Epic China Tour Including Tibet
3-Week Must-See Places China Tour Including Holy Tibet
City
Beijing
Xi 'an
Lhasa
Chengdu
Zhangjiajie
Guilin & Yangshuo
Shanghai
An Epic Journey Through China
Planning a once-in-a-lifetime 3-week China tour, especially with the inclusion of remote Tibet, can be overwhelming for first-timers. This carefully crafted itinerary offers a seamless and comfortable journey through must-see destinations and historical landmarks. Contact us, and we’ll customize the tour to match your unique interests and needs.
Suggested 21-Day Itinerary
Beijing – Forbidden City, Great Wall, Hutong
Xi’an – Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Lhasa – Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Lake Yamdrok
Chengdu / Leshan – Panda Base, Giant Buddha
Zhangjiajie – Hallelujah Mountain, Grand Canyon
Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng – Li River Cruise
Shanghai – The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden
Tour 'Wow' Points
Discover the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City:
Stroll along a captivating blend of the restored and rugged sections of the Great Wall:
Discover the Terracotta Army and create your own replica warrior to take home as a unique souvenir:
Take In the Fascinating Combination of Spiritual Significance and Breathtaking Landscapes in Lhasa:
Observe Pandas in a More Relaxed and Natural Environment:
Be Inspired by the Floating Mountains in a Place of Wonder:
Explore a Rural Village and Live There Like a Local:
Cycle through China’s most picturesque countryside and immerse yourself in its breathtaking natural beauty:
Explore the scenic rural landscapes of China, where lush rice paddies meet stunning limestone hills. Gain insight into the everyday lives of local farmers as you experience their culture firsthand.
Indulge in a personalized Half-Day “Icing-on-the-Cake” Experience in Shanghai, tailored to your unique interests:
Whether you’re looking to unwind, immerse yourself in fashion, appreciate art, explore local traditions, or indulge in shopping, we’ve got you covered. From enjoying a trendy bar to discovering an art center, trying out beauty treatments, testing your luck in the marriage market, or picking up unique souvenirs, we’ll make it all happen for you.
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing | Airport Transfer
Welcome to China! Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Beijing | The Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Breakfast & Lunch
Start your day exploring the Forbidden City, a vast imperial complex with nearly 600 years of history. Your guide will take you to the quieter, less crowded areas while sharing fascinating royal stories. After a delicious lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Day 3: Beijing | The Great Wall & Hutongs
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the iconic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, offering incredible views and an easy cable car ride. Later, explore Beijing’s historic Hutongs, where you’ll visit a local family’s home and gain insight into traditional Beijing life.
Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an | The Summer Palace & Bullet Train
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the Summer Palace, one of the world’s best-preserved imperial gardens. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Xi’an, enjoying a comfortable 4-hour journey.
Day 5: Xi’an | Terracotta Army & Ancient Pagoda
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors Museum and create your own clay warrior as a unique souvenir. In the afternoon, wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day 6: Xi’an to Lhasa | Arrival in Lhasa
Take a flight to Lhasa for a relaxing day to adjust to the altitude and settle into your hotel.
Day 7: Lhasa | Tibetan Buddhism Experience
Breakfast & Lunch
Begin your Tibetan adventure with a visit to Norbulingka, a stunning Tibetan palace. Then, explore Drepung Monastery, one of Tibet’s largest and most important monasteries, before heading to Sera Monastery to witness the unique sight of monks debating Buddhist teachings.
Day 8: Lhasa | Lhasa City Highlights
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the Potala Palace, the iconic symbol of Tibet, for panoramic views. Explore Jokhang Temple and the bustling Barkhor Street, where locals and pilgrims come to offer prayers.
Day 9: Lhasa | Yamdrok Lake
Breakfast & Lunch
Take in the breathtaking beauty of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred sites. Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands.
Day 10: Lhasa to Chengdu | Flight to Chengdu
Take a flight from Lhasa to Chengdu and enjoy a relaxing evening in this lively city.
Day 11: Chengdu | Pandas & Local Culture
Breakfast & Lunch
Meet the adorable giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base. In the afternoon, visit a local park and witness the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu’s residents, who are known for their relaxed and happy way of life.
Day 12: Leshan | Leshan Giant Buddha
Breakfast & Lunch
Take a scenic two-hour trip to Leshan to see the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha. Enjoy a cruise and walking tour to fully appreciate the statue’s immense scale. Don’t miss the local Sichuan cuisine, known for its spicy flavors.
Day 13: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie | Tianmen Mountain
Fly from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie and visit Tianmen Mountain. Explore the famous Tianmen Cave, take a cable car ride, and walk along the thrilling glass skywalk.
Day 14: Zhangjiajie | Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, home to the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views from the top and take the Bailong Elevator for an exhilarating ride to the mountain peak.
Day 15: Zhangjiajie | Glass Bridge Adventure
Breakfast & Lunch
Experience the world’s longest glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, offering stunning views and a thrilling walk. Later, enjoy the peaceful beauty of Baofeng Lake.
Day 16: Zhangjiajie to Guilin | Reed Flute Cave
Travel to Guilin, where you’ll visit the mesmerizing Reed Flute Cave, famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
Day 17: Guilin | Longji Rice Terraces
Breakfast & Lunch
Take a trip to the Longji Rice Terraces, one of China’s most spectacular landscapes. Hike through Ping’an Zhuang Village and learn about the culture of the local ethnic minority.
