16 Days Panorama China Tour: Beijing-Xian
-Lhasa-Chengdu-Yangtze Cruise-Shanghai

Tour Highlights

⦁ Visit iconic landmarks and must-sees in each destination.
⦁ Sample a variety of regional cuisines, and learn about Chinese cuisine culture.
⦁ Engage with Tibetan traditions and customs during your stay in Lhasa.
⦁ Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Three Gorges and visit historical sites along the river.

Itinerary Overview

D1-D4 Beijing Arrival & Sightseeing

Visit Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Hutongs.

D5-D6 Xian Sightseeing & Fly to Lhasa

Visit Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter.

D7-D9 Lhasa Sightseeing&Fly to Chengdu

Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka Park, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery.

D10-D11 Chengdu & Chongqing Sightseeing

Visit Chengdu Panda Base, Renmin Park, Kuanzhai Alley, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Hongya Cave.

D12-D14 Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy the cruise through the Three Gorges. Visit Fengdu Ghost City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam Site.

D15-D16 Shanghai Sightseeing & Departure

Visit Yu Garden, Former French Concession, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Bund.

Detailed Itinerary

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

D1 Beijing Arrival

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon arrival, our professional tour guide will pick you up at the arrival hall of Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing Airport, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from the jet lag.

D2 Beijing (B,L)

After breakfast, the local guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the scenic Shichahai area, known for its interconnected lakes—Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. Dive into the labyrinthine network of narrow alleys known as Hutongs. Wander down Yandai Xiejie, a 700-year-old sloping street once famed for its tobacco pipe shops. These alleyways are home to some of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods and provide a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents. Hop on a rickshaw to shuttle through the Hutong streets and alleys, and get knowledge of the lifestyle of old Beijing.

For lunch, indulge in one of China's most celebrated dishes, Peking Roasted Duck, savoring the flavors that have made it world-renowned.

The highlight of your day continues as you walk cross the city moat en route to the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), one of the world's five major palaces. This vast complex, with over 9,000 rooms, once served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Traverse through various gateways to marvel at its splendid architecture adorned with yellow glazed tile roofs, white marble foundations, and exquisite colorful paintings.

Optional activity: In the evening, you can watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at the Red Theater.

D3 Beijing (B,L)

After breakfast, you will visit the Temple of Heaven first. The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. It was the place where the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped heaven and prayed for good harvest.

After the visit, drive about 70km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Wall. Visit Mutianyu which is one of the best preserved yet less crowded sections of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall serves as a strategic link between the Juyongguan Great Wall to the west and Gubeikou to the east, effectively safeguarding Beijing throughout history. It has earned the moniker "Perilous Mountain and Mighty Pass". You will take a cable car up to the half way to enjoy some hiking. After that, descend Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car.

Then dive back to Beijing downtown, and make a stop at Beijing Olympic Village to view Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Optional experience: Appreciate the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

D4 Beijing & High speed train to Xian (B,L)

In the morning, drive to the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Here you can leisurely stroll amidst ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges, and corridors. Take a leisure stroll on the rippling Kunming Lake to enjoy the verdant mountain view of Longevity Hill. You will visit the Long Corridor, boasting a total length of 728 meters and housing 273 rooms. Renowned for its exquisite architectural design, meandering layout, and vibrant color paintings, it has long been hailed as an epitome of artistic brilliance.

After the visit, you will be transferred to the railway station to take a high speed train to Xian(abt 5hrs). On your arrival, you will be picked up by our tour guide, and escorted to your hotel for check in.

D5 Xian (B,L)

After breakfast, you will visit Terracotta Warriors Museum which is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in human history. There are more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses made to protect the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang in this afterlife. The Terracotta Warriors and horses are all life-sized, and the warriors carry real bronze battle weapons. Orderly arrayed in rows and lines, these figures of warriors and horses make up a great underground army consisting of war chariots, infantrymen, cavalrymen and other armed servicemen. You will also learn to make a miniature Terracotta Warrior on your own under the instruction of a local potter.

Then drive back to downtown area and pay a visit to the Ancient City Wall. The wall was built for defensive purposes, enclosing and protecting the city from invading forces, constructed initially during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). You will get up to the wall to get panoramic views of the city. If you like, you can also enjoy a relaxing bike riding on the Wall(optional). Leave the City Wall, head to Muslim Quarter, where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.

Optional activity: You can have a dumpling banquet for dinner, followed by a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show.

