CHINA
China, Tibet and Yangtze Tour
A fifteen-day route from Beijing to Lhasa, the Yangtze River, Shanghai and Xi'an.
China, Tibet and the Yangtze River
Landing in Beijing, this route continues to Lhasa for the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, then to a three-night cruise on the Yangtze River taking in Fengdu Ghost City and the Three Gorges. Shanghai brings Yu Garden, Xi'an the Terracotta Army, and Beijing the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Great Wall. Fifteen days join Tibet's mystical atmosphere with China's major cities.
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Fourteen nights carry this China tour from Tibet to Beijing. Guests fly from Chengdu to Lhasa, where the Potala Palace is the centre of the Tibet day. In Chongqing they board a Yangtze river ship for three nights, passing Fengdu and the Three Gorges. Shanghai, Xian and Beijing are linked by high speed train, and the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall form the final part of the route.
01
Potala Palace
The Dalai Lama's former winter palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at roughly 3,700 metres.
02
Yangtze River Cruise
A three-night river cruise covering the Three Gorges and Fengdu Ghost City.
03
The Terracotta Army
Thousands of soldiers, officers, horses and chariots dating to the 3rd century BC.
Planning your budgetThe Chinese visa fee, the departure tax, meals not stated as included and optional paid shore excursions on the Yangtze cruise are not included in the price; a gratuity of 140 USD per person is recommended for the guide and driver. See details →
OVER 15 DAYS
The route of the journey
OVERNIGHT STOPS
The line shows the order of overnight stops; it is not the actual road or flight path. The 3 nights on board are not shown as a stop. Map: Natural Earth, GeoNames.
01DAY 1 | ISTANBUL - CHENGDU | 11 NOVEMBERDirect flight from Istanbul and hotel check-in in Beijing.
Chengdu · night 1
Arrival in Beijing
Direct Flight to the Capital of the Chinese Empire
Meet with Ejder Tourism representatives and the tour leader at Istanbul Airport International Terminal at 23:00.
Please note: The flight takes place after midnight (at 02:10).
After ticket and passport procedures, direct flight to the capital of China, Beijing, on Turkish Airlines flight TK 20, departing at 02:10.
Flight: THY TK 20 | Istanbul (IST) Beijing (PEK) | 02:10 16:15 | Direct, approximately 9h 05m
[Entry to China - passport control with pre-obtained visa]
Arrival in Beijing at 16:15 local time. Meet and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. After a short rest, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar (Beijing) Meals: Dinner included
02DAY 2 | CHENGDU - LHASA | NOVEMBER 12Arrival in Lhasa with altitude guidance and a Tibetan dinner.
Lhasa · night 2
Flight to Lhasa
Mystical Capital in the Heart of the Himalayas
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Chengdu Tianfu Airport.
Domestic Flight: Chengdu to Lhasa (LXA/Gonggar) | 14:30 - 17:05 | Approximately 2h 35m
Tibet Entry: Tibet Travel Permit will be required for inspection. The Tibet Travel Permit is included in the package.
LHASA - THE CAPITAL OF THE HIMALAYAS
3,600 meters above sea level
Capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region
An unforgettable experience with its mystical atmosphere and Himalayan landscape
ALTITUDE WARNING:
Upon arrival in Lhasa, altitude-related effects (altitude sickness) may be felt. It is important to move slowly on the day of arrival and avoid heavy physical activities. Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea may occur.
Altitude Recommendations:
Drink plenty of water
Avoid heavy physical activities in the first 24-48 hours
Ensure adequate rest and move slowly
Consult a doctor regarding medication before traveling
Guests with chronic heart/lung conditions should seek medical advice before traveling
Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by a local guide and transferred to your hotel.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a Tibetan restaurant, with the opportunity to experience local flavors such as Tsampa, yak cheese, and momo (Tibetan dumplings).
Accommodation: Thangka Hotel Lhasa 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast, dinner included
03DAY 3 | LHASA | NOVEMBER 13Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and a walk on Barkhor Street.
Lhasa · night 3
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
After breakfast, we begin our full-day tour exploring Tibet.
Our first stop is Potala Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, is one of Tibet’s most important landmarks. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,700 metres, the palace is noted for its religious artefacts and views of Lhasa.
After lunch, we visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism.
We then walk along Barkhor Street, a traditional Tibetan market. Here, we have the opportunity to observe local people performing Kora prayer walks and discover traditional Tibetan products.
Accommodation: Thangka Hotel Lhasa 4★ or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
04DAY 4 | LHASA - CHONGQING - YANGTZE CRUISE | NOVEMBER 14Flight to Chongqing, a short city tour and boarding the river cruise.
