Classic China Tour with Tibet

As a capital of many dynasties in ancient China, Beijing is teemed with historical and cultural sites. Your first destination is the largest city square in the world, Tiananmen Square, which can hold 100, 0000 people at one time during the important national celebrations. Across the square to its north end, you will come to the Forbidden City, namely Imperial Palace. The splendid palace which has exquisite decorations and large collection of historical items will bring you back to the prosperous Ming and Qing dynasties, between the 14th century and the 20th century. Lunch is on your own expense, but our guide is happy to offer you some suggestions if you need. In the afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, which is one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing

You will be taken to the airport for an early morning flight to Lhasa. Your local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world with an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, so the rest of the day is reserved for you to adapt yourself to the high altitude.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Gang-gyan Lhasa Hotel

Today's first stop will be the highlight of Lhasa, the magnificent Potala Palace. Consisting of a Red Palace and a White Palace, it is the largest monumental structure in Tibet and the home to a splendid collection of artworks. You will then visit Jokhang Temple, which is the oldest wood-and-earth construction in Tibet. Built in 647 by combining Tang Dynasty, India, and Nepal architectural styles during the same period, this temple is regarded as a classic example of the religious construction in Tibet. Please make your own arrangement for lunch. You will then wander along the bustling Barkhor Street, which is not only a venue for prayers but also the most prosperous commercial street in the region. Afterwards, you will visit a Nunnery to learn about the daily life of Buddhist nuns.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Gang-gyan Lhasa Hotel

This morning we will transfer you out of downtown to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, where you could see thousands of pottery soldiers and horses made more than 2200 years ago. It is very interesting that no two soldiers look alike, and they are all featuring different expressions and postures. Please make your own arrangement for lunch. After that, we will show you the Provincial History Museum, the treasure house of northwest China, which collects a large number of rare historical relics showing the achievements of different eras. Later your visit continues to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the best-known landmarks of Xian.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an

This morning our guide and driver will transfer you to the pier and say goodbye to you after you board the Li River Cruise. You will enjoy the Li River scenery yourself and plan your own activities for the rest of the day. It is generally considered that Li River is the soul of Guilin landscape. It has the most beautiful water in the world with stunning peaks along the riverbanks, and the peaks in various shapes can meet all your imagination. After 4 hours cruise journey, you will arrive at Yangshuo, a small town near Guilin but has attracted numerous westerners to settle down. In addition to wandering around the West Street, you can rent bicycle to explore the countryside and enjoy charming pastoral scenes. Please buy bus ticket at the bus station and return to Guilin by yourself. (Tips: Since the simple box lunch provided by the cruise is not up to TCG's serving standard, you may consider having a hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning.)

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Universal

Shanghai is an international metropolis with good public transit system, and its major tourist attractions are easy doable without tour guide. Therefore, you will have the full day free to schedule your own activities. We suggest you take taxi for your visits today to save time. The fare is about CNY15 to CNY30 per trip. Here is a popular sightseeing itinerary for you to follow. You can first visit Shanghai Museum, which is one of the four greatest museums in China. Here you can see a mass of national treasures including various potteries, costumes, brass wares, coins, calligraphy and paintings, which give visitors great insight into the brilliant Chinese culture and art. Auto-interpreter device (CNY40 per piece) is highly recommended for a better experience. Next you may head to Yuyuan Garden. Featuring delicate lay-out and ingenious design, the classical Yuyuan Garden is an oasis of comfort and beauty amid the busy hum of Shanghai. The nearby Chenghuangmiao area boasting a good mix of souvenir shops and distinctive chophouses is also worth a visit. For the rest of the afternoon, you may walk or take a taxi to the Bund area for a leisure stroll.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Golden River-view Hotel