14 Days Auckland Guangzhou Chengdu Lhasa Shanghai Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Welcome to Guangzhou, a city where tradition meets modernity in an exhilarating blend.

Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and escort you to your hotel.

After you check-in, the rest of the day is for you to have a good rest or explore the surroundings yourself.

Stay overnight in Guangzhou. 

In the morning, you’ll visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, mainly used as an academy for the Chen family to stay and study while preparing themselves for the imperial examination. Now, it is the home of the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. The historical complex truly is an oasis of tranquility and covers a total of approximately 13, 200 square meters. You can see exquisite porcelain, and amazing ornaments, sculptures, architecture, and other handicrafts associated with the Qing dynasty. Overall, it’s a fantastic place for photography and cultural stroll.

In the afternoon, another brilliant historical site awaits history buffs, i.e. well-known Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Mr. Sun Yat-sen is revered in China as a forerunner of the Chinese democratic revolution. The Memorial Hall, situated on the southern slope of Yuexiu Hill, gives a full display of the life of Sun Yat-sen via historical photos and documents. You may also the two biggest white jade orchid trees in Guangzhou and enchanting landscaped gardens. The Memorial Hall itself has an important historic value for China.

Stay overnight in Guangzhou.

• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Today is free for you until you take the flight from Guangzhou to Chengdu.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, the Land of Abundance, our local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your downtown hotels. The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Insider Tips:
Chengdu has two international airports: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Please make sure to check which airport you're arriving at.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, also known as Chengdu Panda Base. Morning is feeding time, when pandas are most active. You can see lovely giant pandas eating fresh bamboo and marvel at playful giant pandas in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you may also see the cutest baby giant pandas.

Next, you will get back to the downtown city and visit Renmin Park to immerse yourself in the leisurely pace of local life. Enjoy a cup of fragrant green tea at a traditional tea house while observing locals playing mahjong, a quintessential Chengdu pastime.

Later, you’ll take a stroll along Kuanzhai Alley, where modernity meets tradition in Chengdu. Explore the ancient alleys adorned with shops offering Chengdu snacks, folk arts, handicrafts, and cozy coffee shops. It is one of Chengdu's liveliest destinations to experience the vibrant culture of the city.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

• cute giant panda
• Come and have close contact with adorable giant pandas

Today, you are free until you take the flight from Chengdu to Lhasa.

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

You'll then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Our guide will give you a brief overview of the itinerary and provide helpful tips for adjusting to the altitude.

Once you've checked in, take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
1. Please double-check the departure airport for your flight to Lhasa.
2. Our local staff will deliver the Tibet Travel Permit to you before you board the flight to Lhasa. Keep the permit safe as it is important for boarding the flight and entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and charming Tibetan villages.

First, you will drive to Lurila Platform to enjoy a stunning view of the turquoise waters and the Gulha Kangri Snow Mountain.

Then, you will visit the Rutog Monastery and the lonely monk living on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake.

For lunch, you will visit a local family restaurant and enjoy the home-made local dishes. You can visit the local village and enjoy a leisure time by the lakeside.

Afterward, you will return to Lhasa via the famous Gampala Pass (4900m). From the Gampala Pass platform, you can see Yamdrok Lake stretching for tens of kilometers like a wide blue ribbon to the foot of Noijin Kangsang Peak (7191m).

Stay overnight in Lhasa. 

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• Enjoy the fascinating scenery of the holy Yamdrok Lake

Today is free for you until you take the flight from Lhasa to Chongqing.

Upon Chongqing arrival, you will be escorted to board the cruise ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier. The Boarding time is between 18:00 and 20:30. During this time, you'll attend the "Cruise Safety Briefing," where the cruise manager will go over safety precautions and provide an overview of the cruise itinerary. 

Stay overnight on board the cruise ship.

Tips for Boarding: 
1. Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use;
2. There are 13 sub-pier of Chongqing Chaotianmen Port that tell the exact pier to your driver to avoid too much walking;
3. The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. Please pay attention to the important info your travel consultants sent to you before your boarding.
4. Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

• Jiefangbei Square
• Hongya Cave

As you leisurely sail along the river, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating scenery that unfolds along both banks, from quaint riverside villages to lush greenery and historic landmarks.

After breakfast, you can embrace the tranquility of the morning with invigorating Tai Chi sessions led by experienced instructors on the open deck, allowing you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit amidst the serene surroundings. Together, these offerings aim to create unforgettable moments and enhance the overall richness of your cruise experience.

Today's itinerary also features a visit to Shuanggui Mountain National Forest Park. Covering an area of roughly 100 hectares, this park stands out as a beloved attraction within the picturesque Three Gorges region. Its lush landscape is home to over 100 tree species and boasts an impressive collection of more than 500,000 trees, including over 20 rare varieties.

Additionally, you can choose to visit the Ghost City of Fengdu (Optional: around USD 45 per person) at your own expense, which is also a great option.

Stay overnight on board the cruise ship.

• Fengdu Ghost City
• Shibao Zhai Village

Today's schedule remains consistent, starting with morning tea, coffee, delightful pastries, and Tai Chi exercises.

Following this, you'll marvel at the scenic wonders of the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge from the comfort of the ship. Then, you'll embark on a smaller boat to explore the enchanting Shen'nu Stream (or visit Shen Nong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges instead).

Furthermore, you have the delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural performances presented by the talented crew. From traditional dance and music showcases to captivating theatrical presentations, these performances offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the cruising experience.

Additionally, you have the flexibility to either indulge in leisurely activities aboard the ship or embark on an optional excursion to White Emperor City (Optional: around USD 45 per person). This ancient fortress, shrouded in history and perched atop a majestic hill overlooking the Yangtze River, offers a captivating journey through time.

Stay overnight on board the cruise ship.

• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge

Today marks the successful conclusion of your Yangtze Cruise!

Today is the last day of your cruise journey, and you will visit Three Gorge Dam. The world record smashing Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest dam and hydroelectric power station, you will have chance to witness the tropic man-made wonder.

After lunch, you’ll arrive in Yichang. Please pack your luggage and follow the check-out procedures. 

Then, you will be escorted to Yichang Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Shanghai.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

• Three Gorge Dam
• China High-Speed train

Today, you will visit some of the highlights of Shanghai City.

Starting with the fascinating Shanghai Museum, the magnificent 4-story building houses an incredible collection of bronzes, sculptures, ceramics, coins, paintings, calligraphy, costumes, and other exhibits in different dynasties. It’s the perfect place for fans of Chinese history and art.

Next, you’ll come to the Yu Garden. Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, the Yu Garden used to be the private residence of a senior Government administrator in the Ming Dynasty. For a passionate photographer, never miss the chance to photograph Old Street of Yu Garden.

In the evening, you will visit the most iconic building in Shanghai, i.e. Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can enjoy the amazing panorama of the skyline of Shanghai at night. And as you stroll along the Bund, you will be amazed at the spectacular Huangpu River and the dazzling light from the buildings of Pudong.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

• Enchanting ancient Yu Garden offers a respite from bustling metropolis.
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the most iconic architecture of Shanghai.

Today is yours to explore Shanghai until you catch your flight or train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return in the future.

Service End.