Cultural & Scenic Wonders of Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa & Shanghai - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Self Guided Tour of the Capital

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Beijing 

This morning, you'll join your guide for a full-day tour of Beijing, starting in Tiananmen Square, where you'll see sights, including the Monument to the People's Heroes, the National Museum of China, and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. Learn about the vast square's storied past from your guide, and stroll toward the northern end, where you can enter the Forbidden City. This UNESCO-listed complex served as the imperial residence for nearly five centuries, housing 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Explore the expansive courtyards and discover the array of meticulously designed halls, pavilions, and gardens. Don't miss the intricate details of the palace's architecture, like the iconic yellow roofs and ornate dragon carvings. When it's time for lunch, head to a local restaurant to try delicious Peking duck, characterized by its crispy skin and succulent meat. Afterward, spend the rest of the day exploring some of the city's hutongs and mazelike alleyways surrounded by traditional homes and markets.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven Guided Tour, Walk the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall 

This morning, you've another day devoted to Beijing's highlights. It starts with a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th century so emperors could pray for good harvests and divine favor. The complex spans 657 acres (267 ha) and comprises several structures, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, home to a triple-tiered circular structure that stands as the complex's centerpiece. Walk with your guide through the expansive grounds adorned with gates, pavilions, and cypress trees, then stop for refreshments ahead of this afternoon's highlight.

After lunch, you'll leave the city behind and transfer 2.5 hours to the Mutianyu section of the famous Great Wall of China. Ascend the wall by cable car or a moderate hike and watch the lush greenery and rolling hills unfold. This wall section is renowned for its well-preserved watchtowers and fortifications, so you can better understand the wall's strategic importance during ancient times. Walk along the stone path and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside before a transfer back to Beijing, where the evening is yours to enjoy your final night in the city

Day 4: Visit the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, Train to Xi'an

Day 6: Full-Day Tour of Xi'an, Dumpling Making Class

Set off on another tour of Xi'an's landmarks this morning, starting at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the seventh century to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. Climb to the top of the pagoda for panoramic views of Xi'an's urban landscape and surrounding countryside. Then, head to the Shaanxi History Museum to learn more about the province's rich history and culture. Peruse the extensive collection of artifacts spanning millions of years, including ancient bronze ware, Ming Dynasty porcelain, Tang Dynasty murals, and imperial treasures. 

Later on, you'll meet with a local family to learn the art of dumpling making, from shaping the dough to filling it and pleating it. After all your hard work, sit down to enjoy your handmade dumplings with your hosts. End the day in the city's Muslim Quarter, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty when Xi'an attracted plenty of Muslim merchants from the Middle East and Central Asia. Stroll through the bustling quarter lined with traditional shops, historic mosques, and stalls selling mouthwatering street food, such as lamb kebab on freshly baked flatbread.

Day 7: Fly to Lhasa, Afternoon at Leisure

Say goodbye to Xi'an this morning as you head to the airport to catch a 3.5-hour flight to Lhasa, known as the spiritual heart and capital of Tibet. Nestled in the Himalaya mountains, the city is known for its breathtaking views of the towering mountain range and its sacred monasteries. When you land in the afternoon, you'll find yourself at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet (3,650 m), so enjoy an easy afternoon relaxing at your hotel and adjusting to the altitude. 

Day 8: Visit Norbulingka, Drepung & Sera Monasteries

After a restful night, you should be acclimated to the elevation and ready to explore the city. Follow the guide to Norbulingka, once the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas before Potala Palace was built. Go for a stroll amid the lush gardens, ponds, and pavilions before stepping inside to see the Tibetan architecture, furnishings, and art up close. Then, continue to the 14th-century Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in the world when it was built. Explore the sprawling complex of whitewashed buildings adorned with golden roofs housing chapels, prayer halls, and living quarters. 

Conclude your tour at the 15th-century Sera Monastery, known for its distinctive white and ocher buildings with ornate carvings and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Discover the ancient chapels and colorful murals inside, then head to the courtyard to witness the monks debate topics on Buddhist scriptures, philosophy, and doctrines, deepening their understanding of Buddhist teachings. The rest of the afternoon is free, so you can return to the hotel or head to a local restaurant to indulge in dishes like momos and Tibetan dumplings filled with yak meat, beef, or vegetables.

