Luxury China Tour Through Tibet & the Three Gorges
Enchanting Tibet & Yangtze
Beijing — Xian — Lhasa — Chengdu — Chongqing — Yangtze River Cruise — Shanghai
Places Where You'll Stay
Beijing (3 nights)
Day 1 - 3
Xi'an (2 Nights)
Day 4 - 5
Lhasa (3 Nights)
Day 6 - 8
Chengdu (1 Night)
Day 9
Yangtze Cruise (3 Nights)
Day 10 - 12
Shanghai (3 Nights)
Day 13 - 15
Ancient Capitals, Tibetan Highlands & The Three Gorges
Discover China through its highest spiritual landscapes and most storied waterway on this privately guided luxury journey designed for travelers drawn to depth, contrast, and composure. Enchanting Tibet & Yangtze unites imperial capitals, sacred monasteries, high-altitude devotion, and a serene Three Gorges passage into a cohesive portrait of a civilization shaped by continuity and transformation.
Imperial authority and architectural scale frame the historical foundation. Monumental ramparts trace mountain ridges at the Great Wall, ceremonial courtyards unfold within the Forbidden City, and ancient city walls encircle Xi’an, where the silent ranks of the Terracotta Warriors stand in perpetual formation. These encounters ground the journey in China’s dynastic legacy before perspective shifts dramatically upward.
On the Tibetan Plateau, space and silence become part of the narrative. Pilgrims move in quiet circuits, prayer wheels turn in steady cadence, and the Potala Palace rises as both architectural marvel and enduring spiritual symbol. The atmosphere is contemplative yet alive—shaped by ritual, altitude, and an unbroken sense of identity.
A gentler rhythm emerges in Sichuan’s teahouse culture and protected panda habitats, where moments feel intimate and unhurried. From there, the Yangtze River introduces fluidity and scale. Aboard a refined vessel, emerald cliffs and mist-veiled gorges glide past in quiet succession, offering scenic interludes that complement the plateau’s stillness rather than compete with it.
The journey closes in Shanghai, where classical gardens, art districts, and the illuminated Bund offer a polished counterpoint to Tibet’s sacred calm. Thoughtfully arranged end to end, Enchanting Tibet & Yangtze pairs China’s imperial foundations and contemporary finish with an immersive passage through its most spiritually resonant region—elevated further by a restorative Three Gorges cruise.
What makes this tour unique
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Drawn to China’s Spiritual and Scenic Extremes – Ideal for those who seek both high-altitude devotion and storied river landscapes within a single, thoughtfully composed journey.
- For Those Who Want Elevation Without Disruption – Designed with careful pacing and expert coordination to ensure seamless transitions from imperial capitals to the Tibetan Plateau and onward to river cruising.
- For Discerning Travelers Who Value Context and Continuity – A strong fit for those who expect historical insight, cultural sensitivity, and refined accommodations delivered consistently across diverse regions.
- For Travelers Seeking Contrast with Cohesion – Best for those who appreciate sacred stillness, dramatic scenery, and cosmopolitan energy woven into a fluid, intelligently structured route.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- First Class high speed train Beijing-Xian & Chengdu-Chongqing
- All internal flights within China
- 15 nights’ accommodations at deluxe hotels and your choice of four Yangtze River cruises
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Lunches and dinners per itinerary
- Private Tour: all excursions and transfers by private car with chauffeur and expert local guides (shore excursions on shared basis).
- Carefree travel with 24/7 Support
*Departure dates vary by cruise selection; please refer to the pricing chart for details.
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1–3: Beijing – Where Imperial Grandeur Meets Everyday Life
Begin your adventure in China’s capital, a city where millennia-old palaces rise beside modern high-rises, and quiet temple courtyards hum alongside lively hutong alleyways. Over three days, explore Beijing’s legendary sites, savor its iconic flavors, and discover hidden corners that reveal the city’s soul.
Day 1 (Welcome to China!): Arrive in Beijing, where your personal guide will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps strolling along Wangfujing or simply relaxing after your journey.
