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asia·Multi-day tour·13 days

13-Day Essence of China with Chengdu and Lhasa Tour from Beijing: Shanghai, Xi'an & Luoyang | Panda Sightseeing, Potala Palace & Sera Monastery

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What you'll experience

Highlights

• Beijing Airport pick-up service
• City tour in: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian
• Excursion: Tricycle ride through the traditional neigbourhood, Great Wall of China Mutianyu section , Dujiangyan, Quingcheng Shan Mountain and ancient city of Jiezi
• Boat: Boat trip, Boat trip in Quingcheng Shan Mountain
• Evening transfer: Wangfujing street, Old City
Admission to The Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Summer Palac, Great Wall of China Mutianyu , Yuyuan Garden and demonstration of the Tea ceremony , White Horse Temple , Buddhist caves of Longmen , Baoulon Temple, Guo Museum , Terracota Army Museum, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, mosque, show of traditional instrument playing in Drum Tower (not always guaranteed) , Traditional irrigation system in Dujiangyan, Sacred Mountain of Quingcheng Shan , Potala Palace, Sera Monastery , Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka
• Ferry: Huangpu River in Shanghai
• Funicular: Great Wall of China, Quingcheng Shan Mountain

13 days

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 — Beijing

    Welcome to China! After completing border and customs formalities, an assistant will be waiting for you to provide essential information and accompany you on the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Enjoy some free time upon arrival.

    06:30 p.m. - We'll meet our guide and fellow travelers in the hotel reception area. Then, we'll set out to explore the city. We'll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
  2. 2

    Day 2 — Beijing

    07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China's capital. We'll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. From here, we'll admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.

    Next, we'll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We'll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing's best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.

    Lunch will be included.

    In the afternoon, we'll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.

    We'll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

    06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel's address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

    Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.
    Forbidden City

    Forbidden City

    Jingshan Park

    Jingshan Park

    Summer Palace

    Summer Palace

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
  3. 3

    Day 3 — Beijing - Shanghai

    We'll take an excursion to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu section, a spectacular architectural masterpiece whose history spans more than 2,000 years. We'll ride the cable car up and down to access the Wall (tickets included). We'll bid farewell to Beijing with a delicious lunch included, featuring the famous Peking duck. Afterward, we'll transfer to the train station to board a high-speed train bound for Shanghai. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
    Mutianyu Great Wall

    Mutianyu Great Wall

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel shanghai atlantis(28 Pu Dong Avenue 200120 SHANGHAI CHINA)
  4. 4

    Day 4 — Shanghai

    08:30 a.m. - This morning, we'll explore the highlights of this fascinating city.
    Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai's striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We'll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers.
    Next, we'll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai's impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront.
    Upon arrival, we'll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong.
    Our tour will continue in Shanghai's Old City, where we'll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we'll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of Chinese culture.
    We'll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city's most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance.
    Lunch will be included.
    In the afternoon, we'll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.
    We'll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city's past.
    06:30 p.m. - Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel's address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).
    Huangpu River

    Huangpu River

    The Bund

    The Bund

    Yuyuan Garden

    Yuyuan Garden

    Xintiandi

    Xintiandi

    Tianzifang

    Tianzifang

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel shanghai atlantis(28 Pu Dong Avenue 200120 SHANGHAI CHINA)
  5. 5

    Day 5 — Shanghai - Luoyang

    Distance traveled by high-speed train: 1,020 km
    Scenery: A diverse landscape of plains, mountains, rice paddies, and lush greenery, all enjoyed from the comfort of our high-speed train.
    Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage. Do not pack sprays or aerosols larger than 100ml in your suitcase, as they may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

    05:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. A picnic-style breakfast will be provided. Transfer to the railway station.
    07:17 a.m. - We'll board one of China's high-speed trains for an exciting journey across the country. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we pass through vast plains, terraced rice fields, and mountainous landscapes.
    01:10 p.m. - Luoyang – Longmen. Arrival. Lunch will be included.
    After lunch, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China's most remarkable cultural treasures. We'll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.
    Note: The boat ride may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions or river flooding.
    05:30 p.m. - Departure from Longmen.
    06:15 p.m. - Luoyang. Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we'll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China.
    Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.
    Longmen Caves

    Longmen Caves

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Ramada by wyndham downtown(76 Jinguyuan Road, Luoyang), Mercure luoyang(Kaiyuan Avenue Geological and Mining Building, Luolong District, Luoyang City)
  6. 6

    Day 6 — Luoyang - White Horse Monastery - Sanmexia - Xian

    Total distance covered: 410 km
    Scenery: Pleasant landscapes along the route.

