Beijing – Xi’an – Lhasa Tour

A Cultural and historic adventure to the oldest cities in China

This tour offers one of the best cultural experiences in China and Tibet. Begin your journey in the modern capital city of Beijing, the political and cultural heart of China. Explore iconic historic sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, and the Summer Palace. From Beijing, travel to Xi’an, one of China’s ancient capitals. Discover wonders such as the Terra-cotta Warriors, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Shaanxi History Museum.

The journey continues with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. In this sacred city, visit the majestic Potala Palace, the revered Jokhang Temple, and the vibrant Barkhor Square. Watch monks debate at Sera Monastery and explore the vast halls of Drepung Monastery. Enjoy a cup of sweet Tibetan tea in a traditional teahouse as you soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at Beijing International Airport

Our guide will be waiting for you at the airport. After a warm greeting and brief introduction, we will transfer you to your hotel in Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing Sightseeing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

After picking you up from your hotel in the morning, we will drive to our first stop of the day, Tiananmen Square, a site rich in modern political and cultural history. After walking across the square, we will enter the Forbidden City, the world’s largest surviving palace complex and the former home of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Built by the third Ming emperor between 1406 and 1422, the Forbidden City served as the official residence and political center of Chinese emperors until the last emperor, Puyi, was forced to leave in 1924. It is a prime example of classical Chinese architecture and one of the world’s great historical wonders.

Afterwards, we will visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal park in China. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include climbing Longevity Hill, viewing the Empress Dowager Cixi’s extravagant Marble Boat, and walking along Suzhou Street, designed to resemble the canal city of Suzhou. Later in the afternoon, we will return to your hotel. Overnight in Beijing.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same

Day 3: Beijing Sightseeing: The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section), Olympic Village

After picking you up from your hotel, we will drive outside the city to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This section, known for its excellent preservation and fewer crowds, once served as a strategic military defense. Watchtowers are densely placed, and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking year-round: spring blossoms, lush summer greenery, colorful autumn foliage, and snow-covered winter peaks.

After exploring the Wall, you can descend by walking, cable car, or toboggan (extra fees apply). We will then have lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Olympic Village, including the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), iconic sites from the 2008 Summer Olympics. After the visit, we will drive back to your hotel.

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

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed annually for good harvests. You will see locals practicing Tai Chi and dancing in the surrounding park.

Next, visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), originally built in 1694 and converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in 1722. It remains an active place of worship today.

After lunch, enjoy a rickshaw tour through Beijing’s traditional Hutongs—narrow alleys lined with courtyard residences. Hutongs have been the heart of old Beijing life for centuries and are now rapidly disappearing. After the tour, return to your hotel. This concludes your three-day Beijing tour.

Day 5: Arrive in Xi’an and Sightseeing: Banpo Village Museum, Terracotta Warriors

Our guide will meet you at the train station. After a short rest at the hotel, visit the Banpo Village Museum, the first museum in China built on an archaeological site. Discovered in the 1950s, Banpo reveals a matriarchal clan society over 6,000 years old. The site includes residential, pottery-making, and cemetery areas.

Next, visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Over 8,000 life-size warriors and horses are arranged in battle formations guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 6: Xi’an Sightseeing: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, Muslim Quarter, City Wall

In the morning, visit the majestic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and Buddhist shrine with seven stories, listed as a World Heritage Site in 2014.

Continue to the Shaanxi History Museum, one of China’s best museums, housing over 370,000 artifacts including murals, bronze ware, and ancient coins.

After lunch, visit the vibrant Muslim Quarter to experience local life, cuisine, and culture. Optionally, visit the nearby Great Mosque.

In the evening, visit the ancient Xi’an City Wall. Built over 600 years ago, it divides the city into old and new sections. If weather permits, enjoy a stunning sunset from the top. Overnight in Xi’an.

Xi’an Terra-cotta Horses

Day 7: Xi’an to Lhasa [3658m]

Fly from Xi’an to Lhasa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can take a gentle walk in the city on your own.

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

Visit Drepung Monastery, one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa, formerly home to 10,000 monks. Just below Drepung is Nechung Temple, the historic residence of the state oracle.

In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous debating monks. You can also hike the hour-long kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the monastery.

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

Visit the Potala Palace, Tibet’s iconic landmark and former residence of the Dalai Lamas. The 13-story structure holds thousands of rooms filled with ancient artifacts and religious treasures.

Then visit Jokhang Temple, the most sacred site in Tibet, housing the revered Jowo Buddha statue. From the temple rooftop, observe devout pilgrims prostrating outside.

Conclude your day with a walk along Barkhor Street, a bustling market with goods from across the Tibetan Plateau, Nepal, and India. Enjoy sweet Tibetan tea in a rooftop tea house.

Sera Monastery debate Courtyard

Day 10: Fly Back to Beijing

Say goodbye to Tibet and fly back to Beijing for your onward journey home.