipes passed down generations.

🍜

Street Food & Night Markets

Guided tastings through iconic food streets with a local foodie guide.

🌾

Farm-to-Table Fresh

Seasonal dishes with ingredients grown on-site, set against scenic backdrops.

✨

Fine Dining & Michelin

Award-winning restaurants with tasting menus, wine pairings, and unforgettable culinary artistry.

Dining Preferences & Dietary Requirements

Share dietary needs, restaurant preferences, or food interests before travel so the advisor can confirm practical arrangements.

Your Guide

Guide & Service Quality

Your private guide oversees the day's logistics, including the visit order, pacing, walking routes, attraction entry arrangements, and coordination with the driver. By adjusting the schedule based on traffic, crowd conditions, and your interests, the guide ensures a seamless, flexible, and personalized sightseeing experience.

Our Guide Service Standards

🎓

Licensed & Certified Guides

All guides hold national tourism licenses and have 5+ years of experience.

🌍

English Proficiency (IELTS 7+)

Fluent communication — guides can discuss history, culture, and current events with ease.

🗣️

Multi-Language Available

English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean-speaking guides available on request.

📻

Wireless Audio Headsets

Every guest receives a headset so you never miss a word, even in crowded sites.

🛡️

No Forced Shopping Guarantee

Zero pressure — we never force you into souvenir shops. Your time is yours.

🛍️

Local Shopping Recommendations

Want authentic gifts? We'll recommend trusted local markets and artisan shops — no tourist traps.

Our “No Forced Shopping” Promise

We guarantee zero shopping stops unless you specifically request them. If you ever feel pressured, contact us immediately for a full refund of that day's service.

Request a Specialist Guide

Interested in a specific topic? We can arrange historian guides for cultural sites, photographer guides for scenic spots, or foodie guides for culinary tours. Just let us know when booking.

Traveler Reviews

External Review Sources for 16 Days Across China: Pandas, Karst Mountains, Tibet and Imperial Heritage

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FAQ

Common Questions

What is included in this 16-day China tour with Lhasa?

The route links Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi'an and Beijing with private cars, the flights between Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa and Xi'an, one high-speed train to Beijing, hotels at each stop and licensed local guides. Entry to the Potala Palace, Terracotta Army, Forbidden City and other listed sights is covered; international flights and personal costs are not.

Do I need a permit to visit Lhasa and Tibet?

Yes. Travelling to the Tibet Autonomous Region needs a separate Tibet Travel Permit that only a licensed agency can obtain, along with a guide and a fixed itinerary. We apply for it in advance using your passport details, and the Lhasa, Drepung and Sera sightseeing is arranged to meet the permit conditions, so you travel legally and without any hassle at the checkpoints.

How do you handle the altitude in Lhasa?

Lhasa sits above 3,500 metres, so day eight is kept deliberately light with no climbing or long drives, just rest, water and easy walks near your hotel to acclimatise. The monastery visits come after that blank day, and your guide watches how you feel, slowing the pace or reordering the plan if you need more time to adjust comfortably.

Can this work as a two-week trip from Shanghai to Beijing?

At sixteen days it works well as a relaxed two-week-plus itinerary covering six major cities without backtracking, ending with the flight into Beijing and the rail ride up from Xi'an. Shorter, it can drop a city; longer, we can add days in Beijing, Xi'an or on the Li River. Tell us your dates and pace and we rebuild it around you.

When is the best time for this multi-city China tour, and are flights included?

Spring from April to May and autumn from September to October bring the clearest skies for both the Tibetan plateau and the eastern cities. The domestic flights linking Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa and Xi'an plus the Xi'an-to-Beijing high-speed rail are arranged as part of the trip, with all airport and station transfers included.

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