13 Days China Group Tour from Shanghai with Holy Tibet Discovery

Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai, China's most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai's long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai's unique culture. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Shanghai, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Shanghai Arrival Ideas:

Travelers can go to Shanghai easily by air or high speed train. There are two airports - Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport operating numerous international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Shanghai by air from most cities in China, like Beijing, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, Lhasa, and more. In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Shanghai from Beijing (4.5-6 hours), Xian (6-7.5 hours), Huangshan (2.5-3 hours), Guangzhou (7-8.5 hours), Suzhou (0.5 hour), Hangzhou (about 45 mins), Wuhan (3.5-4.5 hours), etc.

Today, follow your local guide in Shanghai to discover why this city is often called the "Paris of the East." From world-class museums and classical gardens to futuristic towers and iconic architecture, the city is where East and West, past and future harmoniously coexist.  

Start in Pudong's Lujiazui financial district, home to a trio of landmark skyscrapers. At 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the third-tallest on earth, twisting a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak.

Ride one of the world's fastest elevators (64 km/h) to the Shanghai Observatory on the 118th floor for breathtaking 360-degree views with the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center spread below.

Next, head to the Shanghai Museum (East) to see some of the best examples of ancient Chinese art. The new building itself is a striking sight, whose modern, sweeping facade looks like river water, and is inspired by Shanghai's spirit of embracing all that the world brings to its shores.

Inside the museum, the numerous displaying bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and painting, jade, antique furniture, coins, and sculpture make it like a iving encyclopedia of Chinese art.

The highlight of the museum is the Da Ke Ding, a Western Zhou ritual vessel over 3,000 years old. Cast into its inner wall is a long inscription recording stories of the Zhou royal house.

Continue to Yu Garden, a classical Jiangnan-style private garden founded in the Ming Dynasty (1559). Hidden in the heart of Shanghai, it offers a striking counterpoint to the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Wandering through its pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and winding corridors, every step reveals a new scene.

The Exquisite Jade Rock (Yu Linglong) featuring delicate hollows and perforations is the garden's centerpiece. The Nine-Turn Bridge and the Mid-Lake Pavilion are iconic photo stops.

Several minutes' walk away, the red-lantern-lined lanes of the Yuyuan Bazaar are filled with century-old shops. You can sample local specialties such as Nanxiang xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), browse traditional craft stalls, and soak up the old-Shanghai buzz and classical culture.

In the afternoon, stroll along Nanjing Road, China's most famous shopping street. Running east to west, it's lined with time-honored shops, modern department stores, and small boutiques.

Follow the pedestrian street all the way east and you'll reach the Bund. Along the Huangpu River stands a row of dozens of century-old buildings in a mix of neo-classical, Gothic, and Baroque styles, all of which are testaments to a hundred years of Shanghai's history.

From the riverside promenade, the Huangpu River stretches before you, with the Lujiazui skyscrapers clearly visible on the opposite bank. As dusk falls, old and new cityscapes come together in a single frame, creating Shanghai's most classic photo scene.

At the end of the day, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Shanghai.

Travel Notes:

• Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, your guide can suggest an alternative such as the nearby City God Temple or the Former French Concession instead.

• The Shanghai Museum (East) is shut on Tuesdays. On those days the museum at People's Square takes its place, or another city sight.

After breakfast, you will have some time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport for your flight to Lhasa (Economy Class Flight Ticket arranged by AOT).

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Lhasa, the driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Lhasa. You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa the next day.

Kind Reminds:

1. It is good to avoid the highland sickness by slow down, keep warm, drink some water frequently, no shower for the first one or two days, take it easy, and sleep well.

2. You should always follow your doctor's advice on altitude according to your health condition.

3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and good at dealing with altitude sickness

Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. And then, you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.)

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner featuring delicious Tibetan cuisine, specially offered by AOT team.

On this day, drive about 8 to 9 hours (340km) from Lhasa to Shigatse via a visit to two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier on the way.

In the morning, after about 3 to 4 hours' drive (200km), you'd better have your camera ready. When reaching Kampala Pass (4,797 meters), you'll have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake (a freshwater lake) down below as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet along with Lake Lhamo Latso, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Namtso. And Lake Yamdrok is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You will be happy to see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs/dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them, for local Tibetans, it's a subsidy income for their family.

In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours (70km) to visit one of the most beautiful Glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the location of the film Red Valley (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the Highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town. You can view it right off the highway from your car. Sure you can easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier which shape is like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.

Karola Glacier Visiting Notes:

1. The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,012m, be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.

2. The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.

3. Local people would ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential little troubles.

After that, drive about 3.5h (170km) to your hotel in Shigatse, the nearest town on the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal. Have a good rest and get ready for a lifetime trip to EBC the next day

After breakfast, drive about 6.5 hours (330km) to the peak of the world - Mount Everest, while stopping by the Rongbuk Monastery - the world's highest altitude monastery before spending the night at the Everest Base Camp.

Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you would get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m, Gyatso La Pass), between Lhatse and Shelkar. Apart from Mt. Everest, you will be marveled at the zigzag road that looks winding to the end of the world. On the road, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp, for them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass with incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) for the first good view of Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,154m, Rongbuk Monastery is the world's highest monastery, a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and you will find it photo worthy. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. Along with incredible Mt. Everest views, at Rongbuk Monastery you will be touched by the breathtaking scenery such as large white chorten, piles of mani stones, colorful prayer flags, devout pilgrims passing by...

