China Essence with Tibet & Yangtze

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), please head to the hotel we’ve booked for you by yourself, which can be reached by a 1.5-hour metro ride for CNY 29 (USD 4): take Capital Airport Express to Dongzhimen station → transfer to Line 2 to Qianmen Station → transfer to Line 8 to Tianqiao Station → walk 15 minutes northeast from Exit D. Online ride-hailing takes 1.5 hours and costs about CNY 150 (USD 21). After checking in, you can rest to recover from the jet lag and plan a half-day Beijing sightseeing on your own.

► Activities Suggestion (at your own expense):
Ever wanted to glimpse old Beijing? You can go to Qianmen Street, a 20-minute taxi ride from your hotel for CNY 30 (USD 4), where lots of centuries-old restaurants, teahouses, and traditional medicine shops are located, featuring architectural styles from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). Accept beckons from vendors with inviting Candied Fruits, pass by rolling trams, and find eager diners before Quanjude Restaurant, renowned throughout China for its succulent Beijing Roast Duck. At the west entrance of Qianmen lies the Xianyukou Food Street, a heaven for trying local specialties like Crispy Beef Pies, Soybean Cake, and Sweet Soup Balls, which are easy to grab and enjoy on the go, ranging from CNY 10 to 30 (USD 1-4) per serving.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

This morning, your group tour guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby at the pre-arranged time and escort you to Tiananmen Square, China’s emblem, where you’ll meet numerous local tourists taking photos in front of the magnificent Tiananmen Tower. Then, unveil the empire’s grandeur at the Forbidden City, an entirely wooden royal complex built by millions of laborers in 14 years. Most woods have outstanding durability and natural resistance to insects, harvested from the rugged jungles in southwestern China and transported to Beijing via river, during which laborers ascended steep peaks and built bridges over rushing streams to move each log to the riverbanks. During the reign of the Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722 AD), he recognized the hardships faced by his subjects and eventually ordered the use of more accessible wood in later expansions. Strolling around, you’ll notice large water vats everywhere, set to prevent fire hazards during dry weather. 

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) Great Wall’s longest and best-preserved section, whose densely-arranged watchtowers and dual-sided battlements enabled soldiers to monitor enemy movements and efficiently coordinate their operations. What truly sets Mutianyu apart from other segments is its gentler slopes, lush greenery, and a less crowded experience. Hiking through the entire 11.5 kilometers (7.1 miles) can be a little challenging, so consider using the cable car and slideway at your own expense to minimize exertion. The tickets range from USD 14 to 28 and can be purchased on-site with the assistance of your guide if you’re up for them.

Following an exciting hike, we’ll escort you back to your hotel in downtown Beijing, or if you prefer, we’ll stop at a Hutong alleys area like Shichahai for you to get off, where you can experience the traditional local life and spend a cozy night at Houhai Lake Bar Street, and finally return to the hotel by yourself (50-minute taxi ride).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars) 

Today will begin with a hotel pickup by your guide, and we’ll first visit the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors conducted sacrificial ceremonies on the Winter Solstice, mainly consisting of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. Notably, the Circular Mound Altar was designed to amplify sound, and the central Heavenly Heart Stone offers a position to check it. Standing on it and speaking allows your voice to resonate off the circular walls, a surreal auditory experience reminiscent of the emperors conversing with Heaven. The lush surroundings attract local retirees to engage in morning exercises, and you can spot them showcasing stunts on gym equipment and practicing Tai Chi.
 Tips: The main sites are closed on Mondays, and we’ll visit Beihai Park to replace it. Then, let’s take a rickshaw tour through Hutong Alleys, symbols of old Beijing life, where quadrangle courtyards’ gray brick walls reveal a mottled texture, and the elders often sip tea on a rocking chair placed outside their doors, contrasting with the bustling city beyond. Your guide will show you around the Lama Temple after that, the highest-ranking Tibetan Buddhist temple in China. Apart from observing locals burning incense and praying for happiness, marital bliss, and career success, take a moment to admire its multiethnic structures and stunning wooden carvings.

Prepare for a leisurely sightseeing at Summer Palace to conclude your day, the pinnacle of classical Chinese gardens, where the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835 - 1908 AD) spent her retiring life. Meandering along the shore of the Kunming Lake, you can gaze at the Tower of Buddhist Incense’s reflection glistening on the water’s surface, alongside the lively stone lions on the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Finally, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars) 

In the morning, please check out of the hotel and head to the Beijing West Railway Station on your own to board the high-speed train to Xi’an with the tickets provided by us. If you don’t want to carry large luggage to take the subway, a taxi takes 40 minutes and costs about CNY 50 (USD 7). 