Day 2 (Hike the Great Wall of China): Head northwest to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall—a less-crowded, beautifully preserved stretch lined with 22 watchtowers. Ride the cable car up, walk along the ramparts, and take in sweeping mountain views before returning to the city for a stroll through Beijing’s historic hutongs, where families have lived for generations. Dinner tonight features Beijing’s celebrated Peking Duck at one of the city’s finest restaurants. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Imperial Palaces & Temples): Explore Beijing’s most revered landmarks: Tiananmen Square, the monumental gateway to the nation’s history; the Forbidden City, a vast imperial complex once reserved for emperors; and either the Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace, both masterpieces of Ming-era design. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along Qianmen’s lively pedestrian lanes before returning to your hotel for time to relax—perhaps with a cocktail or afternoon tea. (B,L)
Discover More of Beijing
Grand, storied, and steeped in ceremony, Beijing is where the weight of history rests gently on your shoulders, yet the city hums ...
Enhance your Beijing Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at dumpling-making
Enjoy tea tasting at a local tea house
Extend your stay: hike remote sections of the Great Wall, then stay in Gubei water village (2 days)
Days 4–5: Xian– Gateway to the Ancient Silk Road
Once China’s capital for 13 dynasties, Xian is a living museum of the nation’s history — from its imposing city walls to the legendary Terracotta Army.
Day 4 (From One Ancient Capital to the Next): This morning, board a high-speed train to Xian, watching the countryside rush past at up to 300 km/h. On arrival, walk atop the ancient City Wall, where watchtowers and ramparts offer sweeping views of the old city within and the modern skyline beyond. In the evening, stroll through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a lively promenade of Tang-style architecture, street performances, and open-air markets. Check in for your two-nights’ stay. (B)
Day 5 (See the Terracotta Army): Stand face-to-face with the silent ranks of the Terracotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses crafted to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. After lunch, visit the elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda, its tiered silhouette rising gracefully above the city. In the evening, savor Shaanxi’s signature hot pot, followed by a colorful Tang Dynasty cultural performance. (B,L,D)
Discover More of Xi'an
Storied, enduring, and endlessly fascinating, Xi’an is where China’s history comes to stand beside you. Once the starting point of the Silk Road...
Enhance your Xian Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at Biángbiáng (hand-pulled) noodle-making
Visit Huaqing Palace: one of the Four Great Royal Gardens in China
Days 6–8: Lhasa – The Roof of the World
At the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa invites a slower pace—wide horizons and a culture shaped by devotion. These days balance moments of awe with meaningful encounters, revealing Tibet’s quiet intensity and enduring spiritual life.
Day 6 (Journey to the Tibetan Highlands): This morning, visit the Han Yangling Mausoleum, the resting place of Emperor Jing of the Western Han Dynasty, that offers a rare look at Han-era life through excavated corridors lined with miniature terracotta figures. Afterward, travel by air to Lhasa. Upon meeting your guide and transferring to your hotel, the day is kept intentionally light—time to rest, hydrate, and let the altitude become familiar. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening. (B,D)
Day 7 (Lhasa’s Spiriual Heart): Today offers a grounded introduction to Lhasa’s spiritual and everyday rhythms. Visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, set in the heart of the Old Town—a living place of worship where ritual is constant and daily life moves in step with devotion. Continue through the Barkhor, where pilgrims follow the kora route alongside local stalls and small markets. Later, enjoy a more tranquil contrast at the Summer Palace (Norbulingka), the former retreat of the Dalai Lamas, set within gardens and reflective ponds. (B,L)
Day 8 (Potala Palace & Sacred Traditions): Lhasa’s most iconic landmark comes into view at the Potala Palace, monumental yet intimate in its chapels, halls, and golden rooftops. Beyond its architecture, the Potala is a living place of devotion—pilgrims travel great distances to pay tribute, circling in prayer, turning wheels, and pausing in quiet prostration as part of daily ritual. The experience is paced with plenty of pauses, allowing time for breath, perspective, and the sweep of views across the valley.
Later, visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great monastic universities. Here, observe traditional monk debates in the courtyard, then step inside the prayer halls and chapels where butter lamps flicker and chants linger. (B,L)
Discover More of Lhasa
Set high on the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa is a place of quiet devotion and vast horizons, where sacred landmarks, turning prayer wheels, and centuries-old traditions reveal a culture deeply rooted in faith.
Days 9-10: Chengdu – Home of the Giant Pandas
Heart of Sichuan and home to China’s beloved Giant Pandas, Chengdu is a city where spicy flavors, ancient traditions, and spiritual landscapes intertwine.
