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China & Tibet Discovery

  • Duration
    16 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £4,440pp
  • Read Reviews
OFFERS
New China Brochure Sale

Partner Flies Free | Half Price Single Supplements Offer ends: 30 Jun 2025 View Offers

Journey to the roof of the world to uncover the mysteries of Tibet in the incredible city of Lhasa whilst enjoying the very best cultural, historical and natural treasures that China has to offer – from the Great Wall and Terracotta Army to the Yangtze River.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    14 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.

Tour Highlights

Our China & Tibet Discovery tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Authentic Experiences

Our China & Tibet Discovery Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Wander the Barkhor Circuit

Wander the Barkhor circuit, the pilgrimage route that surrounds the sacred Jokhang temple, pausing to browse the plentiful market stalls and see the traditionally-dressed pilgrims.

Traditional Tibetan Evening

Spend an evening immersed in the traditions of Tibet, dining on delicious local food and watching a performance of native dance and music.

Tour Itinerary

This tour is ideal for those looking for a comprehensive visit to China’s most famous sights and who also wish to visit Tibet. This tour is also ideal for customers looking for a Yangtze River Cruise.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Beijing
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

    Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 3: Imperial Beijing

    Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck before enjoying a Chinese acrobatic show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    The Great Wall
    Day 4: The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon enjoying the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Tang Dynasty Dancing
    Day 5: Tang Dynasty Dancing

    Take the bullet train to Xian. Explore the streets of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

    After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Mystical Lhasa
    Day 7: Mystical Lhasa

    Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Jokhang Temple & the Bakhor Circuit
    Day 8: Jokhang Temple & the Bakhor Circuit

    Lhasa is a contemporary, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old streets at its heart you'll feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally-dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Potala Palace
    Day 9: Potala Palace

    The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city. Also visit a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Fly to Chengdu
    Day 10: Fly to Chengdu

    Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This evening, there will be a delicious Sichuanese meal to savour.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Chengdu Panda Reserve
    Day 11: Chengdu Panda Reserve

    Begin today with a visit to Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated icons up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Watch them play and chomp on bamboo before travelling to Chongqing to board your Yangtze River cruise ship.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 12-13
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Days 12-13: Yangtze River Cruise

    Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another as you marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Three Gorges Dam
    Day 14: Three Gorges Dam

    Visit the Three Gorges Dam, a massive feat of engineering that saw the century-old dreams of Chinese luminaries come to fruition. Created to harness the power of the Yangtze, it is difficult not to be awestruck as you stand on the viewing platform. Disembark your cruise vessel and travel to Yichang to board your flight to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Discover Shanghai
    Day 15: Discover Shanghai

    Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Sightseeing today includes a visit to the traditional Yu Garden, a stop by a silk factory to learn about this time-honored craftsmanship and a wander through the old town’s bustling streets. Also admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront, the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise followed by a delicious Shanghainese meal.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Fly Shanghai to UK
    Day 16: Fly Shanghai to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast
  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Beijing
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

    Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 3: Imperial Beijing

    Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck before enjoying a Chinese acrobatic show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    The Great Wall
    Day 4: The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon enjoying the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Tang Dynasty Dancing
    Day 5: Tang Dynasty Dancing

    Take the bullet train to Xian. Explore the streets of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

    After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town, then stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Mystical Lhasa
    Day 7: Mystical Lhasa

    Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Jokhang Temple & the Bakhor Circuit
    Day 8: Jokhang Temple & the Bakhor Circuit

    Lhasa is a contemporary, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old streets at its heart you'll feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally-dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Potala Palace
    Day 9: Potala Palace

    The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set in parkland just outside the city. Also visit a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance in the evening.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Fly to Chengdu
    Day 10: Fly to Chengdu

    Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This evening, there will be a delicious Sichuanese meal to savour.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Chengdu Panda Reserve
    Day 11: Chengdu Panda Reserve

    Begin today with a visit to Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated icons up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Watch them play and chomp on bamboo before travelling to Chongqing to board your Yangtze River cruise ship.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Days 12-13
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Days 12-13: Yangtze River Cruise

    Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another as you marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Three Gorges Dam
    Day 14: Three Gorges Dam

    Visit the Three Gorges Dam, a massive feat of engineering that saw the century-old dreams of Chinese luminaries come to fruition. Created to harness the power of the Yangtze, it is difficult not to be awestruck as you stand on the viewing platform. Disembark your cruise vessel and travel to Yichang to board your bullet train to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Discover Shanghai
    Day 15: Discover Shanghai

    Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's sightseeing begins with a visit to the classical Yu Garden, followed by a stop at a silk mill to learn about this treasured craft. Stroll through the bustling streets of the old town before heading to Jinmao Tower for sweeping views of Shanghai's striking blend of colonial charm and modern skyscrapers. Take a leisurely walk along the Bund, the city's iconic waterfront promenade, then cap off the day with a panoramic Huangpu River cruise and a delicious dinner of Shanghainese cuisine.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Fly Shanghai to UK
    Day 16: Fly Shanghai to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 3
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown offers a convenient base with excellent citywide connections and easy access to central Beijing. The spacious, modern rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, kettle, and hairdryer, while the indoor pool, fitness centre, and generous breakfast buffet ensure a well-rounded stay.
  • Nights 2
    Lanxi International Hotel
    Lanxi International Hotel
    Lanxi International Hotel is located in Xi'an's High-Tech Zone, providing a convenient base for exploring the city. The hotel offers cosy rooms with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms with hairdryers. After a long day, guests can relax and unwind in the indoor swimming pool, spa, or sauna. Additional facilities include a 24-hour front desk and complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
  • Nights 3
    Lhasa Snow Paradise International Hotel
     Lhasa Snow Paradise International Hotel
    The Lhasa Snow Paradise International Hotel is in the city centre, within walking distance of top attractions such as Ramoche Monastery and Xiamiyuan Temple. After a day of sightseeing, guests can unwind in the hotel's spa or bar lounge. Rooms feature modern amenities including Wi-Fi, a minibar, kettle, and hairdryer, while services like a breakfast buffet and laundry ensure a comfortable stay.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Skytel Hotel
    Skytel Hotel
    Skytel Hotel is conveniently located near some of Chengdu’s most popular landmarks, putting the city’s highlights within easy reach. Modern rooms are equipped with a minibar, refrigerator, Wi-Fi, kettle, and air-conditioning. Guests can take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, concierge, and room service, and unwind with a drink at the hotel's bar after a busy day.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar
  • Nights 3
    Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
    Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
    Experience the beauty of the Yangtze River aboard one of the elegant 4-star vessels from the Victoria Cruise fleet. While the ship pictured is the Victoria Jenna, your cruise may take place on the Victoria Katarina, Anna, Isabella or Sabrina, depending on your departure date. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with an ensuite bathroom and a private balcony. Call Reservations for cabin and amenities package upgrades.
  • Nights 2
    DoubleTree by Hilton Pudong
     DoubleTree by Hilton Pudong
    In the heart of Shanghai's business district, the hotel offers skyline views along with access to a tennis court, indoor pool, and fitness centre. Spacious, modern rooms feature Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, mini refrigerator, and hairdryer. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet each morning, while the lobby lounge serves high tea and evening cocktails for a relaxed end to the day.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar

The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Chengdu
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Lhasa
  • -1°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 5°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 12mm
  • Lhasa
  • 2°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 7°c
  • 59mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Chengdu
  • 12°c
  • 20mm
  • Lhasa
  • 5°c
  • 3mm
  • Shanghai
  • 10°c
  • 94mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Chengdu
  • 17°c
  • 44mm
  • Lhasa
  • 9°c
  • 6mm
  • Shanghai
  • 16°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 78mm
  • Lhasa
  • 13°c
  • 28mm
  • Shanghai
  • 21°c
  • 84mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Chengdu
  • 24°c
  • 107mm
  • Lhasa
  • 16°c
  • 71mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 182mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 224mm
  • Lhasa
  • 16°c
  • 117mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 146mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 201mm
  • Lhasa
  • 16°c
  • 121mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 214mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 119mm
  • Lhasa
  • 14°c
  • 68mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 87mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Chengdu
  • 18°c
  • 35mm
  • Lhasa
  • 10°c
  • 9mm
  • Shanghai
  • 20°c
  • 56mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Chengdu
  • 13°c
  • 16mm
  • Lhasa
  • 4°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 14°c
  • 52mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 5mm
  • Lhasa
  • 0°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
+ -
China & Tibet Discovery  map

Places Visited: UK - Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Lhasa (3N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Shanghai (2N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Depart UK
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Depart UK
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Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

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