Upon arriving at Xi’an North Railway Station 4.5 hours later, you can take a 1-hour taxi ride for about CNY 50 (USD 7) to our pre-booked hotel, or take Metro Line 2 to Beidajie Station and walk 5 minutes south from Exit C to the hotel.

► Free Time Suggestion:
The Bell Tower is the core of local life, where main roads radiate out towards the four gates of the ancient City Wall. As dusk falls, it will be lit by soft lights that highlight its three-tiered eaves. For an excellent photo opportunity, you can head to the walkway encircling it or the 5th-floor viewing platform of the Kaiyuan Shopping Mall across from it. A 15-minute walk south from your hotel will lead you to this stunning sight.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an (3 stars)

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will greet you at your hotel lobby and escort you to today’s first stop, the Terracotta Army Museum, atop the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (259 - 210 BC), China’s first emperor. To secure his afterlife, he commissioned this life-sized army of over 8,000 terracotta figures to guard him in the underground realm, which is arrayed in impressive military formations across three excavated pits within the museum. Their creations involved shaping clay strips and molding them into hollow bodies, followed by assembling them with separately crafted arms and heads featuring realistic facial details. Originally painted in vibrant colors, most have faded over time, but a purple-robed soldier can be seen in the 50th Anniversary Hall.Next, let’s drive back to the downtown to visit the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Engineered by the famous monk Xuanzang during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD), it housed the Buddhist scriptures and sacred statues he brought back from India on his legendary pilgrimage. Then, you’ll climb the City Wall with your guide, initially used for military defense. Nowadays, many watchtowers have been repurposed as museums, offering insight into ancient city construction techniques, local intangible cultural heritage like shadow puppetry, and murals depicting costumes and scenes from Tang Dynasty royal life. For a relaxed exploration, consider renting a bicycle at your own expense with assistance from your guide.

Later, we’ll escort you back to the hotel, passing by the Muslim Quarter with several food streets along the way. You can choose to get off there if you prefer to savor local specialties. For your refence, typical snacks here like Chinese Hamburger, Sticky Rice, and Fried Beef Pot Sticker cost around CNY 50 (USD 7) per person. Finally, stroll back to your hotel in 15 minutes. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an (3 stars)

Today, you’ll leave behind Xi’an and board a 3.5-hour flight to Lhasa of Tibet independently with the tickets we’ve booked for you. Prepare for an exciting spiritual enlightenment trip with a guided group in the following two days!

To Xi’an Airport, you can walk south from your hotel to take a 1.5-hour shuttle bus by yourself from the Bell Tower Hotel to Terminal 2 for CNY 25 (USD 3.5). Alternatively, walk north to Beidajie Station, take Metro Line 2 to North Railway Station, and transfer to Line 14 to Airport West Station for CNY 8 (USD 1).

We provide a Lhasa airport pick-up service at 10:00, 13:30, 16:00, and 18:30. If your arrival time is staggered, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the hotel. A taxi ride takes about 2 hours and costs CNY 250 (USD 35). Otherwise, you can take the airport shuttle to Liuwuqiao Station, then catch the K04 bus to Chongsaikang Station, and walk 100 meters west to your hotel. The fare for this 2-hour journey is only CNY 31 (USD 4.5).

► For Your Information: 
1. Our group tour in Lhasa is not available every day, but don’t worry, our travel consultant will communicate with you based on your desired travel dates in advance.
2. Lhasa’s average altitude is about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), and it may cause headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. It’s essential to consult your doctor before traveling, especially if you have any health conditions that may be affected by high altitude. After arriving, having a good rest, drinking plenty of water and eating carbohydrate-rich foods will help you adapt to the conditions.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa (4 stars)

After picking you up, your guide and the driver will convoy you to Drepung Monastery, where over 10,000 monks lived and studied during its peak, similar to medieval Oxford University. At its heart lies the Coqen Hall, illuminated by a large skylight that allows golden sunlight to fall on gilded bronze Buddha statues and colorful murals, enhanced by nearby butter lamps that cast a serene atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we’ll hike up the gentle slopes to Sera Monastery, whose romantic Tibetan name “wild rose” originated from a legend that beautiful wild roses flourished at the monastery’s base when it was founded. At 15:00, your guide will accompany you to witness the renowned debate activities (not available on Sundays). Several pairs of red-robed monks will delve into the deep teachings and philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism, with questioners standing and defenders seated, equivalent to an academic exam. Gestures like clapping and prayer bead waving will be further used to emphasize arguments. Even if you don’t understand Tibetan language, your guide’s explanations and the monks’ animated movements will provide a captivating sight. Before we escort you back to the hotel, we’ll arrange a special welcome dinner at a celebrated local restaurant for you to taste authentic Tibetan cuisine.

