This trip doesn't ease you in. It opens with the Great Wall unspooling across mountain ridges, an army of Terracotta Warriors standing eternally at attention in Xi'an, and Beijing's palaces daring you not to gawk. Then Tibet slows the whole thing down, trading grandeur for something quieter in the shadow of the Himalayas — and just as hard to forget.
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CharlotteBegin your adventure in Beijing with an included arrival transfer to your hotel before meeting your fellow travellers and CEO at a welcome briefing. Then, set out on a short orientation walk through the neighbourhood to get acquainted with nearby restaurants, shops, and local amenities before gathering for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, return to the hotel, with the rest of the evening at leisure to relax before the journey ahead.
Begin the day at the symbolic heart of Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square before stepping through the gates of the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace that served as the seat of China's emperors for nearly 500 years. After savoring a classic Peking duck lunch, wander the narrow hutong alleyways for a glimpse into traditional Beijing life. Later, travel to your OMG Stay at The Mutianyu Great Wall, enjoy an orientation walk through the surrounding area, and spend the evening at leisure.
Journey to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where you'll hike along one of China's most iconic landmarks while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. This afternoon, discover life beyond Beijing with a visit to a traditional village, learning about its history before touring a family-run winery and sampling locally produced spirits. End the day meeting a local artist and creating your own plant-dyed tie-dye keepsake using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.
Check out this morning and board a high-speed train bound for Xi'an, watching the landscapes of northern China unfold along the way. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before joining your CEO for an orientation walk, ending in the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where lively markets, historic streets, and tempting local street food create an unforgettable first impression of China's ancient capital.
Travel to one of China's greatest archaeological treasures, the Terracotta Warriors, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand guard over the tomb of the country's first emperor. After enjoying a home-cooked lunch with a local family near the site, return to Xi'an to explore the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall, with the option to cycle along its historic ramparts while taking in panoramic views of the city.
This morning, fly from Xi'an to Lhasa, where the dramatic landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau signal the start of the next chapter of your adventure. After arriving in Tibet's captivating capital, settle into your hotel and take time to acclimatize to the altitude before joining your CEO for a short orientation walk to discover the neighbourhood and prepare for the days ahead.
Discover the spiritual heart of Tibet with a guided visit to the revered Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims have gathered in devotion for centuries. After lunch, continue to Sera Monastery to witness the fascinating tradition of monk debates, an animated display of Buddhist learning and philosophy. Later, return to your hotel or spend free time exploring the vibrant Barkhor Street at your own pace.
Today is your OMG Day! Begin the day with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, where towering white and red walls rise above Lhasa and reveal centuries of Tibetan history and devotion. In ther afternoon, you'll have the chance to choose between two unforgettable cultural experiences: learning the intricate art of traditional Thangka painting with local artists, or joining a hands-on Tibetan cooking class to prepare classic dishes and handmade momos. End the day gathering for dinner together and sharing the flavours and stories of your chosen experience.
Begin the day with a journey to the remote Ganden Monastery, the first monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, dramatically set high above the Lhasa Valley on a mountainside ridge. Explore its sacred temples and monastic halls before continuing along the kora path for a picnic lunch surrounded by sweeping Himalayan views. Later, visit a local Tibetan family to gain insight into everyday life and traditions in this high-altitude region. Return to Lhasa in the afternoon with time to rest or explore at leisure.
Depart Lhasa and fly to Chengdu, trading high-altitude mountain views for the relaxed rhythm of Sichuan’s capital. On arrival, head to Tianfu Square before continuing to People’s Park, where you'll stroll tree-lined paths and experience Chengdu’s famous tea culture in a traditional teahouse with over a century of history. This evening, celebrate your arrival in Sichuan with an included traditional hot pot dinner, a local culinary specialty.
Begin the day at the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a leading conservation centre where bamboo forests and semi-wild habitats support vital research and preparation for panda reintroduction into the wild. After time with these iconic animals, continue to Qingcheng Mountain for a grounding Tai Chi class at the entrance before ascending by cable car to the Ciyun Pavilion. From here, explore forested paths towards the Laojun Pavilion, taking in the tranquil mountain scenery before descending and returning to Chengdu. End the day with time to rest and a farewell dinner with your group.
End your journey with breakfast and a final morning at leisure, with time to depart at any time that suits your onward travel plans.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th each year. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.
Cold Weather: • Long-sleeved shirts or sweater • Scarf • Warm gloves • Warm hat • Warm layers • Warm waterproof jacket Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear
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