9-Day Beijing, Tibet and Chengdu Group Tour

• Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel

• 4+Stars Hotel

• None

Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, your driver will be waiting at the exit to transfer you to your hotel for check-in. If your flight arrives in the morning, you’ll have some free time in the afternoon to relax. Alternatively, your guide can recommend a variety of fun activities, such as a stroll through Hutong alleys or a food adventure, where you can taste local snacks like Peking Duck or jiaozi (dumplings). This is a great way to get your first taste of Beijing’s rich culture and cuisine.

Recommended Activity:

If time allows, take a leisurely walk in one of Beijing’s famous Hutongs—narrow alleyways filled with history and local charm.

• Tian'anmen Square--Forbidden City--Summer Palace

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast&Peking Duck Lunch

Tiananmen Square: Start your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, rich in history.

Forbidden City: Next, visit the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Summer Palace: End your day at the Summer Palace, known for its beautiful gardens and stunning lakes.

Evening Option: 

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy a captivating performance of Peking Opera, a kung fu show, or acrobatics, immersing yourself in the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Performances usually run from 19:15 to 20:15.

• Great Wall--Bird Nest

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast&Lunch

Mutianyu Great Wall: After breakfast, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Enjoy breathtaking views as you walk along this historic structure.

You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.

(Note: If you are physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).

Olympic Sites: On your return to Beijing, take a moment to admire the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from the outside, marveling at their unique designs.

Recommended Activities

You can choose foot massage, houhai night bars or Sanlitun bar street at night.

• Temple of Heaven--Hutongs--Flight to Lhasa (14:35-18:55, approx. 4 hours)

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

Temple of Heaven: In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

Hutong Experience: Participate in a hands-on dumpling-making experience in a traditional hutong, followed by a rickshaw ride through the charming alleyways.

• Potala Palace--Da Zhao Temple--Barkhor Street

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast & Special Tibetan Lunch

Today, begin your exploration of Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace. Perched high on a hilltop, this UNESCO World Heritage site was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace’s grand architecture and rich history make it one of the most important landmarks in Tibet. Inside, explore the various chapels, tombs, and shrines, each housing precious relics and sacred art. The stunning panoramic views of Lhasa from the palace are a photographer's dream.

Afterward, visit Da Zhao Temple, a lively Tibetan Buddhist temple located near the Barkhor area. The temple, also known as Jokhang Temple, is one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism and houses a revered statue of the Buddha. The vibrant colors of the temple’s murals and the strong spiritual energy of the place offer a peaceful and meditative experience.

In the afternoon, wander through Barkhor Street, a lively and bustling market that circles the Jokhang Temple. This street is the heart of Lhasa’s old town, where pilgrims, locals, and tourists come together to shop for traditional Tibetan crafts, jewelry, and textiles. It's also a great place to sample local snacks and immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of Tibetan life.

Recommended Activity:

Take a moment to join the locals in their spiritual pilgrimage around Barkhor Street. Walking in a clockwise direction with prayer wheels in hand is a meaningful ritual for many Tibetans and offers a truly authentic cultural experience.

More itineraries in Lhasa:

• Norbulingka Park - Drepung Monastery - Flight to Chengdu
• 4-Star Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, head to Norbulingka Park. Known as the "Summer Palace of Lhasa," this park served as a summer retreat for successive Dalai Lamas. Towering ancient trees dot the landscape, while pavilions and halls are arranged in a tasteful layout, seamlessly blending Tibetan architectural styles with Han Chinese garden aesthetics. As you stroll through, you can admire exquisite murals, intricately carved wooden sculptures, and blooming flowers that remain vibrant throughout the year, experiencing the elegance and tranquility of Tibetan aristocratic life.

Next, proceed to Drepung Monastery, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is vast in scale, resembling a sacred mountain city. The monastery is built against the mountainside, with layer upon layer of white buildings glittering under the sunlight. Upon entering the Tsokchen Assembly Hall, the solemn Buddha statues, flickering butter lamps, and monks chanting sutras in low voices immediately immerse you in a rich religious ambiance. If your visit coincides with the Shoton Festival, you can also witness the spectacular sight of huge Thangka paintings being displayed in the sun.

In the afternoon, make your way to the airport and fly to Chengdu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, take some time to rest, and recharge for tomorrow's adventures.

Recommended Activity:

While in Chengdu, be sure to try the famous Sichuan hotpot, a must-try dish known for its spicy and flavorful broth.

• Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding--Wenshu Monastery--Yulin Road (Yulin Vegetable Market & Life Experience)

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast & Sichuan Cuisine Lunch

Today, visit the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located just outside of Chengdu. This is one of the best places to see giant pandas in a natural setting. Spend time observing the playful pandas and learn about the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.

In the afternoon, head to Wenshu Monastery, a tranquil Buddhist temple with beautiful gardens. Take a moment to enjoy the serene atmosphere, reflecting on the cultural significance of the site.

Later, explore Yulin Road and visit the Yulin Vegetable Market, an authentic local market where you can experience everyday life in Chengdu and perhaps sample some fresh, local ingredients.

Recommended Activity:

Enjoy a tea ceremony at Wenshu Monastery, where you can sip traditional Chinese tea in a peaceful and culturally rich environment.

• People's Park - Jinli Ancient Street - Jiuyan Bridge - Wangjianglou Park
• 4-Star Hotel
• Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through People's Park. This place epitomizes the slow-paced lifestyle of Chengdu. Early in the morning, Heming Teahouse is already bustling with tea drinkers, the aroma of covered-bowl tea wafting through the air. Old Chengdu residents gather here to chat about daily life, listen to storytelling, or simply sit back, relax, and read the newspaper. The Monument to the 1911 Revolution Road Protection Movement within the park narrates historical tales, while visitors boating on the artificial lake paint a picture of tranquility and leisure.

Next, head to Jinli Ancient Street, the oldest commercial street in western Sichuan. Framed by Ming and Qing dynasty-style architectures, the street is adorned with red lanterns and meandering flagstone paths. Sample local snacks like "Three Big Cannons" (a type of glutinous rice cake) and sugary fried dough balls, enjoy shadow puppet shows and sugar-blowing demonstrations, or catch a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance in a teahouse to immerse yourself in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Bashu folk culture.

In the afternoon, visit Jiuyan Bridge, a historic bridge from the Ming Dynasty spanning the Funan River. Its arches resemble moons, creating a miraculous sight of "nine eyes" reflected in the water. The bridge is lined with bars, with artistic cafes by day and live music venues by night, making it a trendy landmark in Chengdu.

As evening approaches, step into Wangjianglou Park. Bamboo is the soul of this park, with over 150 species of bamboo planted here, and the Xue Tao Memorial Hall nestled amidst them. Climb up Wangjiang Tower and gaze into the distance, watching the Jinjiang River flow gently eastward, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Here, the literary talent of the Tang Dynasty poetess Xue Tao intertwines with Chengdu's poetic landscapes, bringing your journey to a serene close.

End your trip here. If time permits, a night tour of Kuanzhai Alley is highly recommended [accompanied by a picture of lantern-lit alleys]. The courtyards with black tiles and gray bricks are lit up by creative shops. Savor a spicy hotpot or enjoy a bowl of ice jelly, letting your taste buds revel in the night alongside the city's vibrant atmosphere.

• Chengdu Departure

• Breakfast

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your driver transfers you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Recommended Activity:

If you have extra time before your flight, consider visiting a local market or tea house to enjoy a final taste of Chengdu before heading home.