Day 9 (Journey to the Heart of Sichuan Province): This morning, a 2-hour flight whisks you to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan and home to the world’s Giant Pandas. On arrival, explore People’s Park, alive with teahouses and tai chi, before wandering the cobblestone lanes of Jinli Ancient Street, lined with artisan shops and vibrant food stalls. This evening, enjoy a traditional Sichuan dinner, followed by a mesmerizing face-changing opera performance, where actors dazzle with lightning-fast mask changes—a cultural treasure unique to Chengdu. (B,D)
Day 10 (From Giant Pandas to City Lights): Begin the day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where bamboo groves and quiet enclosures create an unexpectedly serene setting for meeting China’s most beloved icons. Watch pandas at their most natural—ambling, feeding, and dozing—while learning how conservation and breeding programs are helping protect the species.
Later, a short one-hour high-speed train ride takes you to Chongqing. Wander lively districts like Xiahao Lane and Changjiahui, where gleaming towers rise beside centuries-old streets, before embarking on your Yangtze River journey downstream. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or on board your cruise this evening. (B,D)
Discover More of Chengdu
Elegant, timeless, and richly layered, Chengdu is the soul of Sichuan — a city where golden-roofed temples...
Enhance your Chongqing Experience with add-ons
Days 10–13: Yangtze River & The Three Gorges
Sail the legendary Yangtze River, where misty cliffs, timeless villages, and tranquil waters reveal China’s poetic heart—an unforgettable journey of beauty, culture, and quiet discovery.
Day 10 (Yangtze River Journey): After a day shaped by giant pandas, swift rail travel, and Chongqing’s emerging city lights, settle into your luxury cruise as your downstream journey along the Yangtze begins. (B,D)
Day 12 (Yangtze River Cruise – The Three Gorges): Today, sail into the heart of the Three Gorges, a region of staggering natural beauty and mythic renown. Glide through Qutang Gorge, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side, before boarding a smaller boat for a serene journey along the Shennv Stream. Here, emerald canyons and hidden shrines whisper stories of ancient civilizations, including the mysterious hanging coffins of the Ba people. Continue through Wu Gorge, its mist-veiled peaks and echoing birdsong creating a scene of haunting tranquility. (B,L,D)
Day 13 (From the Three Gorges Dam to the Bright Lights of Shanghai): This morning, stand before the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam, a modern engineering marvel and enduring symbol of China’s ingenuity. After disembarking in Yichang, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. (B)
Discover More of the Yangtze
Bold, vibrant, and endlessly evolving, Shanghai is where China’s future rises skyward without letting go of its storied past...
Days 13–15: Shanghai – China’s Cosmopolitan Showcase
A dazzling mix of tradition and modernity, Shanghai is a world-class city where historic neighborhoods meet cutting-edge architecture.
Day 13 (Journey to Shanghai): Upon disembarking your Yangtze River cruise, fly onward to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel for a restful evening in the heart of this dynamic metropolis. (B)
Day 14 (City Highlights): Discover Old Town’s winding lanes and Yu Garden, a Ming-era masterpiece. Continue to the Shanghai Museum, home to treasures spanning China’s dynasties. Enjoy a lunch of Shanghai’s famed soup dumplings before heading to Tianzifang, a charming maze of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Cap off the evening with the ERA Acrobatics show, a breathtaking spectacle where athleticism, music, and light converge into one dazzling finale. (B,L)
Day 15 (Shanghai Your Way): Today is yours to enjoy Shanghai’s cosmopolitan rhythm—whether you choose shopping, dining, or simply wandering its streets at your own pace. It’s a relaxed finale to your immersive journey through China. (B)
Discover More of Shanghai
Bold, vibrant, and endlessly evolving, Shanghai is where China’s future rises skyward without letting go of its storied past...
Enhance your Shanghai Experience with add-ons
Add a day trip to Zhijiajiao Water Village
Extend your trip: end your unforgettable China tour in Hong Kong (2-3 days)
Day 16 Farewell Shanghai
Your private transfer brings you to Shanghai Pudong Airport, where your guide ensures a seamless departure for your flight—concluding a bespoke China holiday of luxury, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026 Price Chart (Tour Operates from March – November) | ||
Cruise Option | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| Victoria Sabrina (departs Wed) | 12,050 | 2,925 |
| Century Oasis (departs Thu) | 12,150 | 2,975 |
| Century Voyage (departs Wed) | 12,350 | 3,175 |
| Yangzi Explorer (departs Tue) | 13,875 | 4,275 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides, drivers and cruise staff
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package. Passport must NOT expire within 6 months from end of trip.
- All hotels, cruises, and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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