On board · night 4
On to Chongqing and the Yangtze
From the Himalayas to the Yangtze River
After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Lhasa Airport.
Domestic Flight: Lhasa to Chongqing | 09:40 - 12:00 | Approximately 2h 20m
Upon arrival in Chongqing, you will be greeted by our local guide. We will take a short panoramic tour around the city center and port to get to know Chongqing, one of China's largest metropolises.
After the tour, transfer to the port and check-in for the Yangtze River Cruise. After settling into your cabins, dinner will be served on board. Our journey on the Yangtze River begins with the ship's departure at 21:00.
The Yangtze, at 6,300 km long, is China's longest river and one of the most significant regions in the country in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4
Meals: Breakfast, dinner included
05DAY 5 | YANGTZE CRUISE - FENGDU GHOST CITY | NOVEMBER 15A visit to Fengdu Ghost City and onboard cultural programmes.
On board · night 5
Fengdu Ghost City
Taoist Other World + Captain's Welcome Cocktail
After a delicious buffet breakfast on board, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Yangtze River, taking in unique views.
The day's highlight is a visit to Fengdu Ghost City. In this mystical area based on Taoist beliefs, you will see temples, statues, and traditional structures that represent the other world in Chinese mythology.
Optional: Shibaozhai Pagoda - a historic wooden pagoda built on a steep rock along the Yangtze River, featuring 12 stories.
Onboard Programs:
Tai Chi morning exercise
Chinese tea ceremony
Mini presentations on Chinese culture
Captain's Welcome Cocktail
Dinner program + live music
All meals will be served on board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included - Full Board
066TH DAY | YANGTZE CRUISE - THREE GORGES & SHENNV STREAM | NOVEMBER 16Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges, and a boat trip on Shennv Stream.
On board · night 6
The Three Gorges and Shennv Stream
World-Famous Three Gorges + Tujia Culture
Today, we will explore the most impressive natural beauties of the Yangtze River.
THREE GORGES
Qutang Gorge: The shortest yet most dramatic section of the Three Gorges. It is notable for its steep cliffs, narrow passages, and stunning views.
Wu Gorge: This section offers a fairytale atmosphere with misty mountain silhouettes and winding river vistas.
Xiling Gorge: The longest part of the Three Gorges, distinguished by its steep rocky cliffs and impressive natural formations.
Shennv Stream
We will discover the region's natural beauty by navigating through narrow valleys and high mountains on small boats.
Tujia Ethnic Culture:
Ancient coffins placed in cliffs
Traditional Tujia rituals
Local music and dance performances
In the evening, enjoy a delightful farewell party hosted by the Captain on board, accompanied by delicious Chinese cuisine.
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise Ship 4
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included - Full Board
077. DAY | CRUISE END - THREE GORGES DAM - SHANGHAI | NOVEMBER 17A visit to the dam, then a flight from Yichang to Shanghai.
Shanghai · night 7
Three Gorges Dam and Flight to Shanghai
The World's Largest Hydroelectric Power Plant + China's Modern Face
In the morning, our cruise ship docks at Maoping Port. After breakfast, we disembark and visit the Three Gorges Dam.
THREE GORGES DAM
The world's largest hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 22,500 MW
One of China's most significant engineering projects
Dam complex, observation terrace, and system introduction
An opportunity to closely observe this giant engineering structure on the Yangtze River
Optional (extra): The impressive Ship Lift - a massive system that raises ships approximately 113 meters.
After the dam visit, we will transfer to the city center of Yichang, followed by a transfer to the airport.
Domestic Flight: China Eastern Airlines MU2688 | Yichang (SHS) to Shanghai (PVG) | 18:30 - 20:30 | Direct
Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to the hotel and relax.
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast included
08DAY 8 | SHANGHAI CITY TOUR | NOVEMBER 18Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden and a Chinese tea ceremony.
Shanghai · night 8
Shanghai City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our city tour of Shanghai. We will explore the significant points of this city where modern China coexists with traditional culture.
Jade Buddha Temple: One of Shanghai's important Buddhist temples, known for its Buddha statues made of jade and its peaceful atmosphere.
Silk Workshop: An opportunity to closely observe the traditional silk production process in China and shop for silk products.
Next, we will enjoy lunch featuring Shanghai cuisine at a local restaurant.
Yu Yuan Garden: One of Shanghai's most famous classical gardens, built in 1559, known for its ponds, stone bridges, and traditional Ming dynasty architecture.
Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony: Experience tasting various Chinese teas at an authentic tea house and learn about Chinese tea culture up close.
