The Best of China: Imperial Capitals, Tibet and the Yangtze River

21 days
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Discover Tibet’s nomadic grasslands and explore firsthand China’s cultures and countryside. Walk the Great Wall of imperial Beijing and sail the Yangtze to contemporary Shanghai.
From$5,149
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • I like to spend much of the day exploring
    • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
    • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

    Discover Tibet’s nomadic grasslands and explore firsthand China’s cultures and countryside. Walk the Great Wall of imperial Beijing and sail the Yangtze to contemporary Shanghai.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityBeijing
End CityShanghai

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Holy Land

Destinations

Activities

  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 10

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 24

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Beijing

After hotel arrival and check in, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discu...

Day 3 Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Peking Duck Dinner Beijing

Driving up to 1.5 hours throughout the day. Walking approximately 2 miles in and around the Forbidden City on flat, paved terrain with many chairs and benches to rest; up to 80 steps with railings. Walking up to 1/2 mile from the coach to Tian’anmen Square.

We w...

Day 4 Old Beijing Pedicab, Family Lunch, Summer Palace Beijing

Led by our Group Leader, tai ji sessions last approximately 30 minutes. No special clothes or shoes are required. Walking up to 1/2 in Hutong area, and 1 mile in the Summer Palace on flat, paved terrain.

Rise early before breakfast and join the group for a pre-b...

Day 5 The Wild Great Wall Beijing

The motorcoach trip to Jin Shan Ling Great Wall is about 98 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking up to about 1.5 miles. We will take a cable car to a higher point on the wall (weather and wind permitting). Some parts of the wall are very steep as it is in a mountai...

Day 6 Temple of Heaven Park, To Luoyang, Traditional Music Luoyang

Walk approximately 1.6 miles from the entrance to the exit of the Temple of Heaven park on flat, paved terrain. Climbing the Temple requires 27 steps. Bullet train to Luoyang is approximately 4 hrs. Toilets and storage spaces for luggage are available at each end of t...

Day 7 Longmen Cliff Carvings, Agricultural Life Luoyang

Walking approximately 1.5 miles at Longmen Grotto. For closer views of the stone carvings, climb about 100 steps with railings; you may choose to remain at the bottom of the stairs and walk along a flat, paved path.

Head out to People’s Square for an early morni...

Day 8 To Xi’an, Hui Muslim Section Xi'an

Train ride is approximately 1.5 hours. You are welcome to join the Group Leader for a tai ji session before breakfast. Climb approximately 40 steep, narrow steps with railings to the top of the Drum Tower. Walking up to 0.6 mile, or 1.5 miles total if choosing to walk...

Day 9 Xi’an University, Chinese Life Views, Shaanxi History Museum Xi'an

Walk approximately 1 mile on flat, paved terrain mostly indoors in approximately 2 hours.

Early morning tai ji session in the hotel courtyard. We will take a motorcoach to Xi'an International Studies University, one of China's key institutions of higher learning...

Day 10 Terra Cotta Warriors, Current Chinese Government Xi'an

Drive is approximately 1 hour each way. Walking approximately 2 miles at the Terra Cotta Warriors on flat, paved terrain.

Early morning tai ji session. The huge tomb site of the Qin Emperor, containing an army of life size terra cotta figures, was one of the mos...

Day 11 To Lhasa, Norbulingka Summer Palace Lhasa

Drive to the airport is approximately 1 hour; flight to Lhasa is 3hr 10 minutes; drive approximately 1 hour to the hotel to check in. Walking up to 1 mile in Norbulingka. Although Tibet uses “Beijing time,” it is actually 2 hours later than Beijing. All of our times h...

Day 12 Jokhang Temple & Bazaar, Thangka Painting, Sera Monastery Lhasa

Today we will coach to the heart of Lhasa to explore the Jokhang Temple, built in the 7th century, with experienced local staff members. This is the most revered temple in Tibet and the destination of pilgrims who journey by any means, even on foot, to worship here. S...

Day 13 Rural Village and Nunnery, Grasslands Picnic Lhasa

Drive is approximately 2 hours to the nomadic village.

Board the motorcoach and head out into the countryside beyond Lhasa to grasslands where we meet a pastoral Nomadic family that raises livestock.

After lunch, we drive to a nearby herdsmen’s village to ...

Day 14 Potala Palace, Tibetan Medicine Hospital, Tibet Farewell Lhasa

Climb 258 steps to the top of Potala Palace; walking shoes and sticks are strongly recommended.

Coach to the Potala Palace, seat of the Dalai Lama and one of the most awe-inspiring princely residences and palaces in the world, and explore with a local expert. A ...

Day 15 To Chongqing, Giant Pandas, Yangtze River Sailing Yangtze River Vessel

Drive approximately 1 hour to the airport; flight to Chongqing is approximately 2 hours, drive 1 hour to Chongqing Zoological Gardens. Walking up to 1.5 miles at the Zoological Gardens. About 35 steps down to the Yangtze River Dock with railings for embarkation. Lugga...

Day 16 Relocated Families, Free Time Yangtze River Vessel

Discuss traditional Chinese medicine and consider the Yangtze's influence on China. Where possible, our Group Leader will also continue instruction in tai ji and Chinese conversation as we sail down the river.

We will visit a new village for relocated families, ...

Day 17 Yangtze Gorges, Ferry Through Mini Gorges Yangtze River Vessel

Today, pass through the magnificent Yangtze Gorges and ferry up a mini-gorge on a pristine tributary of the Yangtze. Here we can catch glimpses of red monkeys amongst the trees, goats clinging to the craggy cliffs, and 'hanging coffins' secured in the cliff face by th...

Day 18 Three Gorges Dam, Disembark, Flight to Shanghai Shanghai

Visiting the Three Gorges Dam for approximately 2.5 hours. About 40 steps at the dam, about 30 steps disembarking the ship in the afternoon. Flight to Shanghai about 1 hr 45 mins.

This morning, take a short coach ride to the Three Gorges Dam site. From an observ...

Day 19 Shanghai Museum, Riverside Bund, Acrobatics Performance Shanghai

Walk up to 10 minutes to the metro station with a staff member or ride the coach with the Group Leader to the Shanghai Museum. Spend about 2 hours at the museum; elevators and escalators available. Acrobatic performance will last for 1hr 40 minutes.

After breakf...

Day 20 Yu Garden, Buddhist Vegetarian Lunch, Xin Tian Di District Shanghai

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Shanghai's historic old section. With our Group Leader, we’ll explore the nearby Yu Garden whose classical pavilions, fountains, and arching bridges exemplify traditional Chinese garden landscaping.

We coach to Shanghai’s Xin...

Day 21 Program Concludes Shanghai

See the “Travel Information” section regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from Last Location.” The Group Leader will advise as to departure times from the hotel.

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,149
Price per day$245
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
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Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 19
  • Number of Lunch: 15
  • Number of Dinner: 15
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
roadscholar-6277

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