Arrive in Beijing (Friday)
Welcome to Beijing-the capital of China and home to many wonders. On arrival, you will be met by your friendly local tour guide and transferred to your impressive 5 star hotel.

Beijing
Today, we will walk across Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the symbolic center for all of China. We will then visit the magnificent Forbidden City. This complex, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures of the imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with 9999 rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Afternoon, we will visit Summer Palace. The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) in the northwestern suburb of Beijing was built in 1750, so far the best-preserved imperial garden in China, and was endorsed by the UNESCO in 1998 as a world cultural heritage site. As a paragon of Chinese gardens, this huge garden includes Longevity Hill, whose beauty is set off by a multitude of halls, kiosks and trees, and Kunming Lake, a vast man-made construction with water filled by a large reservoir north of Beijing. [B/L/D]

Beijing
A full day excursion to the Badaling Great Wall, it is one of the most amazing feats of human labor. The Great Wall is the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only man made object visible from the moon, and as one of the Eight Wonders of the world. It is a symbol of Chinese traditional culture and the pride of the Chinese nation. Later visit the Ming Tombs at Changling along the Sacred Way with giant marble figures and animals guarding the tomb area for deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD). 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their tombs here. This is an attractive destination as much for the natural scenery of the area as for the tombs themselves. Enjoy the famous Peking Duck Dinner & Cultural Show in the evening. [B/L/SD]

Beijing/Xi'ning Flight
Check out the hotel after breakfast to the airport for morning flight departure Beijing for Xining. Upon arrival, transfer to Yindu (Silver Capital) Hotel. City tour in Xining includes excursion to Kumbum (Taer) Lamasery. The lamasery is an ancient building complex in the Han style, consisting of halls, chapels, and the temporary dwelling place of the Panchen Lamas. It has a rich collection of relics. Later, we visit Provincial Museum, the Museum’s Archeologist will give a lecture and accompanying our visit. Evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with local cultural show. [B/L/D]

Xi'ning & Holy Roll Train Express Departure
This morning, excursion tour to Warlord House of General Ma Bufang & Xiguan Moslem Temple. Xiguan Moslem Temple is one of the four largest mosques in northwest China. Every Friday, the mosque receives 10,000 Moslems who come to worship. Late afternoon, embarkation on Tibet Express for the expedition journey on Holy Roll. [B/L/D]

Holy Roll Train Express Arrival
The Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world's highest, is a miracle in the railway construction history. About 960 kilometres of the railway are over 4,000 metres above sea level, with its most elevated sections reaching 5,072 metres above sea level. The railway, hailed as a landmark project in China's plans to develop its western regions, involves a total investment of 26.2 billion yuan (US$3.16 billion). The Scenery Sight Viewing Stop at Kunlun Mountain. Refer to article “Supremacy and Paramountcy- Briefs along the trail on Holy Roll”.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway boasts a number of the world's "mosts":

• It is the world's highest railway. Some 960 kilometers of its tracks are located 4,000 meters above sea level and the highest point is 5,072 meters.
• It is the world's longest plateau railroad, extending 1,956 kilometers from Qinghai's provincial capital, Xining, to Lhasa in Tibet. The newly completed Golmud-Lhasa section zigzags for 1,142 kilometers.
• About 550 kilometers of the tracks run on frozen earth, the longest of any of the world's plateau railways.
• Tanggula Railway Station is the highest railway station in the world at 5,068 meters above sea level.
• Fenghuoshan Tunnel is the world's most elevated tunnel on frozen earth, at 4,905 meters above sea level.
• Kunlun Mountain Tunnel is the world's longest plateau tunnel built on frozen earth, running 1,686 meters.
• Upon its completion, the maximum train speed is designed to reach 100 kilometers per hour in the perm freeze areas, the world highest speed on frozen earth.

