Arrive in Beijing (Sunday)
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 deluxe 5 star city center hotel.

Beijing
This morning, we will walk from our hotel to Tiananmen Square across a small park seeing local people doing morning excises like Tai Chi. Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and the symbolic center for all of China. We will 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 take a tour to Hutong. Hutong is an ancient urban alley peculiar to Beijing. Most of them were formed in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and are mainly located in the area near Shichahai, the most beautiful place in old Beijing, with the oldest water areas, the mansions of the former princes, temples, famous personages’ former residences. Enjoy the famous Peking Duck Dinner in a very localized restaurant in the evening. [B/L/SD]

Beijing
Today, we will visit Beijing Urban Planning Museum. From here, we will get an overall view on Beijing’s past, present and future. From ancient history to Olympic Gold, Beijing is forever a fascinating city to all travelers around the world. Later, 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. In the afternoon, we will stop at National Stadium (Bird Nest or Water Cube) for photo stop. Then, we will shop at Panjiayuan Flea Market. This evening Chinese Marshal Arts Show is optional if favorable. [B/L/D]

Beijing
Today, we take a full day excursion to the Badaling Great Wall, 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). [B/L]

Beijing/Xi'an Flight
After breakfast, we will visit Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420, it was where Ming and Qing emperors prayed Heaven for good harvests. Major structures are hall of Prayer for good Harvest, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Mound Altar, and Abstinence Palace. UNESCO endorsed Temple of Heaven as a world cultural heritage site in December 1998. Late afternoon, we fly to Xi’an. [B/L]

Xi'an
Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xian was the capital for eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west. Today we will visit the spectacular sight of the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang guarded by 8,000 Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in battle formation. It is the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century and regarded as “the eighth wonder of the world”. A stroll on the ancient City Wall will draw us back to the Chinese golden ear 1300 years ago. Later visit Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shanxi. This evening, we will enjoy a Chinese dumpling dinner followed by spectacular Tang Dynasty Dancing show. [B/L/SD]

Xi'an/Xining Flight
This morning, we fly to Xining, the starting point of your “Holy Roll” Tibet Express Train journey to Lhasa. Tonight, we embark the “Tibet Express” and start our expedition journey on Holy Road. After lunch, excursion to Kumbum (Ta’er) 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 is one of the six great monasteries of the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. If time permits, visit Dongguan Mosque. [B/L/D]

Arrive in Lhasa                        Tibet Express Train

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).

• 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 railway, 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.

Today, The scenery sights can be viewed along your way: Kekexili, Headstream of Yangtze River, Nachu, Northern Tibet grassland. Late evening we arrive in Lhasa.

Lhasa

This morning, we visit Jokang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar where can see traditional Tibetan handicrafts. 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 visit Sera Monastery, one of  the three largest Gelukpa monasteries, where you can see the monks’ debating. [B/L/D]

Lhasa
Today’s highlight is Potala Palace. The Potala Palace was the residence of successive Dalailama 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 Norbulingka Palace, also known as Jewel Park. Norbulingka is the summer palace of former Dalai Lamas. [B/L/D]

Lhasa/Gyantse                       Overland
After an early breakfast, we take a transfer by coach for the beautiful drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok lake, the Turquoise lake en route.  A picnic lunch will be served by the lake if weather permits. We visit the famous Kunbum Stupa, standing 9 story’s high and housing 77chapels. The pagoda is said to have 100,000 images either sculpted or painted in its walls. [B/L/D]

Gyantse/Shigatse                    Overland
In the morning, we drive to Shigatse, which is about 90 km. Later, we start for Tashihunpo Monastery, the largest Gelukpa monastery in this region. The monastery was founded in 1477 by Gedun Drupa, a disciple of Tsongkapa and the founder of Gelukpa Sect. Gedun Drupa was recognized as the first Dalai Lama. Inside, you can see Matreya statue, which was erected in 1914 by Panchen Lama, and tombs of former Panchen Lamas. [B/L/D]

Shigatse/Lhasa                        Overland
After breakfast, we drive back to Lhasa, 280km, four and half hours for driving. If time permits, we will visit the school for the blind children. Tibetan farewell dinner will be prepared in Yak Restaurant. [B/L/D]

