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China & Tibet Discovery

  • Duration
    16 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £4,540pp
  • Read Reviews
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Journey to the roof of the world to uncover the mysteries of Tibet in the incredible city of Lhasa whilst enjoying the very best cultural, historical and natural treasures that China has to offer – from the Great Wall and Terracotta Army to the Yangtze River.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    14 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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Tour Highlights

Our China & Tibet Discovery tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Authentic Experiences

Our China & Tibet Discovery Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Tour Itinerary

This tour is ideal for those looking for a comprehensive visit to China’s most famous sights and who also wish to visit Tibet. This tour is also ideal for customers looking for a Yangtze River Cruise.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Beijing
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

    Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 3: Imperial Beijing

    Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck before enjoying a Chinese acrobatic show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    The Great Wall
    Day 4: The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon enjoying the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Tang Dynasty Dancing
    Day 5: Tang Dynasty Dancing

    Take the bullet train to Xian. Explore the streets of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

    After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Mystical Lhasa
    Day 7: Mystical Lhasa

    Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Jokhang Temple & the Bakhor Circuit
    Day 8: Jokhang Temple & the Bakhor Circuit

    Lhasa is a contemporary, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old streets at its heart you'll feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally-dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Potala Palace
    Day 9: Potala Palace

    The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city. Also visit a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Fly to Chengdu
    Day 10: Fly to Chengdu

    Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This evening, there will be a delicious Sichuanese meal to savour.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Chengdu Panda Reserve
    Day 11: Chengdu Panda Reserve

    Begin today with a visit to Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated icons up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Watch them play and chomp on bamboo before travelling to Chongqing to board your Yangtze River cruise ship.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 12-13
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Days 12-13: Yangtze River Cruise

    Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another as you marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Three Gorges Dam
    Day 14: Three Gorges Dam

    Visit the Three Gorges Dam, a massive feat of engineering that saw the century-old dreams of Chinese luminaries come to fruition. Created to harness the power of the Yangtze, it is difficult not to be awestruck as you stand on the viewing platform. Disembark your cruise vessel and travel to Yichang to board your flight to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Discover Shanghai
    Day 15: Discover Shanghai

    Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Sightseeing today includes a visit to the traditional Yu Garden, a stop by a silk factory to learn about this time-honored craftsmanship and a wander through the old town’s bustling streets. Also admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront, the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise followed by a delicious Shanghainese meal.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Fly Shanghai to UK
    Day 16: Fly Shanghai to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 3
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
  • Nights 2
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    12 Xi Duan, Huan Cheng South Road, Xian 710068, Shaanxi, P.R. China
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar
  • Nights 3
    Metropolo Hotels
    No.46 Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China
    Metropolo Hotels
    The 4-star Metropolo Hotels (Potala Palace store, Lhasa) offers a relaxing haven for travelers in Lhasa, integrating Chinese and Western elements. Conveniently situated, it is just 7km from Lhasa Railway Station and in close proximity to attractions like Potala Palace and Tibet Museum, adding to its appeal. Featuring a fitness area, restaurant, Wi-Fi and good quality toiletries, this is the perfect hotel to stay in Lhasa.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
  • Night 1
    Xinliang Hotel
    Xinliang Hotel
    The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
  • Nights 3
    Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
    Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
    Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
  • Nights 2
    Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
    No.5 Zunyi South Road, Changning District, Shanghai 200336 China
    Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
    Formerly known as the Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel, the 4-star Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel is located in the heart of Shanghai and welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.

The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Chengdu
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Lhasa
  • -1°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 5°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 12mm
  • Lhasa
  • 2°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 7°c
  • 59mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Chengdu
  • 12°c
  • 20mm
  • Lhasa
  • 5°c
  • 3mm
  • Shanghai
  • 10°c
  • 94mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Chengdu
  • 17°c
  • 44mm
  • Lhasa
  • 9°c
  • 6mm
  • Shanghai
  • 16°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 78mm
  • Lhasa
  • 13°c
  • 28mm
  • Shanghai
  • 21°c
  • 84mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Chengdu
  • 24°c
  • 107mm
  • Lhasa
  • 16°c
  • 71mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 182mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 224mm
  • Lhasa
  • 16°c
  • 117mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 146mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 201mm
  • Lhasa
  • 16°c
  • 121mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 214mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 119mm
  • Lhasa
  • 14°c
  • 68mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 87mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Chengdu
  • 18°c
  • 35mm
  • Lhasa
  • 10°c
  • 9mm
  • Shanghai
  • 20°c
  • 56mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Chengdu
  • 13°c
  • 16mm
  • Lhasa
  • 4°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 14°c
  • 52mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 5mm
  • Lhasa
  • 0°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
+ -
China & Tibet Discovery  map

Places Visited: UK - Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Lhasa (3N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Shanghai (2N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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