 Etiquette Notes:
Before capturing close-up photos, especially of monks and women, it is essential to seek permission to ensure respect. Moreover, be mindful that photography is strictly prohibited in the halls of a temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa (4 stars)

Today’s sightseeing will commence with your hotel pick-up and a visit to the iconic Potala Palace. Most Tibetan buildings are constructed into the mountainside, blending with the terrain to create a sense of holiness and grandeur. The 7th-century Potala Palace exemplifies this, with its imposing complex painted in red, white, and yellow that dominates the city’s landscape. When climbing up to the palace, please slow down and rest along the way due to the thin air. The central Red Palace was used for religious ceremonies, where you’ll be enchanted by the luxurious stupa of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Tibetan spiritual leader, made of pure gold and adorned with over 20,000 precious stones. The adjoining White Palace, which served as residences for Dalai Lamas and administrative offices, provides a glimpse into the meditation room and reception hall for officials. 

Then, we’ll move eastward to Jokhang Temple, dubbed Lhasa’s most revered temple. It is distinguished by its five golden roofs, which are embellished with intricate carvings of birds, bells, and various figures meant to ward off evil spirits. Inside the main hall, you’ll find a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha, consecrated by the historical Buddha himself, making it an unparalleled relic in Tibetan Buddhism. Countless pilgrims undertake arduous journeys to seek blessings and protection under its watchful gaze. Encircling the temple is Barkhor Street, where the ancient stone pavement is worn smooth by the feet of devotees who continuously spin prayer wheels and prostrate themselves. The shops lining the street are alive, showcasing Tibetan Buddhist paintings, beads, and handicrafts. Before returning to the hotel, follow your guide to a sweet tea house, where you can savor the unique taste of Tibetan tea while hearing more about local customs.

Meals: Breakfast, tea break
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa (4 stars)

As your Lhasa trip comes to an end, you’ll take a 2.5-hour flight to Chongqing by yourself, with the air tickets provided by us. Drop-off services to Lhasa airport are available at 6:30, 8:00, and 12:00.

Once in Chongqing, please head to Chaotianmen Dock on your own to board the Yangtze River cruise ship between 18:00 and 20:30; the vessel will depart at 21:00. Although this voyage is one day less than the upstream route, you won’t miss any iconic sights of the Three Gorges, and the cruise avoids night sailing, allowing for better rest onboard. From Chongqing Airport to Qiaotianmen Dock, you can take a 1-hour metro for CNY 6 (USD 0.8), involving Line 10 to Hongtudi Station, transferring to Line 6 to Xiaoshizi Station, and walking 10 minutes northeast from Exit 7. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 50 minutes without a traffic jam and costs approximately CNY 60 (USD 8.4).

► Suggested Activities in Chongqing (at your own expense):
If time allows, deposit your luggage at the Chaotianmen Dock and take a 10-minute taxi ride to Hongya Cave, an 11-story complex of stilt houses adapting to Chongqing’s rugged hillside landscape. The best panoramic views are from the middle section of Qiansimen Bridge, a 10-minute walk northwest. Entering Hongya Cave, you’ll first be greeted by an artificial waterfall that recreates droplets of mountain springs flowing down the cliff and reflecting an emerald glow amid lush greenery, followed by the folk custom street on the 2nd and 3rd floors. After sampling local specialties on the 4th to 11th floors, ascend to the Urban Balcony for the stunning confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Katarina/ Jenna/ Anna with balcony (5 stars)

Rise and Shine! Enjoy early-bird coffee and a buffet breakfast to start a vigorous day. Later, you’ll have a shore excursion to Mount Shuanggui in Fengdu. Stretch your legs on winding trails lined with rare trees, and explore corridors adorned by poem inscriptions and carvings depicting dragons, lions, and fairies. If your travel aligns with late March or early April, a lively temple fair with lantern shows will enhance your experience. Return to the ship around noon for lunch. 