Day 18: Guilin | Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Breakfast & Lunch
Enjoy a picturesque Li River cruise to Yangshuo, surrounded by dramatic karst mountain scenery. Explore a rural village and immerse yourself in authentic countryside life.
Day 19: Guilin to Shanghai | Arrive in Shanghai
Travel to Shanghai and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the city.
Day 20: Shanghai | The Bund & Yu Garden
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the historic Bund and learn about the iconic buildings that line the riverfront. Later, visit Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved example of traditional Chinese landscaping and architecture.
Day 21: Shanghai | Farewell
It’s time to say goodbye. Your guide will ensure you are safely transferred to the airport for your departure. We hope to welcome you back on your next China adventure!
Hotel Selection
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Trip Notes
Every element of the tour above can be tailored. Feel free to tell us your ideas and we will be happy to make adjustments for you.
Extend the Tour
- Suzhou and/or Hangzhou: add 1–4 days — water towns, gardens, the Grand Canal, and West Lake
- More destinations: Huangshan, Yunnan . Inform us of your interests and we will offer you some recommendations.
Accommodation
Various types of accommodation are available, including famous 5-star hotel chains, 4-star hotels in the best locations, good value 3-star hotels, or boutique hotels that reflect the style of the region. Whatever your accommodation preferences are, our travel experts will seek out and find the perfect one for you.
Most hotels in China allow at most three people in one room. If there are more than three people in your group, we will check if there is a family room available or do our best to arrange interconnecting rooms or adjoin rooms.
Transportation
China is a huge country, so to make your travel experience more efficient, we usually arrange flights to connect to your destinations.
China’s high-speed rail network is a fast-paced way to travel. We recommend taking high-speed trains for journeys of less than 6 hours to interested customers — please tell us if you are one of them.
Meals
Lunches at popular local restaurants are included for you so you can taste authentic Chinese food. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
Vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free — all your dietary requirements can be taken care of by our experienced private guides. Let us know if you have any of these dietary requirements during your booking.
Tour Price
FromUSD 6,159p/pBased on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel
Price includes:
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Travel Memories
Video Testimonials
Chinese Street Food Tour in Beijing
Happy Customer from United States
Testimonials
Winter Tour
We joined the China Winter Tour to Harbin for the Ice Festival. It was spectacular! The snow sculptures were breathtaking, and our guide, Tom , made sure we stayed warm and comfortable. The hotpot dinner was the perfect end to our icy day. Highly recommended for winter lovers!
Sofia
A Memorable Great Wall Experience!
We booked the Great Wall of China Tour with HelloChinaTrip, and it exceeded our expectations! From the moment we started in Beijing, our guide, Emily, made every step of the journey engaging and informative. Visiting both the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections allowed us to experience the Wall’s grandeur in a relaxed, unhurried way. The hidden historical stories shared by Emily made the tour unforgettable. We also enjoyed delicious local meals along the way, thanks to their excellent recommendations. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Alexandra
A Dream Family Vacation!
Our Family Tour with HelloChinaTrip was phenomenal! We explored Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou over 10 days, and everything was perfectly organized. Special thanks to our guide, Lily , who was patient and fantastic with the kids, keeping them entertained and engaged with fascinating stories. The itinerary was a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun activities. We especially loved the boat ride on West Lake. This trip created lasting family memories we’ll cherish forever!
Oliver
Incredible Silk Road Adventure
We embarked on a 12-day Silk Road Tour, and every moment was magical. From Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves to Kashgar’s bustling markets, the journey was packed with highlights. Our guide, Michael , was passionate and knowledgeable, providing insights that brought ancient history to life. The accommodations were excellent, and the transportation was seamless. This tour gave us a profound appreciation for China’s rich cultural tapestry. Highly recommend!
Nadia
Yangtze River Cruise – Truly Unforgettable!
The Yangtze River Cruise with HelloChinaTrip was an experience we’ll never forget. The 5-day journey aboard the luxury vessel was comfortable and well-planned. Our guide, Jason, shared stories about the Three Gorges that added depth to the stunning scenery. The onboard activities and meals were excellent, and every detail was taken care of. This was the highlight of our trip to China!
Liam K
A Magical Panda Tour!
Our Panda Tour in Chengdu was everything we hoped for! We visited the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, and our guide, Sophia , provided fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts. Watching the pandas play and feed was heartwarming. The tour also included some wonderful stops at local temples and markets. An unforgettable day that connected us deeply with China’s wildlife and culture.
Mariko
Tibet Tour
Our 8-day Tibet Tour with HelloChinaTrip was an extraordinary journey. From the Potala Palace to the stunning Namtso Lake, every site was awe-inspiring. Our guide, Tenzin , was knowledgeable and deeply connected to his culture, sharing stories that made our visit to Tibet incredibly personal. The logistics were seamless, and we felt well taken care of in this remote region. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Samuel
Nature Tour of Guilin
Our nature tour through Guilin and Yangshuo was beyond beautiful. The Li River cruise and the hike through the Longji Rice Terraces were the highlights. Our guide, Leo , knew every hidden viewpoint and local story. The stunning landscapes and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable trip.