13-Day Private China Tour: Shanghai – Tibet – Xi’an – Beijing

Welcome to Shanghai, China’s dynamic economic hub and fashion capital. Regardless of your arrival time, our professional guide will greet you at the airport arrival hall with a personalized welcome sign. You will then be escorted via a comfortable private vehicle to your carefully selected hotel. During the transfer, your guide will provide a brief introduction to the city. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recover or take a leisurely stroll to get acquainted with the local environment.

After breakfast, head to the Lujiazui financial district to visit China’s tallest building—the Shanghai Tower. Experience the world’s fastest sightseeing elevator, whisking you to the “Top of Shanghai” observatory on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground. Enjoy a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the magnificent Shanghai skyline. If interested, you can even send a special “blessing from the clouds” at the world’s highest post office located here.

Next, visit the Shanghai Museum East to admire exquisite ancient artifacts. Highlights include the museum’s legendary treasures: the Da Ke Ding (a symbol of Western Zhou bronze culture), the Shang Yang Square Measure (the standard for weights and measures from the Qin Dynasty), and the ingeniously crafted Zi Zhong Jiang Pan.

★ VIP Exclusive: A La Carte Welcome Lunch with Authentic Shanghainese Cuisine

At noon, enjoy a specially arranged a la carte welcome lunch (included). You may order according to your personal preference, savoring fresh, healthy, and authentic local flavors.

In the afternoon, proceed to Yu Garden, renowned as the “Crown of Southeast Chinese Gardens.” With over 460 years of history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, you can admire the intricate architectural layouts and classical stone carvings. Afterward, wander through the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar to feel the traditional pulse of Shanghai.

Finally, walk along Nanjing East Road, China’s premier commercial street, to reach The Bund. This iconic waterfront features 52 buildings of various European architectural styles, known as the “Gallery of World Architecture.” It is the perfect spot to capture photos with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower across the Huangpu River.

Travel Tips:

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, A La Carte Welcome Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy some brief leisure time in Shanghai before your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight to the sacred city of Lhasa.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, our driver will greet you at the airport exit. As you have just arrived at a high altitude, the most important thing is to move slowly and relax. We will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Tashi Delek! Please use the remainder of the day to rest and allow your body to gradually acclimate to the high-altitude environment.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the Potala Palace, the highest ancient palace complex in the world. This magnificent 13-story structure built into the hillside is the largest and most complete ancient palace-fortress in Tibet. You will ascend the long stone staircases for a panoramic view of Lhasa before stepping inside to explore the profound history of this mysterious sanctuary.

In the afternoon, head to the Jokhang Temple, the ultimate sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. Built in 647 AD, it showcases brilliant Tubo-style architecture. Here, you can witness the world-renowned life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni and observe the solemn devotion of pilgrims performing prostrations.

After leaving the temple, you can follow the clockwise pilgrimage circuit or explore the handicraft markets of Barkhor Street. You may also find a cozy sweet tea house to sit back and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the “City of Sunlight.”

★ Special Inclusions: Tonight, you will enjoy a delicious Tibetan Group Dinner to savor authentic local flavors.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, Tibetan Dinner

After breakfast, begin your spectacular journey toward Shigatse, the heart of Tsang region. First, cross the Kamba La Pass (4,794m) for a distant view of the radar station. Soon, the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, the highest freshwater lake in the world, will unfold before you. Known as the “Swan Lake” and situated at 4,441 meters, it is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Its beauty is unrivaled in Southern Tibet, with crystal-clear turquoise waters blending seamlessly with towering snow-capped peaks and the vast blue sky.

After exploring the lakeside, continue through Nangartse to visit the Karola Glacier at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. Located right by the highway, the glacier hangs like a massive, crystalline Thangka on the mountain wall, so close it feels within reach. Finally, pass through the ancient town of Gyantse to arrive in Shigatse (3,840m), the second-largest city in Tibet, for your overnight stay.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, head toward Mount Everest Base Camp. En route, you will cross the Gawu La Pass (5,198m), the best viewing point to witness four of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters lined up in a row: Makalu, Lhotse, Mt. Everest, and Cho Oyu.