D6 Xian to Lhasa by flight(B)

Today you will get transferred to the airport for your flight to Lhasa(abt 3hrs). Welcome to Lhasa! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by local tour guide, and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to acclimate to the high altitude and weather of Lhasa.

Useful tips:

1. Lhasa sits at an elevation of about 3,656 meters (11,990 feet), which can cause altitude sickness for many travelers. Avoid engaging in strenuous activities for the first two days. Drink more water, avoid alcohol, and consider carrying medication for altitude sickness if advised by your doctor.
2. Please be mindful of the strong sun; use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself.
3. Respect Local Culture: Remove hats and sunglasses when entering temples, do not touch or turn prayer wheels anticlockwise, and always ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly monks.

D7 Lhasa(B)

In the morning, you will visit Lhasa's cardinal landmark, the Potala Palace. With more than a thousand rooms, 10,000 painted scrolls, 698 murals, and thousands of exquisite statues made from precious alloys and jewels, the Potala Palace has become one of the most famous spiritual sanctums in the world.

Then you will visit a sacred Buddhist temple - Jokhang Temple. he temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site " Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," recognized for its outstanding universal value. Next to the Jokhang Temple, you will pay a visit to the Barkhor Street which is famous for its unique blend of religious significance and bustling market activity. Barkhor Street offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives and customs of the Tibetan people, and you can experience authentic Tibetan cuisine here.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel for rest.

D8 Lhasa(B)

Today you will first visit the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas – Norbulingka Park. During the summer and autumn months, Norbulingka becomes a hub of entertainment with dancing, singing, music and festivities.

Then head to the outskirts of Lhasa and visit the Drepung Monastery. It is one of the "Three Great Monasteries" of Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, alongside Ganden Monastery and Sera Monastery. Followed by a visit to the Sera Monastery. Sera is renowned for its scholarly tradition and the rigorous debates held by its monks. The surroundings also feature beautiful gardens and chapels that hold a wealth of religious art and relics.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.

D9 Lhasa to Chengdu by flight(B)

Today your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu(abt2hrs). On your arrival, your guide will pick you up and escort you to hotel in downtown area. The rest of the day is yours.

Optional experience: Taste Sichuan hotpot, known for its bold and numbing flavors. There are also non-spicy options available, such as a tomato broth or a mushroom broth.

D10 Chengdu(B,L)

Get up early today to pay a stirring visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is globally renowned for its conservation and breeding efforts, boasting a wealth of panda resources and a pristine ecological environment. Take a stroll in the base, you can closely observe pandas engaging in their daily activities such as eating, playing, and resting. Moreover, one cannot miss the chance to encounter adorable baby pandas in the Moon and Sun nuzrsery houses. In addition to giant pandas, the park is also home to various other wildlife species including swans and red pandas. Along the designated route, you will traverse through bamboo forests and verdant spaces while enjoying intimate encounters with nature and giant pandas.

After that, transfer to Chengdu Renmin Park. Make a stop at Heming Teahouse which is an iconic venue that embodies the essence of Sichuanese tea culture. Here, you can relax in a traditional environment, savor local teas like jasmine or Longjing. Visit the famous “Matchmaking Corner”. The scene at the corner is typically filled with advertisements for potential spouses, where parents engage in exchanging information, each striving to find a suitable partner for their unmarried adult children who had surpassed the traditionally preferred age for marriage.

Next to Renmin Park, you will take a stroll at Kuanzhai Aley. Literally translated as "Wide and Narrow Alleys," this charming neighborhood comprises three parallel alleys — Kuan Street (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley (Well Alley) — that reflect the traditional architectural style and local lifestyle of old Chengdu. The area is also famous for its street food and snacks, allowing you to sample authentic Sichuan cuisine.

If energy permits, you can take a leisurely walk from Kuanzhai Alley to Paotongshu Street. Nestled alongside the Kuanzhai Alley, Paotongshu Street exudes a more serene and leisurely atmosphere, preserving a greater sense of old Chengdu's lifestyle.

Optional activity: In the evening, enjoy a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, etc.

D11 High speed train to Chongqing & Embarkation (B,L,D)

Today you will take a morning high speed train to Chongqing(abt 1.5-2hrs). On arrival, your guide will pick you up and escort you to visit Ciqikou Ancient Town. Stroll along the narrow cobblestone alleys lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and restaurants. This is a great place to observe local life, shop for souvenirs, and taste regional specialties like Chongqing hotpot ingredients and spicy snacks.