Lhasa/Chongqing                   Flight
Today, we fly to Chongqing. the boarding point of your fascinating Yangtze River Cruise. Later, we visit Chongqing Zoo to see lovely Chinese Giant Pandas and a local market in old town area. [B/L]

Chongqing
Full day excursion to Dazu County for its magnificent stone carvings. Endorsed on UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list, These grottos are formed in Tang Dynasty in 650. They are a great masterpiece of arts for their large scale, profound significance and rich contents. After dinner, board Yangtze River cruiser and start our venture on the Yangtze River. With a rich Chinese cultural heritage of thousands of years, the Three Gorges is not only a picturesque natural gallery, but also a spectacular treasure house. [B/L/D]

Yangtze River Cruise

The cruiser sails downstream. Shore excursion to Shibaozhai temple, which is one of the most spectacular along the Yangtze. This 12-story wooden pagoda was build against the side of a sheer rectangular cliff. Today, this 400- year old temple has one of the best views of Yangtze River. Shibaozhai is ranked as one of the eight strangest architectural structures of the world, and is renowned as the pearl of the Yangtze River. [B/L/D]

Yangtze River Cruise

Today the cruiser will sail into the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Although Qutang Gorge is the smallest among the Three Gorges, it is actually the most powerful one and the water here flows most rapidly at this spot. The Wu Gorge boasts the most immediately beautiful and spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Flanking the river is a series of green mountains with precipices and peaks where the water zigzags forward and gives way to some attractive scenery. Afternoon transfer to smaller boats to see the Shennongxi Stream or the Lessor Three Gorges along the Daning River. Then the cruiser will pass the ship-lock of the Three Gorges Dam. [B/L/D]

Yichang/Shanghai                                Flight

The cruiser sails downstream, arriving at Sandouping and shore excursion to visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest project of China. One of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the world, the Three Gorges Project will forever change the face of the Yangtze River as we know today. Possessing comprehensive utilization benefits mainly for flood control, power generation and navigation improvement. It will be vital important and backbone project in harnessing and developing of the Yangtze River. At 12:30, disembarkation in Yichang, continue your trip to shanghai, the largest commercial and financial center of China. [B/L]

Shanghai

The cosmopolitan port city of Shanghai is a treat to the senses with its mix of ancient and modern influence. This morning, we tour the marvelous Shanghai Museum. Its galleries contain world-class collections of ancient arts and artifacts. Afternoon tour to Chenghuangmiao, the old township of Shanghai City. Stroll on the Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with a mile-long of European buildings. Shop at elegant stores in Xintiandi. Evening dinner on own in Xintiandi or the Bund area followed by a celebrating Chinese acrobatic show. [B/L]

Shanghai
Today is free for your own exploration. Evening farewell dinner at a decent garden restaurant. [B/D]

Depart Shanghai (Saturday)
Departure transfer to airport for flight back home. [B]

*Price per person in US dollars, minimum 2 passengers traveling together *Price excluding domestic airport taxes and fuel surcharge, USD $139.00 per person *Canadian travelers please click here (www.xe.com)  for price in Canadian dollars

Includes:

• 19 nights accommodation at default hotels based on twin sharing
• 1 night Tibet Express Train from Xining to Lhasa on soft/hard sleeper in ¼ cabin
• Meals at listed in itinerary, B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner, SD-special dinner
• Sightseeing tours with lunch & dinner listed in the above itinerary, including
  • Peking Duck Dinner in Beijing
  • Chinese Dumpling Dinner & Tang Dynasty Show in Xian
  • Tibetan dinner with dance show in Lhasa
  • Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
  • Lunch & dinner at local restaurants with one glass of soft drink or local beer (not applicable on cruise)
  • Special dinner at local restaurants with soft drinks or local beerProfessional English speaking tour guide service in each city
• Admission to sightseeing spots listed in itinerary
• Round trip airport/hotel transfers in each city
• Domestic airfare Beijing/ Xi’an/Xining-Lhasa/Chongqing-Yichang/
• Tibet entry permit
• Fully escorted by a national guide from Beijing to Shanghai if group size is over 10 passengers

Excludes:

• International flights & airport taxes
• Domestic airport taxed and fuel surcharge, USD $139.00 per person
• Travel insurance
• Visa fee
• Cabin upgrade on Yangtze River cruise
• Personal expenses, laundry, telephone, minibar…
• Gratuities to guide, driver & porter