Beijing – Chengdu – Lhasa Tour

Explore the modern capital city of China—Beijing—which has served as the political and cultural center of the country for centuries. Visit iconic historic sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple, and the beautiful Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). Then continue to Chengdu, a major city in western China, famous for its vibrant culture, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle. In Chengdu, explore the city’s highlights including the Giant Panda Breeding Research Center, Sanxingdui Museum, Leshan Giant Buddha, and enjoy a captivating Sichuan Opera face-changing performance. Afterwards, embark on the once-in-a-lifetime journey to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. In this sacred city, visit the majestic Potala Palace, the revered Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor Street. Watch monks debate at Sera Monastery, explore the temples and prayer halls of Drepung Monastery, and enjoy Tibetan sweet tea in a traditional teahouse.

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Arrive at Beijing International Airport

Our guide will be waiting for you at the airport. After a warm welcome and brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Beijing to settle in and rest from your journey.

Day 2: Beijing Sightseeing: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace

After breakfast, begin your day at Tian’anmen Square, a site of great political and cultural significance in modern China. Walk across the vast square and enter the Forbidden City, the largest preserved imperial palace complex in the world and former residence of the Ming and Qing emperors. Built between 1406 and 1422, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the best of traditional Chinese architecture. Later, head to the Summer Palace, an expansive imperial garden filled with scenic landscapes, pavilions, and temples. Highlights include climbing Longevity Hill, viewing the extravagant Marble Boat, and strolling along Suzhou Street, modeled after the canals of Suzhou.

Day 3: Beijing Sightseeing: The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section) and Olympic Village

Today we drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its well-preserved structure and stunning mountain scenery. Watchtowers are densely spaced along this stretch, and each season offers a unique backdrop—from blooming flowers in spring to golden foliage in autumn. You can descend the wall by walking, cable car, or toboggan (optional and at your own expense). After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Olympic Green, site of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Key landmarks include the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), which now host various cultural and sports events.

Day 4: Beijing Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, and Hutong Tour

Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once prayed for good harvests. Walk along the same ceremonial paths and observe locals practicing tai chi or ballroom dancing in the surrounding park. Next, explore the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), a former imperial residence converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in 1722. After lunch, enjoy a traditional rickshaw tour through Beijing’s historic hutongs—narrow alleys lined with courtyard homes that were once the heart of daily life in old Beijing and remain rich with cultural heritage despite modern development.

Day 5: Beijing – Chengdu: Giant Panda Research Center and Sanxingdui Museum

Take a morning flight to Chengdu, where your local guide will meet you at the airport. First, visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, located about 10 km from downtown. Arriving during feeding time (8:30–9:00 AM) offers the best chance to see pandas up close. This facility plays a key role in panda conservation and also shelters other rare animals like red pandas and black-necked cranes. In the afternoon, head north to the Sanxingdui Museum, home to ancient relics of the Shu civilization. Covering over 12 square kilometers, this is one of China’s most important archaeological sites, showcasing extraordinary bronze and gold artifacts that date back over 3,000 years. Enjoy a dinner of authentic Sichuan cuisine back in Chengdu.

Day 6: Day Trip to Leshan Giant Buddha

Travel about two hours to Leshan County to visit the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha statue, overlooking the confluence of three rivers. On the way up, enjoy views of temples, waterfalls, and pagodas. Once at the top, take in the panoramic vista before descending the stairway alongside the colossal statue. After the visit, return to Chengdu.

Day 7: Chengdu – Lhasa [3,658m]

Fly to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax and acclimate to the high altitude. If you feel well enough, enjoy a light walk through Lhasa’s streets on your own.

Day 8: Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepung Monastery, Nechung Temple, and Sera Monastery

Start the day by visiting Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world and home to over 10,000 monks. Located on the slopes of Gambo Utse Mountain, it features numerous temples and assembly halls. Below Drepung is Nechung Temple, the former residence of the State Oracle of Tibet. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, famous for its tradition of monastic debate held in the courtyard. You may also choose to hike the circumambulation path around the monastery for an enriching local experience.

Day 9: Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Dropenling Handicrafts, and Barkhor Street

Begin with a tour of the iconic Potala Palace, a 13-story fortress-like structure that once served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains thousands of sacred artifacts and murals. Next, visit the Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism, where pilgrims prostrate before the revered Jowo Buddha statue. Afterward, stop at Dropenling Handicrafts Center, a Tibetan-owned social enterprise supporting local artisans. Conclude your day with a walk through Barkhor Street, a traditional marketplace and pilgrimage route, and enjoy Tibetan sweet tea in a rooftop teahouse overlooking the vibrant crowd.

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Day 10: Depart from Lhasa to Beijing or Other City

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing or onward to another destination depending on your international travel schedule. Farewell to China!