    07:20 a.m. - Departure from the hotel.
    08:10 a.m. - White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Arrival at this vast and historically significant monastery, a major center for Buddhist study and pilgrimage, welcoming practitioners from around the world.
    09:30 a.m. - Departure from the monastery.
    11:30 a.m. - Sanmenxia. Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We'll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we'll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization.
    Lunch will be included.
    02:30 p.m. - Departure from Sanmenxia. As we continue eastward, we'll pass by the majestic Mount Hua, one of China's five sacred mountains, revered for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.
    06:30 p.m. - Xi'an. Arrival in this legendary city, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Xi'an.
    White Horse Buddhist Monastery

    White Horse Buddhist Monastery

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Delta by marriott xian(West of Longshu North Road, No. 22, Lian Hu Qu, Xi´An, Shaanxi, China, 710014), Novotel xian scpg(China, Shaanxi, Xi´an, Lianhu, Weiyang Rd, 33)
  7. 7

    Day 7 — Xi'an

    Total distance covered: 105 km
    Important Note: A passport is required for entry to the Terracotta Army Museum.

    08:00 a.m. - We'll start the day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history.
    Free time for lunch.
    01:50 p.m. - Departure from the Terracotta Army Museum.
    02:50 p.m. - Xian. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
    Next, we'll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city's identity. We'll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
    Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we'll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments.
    After the guided tour, you'll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.
    06:30 p.m. - End of our visit. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center to explore further on your own.
    Terracotta Warriors and Horses

    Terracotta Warriors and Horses

    Small Wild Goose Pagoda

    Small Wild Goose Pagoda

    Muslim Quarter

    Muslim Quarter

    Drum Tower of Xi'an

    Drum Tower of Xi'an

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Delta by marriott xian(West of Longshu North Road, No. 22, Lian Hu Qu, Xi´An, Shaanxi, China, 710014), Novotel xian scpg(China, Shaanxi, Xi´an, Lianhu, Weiyang Rd, 33)
  8. 8

    Day 8 — Xi'an - Chengdu

    We leave Xi'an in a very modern high-speed train, and in just over three hours we cover the 700 km that separate us from CHENGDU. On arrival we will go to the Panda Bear research and breeding centre, a reserve where 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas live. Lunch included. In the afternoon we will take a stroll through the People's Park, with its small lake, the local people doing Taichi, and its tea houses.
    Chengdu Panda Breeding Center

    Chengdu Panda Breeding Center

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Dorsett chengdu(168 Xi Yulong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu)
  9. 9

    Day 9 — Chengdu - Dujiangyan - Qingcheng Shan - Jiezi - Chengdu

    Today we include full-day tour of Sichuan Province, with its pleasant landscapes and traditional villages. In DUJIANGYAN we see the traditional irrigation system, which has been working for more than 2000 years and is a world heritage site. QUINGCHENG SHAN, "mountain of the green city" is a Taoist holy mountain. Its paths through the forests show us caves, pavilions and centuries-old wooden temples, lunch included. Finally, we will visit the ancient city of JIEZI with its alleys with over a thousand years of history. Return to CHENGDU.
    Qingcheng Mountain

    Qingcheng Mountain

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Dorsett chengdu(168 Xi Yulong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu)
  10. 10

    Day 10 — Chengdu - Lhasa

    We'll head to the airport for the included flight to the city of Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, we'll meet our guide and take a bus to Lhasa (3,700m), the capital of Tibet. The journey takes about an hour and a half. After checking in at the hotel, you'll have a free evening to acclimatize to the altitude. You'll also have time for a leisurely stroll through the local bazaars.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
  11. 11

    Day 11 — Lhasa

    After breakfast, we'll embark on a guided tour of Lhasa's most iconic landmark: the Potala Palace. This awe-inspiring 13-story structure, once the tallest building of its time, served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. The palace's magnificent architecture can be seen from various points across the city and stands as a supreme relic of the nation, dating back to the 7th century A.D. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Here, we'll witness the famous "Debate on Buddhist Scriptures," a captivating tradition unique to Sera. Afterward, we'll return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Lhasa.
    Potala Palace

    Potala Palace

    Sera Monastery

    Sera Monastery

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Excluded
  12. 12

    Day 12 — Lhasa

    We'll enjoy a guided tour of Tibet's most revered religious structure, the Jokhang Temple. Known as the 'House of Buddha' in the Tibetan language, it is said to hold a statue personally crafted by Buddha Sakyamuni during his lifetime. The temple serves a vibrant convergence of Tibetan spiritual and secular life, where people from all Tibetan tribes come together. Surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Market, one of the most important religious routes and a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike to shop. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we'll visit Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's summer residence. After, we'll return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Excluded
  13. 13

    Day 13 — Lhasa

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Included

  • General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.
  • Includes arrival transfer
  • City tour in: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian
  • Excursion: Tricycle ride through the traditional neigbourhood, Great Wall of China Mutianyu section , Dujiangyan, Quingcheng Shan Mountain and ancient city of Jiezi
  • Boat: Boat trip, Boat trip in Quingcheng Shan Mountain
  • Evening transfer: Wangfujing street, Old City
  • Ticket admission: The Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Summer Palac, Great Wall of China Mutianyu , Yuyuan Garden and demonstration of the Tea ceremony , White Horse Temple , Buddhist caves of Longmen , Baoulon Temple, Guo Museum , Terracota Army Museum, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, mosque, show of traditional instrument playing in Drum Tower (not always guaranteed) , Traditional irrigation system in Dujiangyan, Sacred Mountain of Quingcheng Shan , Potala Palace, Sera Monastery , Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka
  • Ferry: Huangpu River in Shanghai
  • Funicular: Great Wall of China, Quingcheng Shan Mountain
  • High speed train: Beijing - Shanghai, Shanghai - Luoyang , Xian-Chengdu
  • Flights included: Chengdu-Lhasa
  • 9 Lunches included in: Beijing, Beijing, Shanghai, Luoyang, Sanmexia, Chengdu, Chengdu, Lhasa, Lhasa
  • 1 Dinner Included in: Beijing

Not included

  • Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure city
  • Airport drop-off at the end of the tour
  • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals the tour guide arranges
  • Entrance fees & optional tours (Prices vary from season to season; only the price at the ticket booth / box office is final)

Cancellation policy

When you cancelRefund
0–2 days before0%
3–4 days before50%
5–12 days before70%
13–22 days before80%
23–32 days before90%
33+ days before95%
Read the full cancellation terms
• Cancellations made within 30 days (inclusive) before departure will incur an additional handling fee of $30 per order. 
• Once the traveler's information (such as name, passport number, date of birth, etc.) is submitted with the booking, any modifications will be treated as a cancellation and will be subject to the [cancellation policy] 
• If the itinerary involves special tickets/high-speed train tickets/boat tickets/cruise tickets/train tickets and other unique resources, please contact customer service after placing the order to provide a clear photo of the passport's information page, as these special resources are non-refundable once booked! 
• If the tour includes airport pickup service, please notify us of any changes to your flight at least 72 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations to the pickup service within 72 hours of departure cannot be accommodated

Important info

Special notes
【'My Trip' App】
To make your trip smoother, we highly recommend downloading our local operator's app—'My Trip'. It allows you to check the latest updates to your itinerary anytime. My Trip is an exclusive page for customers that is designed to provide all the details about your trip. On it, you will be able to find information on itineraries, hotels, optional excursions and tour guides, etc. Everything you need for your trip, exclusively for you.
【Luggage allowance】
One suitcase of up to 30 kg per person is allowed, plus one piece of hand luggage such as a backpack or handbag without wheels, as it must fit in the overhead compartment on the coach. If the passenger exceeds this amount, they will have to pay for the extra transport cost.
【Estimated times and operational changes】
The indicated times are approximate, as they may be affected by external factors such as traffic, special events or local holidays. We kindly ask passengers to pay attention to notes in the service summary and check for any updates in the online system. We also request special attention during seasonal changes, as there may be modifications to itineraries or added/removed services. We remind you that, according to our general terms, Tours4fun reserves the right to modify, replace, or reschedule services if necessary.
【Room configuration】
1. Tours4fun acts as an intermediary between hotels and passengers and therefore cannot guarantee a specific type of room(For double rooms, we can't guarantee 1 Queen/King Bed or 2 Separate Beds ). We will always request the passenger's preference, but the confirmation depends exclusively on the hotel.
2. Often, triple rooms are double rooms with an extra bed or sofa bed added, and they are not always comfortable. In some cases, a double and a single room is offered. Triple rooms are not recommended for three adults, only for families with children.
【Multicultural environment and bilingual tours】
1. Our tours may be bilingual and shared with passengers of different nationalities. We believe this cultural diversity enriches the travel experience, but it is important that passengers are informed in advance.
2. Our guides are certified in English (C1 level), but are not necessarily native English speakers, as they may come from various countries. Nevertheless, the service is always provided with full professionalism.
【Other tips】
1. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing our local operator's name and contact information. If at any point you were to suffer a delay arriving at the meeting point (held during customs check, loss of luggage, etc.), missing a connecting flight or your flight number was changed, you must urgently contact the transfer agent or the emergency phone number that you can find on your travel voucher.
2. For tours that include airport pick-up service, please provide your arrival flight information or pickup details at least 7 days prior to the departure date. If you don't provide the information in advance, you will be responsible for failing to arrange the arrival pickup.
3. For tours that include meals, please inform us in advance if any guests have food allergies. Requests for vegetarian meals must be made in advance and are subject to availability, with no guarantee.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Prices for Single Occupancy apply when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Prices for Double/Triple Occupancy apply when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Triple price does not guarantee a third bed in the room since each room is equipped with 2 beds. Please check the availability at the time of check-in.
* Prices for child apply when a child of 3-15 stays as the 3rd person in one standard hotel room.
* Children below the age of 3 pay 20% of the double room rate. Please contact our service team to adjust the price manually.

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