Day 9: Discover Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street & Potala Palace

Spend another day exploring Lhasa's landmarks, starting at Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred sites in Tibet. Admire the traditional Tibetan and Indian architectural style, intricately carved woodwork, colorful murals, and golden roofs. Watch pilgrims from all corners of Tibet gather, walking around the temple while spinning prayer wheels and murmuring prayers. Then, head outside to Barkhor Street and wander the stalls selling goods, including colorful Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, thangka paintings, and local delicacies.

Later on, seek out the tranquil Ani Tsangkhung Nunnery, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and learn more about the city's rich history. End the tour at the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, which has been turned into a museum since the 14th Dalai Lama had to flee in 1959 during a Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule. Wander through the palace complex, looking out at the countless murals, statues, and relics telling the stories of Tibetan kings and spiritual leaders. Don't miss the Red Palace and White Palace within, where you can find chapels, meditation halls, and the sacred tombs of past Dalai Lamas.

Day 10: Day Trip to Yamdrok Lake With Picnic Lunch

After breakfast, set off on a scenic two-hour transfer southwest to the shores of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's esteemed holy lakes and renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters that change hues with the shifting sunlight. It's a beautiful journey as the landscape changes from rolling hills to vast plains, towering peaks, and Tibetan villages. When you arrive, you'll enjoy a relaxed lakeside picnic with sandwiches, vegetables, and fruits. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the local area and soaking up the views of the snowcapped mountains, expansive grasslands, and numerous islands before transferring back to Lhasa. 

Day 11: Fly to Shanghai, Explore at Leisure

Trade Tibet's natural beauty for the bustling streets of Shanghai on China's central coast as you head to the airport this morning to board a 4-5-hour flight to the city. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. After a refresh, spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. A good place to start is the French Concession, a former French settlement full of preserved colonial-era buildings, Art Deco apartments, and traditional Shikumen architecture. Follow the tree-lined avenues, admiring the charming rose gardens, historical sculptures, and picturesque ponds.

Continue to Xintiandi, a pedestrianized zone full of upscale shops, charming boutiques, and quaint art galleries to shop and admire the European mansions. In the evening, make your way to a local restaurant to try Shanghai's traditional cuisine, which originated in the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are plenty of delicious dishes you can try, from savory braised pork belly to delicate xiaolongbao (dumplings filled with soup and pork). End the night with a delectable treat consisting of sticky rice, candied fruits, nuts, and red bean paste. 

Day 12: Discover The Bund & Shanghai Tower

Step back in time on today's tour of The Bund, a historic waterfront promenade overlooking the Huangpu River. Admire the futuristic district of Pudong across the river while you stop at historic buildings like the Peace Hotel or Union Building. Listen as your guide teaches you about each landmark and the area's rich history before satisfying your appetite with a delicious lunch. After refueling, cross the river to get to Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Take an elevator to the observation deck at the top, where you'll be met with a panorama of the sprawling metropolis below. 

After the tour, you could return to the hotel to relax or continue to explore on your own. If you need an escape from the bustling city, head to the serene oasis of Yuyuan Garden. Wander through the landscaped courtyards, meandering paths, and scenic pavilions adorned with intricate details. Cross over the delicate bridges to admire the lotus ponds beneath before continuing to Yuyuan Bazaar just outside the garden. Browse the stalls full of local snacks, handicrafts, and antiques to find the perfect souvenir to take home, then grab some delicious street food for dinner.

Day 13: Optional Day Trip to Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, or Hangzhou

Your penultimate day in China is free for you to spend as you wish. You could stay in the city or go on a day trip to a nearby water town, like Zhujiajiao or Zhouzhuang. Both ancient towns are only 45 minutes to an hour outside the city and are known for their picturesque canals, well-preserved traditional architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. Take a boat ride along the waterways, stroll through the narrow alleys, or sip tea at one of the traditional teahouses along the water's edge. 

Another option is Hangzhou, which is a little farther away at two hours but worth it for the picturesque journey alone. The city's highlight is West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with islands, causeways, and ancient temples such as Lingyin. Enjoy a boat cruise across the tranquil waters, stopping at landmarks like Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, a pagoda surrounded by water where the moon's reflection creates a mesmerizing sight during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Day 14: Depart Shanghai

After visiting four of China's most iconic cities over the last two weeks, your adventure draws to a close today. If you have time before your flight, head to Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Browse the array of luxury boutiques, department stores, and local shops to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Visit one of the street food stalls to try some more Shanghainese dishes before you go, like shengjian bao (pan-fried soup dumplings filled with meat.) When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!