Notes:

1.Travelers can only go as far as the Rongbuk Temple area rather than a few kilometers farther as before. But it's no big difference in terms of viewing Mt. Everest.

2.Today's food and lodging is very basic. Due to the high altitude, it is possible that you may have some symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend that you stay well hydrated, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery to minimize your symptoms

You will get an early start to catch the sunrise over Mt. Everest, then head back to Gyatso La Pass (Gyawu La Pass, the Dingri Boundary, 122km, 3.5 hours) for a quick photo stop. After that, drive back to Shigatse (240km, about 4.5 hours). And be escorted to your hotel in Shigatse, take a shower, and prepare for the departure the next day.

On this day, you will be transferred to Xian by flight. Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival in Xian, the driver will greet you at the exit of the airport, and then escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown area. Enjoy some time on your own after the hotel check-in.

Important Notice for Transfer from Tibet to Xian:

Due to seasonal adjustments in flight and high-speed train schedules, Asia Odyssey Travel is committed to ensuring a smooth connection to your next destination - Xian. There are three possible plans, and we will select the most suitable one based on the current schedules:

Plan A: On Day 8 in Tibet, take the high-speed train from Shigatse to Lhasa in the morning, then fly out of Lhasa in the afternoon.

Plan B: On the evening of Day 7 in Tibet, take the high-speed train from Shigatse back to Lhasa, then fly out of Lhasa on Day 8.

Plan C: On Day 8 in Tibet, fly directly from Shigatse (with a transfer/layover).

Many travelers know Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, and you will witness this remarkable underground army dating back over 2,200 years this morning. About 40 km from the city center, the Terracotta Army ranks among the world's greatest archaeological discoveries.

Qin Shihuang, China's first emperor, ordered craftsmen to build this vast burial army to guard him in the afterlife. Though the entire site has not been fully excavated yet, you will be amazed by the military formation of the Qin Dynasty, revealed through the over 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures that have been unearthed so far. All of them are testaments to the extraordinary skill of ancient Chinese craftsmen.

Currently, there 3 pits open to the public. Pit 1 is the most striking one, housing over 6,000 soldiers and horses. Pit 2 houses around 1,300 warriors and horses, showing the battle formation with its kneeling and standing archers, chariot ranks and weapon-bearing troops.

After lunch, drive back to the city center to enjoy your time on the Ancient City Wall, the Fortification of Xi'an and one of the most complete and oldest city walls still standing in China. Stroll along its ramparts, gazing over the inner and outer walls, watchtowers and moat, and enjoy panoramic views of modern Xi'an.

Descend from the City Wall at Yongning Gate, then walk to the Bell & Drum Tower Square to admire the over 600-year-old Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which offer an ideal backdrop for photos capturing the city's blend of past and present. After dark, the square offers a vibrant city nightscape and a glimpse into locals' evening routines.

This morning, you will go to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for your high speed train to next destination - Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, your driver will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can explore by yourself around your hotel.

Today is for you to discover the imperial side of Beijing through its iconic landmarks, imperial palaces and gardens.

Meet your guide after breakfast and begin your tour at Tian'anmen Square, a vast plaza that ranks as the largest of its kind anywhere on earth. It has played host to one landmark moment after another in modern Chinese history, and it offers a perfect photo spot in front of the Tian'anmen Gate.

A short walk brings you into the Forbidden City (aka Palace Museum), where 24 emperors once lived behind its walls. For roughly five centuries, it functioned as the ceremonial and political core of the country, through both the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. UNESCO now lists it among the world's heritage treasures. Its more than 8,700 rooms make it the country's finest and most complete collection of ancient buildings — a true city within a city.

Enter from the Meridian Gate and walk along the central axis to encounter some of its best highlights, taking in the architecture details and treasures as your guide recounts how the rulers who resided here spent their days.

After the visit, a gentle 15-minute climb to the top of Jingshan Park follows. The view platform at the highest pavillion in the park will reward you with a bird's-eye view over the rooftops of the Forbidden City and the modern city beyond.

Visit the Summer Palace in the afternoon, a lakeside retreat where generations of emperors in the Qing Dynasty escaped the summer heat. It has long been called a "Museum of Royal Gardens," with temples, pavilions, bridges, gate-towers and a painted corridor well arranged along shores of Kunming Lake. Wandering through the garden feels like stepping into a scroll of classical Chinese landscape painting.

Travel Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your planned visit falls on a Monday, your guide will adjust the itinerary and arrange the visit for another day during your stay in Beijing.

Drive roughly 73 km (about 1.5-2 hours) out of the city this morning to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. This restored section borders Jiankou Wild Great Wall to its west and is widely praised as the longest and best-preserved open stretch of the Ming Great Wall. Compared to the popular Badaling Great Wall, this section sees fewer visitors and features 23 Ming-era watchtowers and sweeping views.

Based on your energy level, you can hike the whole section or take a cable car up to Watchtower 14. The hike from Watchtower 14 to Watchtower 20 is mostly easy with expansive scenery and excellent photo spots, though the final stretch between Tower 19 and 20 is steep (the famous Hero Slope).

Drive back to the city center after this once-in-a-lifetime experience. En route, stop for photos outside two Olympic icons: the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), built for the 2008 Summer Games and reused for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Your driver then drops you at the hotel, and the rest of the evening is your own.

It is time to end your 8-day China group tour. You will have some time in Beijing and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore other Asia destinations rather than return home right away, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas!