15 Days China Panorama Tour with Panda, Tibet & Beautiful Guilin

Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai. Upon arrival at the airport or station, our guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jet lag or explore the local neighborhood at your own pace.

Getting to Shanghai (air or high-speed train): The city’s two major airports, Pudong and Hongqiao, connect to most Chinese cities, including Beijing and Xi'an. Alternatively, you can take a fast train from Beijing (4.5-6 hours), Xian (6-7.5 hours), Huangshan (2.5-3 hours), Guangzhou (7-8.5 hours), Suzhou (0.5 hour), Hangzhou (about 45 mins), Wuhan (3.5-4.5 hours), etc.

Free Time Ideas: If you're looking for ideas for your free time, just check with your guide. They can suggest the best spots based on what you like to do.

Today, you'll experience why Shanghai is called the “Paris of the East.”

Start your day at the Shanghai Museum, famous for its unique "round sky, square earth" design. Inside, you’ll find over 120,000 relics spanning 5,000 years of history. Admire the stunning bronze and ceramic halls, especially the 3,000-year-old Da Ke Ding and the ancient Su Bianzhong bells. It’s an incredible place to soak up Chinese art and culture in a truly awe-inspiring setting.

Next, visit Yu Garden, a famous classical oasis tucked away in the middle of downtown Shanghai. It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk to admire the traditional architecture and intricate carvings. Afterward, check out the Yuyuan Bazaar right outside for some local snacks and handmade crafts.

After that, take a walk down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. It’s a lively stretch lined with famous brands, great restaurants, and cafes. Between the souvenir shopping and the towering skyscrapers, you’ll really feel the energy of the city.

Walk over to the Bund, the city's most iconic landmark. You’ll see a unique mix of 52 global architectural styles on one side and the modern Pudong skyline on the other. Finish your day at the Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building. Standing 546 meters up on the 118th floor, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai.

Your guide will meet you for a morning visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, housing the world’s largest Jade Buddha among Shanghai’s high-rises. It’s a rare active temple where you can see monks at work and locals praying for luck.

If you have some extra time, head over to Tianzifang in the former French Concession. It’s a great spot to browse for unique arts and crafts while admiring the traditional Shikumen architecture. It’s also one of the best places to get a real feel for the local lifestyle.

Then you will head to the airport for your flight to Guilin (about 3 hours).

Welcome to Guilin! Our team will meet you at the airport exit for a private transfer and check-in at your downtown hotel. During your leisure time, enjoy a walk along Binjiang Road or sample some authentic Guilin rice noodles.

After breakfast, drive an hour to the pier for a 4.5-hour Li River Cruise to Yangshuo. Discover why Guilin’s scenery is world-famous as you float past karst peaks, grazing buffalo, and quiet villages. This 84-kilometer stretch of the Li River truly feels like a Chinese painting come to life—it's a "watery wonder" you’ll never forget.

Note: Enjoy a simple, local Chinese lunch served right on board as you cruise.

Once you arrive in Yangshuo, we’ll head to your hotel for a quick rest. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Yangshuo countryside. Whether you choose to bike or rent an electric scooter, you’ll wind through postcard-perfect karst hills and quiet rice paddies.

Later, wander through West Street, the heart of Yangshuo’s nightlife. This bustling mix of East and West is packed with bars, cafes, and shops.

Back in Guilin, you'll visit the famous Elephant Trunk Hill, an amazing natural rock formation that looks just like an elephant sipping water. Then, head underground to Reed Flute Cave. This "crystal palace" is packed with incredible stalactites and colorful lights that bring the karst formations to life.

After the tour, transfer to airport for your flight to Chengdu (about 3 hours).

Nihao and welcome to Chengdu, the official hometown of the Giant Panda! Local staff will meet you at the airport and whisk you to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is yours. We highly recommend trying a famous Sichuan hotpot or catching a vibrant Sichuan Opera tonight!

After breakfast, drive to the Chengdu Panda Base (Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding), home to the world’s largest captive panda population. You’ll see pandas of all ages eating, climbing, and playing. If you visit in autumn, look for newborn cubs in the nurseries! You can also spot adorable red pandas roaming nearby. Finally, head to the Panda Museum with your guide to uncover the secrets of these amazing creatures.

Note: We advise an early arrival at the research base, as the cooler morning hours are when you’ll see the pandas playing and feeding.

Next, visit Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist temple, to soak in the peace. Afterward, head over to Renmin Park (People’s Park) to experience the city's famous "slow life" firsthand. You can grab a green tea at a traditional teahouse, relax for a while, and watch the locals play mahjong and enjoy their afternoon.

Next, explore the famous Jinli Old Street. This place is over 1,800 years old and feels like stepping back into the Ancient Shu Kingdom. You’ll love wandering the stone alleys while tasting spicy snacks, checking out local crafts, and catching some of the fun folk shows along the way.

After breakfast, you'll have some free time to explore more of Chengdu on your own. When it’s time to head out, local staff will meet you and take you to the airport for your 2.5-hour flight to Lhasa.

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport exit to escort you to your downtown hotel. We recommend resting for the remainder of the day to acclimate to the 3,650m altitude.

