PERFECT FOR:
- Nature Lovers & Photographers
- History & Architecture Buffs
- Those seeking the road less traveled
- Unique Cultural Experiences
- First time and returning travelers to China
A Luxury China & Tibet Tour – Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Lhasa, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai
17 Days / 15 Nights – Tour Code (CYT) – Departs Wednesday / Saturday
Our Yangtze & Tibet Explorient tour combines a rare glimpse of the inspiring Tibetan culture with an invigorating river journey along China’s longest and most revered waterway. This remarkable 17-day expedition showcases several of China’s most revered destinations, spanning a distinctive array of natural beauty, dazzling landmarks, distinctive cultures and sensational cuisines – all in the luxury comfort of China’s finest hotels and Explorient’s signature private service.
Your introduction to China begins with two of its greatest ancient capitals, where you’ll experience first-hand China’s storied past, legendary landmarks and national treasures. Stroll the massive grounds of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. Trace the footsteps of mankind atop the magnificent Great Wall. Marvel the incredible Terracotta Army that laid beneath the earth for over two thousand years. Admire the intricate architectural masterpiece of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, formerly privy only to the Great Emperor himself. Beijing and Xian never cease to amaze the visitor.
Next, visit Sichuan’s Capital of Chengdu. Besides being renowned for its beloved Giant Pandas, Chengdu charms the visitor with its laid-back atmosphere, ancient architecture and sensational Sichuan cuisine. Visit the Panda Breeding & Research Center, where monumental strides have been made toward the conservation of the endangered Giant Panda species since its inception in 1987, when six of these gentle giants were rescued from the wild. Today, you’ll have a chance to observe roughly one hundred of these amazing animals that were once on the brink of extinction.
In a flash, travel back in time to Lhasa, the heartland of Tibet and home of the imposing Potala Palace. At 12,000 ft above sea level, Lhasa offers a rare glimpse into this sacred land that rewards the visitor with its idyllic mountain scenery, fascinating Tibetan culture, and remarkable monasteries to which thousands of Tibetan pilgrims embark months-long expeditions from near and far. After a heavy dose of culture and spectacular mountain scenery, we spend the next three days in total relaxation on board one of the Yangtze’s finest floating hotels for an unforgettable cruise along Asia’s longest river. Cruising in style, passengers are rewarded with amazing sights of the mighty Yangtze, including the impressive Three Gorges, the culturally inspiring Shennong Stream, and the massive Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest construction project since the Great Wall.
Last but certainly not least, we conclude this incredible journey in Shanghai, an international city of glam and sophistication that boasts the country’s trendiest fashion, finest cuisine, latest technological marvels and a skyline that is out of this world. From Tibet’s fascinating culture to Shanghai’s cosmopolitan vibes; Beijing’s stunning architectural masterpieces to Xian’s remarkable Terracotta Army; Yangtze’s breathtaking scenery to Chengdu’s amazing Giant Pandas; this vacation of a lifetime offers everything!
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy Class Air via Cathay Pacific Airways from USA
- All domestic flights within China
- 15 nights deluxe hotel & cruise accommodations
- Hotel Breakfasts Daily
- Lunches & dinner as specified per itinerary
- Private Tour: Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and professional guides
BEIJING (3 nights)
- 3 nights at the Regent Beijing
- 2 full days of private sightseeing including Great Wall at Mutianyue (with cable car ride), Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Temple of Heaven and Hutongs by Rickshaw
- Evening “Legends of Kung Fu” Performance
XIAN (2 nights)
- 2 nights at The Westin Xian
- Full day private sightseeing including the Terra Cotta Army excavation site, City Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall
- Evening tour of Night Markets at Muslim Quarters
- Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show
CHENGDU (1 night)
- 1 night at the St. Regis Hotel
- Sightseeing of Panda Research & Breeding Center
LHASA (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Shangri-La Lhasa
- 2 full days of extensive private sightseeing including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and Summer Palace.
YANGTZE CRUISE (3 nights)
- 3 nights on board the Century Paragon | Century Legend
- All meals while on board the cruise (food only)
- Daily Shore Excursions (join basis)
SHANGHAI (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Hyatt-on-the-Bund
- Full day private sightseeing including the Bund, Old Town & its Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center & Tianzifang Art District
- Evening Acrobatics Performance
*Program featuring Century Paragon & Century Legend departs on Saturday and Wednesday, respectively.
Day 1 (Sat/Wed) Depart North America
Depart USA for Beijing via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.