Nanjing Road & The Bund: The famous shopping street of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, and the iconic Bund area along the Huangpu River. Here, you can enjoy views of the impressive skyline of Pudong, take a photo break, and have some free time.
Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch included
09DAY 9 | SHANGHAI - XI'AN | NOVEMBER 19The Ancient City Walls, Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter.
Xi'an · night 9
High-Speed Train to Xi'an
High-Speed Train + Ancient Capital
After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Train Station.
High-Speed Train (HSR): Shanghai Hongqiao to Xi'an North | 08:55 - 14:34 | Approximately 5h 39m
Upon arrival in Xi'an, you will be greeted by a private vehicle for a half-day panoramic city tour.
Xi'an City Tour:
Ancient City Walls - Dating back to the 14th century, these are some of the best-preserved city walls in the world.
Bell Tower & Drum Tower - Icons of the city's historic center.
Muslim Quarter - One of the most vibrant areas of Xi'an, showcasing Hui Muslim culture, traditional streets, and local delicacies.
Explore the area with short walks led by a guide, followed by a transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xi'an 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast included
1010TH DAY | XI'AN - TERRACOTTA WARRIORS MUSEUM | 20 NOVEMBER Eighth Wonder of the World - 3rd Century BC SiteA visit to the Terracotta Army and Horses Museum.
Xi'an · night 10
The Terracotta Warriors Museum
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Terracotta Army:
This remarkable site was created in the 3rd century BC to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
It consists of thousands of life-sized soldiers, officers, horses, and chariots.
Discovered by chance in 1974, the faces and details of the soldiers in the army are all unique.
It is considered one of China's most significant archaeological discoveries.
Following our museum visit, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with our guide's insights.
In the afternoon, we will return to the city center of Xi'an for some free time.
Accommodation: Mercure on Renmin Square Xi'an 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch included
1111TH DAY | XI'AN - BEIJING | NOVEMBER 21Train journey to Beijing and hotel check-in.
Beijing · night 11
High-Speed Train to Beijing
Journey to the Capital by High-Speed Train
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Xi'an North Train Station.
High-Speed Train (HSR): Xi'an North to Beijing West | Approximately 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted by a private vehicle and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast, dinner included
12DAY 12 | BEIJING CITY TOUR | NOVEMBER 22Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and Peking duck.
Beijing · night 12
Beijing City Tour
Tiananmen + Forbidden City + Temple of Heaven
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day city tour of Beijing.
Tiananmen Square: The site where the founding of the People's Republic of China was proclaimed and one of the most important landmarks in Beijing.
Forbidden City - UNESCO: A vast palace complex that served as the center of the Chinese Empire for approximately 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Temple of Heaven - UNESCO: One of the most significant examples of traditional Chinese architecture, where emperors prayed to the heavens for good harvests and prosperity.
During the day, there will be a shopping break at a local handicrafts store in Beijing.
In the evening, experience the traditional Peking Duck, one of the most famous dishes of Chinese cuisine, at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
13DAY 13 | BEIJING - GREAT WALL | NOVEMBER 23A walk on the wall and a stop at a local handicrafts centre.
Beijing · night 13
The Great Wall of China
One of the Greatest Structures in Human History
After breakfast, we will head to China's most important symbol, the Great Wall.
Great Wall - UNESCO: We will visit the Badaling or Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is considered one of the greatest engineering projects in human history, stretching thousands of kilometers.
Enjoy a walk along the Great Wall with stunning views and a photo break.
Next, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and a short shopping break at a center showcasing traditional Chinese handicrafts and local products.
After the tour, we will return to the hotel for the evening free time.
Accommodation: Beijing Guangxi Hotel 4 or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch included
1414TH DAY | BEIJING - FREE TIME | NOVEMBER 24Free time before the airport transfer for the night flight.
Beijing · night 14
Free Day in Beijing
Last Day in Beijing
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day of free time. Guests can explore Beijing at their own pace, shop, or visit different areas of the city.
Meet at the hotel at the designated time for the night flight transfer to Beijing Airport.
Meals: Breakfast included
15DAY 15 | BEIJING - ISTANBUL | NOVEMBER 25Direct flight from Beijing landing in Istanbul, ending the tour.
Return to Istanbul
Return to Istanbul
After passport and luggage procedures, we will depart from Beijing on Turkish Airlines flight TK 089 at 00:40 for a direct flight to Istanbul.
We will arrive at Istanbul Airport at 06:15 local time, marking the end of our tour.
Flight: TK 089 | Beijing (PEK) to Istanbul (IST) | 00:40 - 06:15 | Direct
Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport at 06:15 local time, we will complete our unforgettable journey that spans from the modern cities of China to the ancient imperial heritage, from the mystical atmosphere of Tibet to the unique views of the Yangtze River.
We conclude another tour filled with exploration, culture, and unique experiences with Ejder Tourism. We look forward to reuniting on our next journey in another corner of the world...
Flight details
OutboundIstanbulIST · 02:10
TK 20
BeijingPEK · 16:15
YichangSHS · 18:30
MU 2688
ShanghaiPVG · 20:30
ReturnBeijingPEK · 00:40
TK 089
IstanbulIST · 06:15
Times are local, taken from the programme. Baggage allowance is given in your booking documents.
Where will you stay?
Beijing Guangxi Hotel or similar · Mercure on Renmin Square Xian or similar · Thangka Hotel Lhasa or similar · Yangtze Nehir Gemisi’nde · SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund or similar
Sold as: 4-star
Chengdu1 night
Lhasa2 nights
On board3 nights
Shanghai2 nights
Xi'an2 nights
Beijing4 nights
Places visited
Included and extra costs
Included in the price
18
- Istanbul - Chengdu / Beijing - Istanbul return economy class flight ticket with Turkish Airlines
- Domestic flights within China: Chengdu - Lhasa, Lhasa - Chongqing, Yichang - Shanghai
- High-speed train tickets: Shanghai - Xi'an, Xi'an - Beijing
- A river tour with 3 nights accommodation on a 4 star cruise ship on the Yangtze River
- Accommodation in the 4 star hotels specified in the programme
- The breakfasts, lunches and dinners specified in the programme
- All airport, railway station and port transfers, together with the intercity transport within the programme
- Professional Turkish-speaking guiding service
- All excursions and tours specified in the programme
- In Lhasa: visits to the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
- Yangtze River cruise: Fengdu Ghost City, the Three Gorges, the Shennv Stream and the ship activities within the programme
- Visit to the Three Gorges Dam
- In Shanghai: the Jade Buddha Temple, a silk workshop, Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, Nanjing Road and the Bund
- In Xi'an: the city tour and a visit to the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses
- In Beijing: visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China
- The Peking duck dinner specified in the programme
- Tibet Travel Permit application and arrangement
- Compulsory travel insurance
Not included in the price
39
- Chinese visa fee and visa application costs
- Departure tax for travel abroad
- Lunches and dinners not expressly stated as included in the programme
- Extra and optional tours outside the programme
- Drinks taken with meals and at other times
- Personal expenses at the hotels such as minibar, room service and telephone
- Guide and driver gratuities - recommended 140 USD per person
- Optional shore excursions, activities and shows offered by the ship at an extra charge during the Yangtze cruise
- The Shibaozhai Pagoda, if it is offered as an option within the Yangtze programme
- The ship lift experience in the Three Gorges Dam area
- All personal expenses
- The Tibet Travel Permit required for entry to Tibet is arranged by us through our local partner agency in China.
- The Tibet permit is included in the tour price.
- Participants will be asked for copies of their passport and Chinese visa after booking.
- The Tibet Travel Permit is subject to approval by the relevant Chinese authorities. Although we follow up the permit process, final approval rests with the competent authorities.
- Entering China as a group
- Travelling as part of the group arrangement throughout the journey
- They must leave China as a group.
- The Tibet Travel Permit is included in the tour price.
- The application is made through an accredited local partner agency in China.
- Individual applications cannot be made.
- The permit process can take an average of 10-15 days.
- The Tibet permit formalities are arranged by us through our Chinese partner agency.
- After booking, guests will be asked for copies of their passport and Chinese visa.
- The Tibet Travel Permit is subject to approval by the relevant Chinese authorities. Although we follow up the formalities, final approval rests with the competent authorities.
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Drink plenty of water
- Move slowly, particularly during the first 24-48 hours
- Avoid strenuous physical activity
- Enough rest and sleep
- Avoid consuming alcohol
- Consult a doctor before travelling about the use of any medication
- Guests with a heart or lung condition, or a chronic illness that may be affected by high altitude, should seek medical advice before travelling
- The ship operator may arrange alternative programmes in place of certain visits where necessary. Some shore excursions and activities may be offered as optional and chargeable extras.
- Guide and driver gratuity · 140 USD · per person
Visa and passport
1
- A passport and a copy of a valid Chinese visa are required for the application.
Good to know
Cancellation and change conditions
Cancellation and change conditions are set out in the Online Sales Agreement.
Guiding
All of our guides speak Turkish.
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