PERFECT FOR:
- Nature Lovers & Photographers
- History & Architecture Buffs
- Those seeking the road less traveled
- Unique Cultural Experiences
A Luxury China & Tibet Tour – Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Lhasa, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai
16 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:
- 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 | New World 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 Hyatt Regency | Canopy by Hilton
- Extensive sightseeing including the Terracotta Army excavation site, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and Yangling Tombs.
- Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show
LHASA (3 nights)
- 3 nights at The St. Regis Lhasa
- 2 full days of extensive private sightseeing including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and Summer Palace.
CHENGDU (1 night)
- 1 night at The St. Regis Chengdu
- Sightseeing of Panda Research & Breeding Center
- Evening Sichuan Opera Performance
YANGTZE CRUISE (3 nights)
- 3 nights on board Victoria Sabrina | Century Voyage | Century Oasis
- All meals while on board the cruise (food only)
- Daily Shore Excursions (join basis)
SHANGHAI (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Marriott Marquis City Center | St. Regis Shanghai
- Full day private sightseeing including the Bund, Old Town & its Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum & Tianzifang Art District
- Evening Acrobatics Performance
*Tour featuring Victoria Sabrina, Century Voyage & Century Oasis departs (arrival in Beijing) on Wednesday, Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
Day 1 Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, be met by your personal guide and transferred to your hotel by private car for your next 3 nights’ accommodations.
Day 2 Beijing (The Great Wall)
This morning, journey northwest bound by road to the less crowded and best preserved section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Here, enjoy a cable car ride, followed by a trek on the wall comprised of 22 watch towers stretching over two kilometers. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the city and enjoy a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s Old Quarters (Hutongs), visiting a local family residence, and the Bell & Drum Tower. This evening, enjoy one of Beijing’s specialties – Peking Duck at one of the city’s famed restaurants. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Beijing
Enjoy a full day tour of the ancient capital’s most revered sites. Visits include the Forbidden City (closed Mondays*), the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties built in 1420; and Temple of Heaven (closed Mondays*), the largest temple compound and one of the most strictly protected and preserved cultural heritages of China. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)
*Note: City tour will be switched to the day prior in case this day lands on a Monday due to venue closures.
Day 4 Beijing / Xian
This morning, board a super-fast high speed Train, with speeds up to 300km/hour, for an exhilarating 4.5 hour ride for Xian. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of Yangling Tombs, the mausoleum of the Han Dynasty Emperor Liu Qi and his Empress, dating back to 153 A.D. Its intricate relics of miniature figures and burial objects offer revelations to the strict hierarchical social structure during this period. Afterwards, visit the City Wall, one of the oldest and best preserved city walls of China, as well as one of the most comprehensive ancient defensive systems in the world. This evening, enjoy a stroll through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City (a.k.a. The Great Tang All Day Mall), a 1.5km pedestrian street lined with buildings featuring Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) architecture, street performances, and array of of food stands and shops. Check in to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. (B)
Day 5 Xian
Today’s highlight takes you to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Museum, the excavated tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di, China’s first Emperor. Discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers, this massive burial site is comprised of 7,000+ life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, constructed to protect the emperor in his afterlife. Return to the city for lunch followed by a visit of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening, enjoy a Hot Pot dinner for which Shaanxi Province is famous followed by a Tang Dynasty Show. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Xian / Lhasa
Transfer for airport for your flight to Lhasa, Tibet. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to adjust yourself to the altitude. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening. (B,D)
Day 7 Lhasa
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, beginning at Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred shrine and spiritual heart of Lhasa. Stroll through bustling Barkhor Square, where pilgrims and traders mingle along the ancient kora route. Later, visit the Summer Palace, the former retreat of the Dalai Lamas, set amid tranquil gardens and shimmering ponds. (B,L)
Day 8 Lhasa
Today, explore the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Wander its grand halls, chapels, and golden roofs while taking in sweeping views of Lhasa. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s great university monasteries, renowned for its lively monk debates and serene prayer halls. (B,L)
Day 9 Lhasa / Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan province renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and spicy cuisine, of course the Giant Pandas. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Chengdu, including People’s Park and Jin Li Street for a stroll through its colorful cobblestone marketplace lined with shops, tea houses and restaurants. This evening, enjoy a delicious (and spicy) Sichuan dinner followed by the famed Sichuan Opera show. (B,D)
Day 10 Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a morning tour of the Panda Research & Breeding Center. Also known as the “Panda Base,” it was specially designed to imitate the pandas’ natural habitat, making it suitable for breeding. Afterwards, board a 1-hour high-speed train ride to Chongqing. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city tour to explore its unique urban landscape and vibrant atmosphere. Later, board your vessel for your river journey down the mighty Yangtze. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or on board the cruise. (B,D)
Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise (Fengdu)
Soak up the spectacular scenery on board your cruise. Today’s shore excursion takes you to Fengdu Ghost City, a legendary site rich in Chinese mythology and folklore. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party aboard the cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Yangtze River Cruise (The Three Gorges)
Journey through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze River as it carves its way through a breathtaking series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest, and most dramatic of the three major gorges. Next, board a smaller boat for an excursion along the Shennv Stream, sailing through awe-inspiring canyons flanked by towering cliffs. Along the way, witness fascinating historical sites, including the hanging coffins of the Ba people and the ancient plank road carved into the cliff-side. Continue sailing through Wu Gorge, renowned for its magnificent scenery and misty peaks. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise/ 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)
Day 14 Shanghai
Full-day city tour of Shanghai, visiting Old Town and its revered Yu Garden (closed on Mondays), one of China’s most famous classical gardens built in the 1500s; the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s most impressive museums of ancient Chinese art, with relics representative of its thousands years’ history. We sample some of Shanghai’s world famous Soup Dumplings at a local joint before continuing on to the Art District of Tianzifang, famed for its Old Shanghai Shikumen houses in a laid back atmosphere of eclectic art galleries and chic cafes; Time permitting, take a stroll along the Bund for spectacular views of the city’s iconic skyline. Capping off your trip, enjoy a breathtaking ERA Acrobatics Performance this evening. (B,L)
Day 15 Shanghai (Free Day at Leisure)
Full day free at leisure to shop and explore Shanghai on your own. (B)
Day 16 Return Home
Transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight home. (B)
| 2026 Price Chart (Tour Operates from March – November) | ||
Cruise Option | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| Victoria Sabrina (departs Wed) | 11,825 | 2,875 |
| Century Oasis (departs Thu) | 11,875 | 2,925 |
| Century Voyage (departs Wed) | 12,125 | 3,075 |
| Yangzi Explorer (departs Tue) | 13,750 | 4,275 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- 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
- 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
China Gallery
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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
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Beijing – The Regent Hotel
Xian – The Westin Hotel
Chengdu – The St. Regis