Then experience the Magic of Liziba Metro Station. Take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Metro Station. Get off at Liziba Metro Station, famous for its unique design where the train passes through an 11-story residential building.

The last stop for today is Hongya Cave. Hongya Cave is a distinctive commercial and cultural complex located in Yuzhong District, nestled alongside the Jialing River. The multi-level structure is designed to resemble a cliffside village, with several floors stacked upon one another. When lit up, it reflects off the Jialing River, presenting a postcard-perfect image of Chongqing's vibrant cityscape.

After the visit, you will embark Century cruises ship at Chaotianmen Port, and enjoy a buffet dinner(18:30-20:00pm) after embarkation. Ship departs from the port at around 21:00pm.

Kindly note:
1. All the meals covered in the itinerary during cruise are served with Chinese and Western buffet. If you have special dietary requirements, please inform us in advance.
2. The cruising itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, water level, navigation and seasonal conditions.
3. If the Century Cruises' sailing schedule does not match the travel dates, we will adjust to a cruise of the same class, such as Victoria Cruises series.
4. There are English speaking staff and guides on board. The on board English guide will guide you during shore excursions.

D12 Yangtze River cruise(B,L,D)

Enjoy free morning tea and coffee in the bar. If the weather permits, you can also practice Tai Chi with a professional trainer on the sunshine deck.

After breakfast, take the excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (about 2 hours). It's known for the culture of ghosts and integrating of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with diverse of Chinese traditions.

There are variety of onboard activities & lectures will be available in the afternoon.

Optional Evening Show—The War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show (sign up and pay when onboard) or at your leisure with onboard activities.

D13 Yangtze River cruise(B,L,D)

After breakfast, either take part in the optional shore excursion to the historical and cultural site of White Emperor City or at your leisure onboard. The ship will sail through the spectacular Qutang Gorge, followed by the magnificent Wu Gorge. The guide will introduce the unique scenery on both sides of the sun deck.

After lunch, have the excursion at the Shennv Stream (about 3 hours), From your Century Ship transfer to a smaller boat, you will cruise up the newly created waterways between well-wooded hills and sheer cliffs where you can enjoy spectacular scenery and see the most famous hanging coffins.

D14 Yichang & High speed train to Shanghai(B,L)

After breakfast, you will disembark at Maoping pier of Yichang and join in the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site (about 3 hours),which is the the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. You will tour the dam facilities, view the massive turbines, and learn about the project's scale and technological innovations at the Three Gorges Project Exhibition Centre. You can also change a smaller boat to join the optional tour of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Elevator.

After the visit, take a shuttle bus arranged by the ship company heading to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for leave. You will be picked up here, and get transferred to Yichang East Railway Station for high speed train to Shanghai(abt 6.5hrs). On your arrival, be greeted by your tour guide and escorted to your downtown hotel.

D15 Shanghai (B,L)

Start today with an exploration of Yu Garden - an iconic classical garden nestled within bustling Shanghai's core. Situated northeast of Huangpu District's Old Town area, you will see the stylish Chinese pavilion and authentic old architectures in Yu Garden. Surrounding the garden is a bustling marketplace filled with shops selling traditional Chinese crafts, souvenirs. Enjoy shopping time at Yuyuan Bazaar, and you can try snacks and local delicacies like xiao long bao (steamed dumplings).

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through Former French Concession to explore the city's unique history, architecture, and modern lifestyle. The city walk starts from Tianzifang, a place filled with artsy shops, studios, galleries, and cozy cafes. Here you can appreciate traditional Shanghai shikumen architecture. Continue north to Sinan Mansions, an upscale residential and commercial complex that exemplifies the elegance of the French Concession era.

Next highlight for today is Shanghai Tower. Stands in the heart of the Lujiazui Financial Zone, Shanghai Tower(632 meters) is the tallest building in China, and the third tallest in the world. You will take a high-speed elevator ride that swiftly takes you up to the observation deck(118F), reaching speeds of up to 46 miles per hour (73 km/h). Enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai from the observation deck, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, and the sprawling cityscape stretching to the horizon.

To conclude your day filled with exploration and discovery, take a leisurely stroll down Nanjing Road to the Bund and enjoy the fascinating night view of Shanghai.

Optional activity: You can also take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to enjoy the fascinating night view of Shanghai.