Shanghai begins · Lijiang · Shangri-La · Lhasa · Everest · Shigatse · Beijing ends
🌆 Modern Shanghai & Classic Cityscapes Explore Shanghai’s historic gardens, creative neighborhoods, and iconic skyline. Enjoy panoramic city views from the Oriental Pearl Tower and a nighttime “City of Light” cruise along the Huangpu River.
🏔️ Yunnan Ethnic Culture & Alpine Scenery Discover Lijiang Ancient Town and Naxi minority traditions, travel through Tiger Leaping Gorge, Napahai wetlands, and the Tibetan old town of Dukezong in Shangri-La.
🕉️ Tibetan Plateau & Sacred Sites Journey deep into Tibet, visiting the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple surroundings, and traditional Tibetan streets. Experience monasteries, fortresses, grasslands, and high-altitude lakes.
🏔️ Mount Everest Base Camp Experience Stay near the foot of Mount Everest and visit Everest Base Camp for an unforgettable encounter with the world’s highest peak.
🏯 Imperial Beijing & World Wonders Conclude the journey in China’s capital with Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Badaling Great Wall, and traditional hutong neighborhoods.
✈️ Efficient Flights & Comfortable Transfers Carefully selected domestic flights and overland routes ensure smooth transitions between distant regions and challenging terrains.
Welcome to Shanghai, a pulsating metropolis where colonial history meets a futuristic skyline. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city, where the echoes of the "Old Shanghai" glamour still resonate amidst the modern luxury.
Begin your exploration at Yu Garden, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty design, and the bustling Chenghuang Miao market. Later, cross the Huangpu River to Lujiazui, standing in the shadows of the "Top Three" skyscrapers. Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for a panoramic sweep of the city before concluding your day with a sunset stroll along The Bund, witnessing the dazzling light show of the waterfront.
Dive into the soul of the city's former French Concession. Wander through the artistic labyrinth of Tianzifang and the plane-tree-lined Wukang Road, then trace the literary history of Duolun Road. As evening falls, board the "Light of Shanghai" themed cruise, watching the city's neon-lit skyline dance across the gentle waves of the river.
Fly to Lijiang, where the air grows crisp and the pace slows. Upon arrival at an altitude of 2,400m, settle into your boutique retreat tucked within the ancient alleys, and feel the serene energy of the Yunnan highlands.
Immerse yourself in the Naxi ethnic culture within the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town. Learn the secrets of ancient Dongba pictographs and admire the unique timber-frame architecture, discovering how this Tea Horse Road trading post has preserved its mystical charm for centuries.
Witness the raw power of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons. Continue through the tranquil Napa Hai wetlands to reach Dukezong Old Town in Shangri-La. Known as the "Moonlight City," it offers a spiritual gateway to the Tibetan world.
Fly to the "Roof of the World." Landing at Gonggar Airport, transition to Lhasa ($3,650m$). Begin your spiritual journey at Barkhor Street, joining pilgrims as they circle the sacred Jokhang Temple under a brilliant Himalayan sky.
Explore the magnificent Potala Palace, the winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas and a marvel of Tibetan engineering. In the afternoon, find tranquility at Norbulingka, the lush "Jewel Park" summer palace, before reconnecting with the rhythmic devotion of the Barkhor circuit.
Ascend the Kamba La Pass for a stunning view of Yamdrok Lake, a sacred blue ribbon of water. Continue to Gyantse, where the historic Gyantse Dzong fortress stands as a silent sentinel over the valley, echoing stories of ancient battles.
Visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery, famous for its "Hundred Thousand Buddha" Kumbum Stupa. Then, venture deeper into the Tibetan Plateau, traversing high-altitude plains toward the remote villages at the foot of Mount Everest.
Behold the ultimate peak. Today, journey to Everest Base Camp to stand before the North Face of the world’s highest mountain ($8,848.86m$). In the presence of this geological giant, experience a profound sense of scale and the raw majesty of nature.
Journey to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. En route, admire the Samzhubze Dzong, a majestic fortress whose silhouette famously mirrors that of the Potala Palace, guarding the confluence of ancient trade routes.
Pay respects at the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama, adorned with golden roofs and a colossal Maitreya Buddha. Later, cross the Northern Tibetan Grasslands, where nomadic life persists amidst the endless rolling hills.
Drive to Namtso, the "Heavenly Lake." At an altitude of $4,718m$, its crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha mountains. After a meditative moment by the shore, return to the comforts of Lhasa.
Fly across the vast expanse of China to Beijing, the nation’s political and cultural heart. From the spiritual isolation of Tibet to the grand scale of the capital, settle into your hotel for the final chapter of your imperial journey.
Walk the immense stones of Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City. Discover the enigmatic heart of imperial China, where 24 emperors once ruled. Contrast this history with a visit to Sanlitun, the epicenter of Beijing’s modern fashion and international flair.
Ascend the Badaling Great Wall, watching the ancient stone fortification wind across the rugged mountain ridges like a dragon. Return to the city to explore the Hutongs—narrow, traditional alleys—where you will find the authentic, warm pulse of old Beijing life.
Enjoy a final morning at leisure before your private transfer to the airport. Depart with a rich tapestry of memories, spanning from the neon lights of Shanghai to the silent summits of the Himalayas.
Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
English-speaking or other language-speaking tour guides
24/7 On-Call Support
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
Hand-selected Luxury Hotels
Mainland China domestic High-speed rails
Premium Private Transportation
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Authentic local handicraft experiences
Adjust the route, pace, accommodation and experiences around your travel dates and interests.