In the afternoon, you can take in the ever-changing river scenery from your private balcony or participate in cultural activities organized by the cruise. As evening approaches, dress in your formal attire to attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception, a chance to meet fellow travelers and take photos with crews. After that, indulge in a buffet dinner to conclude your day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Katarina/ Jenna/ Anna with balcony (5 stars)

Fuel yourself with early-bird tea and a buffet breakfast, and head to the upper deck to be amazed by the majestic Qutang Gorge you’ll pass through. Despite being the shortest section of the Three Gorges, the river dramatically narrows to just 100 meters (328 feet) at certain places, leaving all who venture into its depths in sheer awe. You may see ancient coffins suspended high on cliffs along the way, a burial tradition among the local nobility intended to shield remains from predators. As the journey continues, the cruise will navigate an evident bend at Wu Gorge, whose deep and narrow channel is often cloaked in mist, presenting an ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of Chinese landscape paintings.

After a buffet lunch, it’s time for a shore excursion to Goddess Stream, where a small boat will take you through the turquoise waters of an untouched riverway. Once back on the cruise ship, you’ll spend a memorable evening at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and the following Minorities and Dynasty Crew Cabaret. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Katarina/ Jenna/ Anna with balcony (5 stars)

On your final day of the Yangtze River cruise, you’ll enjoy a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site after a buffet breakfast. Since the dam raises the water level by 113 meters (371 feet), the ship needs to navigate through the ‘water elevator’ – the locks to reach the downstream site. From the deck, you’ll observe the captain’s deft handling when gliding smoothly between the locks’ concrete walls. Upon reaching, take in panoramic views of the massive dam and vast reservoir at Tanzi Mountain and the 185 Platform.

After that, please check out according to the cruise ship’s instructions, and get on a shuttle to the Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal in Yichang. With the unforgettable cruise memory, you’ll take a high-speed train to Shanghai with the pre-booked tickets provided by us. Please hire a taxi on your own for about CNY 30 (USD 4) to Yichang East Railway Station in 30 minutes. Remember to bring some food for the 7.5-hour train journey.

 Tips: The above cruise itinerary may be adjusted by its operator depending on the river and weather conditions.

Upon arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, please go by yourself to the hotel we’ve handpicked for you, which can be easily reached by taking Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station and walking 10 minutes northwest from Exit 4. The fare for this 50-minute journey is CNY 5 (USD 0.7). Or you can take a taxi for roughly CNY 100 (USD 14).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel (3 stars)

Today is yours to discover Shanghai at your own rhythm. The following itinerary is just for your reference:

To understand the city’s layout, you can go to the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck after breakfast. Ride the ultra-fast elevator to the 118th-floor observation deck in just 55 seconds! Walking on the transparent glass will add an extra thrill to your experience. To get there, walk 10 minutes southwest from your hotel to Dashijie Metro Station, take Line 14 to Lujiazui Station, and exit at 9B. The Duoyun Bookstore on the 52nd floor of Shanghai Tower is a budget option: buy a drink and get a free high-up city view. However, expect heavy crowds and long queues during holidays.

Next, consider taking a ferry at Dongchang Road Station, a 10-minute walk southwest from the Shanghai Tower, to glide on the Huangpu River and experience the contrast between the busy financial district east and the historical colonial buildings west. You can use the Alipay transportation QR Code to take it for just CNY 2 (USD 0.3). After disembarking at Jinling East Road Station, you can walk along the Bund northwest for 15 minutes to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai’s most representative commercial street. Visit the time-honored shops or try glutinous rice dumplings at Shendacheng, reputed as the ‘king of dim sum in Shanghai’.

Later, end your day at Yuyuan Garden: take Metro Line 10 from Nanjing East Road Station and walk 10 minutes southeast from Exit 7 of Yuyuan Garden Station. If arriving before 16:00, you can absorb the serene ambiance of this classic Chinese garden with the iconic rockery; otherwise, admire the Nine-Bend Bridge and Lake Pavilion bathed in multicolored lights. Finally, walk 20 minutes northwest back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel (3 stars)

Today marks the end of your budget China tours from Mexico City. Please proceed independently to Pudong International Airport for your flight home. Online car-hailing is better for your large luggage, which takes about 1 hour and costs CNY 200 (USD 14); a 1.5-hour metro ride for CNY 7 (USD 1) is more cost-effective: take Line 8 from Dashijie to People’s Square Station, transfer to Line 2, and alight at Pudong T1 Station. 

If you prefer a short flight time from Shanghai to Mexico, consider flight MU583 (13:10/10:05), with a 5-hour layover at Los Angeles, and transfer to AM645 (15:00/19:55).

Meals: Breakfast