Day 1 Beijing
Day 2 Beijing
Step into the majestic imperial palace where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for five centuries. Explore the ceremonial courtyards and the exquisite private quarters of the royal family. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Dinner Suggestions: Iconic Peking Duck
Indulge in a signature feast at a renowned, time-honored restaurant. Savor the legendary roast duck, celebrated for its signature crispy skin, tender meat, and the subtle aroma of fruit-wood roasting.
Day 3 Beijing
Wander through the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Originally designed as a royal summer retreat, it features an exquisite collection of classical pavilions and bridges centered around the tranquil Kunming Lake.
Day 4 Beijing - Lhasa (by air)
Day 5 Lhasa
The Sera Monastery, one of the three most distinguished monasteries in Lhasa, is famous for its tantric teachings.
Day 6 Lhasa
The Barkhor Street, Lhasa's old market, is full of vendors selling their wares. The smell of Yak butter is wafting in the air and hundreds of pilgrims are moving in a clockwise direction.
The Norbulingkha is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
Day 7 Lhasa - Chengdu (by air)
Located in the heart of Chengdu, Kuanzhai Alley is a vibrant historical and cultural district that showcases the city's unique, leisurely lifestyle. Comprising three parallel ancient alleys—Kuan Alley (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley (Well Alley)—this area features beautifully preserved courtyard architecture dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It offers a perfect blend of old Chengdu traditions and modern creative culture, where visitors can stroll through historic gray-brick lanes, experience traditional Sichuan tea houses, watch classic face-changing opera performances, and sample a wide array of authentic local street food.
Optional Experience: Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show
Enjoy the amazing Sichuan Opera Face-Changing performance. Witness the incredible mask-changing stunts, appreciate classic Sichuan folk art and immerse yourself in authentic local culture.
Day 8 Chengdu - Lijiang (by air)
Day 9 Lijiang
The Baisha Village is one of the oldest towns in Lijiang as well as one of the earliest communities of the Naxi ethnic group. The 44 pieces of ancient murals there were carved in the early Ming Dynasty.
The Old Town of Lijiang (UNESCO) is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in China and is famous for its distinctive Naxi culture and ancient buildings.
Day 10 Lijiang – Shangri-La (by automobile)
Day 11 Shangri-La
The Pudacuo National Park is notable as the first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. It incorporates the Bita Lake and the Duhu Scenic Area, and holds the stunning view of three parallel rivers and dense deciduous forests.
Day 12 Shangri-La – Kunming (by air)
Day 13 Kunming - Shanghai (by air)
Day 14 Shanghai
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.
Step back in time and experience the historical heart of the city at Shanghai Old Town, where classic Jiangnan-style architecture and bustling street markets offer a fascinating contrast to the city's futuristic skyscrapers. Anchored by the 16th-century Yu Garden and the lively bazaar surrounding the City God Temple, this vibrant district allows you to wander through labyrinthine alleys lined with traditional gray-brick buildings, cross the iconic Nine-Turn Bridge, and sample world-famous local delicacies like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at historic eateries.
Leisure Time & Optional Experiences
Huangpu River Cruise: See Shanghai’s iconic skyline from the water on a Huangpu River Cruise. Sail past the Bund’s 52 historic colonial buildings and the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui, including the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. Choose a day cruise for clear architectural details or a night cruise (highly recommended) to see the city illuminated in a dazzling light show.
Shanghai Tower Skywalk Experience: Soar to new heights at the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building at 632 meters. Ride the world’s fastest elevator (18m/s) to the 118th-floor Top of Shanghai Observatory. Enjoy 360°panoramic views of the city, including the Bund’s colonial architecture, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the winding Huangpu River.
About Tibet Travel Permits:
1. All foreign travelers are required to have the Tibet Travel Permit (or Tibet Permit, Tibet Entry Permit) in hand before entering Tibet. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued by Tibet Administration to the authorized travel agencies, but not to individual travelers directly.
2. CITS handle Tibet Permit application for guests who booked Tibet tour package from us. Travelers can either take a tailored private tour or join in a group tour. The tour package should include services of tour guide, automobile, sightseeing & accommodation. Please be advised that we do NOT offer “permit-only” service.
3. The Tibet Permit needs to be applied at least 20 days prior to arrival in Tibet, so we suggest travelers send the tour inquiry at least 30 days in advance.
4. The general travel information (including tour dates, travelers’ personal information, destinations in Tibet…) will be attached to the Tibet Permit, so the travel itinerary could not be changed once the tour is confirmed.
5. All travelers can get Tibet Permit through an authorized travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.
How to book a Tibet tour with Tibet Travel Permit:
Step1: Traveler sends a travel inquiry to CITS.
Step 2: CITS travel counselor sends you an itinerary and quote. We are pleased to make any changes as per your request before you are completely satisfied with the tour proposal.
Step 3: Book the tour and make the payment via bank transfer or PayPal. Payment needs to be received by us at least 20 days before your arrival.
Step 4: Send us the following document & information:
- A scanned copy of your passport (photo page);
- A scanned copy of your China visa (tourist visa);
- All travelers’ information including full names, gender, date of birth, passport number, nationality and occupation;
Step 5: Your travel counselors will confirm the tour and send you an email attached with the confirmation & voucher.
Step 6: When you leave for Lhasa you will need to show the original copy of the Tibet permit when checking in at the airport or railway station. The permit will be delivered to our local office in the departure city. You will need to pick it up from the local office. If you booked the land service at that city, our guide will pass the permit to you.
-- Private tour guide
-- Private air-conditioned car or coach
-- Land transfers between airport or railway station and hotel
-- Entrance tickets as listed
-- Chinese lunch as listed
-- Centrally located hotels with breakfast
-- Domestic flights with taxes as listed
-- Tibet Travel Permit
-- Service charge & government taxes
-- International flights with taxes
-- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, phone bills, optional activities
-- Tips for guides and drivers
-- China Visa
-- Travel insurance