Mainland China

Mainland China is an important gateway for many Tibet journeys. Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Chongqing, Xining and Zhangye combine ancient capitals, Buddhist sites, Silk Road history and mountain scenery.

Many of these cities also connect onward to Tibet by flight or train, including direct or connecting routes to Lhasa and access to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway depending on the season and ticket availability. They are good starting or ending points for travelers who want to add Chinese culture before reaching the Tibetan Plateau.