Day 2 (Sun/Thu) Beijing
Upon arrival, after clearing immigration and customs, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 3 (Mon/Fri) Beijing
Today, visit the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with cable car ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Beijing City and enjoy a tour of its Old Quarters (Hutongs) by rickshaw, visiting a local family residence and the Bell & Drum Tower. This evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner, followed by a Legends of Kung Fu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Tue/Sat) Beijing
Today’s full-day tour includes visits to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)
Day 5 (Wed/Sun) Beijing / Xian
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 6 (Thu/Mon) Xian
Today’s full-day tour includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the City Wall, Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di with its Terracotta army. Tonight, enjoy a dinner and cultural show at the Tang Dynasty Theater. (B,L,D)
Day 7 (Fri/Tue) Xian / Chengdu
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of the Panda Research & Breeding Center (time permitting) before transferring to your hotel. This evening, enjoy an International Buffet Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 8 (Sat/Wed) Chengdu / Lhasa
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to adjust yourself to the altitude. (B,D)
Day 9 (Sun/Thu) Lhasa
Full-day sightseeing includes Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and the Summer Palace. (B,L,D)
Day 10 (Mon/Fri) Lhasa
Today’s tour includes the Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama, and a typical Tibetan Monastery. (B,L,D)
Day 11 (Tue/Sat) Lhasa / Chongqing
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, enjoy brief sightseeing (time permitting), followed by dinner at a local restaurant featuring local cuisine. Transfer to your Cruise for your journey down the Yangtze River. (B,D)
Day 12 (Wed/Sun) Cruise (Shibaozhai)
Soak up the spectacular scenery on board your cruise. Today’s shore excursion takes you to Shibaozhai Pagoda, an architectural masterpiece built in the Ming Dynasty. Built into the side of a 220 meter hill along the Yangtze River, the pagoda is 12 stories high and is the tallest specimen of ancient architecture in China. It is reputed as one of the eight fantastic examples of architecture in the world. Today, due to effects of the Three Gorges Dam and rising water levels, Shibaozhai can be reached just steps from the dock. (B,L,D) ***Note: all shore excursions operates on join basis with other cruise participants.***
Day 13 (Thu/Mon) Cruise (Wushan)
Cruise through the Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu and Xiling. This afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the Shennong Stream. (B,L,D)
Day 14 (Fri/Tue) Yichang / Shanghai
Today, visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the World’s largest reservoir and electricity-generating facility. After disembarking from the cruise ship, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 15 (Sat/Wed) Shanghai
Full-day city sightseeing of Shanghai features the Old Town and its Yu Garden, Urban Planning & Exhibition Center, the Bund, Shanghai Museum and the art district of Tianzifang, famed for its Old Shanghai Shikumen houses in a laid back atmosphere with cobbled streets lined with art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Enjoy a Western lunch at one of Shanghai’s exclusive restaurants located on the Bund. This evening, enjoy a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatics Performance. (B,L)
Day 16 (Sun/Thu) Shanghai
Full day free at leisure to shop and explore Shanghai on your own. (B)
Day 17 (Mon/Fri) Return Home
Transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight home. (B)
| 2021 Air & Land Price Chart (Tour operates March – November) | ||||
Departs Sat & Wed | Land Only | West Coast | East Coast | Single Supplement |
| March | 6,725 | 7,825 | 7,925 | 2,425 |
| Apr. – May* | 6,875 | 7,975 | 8,075 | 2,575 |
| Jun. – Aug. | 6,725 | 8,275 | 8,475 | 2,425 |
| Sep. – Oct. | 6,875 | 7,975 | 8,075 | 2,575 |
| November | 6,825 | 7,925 | 8,025 | 2,525 |
Tour Requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate West Coast: LAX/SFO/SEA East Coast: JFK/EWR/BOS/IAD/ORD | ||||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, Tibet Entry Permit , Hotel taxes & service charges, domestic air taxes
- Entry to Tibet is subject to government restrictions/closure and can be changed with short or no notice, affecting tour availability
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages during included lunches & dinners, gratuities to guides and drivers
- For Air & Land Option
- When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Fri-Sun), add $50 per person each direction.
- U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $200 – subject to change)
- *June – August rates apply for departures between May 24-31
- Land-only price includes China Domestic Airfares
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package. Passport must NOT expire within 6 months from end of trip
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Tibet’s Potala Palace & Summer Palace
- Yangtze River cruise with daily shore excursions
- Beijing’s Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
- Chengdu’s Panda Breeding & Research Center
- Shanghai’s bright lights & big city vibes
Price Starting From:
$7,975
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Beijing – The Regent Hotel
Lhasa – The Shangri-La Hotel
Yangtze Cruise – Century Sky
Xian – The Westin Hotel
Shanghai – Hyatt on the Bund
Chengdu – St. Regis Hotel
Yangtze Cruise – Century Paragon
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