Spend the day uncovering the brilliant history and unique cultural identity of Lhasa.

In the morning, explore the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama’s historic winter residence. Climb 365 steps to the Red Palace, the world’s highest palace at 3,700m. Inside, you'll discover magnificent paintings, intricate carvings, and jeweled shrines while witnessing pilgrims at this sacred destination. Your guide can share stories of King Songtsen Gampo, who first built the palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng.

Next, visit the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Built for King Songtsen Gampo’s brides (Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepal Princess Bhrikuti), this UNESCO site houses the Jowo Sakyamuni, the world’s most sacred Buddha statue. You will see devoted pilgrims praying outside at all hours, creating a timeless atmosphere.

Later, stroll through Barkhor Street, the ancient pilgrim circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple. Today, it is a vibrant local market where you can sample traditional snacks, wear Tibetan dress for photos, and browse unique handicrafts.

Today, you will explore Tibetan culture by visiting Drepung and Sera, two of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries.

In the morning, drive to Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest Buddhist monastery and the Dalai Lama’s residence before the Potala. It is renowned for the Shoton Festival, where giant Thangkas are unveiled. As you explore the grand architecture, you can watch monks engage in spirited metaphysical debates, using traditional clapping and expansive gestures to punctuate their philosophical points.

Next, enjoy a two-hour visit to the Tibet Handicraft Art Center. It is an excellent opportunity to observe the creation of Thangka, traditional carvings, pottery, and incense.

In the afternoon, drive to Sera Monastery, famous for its beautiful white stone walkways. The highlight is witnessing the monk debates from 15:00 to 17:00 (except Sundays). Watch as standing questioners use rhythmic clapping and stomping to challenge seated monks.These gestures represent the activation of wisdom rather than aggression.

Afterward, your driver will escort you back to your hotel.

You tour guide will escort you to airport for your flight to Xian (About 3 hours).

Welcome to Xi'an! Your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and provide a private escort to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to rest or take a walk to discover the local area.

After breakfast, drive one hour to explore the Terracotta Army Museum, created by Emperor Qin Shihuang for his afterlife. Start at the largest pit, where over 6,000 life-size soldiers and horses stand in silent guard. Afterward, visit the next area to see specialized units, including kneeling archers and chariot arrays. You will be amazed by the incredible artistic skills of the ancient Chinese artisans.

After lunch, return to the city center to visit the Ancient City Wall, one of China’s oldest and best-preserved fortifications. As you walk along this massive defensive structure, you can admire the intricate watchtowers and the surrounding moat.

Later, take a walk through the Muslim Quarter, one of Xi'an's most iconic districts. You’ll find a bustling market filled with cultural landmarks and a wide selection of traditional snacks.

After breakfast, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Big Wild Goose Pagoda), a UNESCO World Heritage site standing for over 1,300 years. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it was designed to house sacred Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. Your guide will share the epic story of his 17-year journey across 100 countries along the Silk Road.

Optional Experience: Enjoy a Hanfu costume experience. Pick your favorite style of this ancient Han attire—worn for millennia—and wear it as you explore the historic pagoda and its peaceful surroundings.

After your tour, board a bullet train for a scenic 5-hour journey to Beijing. Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to rest or explore the local neighborhood.

Spend a full day uncovering the imperial majesty of ancient capital Beijing.

After breakfast, visit Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a powerful symbol of China.The square has hosted numerous era-defining events. It is the ideal place to photograph the Tian’anmen Gate, one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in the country.

Walk across the square to enter the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and home to 24 emperors. This UNESCO site served as China’s political center for 500 years. Explore its brilliant architecture along the central axis before walking up Jingshan Park. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the golden roofs of the Imperial Palace and the modern Beijing skyline.

This afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat and masterpiece of garden design. Known as the "Museum of Royal Gardens," its temples, pavilions, and lakes resemble scenes from traditional Chinese paintings. Enjoy a peaceful walk among imperial architecture and stunning hilltop views.

Recommended Optional Dinner: You can try the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude this evening.

Drive northwest to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a masterfully restored section famous for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and lush scenery. Ascend by cable car to the 14th watchtower to begin your hike along the western route. Enjoy fewer crowds and breathtaking views of winding stone battlements surrounded by dense pines. For a rewarding challenge, climb to the 20th watchtower, the highest point of this section, to capture unforgettable photos.

Head back to the city to visit the exterior of the Beijing National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center. Known famously as the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, these landmarks represent the legacy of both the 2008 and 2022 Olympic Games.

After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its symbolic Taoist architecture and magnificent decor. Once the sacred grounds where 22 emperors offered sacrifices for good harvests, it features unique designs like the Echo Wall. Today, the surrounding park is a lively hub where you can join locals for their morning exercises.

If time permits,spend a relaxing afternoon wandering through the Hutongs, Beijing’s traditional neighborhood alleys. Take a rickshaw ride to navigate these lively corridors, which are lined with charming local shops and residential homes.

As your 15-day China tour concludes, we will escort you to the airport or station for your departure. Thank you for traveling with Asia Odyssey Travel!