Next, enter the Everest Nature Reserve and visit the world’s highest monastery—Rongbuk Monastery (4,900m). Looking south from here offers what is widely considered the best view of Mount Everest’s North Face. Then, take the eco-bus to Everest Base Camp (EBC) (5,200m). At dusk, if weather permits, you may witness the awe-inspiring “Golden Crown” phenomenon, where the summit of Everest is bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, Camp Dinner

In the early morning, while the peaks are still slumbering in the dawn, you will witness the first rays of sunlight hit the summit of Mount Everest (8,848.86m). Experience a spiritual baptism before the world’s highest peak, where perennial snow, hanging glaciers, and towering silver crests create a scene of pure, holy majesty.

Afterward, carrying your cherished memories of Everest, you will begin the journey back to Shigatse. Along the way, admire the magnificent Himalayan Range stretching for thousands of miles and the rushing waters of the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley. You will cross the Gyatso La Pass (5,220m), where the vast, ochre-red earth contrasts sharply with the crystal-blue sky, and colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, creating a perfect harmony in the wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you will head to the airport for your flight to Xi’an. Welcome to this thousand-year-old ancient capital! Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the airport exit and transfer you to your downtown hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. If you are feeling tired, feel free to relax at the hotel; if time permits, take a stroll around the neighborhood to get a first taste of the blend between the modern and the historic in this magnificent city.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to visit the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, hailed as one of the “Eight Wonders of the World.” This on-site museum is the largest ancient military museum in China. Under the vivid narration of your professional guide, you will explore Pits 1, 2, and 3 in sequence, gaining deep insights into the craftsmanship and historical stories behind these thousand-year-old pottery warriors.

In the afternoon, proceed to the Xi’an Ancient City Wall. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is the largest and best-preserved ancient city fortification in China. You can ascend the wall to feel the charm of the ancient city atop historical gray bricks, or choose to ride a bicycle to admire the stunning contrast between the rustic walls and the modern metropolis.

Next, visit the majestic Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which stand in grand opposition to each other. Both structures date back to the Ming Dynasty, with a history of about 600 years. As night falls and the towers light up, the entire ancient city feels as though it has instantly traveled back to the prosperous Chang’an of the Tang Dynasty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, visit the famous cultural landmark of Xi’an, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Located within Da Ci’en Temple, this Tang Dynasty square brick pagoda was built by Master Xuanzang to preserve the scriptures he brought back from India. Here, you can admire the ancient architectural style, feel the profound Buddhist heritage, and overlook the city views of Xi’an.

Next, head to the vibrant Muslim Quarter. This is Xi’an’s most famous food and culture district. You can wander through the lively streets, taste various authentic local snacks, and experience the rich ethnic atmosphere.

After the tour, your driver will transfer you to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to the capital, Beijing. Upon arrival, your Beijing guide and driver will greet you at the exit and transfer you to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to recharge for the upcoming exploration of the imperial capital.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the world-renowned Tiananmen Square. As the largest city-center square in the world, it has witnessed countless major historical events in China. Then, cross the square to enter the Palace Museum (The Forbidden City). This was the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and remains the world’s largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex. You will walk along the central axis to visit the main halls and gain deep insights into the history of the feudal imperial families.

After the visit, a 15-minute walk will take you to Jingshan Park. Ascend to Wanchun Pavilion, where you can overlook the golden roofs of the entire Forbidden City and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Beijing. In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, hailed as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens.” This grand landscape garden is centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, offering picturesque views of pavilions, lakes, and bridges.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, drive to one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Mutianyu Great Wall. This section is famous for its unique beauty, high vegetation coverage, and exquisite restoration. You will take a cable car directly to Watchtower No. 14, then hike west to the highest point at Watchtower No. 20. The winding, majestic walls intertwined with stunning mountain scenery make this a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

After the tour, return to the city and stop for a photo opportunity at the landmarks of the 2008 Beijing Olympics: the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). Experience the architectural charm and modern pulse of Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, your 13-day highlights journey across Shanghai, Tibet, Xi’an, and Beijing comes to a successful conclusion. Our driver will transfer you to the airport or railway station according to your departure schedule.

Meals: Breakfast