Destinations: Beijing + Xi’an + Lhasa + Chengdu + Shanghai
Curated by PandaStudyTour, this 13-day ultimate classic private tour covers China's most iconic five cities: Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, Chengdu, Shanghai. It perfectly blends imperial history, ancient civilization, mysterious Tibetan culture, lovely giant panda experience and modern metropolitan charm. Tailored exclusively for overseas visitors, the tour adopts a private customized pace, with 4-star downtown accommodation, professional English-speaking local guides in each city, private door-to-door transfers, high-speed train and flight arrangement, and Tibet permit fully included. Best traveled from April to November, it is ideal for first-time China travelers, history lovers, culture explorers and family visitors to capture the full essence of China in one seamless journey.
Core Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Tour?
This 13-day China classic itinerary is designed for foreign visitors who want to explore China's history, religion, nature and modern city in one go. We arrange independent professional English guides in every city, not one guide following the whole trip, ensuring localized in-depth cultural explanation. We strictly set a Lhasa acclimatization day with no intense sightseeing on your first day in Tibet, ensuring safe altitude adaptation. All transfers are private and completely shopping-free, matching European and American travelers' pure travel habits. Tibet entry permit for international guests is fully handled by our team, saving you from complicated official procedures. Every arrangement is thoughtful, relaxed and realistically executable for overseas travelers.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital or Daxing Airport, a private driver from PandaStudyTour will greet you and transfer you to your 4-star downtown hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest and recover from jet lag, allowing your body to adjust to the new time zone before the exciting journey begins.
Day 2: Beijing – Tian'anmen • Forbidden City • Temple of Heaven
Start your morning with a visit to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, before entering the Forbidden City with English audio guide service provided by PandaStudyTour to explore its grand imperial halls and ancient relics. In the afternoon, head to the Temple of Heaven, famed for its delicate ancient architecture and peaceful garden surroundings. You may join an optional Peking Opera performance in the evening to enjoy traditional Chinese art.
Day 3: Beijing – Mutianyu Great Wall • Bird's Nest & Water Cube
Spend your morning touring Mutianyu Great Wall, one of China's best-preserved wall sections, with an optional cable car ride for easier sightseeing. In the afternoon, pause for photos at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, iconic venues of the Beijing Olympic Games. An optional authentic Peking Roast Duck dinner is available for you to taste the city's signature delicacy.
Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an
Visit the Summer Palace in the morning, a classical imperial garden celebrated for its lakeside scenery and historic corridors. Later you will board a high-speed train heading to Xi'an. Upon arrival, our private car will take you directly to your 4-star hotel in downtown Xi'an.
Day 5: Xi'an – Terracotta Warriors • City Wall • Muslim Quarter
In the morning, explore the Terracotta Warriors Museum and appreciate the stunning ancient underground army; you can also join an optional pottery figurine making experience. The afternoon features a leisurely visit to Xi'an Ancient City Wall and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, wander the Muslim Quarter to explore local street food and folk markets.
Day 6: Xi'an → Lhasa
You have a free and relaxed morning at your own pace. Our service includes airport transfer for your flight to Lhasa. After landing in Lhasa, you will be transferred to a comfortable 4-star hotel. This day is reserved for high-altitude acclimatization, with no strenuous sightseeing arranged, letting your body adapt gently to the plateau environment.
Day 7: Lhasa – Potala Palace • Jokhang Temple • Barkhor Street
Discover the grand Potala Palace in the morning, a world-famous landmark of Tibetan Buddhism and architecture. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple and stroll along Barkhor Street, where you can watch local pilgrims, spin prayer wheels and browse traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
Day 8: Lhasa – Drepung • Norbulingka • Sera Monastery
Head to Drepung Monastery in the morning, one of Tibet's most influential ancient monasteries. In the afternoon, visit Norbulingka, known as the Summer Palace of Tibet, then proceed to Sera Monastery to watch the famous monk debating ceremony, a unique local cultural tradition.
Day 9: Lhasa → Chengdu
Enjoy a free morning for relaxed rest or last-minute souvenir shopping in Lhasa. We arrange your airport transfer and flight to Chengdu. After arrival, you will check into a 4-star city hotel in Chengdu.
Day 10: Chengdu – Panda Base • People's Park • Jinli Street
Spend the morning at Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see lovely giant pandas up close. In the afternoon, unwind at People's Park to experience local tea culture and slow Chengdu lifestyle, then walk through the ancient Jinli Street filled with traditional Sichuan charm. You may join an optional Sichuan hot pot dinner in the evening.
Day 11: Chengdu → Shanghai
Visit the Sichuan Cuisine Museum in the morning, with an optional hands-on Sichuan cooking experience available. Later you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, then check into a 4-star hotel near The Bund area.
Day 12: Shanghai – Yuyuan Garden • The Bund • Xintiandi • Shanghai Museum
Explore Yuyuan Garden and Chenghuangmiao ancient street in the morning to admire classical Chinese garden architecture and local folk shops. The afternoon covers The Bund, trendy Xintiandi, Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Museum, showcasing Shanghai's history, religion and modern urban style. An optional acrobatic show is arranged for your evening leisure.
Day 13: Shanghai Departure
You have free leisure time in the morning until our private transfer takes you to Shanghai airport for your departure flight. The unforgettable 13-day China classic tour with PandaStudyTour comes to a perfect end.
Important Notes
Let PandaStudyTour accompany you to explore the most authentic and charming side of China, and collect precious travel memories that last a lifetime.