Today, you will be called to get up early for the early morning sun raising on the train. It gives great breathtaking pictures just like you are traveling in the sky-space. The sun is in fire red in the sky and the sky beneth the sun is in orange and above the sun is in deep blue and dark colour. All the land surrounding is still in dark as an unbelievable seeing. Today, we will pass the scenery of Kunlum Mountain, the Scenery Sight viewing stops at Headstream of Yangtze River of Kekexili, Nachu or Damshung, Northern Tibet. Late evening, we arrive in Lhasa. Check in Brahmaputra (Yaluzangbu) Grand Hotel. [B/L/D]

Lhasa
Morning, we visit the Potala Palace. The Potala Palace was the residence of successive Dalai Lama and Songtsan Gampo, the 34th Tibetan king. Today you can see the tombs of former Dalai Lamas, and frescoes, murals, artwork in it.  Afternoon, we visit the Drepung Monastery and Norbuglinkha (The Jewel Park and Summer Palace for Dalai Lama). Norbuglinkha is the summer palace of former Dalai Lamas. Western Dinner at Crazy Yak restaurant with Tibet Culture Dance Show. [B/L/SD]

Lhasa
Today, we visit the Jokhang Monastery. Jokang temple with its golden roofs was built in the 7th century where house the most valued Buddhist relic, Shakyamuni Buddha, which was brought to Tibet by princess Wencheng. Afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, one of three largest Gelukpa monasteries, where you can see the monks’ debating. Strolling and shopping along the Barkhor Street. Enjoy a Tibetan dinner in the evening. [B/L/SD]

Lhasa/Chengdu Flight
Check out at hotel and transfer to Gongar Airport from the holy city of Lhasa. Take morning flight to Chengdu. Afternoon, we visit Dujiangyan Irrigation Project (Magic Water Control System), a long-established water conservation works. For over two thousand years the whole system has functioned perfectly, serving as not only as flood prevention, but also as an immense source for irrigation as well as a means to facilitate shipping and wood drifting. [B/L/D]

Chengdu
Today, we start to Myth of Sanxingdui (Triple Piles Museum). It is recognized as one of the most important ancient remains in the world for its vast size, lengthy period and enriched cultural contents. Afternoon, we will visit Panda National Breeding Centre, located just 10km (6 miles) away from downtown Chengdu. It has been created and imitates the pandas' natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. Then, enjoy yourself in a local charming Tea House and Pavilion of River View Garden. [B/L/D]

Chengdu/Shanghai Flight
Today, we fly to Shanghai, the economic center of China, a comprehensive industrial base and a famous historical and cultural city. [B/L]

Shanghai
Today we visit the small yet exquisite Yu Yuan Garden, and The Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with a mile-long of European buildings. Continue our trip to Jade Buddha Temple, a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, which was built in 1882 to keep two precious jade Buddha statues. Then, we will shop at Carpet Factory. Enjoy an exciting Acrobatic Show in the evening. [B/L/D]

Shanghai
Take a morning excursion to Zhujiajiao, a typical ancient water town in the south of the Yangtze River. Wander around well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, ancient stone bridges and ancient streets. After lunch, we will visit the marvelous Shanghai Museum. Its galleries contain world-class collections of ancient arts and artifacts. The Bronze Gallery is a must-see section. [B/L/D]

Depart Shanghai (Thursday)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for flight to your sweet home. [B]

*Price per person in Canadian dollars, minimum 2 passengers traveling together

Includes:

• 13 nights accommodation based on twin sharing with buffet breakfast
  • Beijing Plaza Royal or Beijing Chang An Grand Hotel or Oriental Bay Hotel (all 5 star)
  • Xining Yinlong Hotel (Deluxe)
  • Lhasa Yaluzangbu Hotel (5 star)
  • Chengdu Crown Plaza (5 star)
  • Shanghai Galaxy Hotel or similar (4 star)
  • Overnight on board of Holy Train Soft Sleeper
• Sightseeing tours with lunch and dinner as listed, including
  • Peking Duck Dinner & Cultural Show in Beijing
  • Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
  • Tibetan Culture Dance Show in Lhasa
  • Lunch & dinner at local restaurant with one glass of soft drink
  • Special lunch at local restaurant with soft drinks
  • Special dinner at local restaurant with soft drinks & local wine
• Professional English speaking tour guide service in each city & group escort on the train
• Round trip airport/hotel/airport transfers in each city
• Domestic airfare Beijing/Xi'ning-Lhasa/Chengdu/Shanghai with airport tax and fuel surcharge
• Tibet entry permit
• Baggage handling

Excludes:

• International flights & airport taxes
• Travel insurance
• Visa fee
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities to guide, driver & porters