19 Days Highest Railway Tour

Day 1

Arrival Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, your gateway city of this tour. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Shanghai is a city unlike any other in China. It is the bustling economic heartbeat of China that enjoys all of the comforts and amenities of a fully modern metropolis. Shanghai today looks to regain its former position at the turn of 20th of being one of the largest financial centers in the world behind New York and London. It is a city that seamlessly blends East and West.

Day 2

Shanghai
Enjoy your full day city tour that starts with Jade Buddha Temple visiting, and then, go to Yuyuan Garden, a Chinese classic garden in downtown. Then visit the nearby old street. Continue the trip to Oriental Pearl TV Tower. In the late afternoon, have a walk along the Bund. Traditional Dim-sum Banquet and Acrobatics are available for your optional lunch and night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Today you will find a Buddhism shrine - Jade Buddha Temple, which is located in a crowd of Shanghai City. It was first built in 1882 in Jiangwan on the southern outskirts of Shanghai. In order to make it convenient for the adherents to visit, it was bodily moved to Shanghai City at the present sire in 1918. It is named for its two bejeweled white jade Buddha. It receives thousands of visitors and worshipers everyday while keeps its sanctity and charming. Carved from a whole piece of white jade, the sitting jade Buddha statue is translucent with a solemn expression, displaying the excellent skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people.

Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.

Completed in 1995 to a highly innovative design, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower includes 15 spheres of different sizes at different levels creating an artistic conception of "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate" in ancient Chinese poem.  It has become a symbol of excellence in architecture and is a favourite sight for tourists in Shanghai. Viewed from the Bund at night, the tower's three-dimensional lighting creates an enchanting, brilliantly coloured display. At 468 meters, it is the third tallest TV and radio tower in the World. Two of the six tower elevators can reach the highest sphere in 40 seconds; here the visitor will discover shops, a rotating restaurant and a sightseeing floor. The view of Shanghai from here is breath-taking. 

Then it comes to the Bund, the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city.

Shanghai offers colorful recreations with rich contents and creative form. Your night may be filled with an interactive old form of art known as the Acrobatics. Those professional performers have been trained of as early as age six or seven so that they can play so well and excellent. It definitely will be an unforgettable night in your memory.
 

Day 3

Shanghai    Chengdu
Enjoy your own free time then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Chengdu, whose locals have the reputation of having laid back attitudes and knowing how to enjoy life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan Province. With a population of 11 million, it is an important commercial transportation, and communications hub of south-western China. The locals have a reputation for a laid back attitude and knowing how to enjoy life. Historically, Chengdu has a special place in the annals of finance. The world's first paper money, the 'Jiao Zi' was minted in Chengdu in the year 1023.
 

Day 4

Chengdu
Depart from your hotel in the morning, you will then enjoy a whole-day trip of Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Sanxingdui Museum in the suburb of Chengdu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is the world-famous Panda breeding research located about 10km (6 miles) out of the city. This institution replicates the natural habitat of the giant panda and is dedicated to preserving and increasing their population. Visitors are able to hold lovely pandas and be photographed with them.

Sanxingdui Museum is the place where you can learn about the culture that existed between 2,800 and 800 BC. The museum houses ancient remains including bronze wares, jade and stone objects, gold articles, pottery and bone objects excavated near present city of Guanghan, a famous historic and cultural city 40km from Chengdu in the south.
 

Day 5

Chengdu    Lhasa    Tsedang
Enjoy your own free time then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Tibet. After arriving at Gonggar Airport, your local guide will meet you at the airport then take a driving to Tsedang, where 110km away from the airport. The rest day is free for some well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Tsedang

Tsedang is located in Shanan Prefecture, the area is regarded as the cradle of Tibetan civilization and filled with important historical landmarks.
 

Day 6

Tsedang
Today, you will have a one-day trip around Tsedang including Samye Monastery, Trandruk Monastery and Yombulagang Palace. Stay overnight at Tsedang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Tsedang
 
Built in the 8th century, Samye Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Samye is famous for its sacred mandala design: the central temple symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, some of whom travel on foot for weeks to reach it.

Tradruk Monastery is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Tibet. It is said that the temple was built by King Songtsan Gampo and later became the winter palace of the King and Princess Wencheng in Tsedang. Tradruk Monastery houses the Pearl Tangkha, which was made of 29,026 pearls and different precious stones.

Perched on the summit of the Jormo Zhaxi Ceri Mountain on the east bank of the Yarlung River, Yumbulagang is the first palace in Tibet. It was built for the first Tibetan King by Bon believers in the 2nd century, and became the summer palace of King Songtsan Gampo and Princess Wencheng. Then the 5th Dalai Lama changed it to the temple of Old-Yellow Hat Sect.
 

Day 7

Tsedang    Lhasa
In the morning, drive to Lhasa, you can then take a visit to Drepung Monastery and Tibet Museum upon arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lhasa

In the morning drive to Lhasa(165km), which will take about three hours. As the capital of Tibet, Lhasa is located in the valley of the Lhasa River, the main branch of the Yarlungzangbo River, Lhasa is an ancient historical and cultural city with a history over 1,300 years. In the Tibetan language, this name means holy land. Due to the sufficient sunshine, the city is also known as the Sunshine City.

Located 5 km from Lhasa, the Drepung Monastery is considered one of the three great monasteries in Tibet. It was first built in 1416, and held 7,700 monks in its heyday. In Tibetan language, Drepung Monastery means monastery of collecting rice.

The Tibet Museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics including Buddha statues in different postures, imperial jade seals, gold albums, gifts granted by emperors, colourful tangkas, and various printed Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. Visitors can also see variety of folk art such as unique Tibetan handicrafts, costumes, jewellery, and adornments made of gold, silver, and jade, as well as fine Chinese pottery.
 

Day 8

Lhasa
Depart from hotel in the morning, you will have another full day trip that covering the visit to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lhasa

The awe-inspiring Potala Palace, perched high above much of Lhasa, is the landmark of the city. The palace which consists of the Red Palace, the White Palace and some attached buildings was a complex of political and religious function. Now it is a huge treasure house for materials and articles of Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.

Located at the center of the old Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Built in 647 by Songtsen Gampo, it has a history of more than 1,300 years. The temple is the fine product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture techniques. Visitors will be treated to the sight of various exotic and sacred sculptures. Jokhang Temple also houses many invaluable cultural relics. Every year, the Great Prayer Festival is held here.

Barkhor Street is a famous commercial and commodity-distributing center in Lhasa, consisting of more than 120 handicrafts shops and more than 200 stalls. It is a good choice that should never be missed by tourists coming to Lhasa, for you can buy anything Tibet-related, from sacks of incense, chunks of yak butter to monk outfits. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. When walking along Barkhor Street, you should move in the clockwise direction.
 

Day 9

Lhasa    Gyangtse    Shigatse
Today, you will drive to Shigatse in the morning, on the way, take a view for the beautiful Yamdrok Lake, and visit Palkhor Monastery and Kumbum Pagoda. Stay overnight at Shigatse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shigatse

Located 250 km southwest of Lhasa at an altitude of 3,840 metres, Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, with a population of 80,000. It used to be the traditional capital of the area known as Hou-tsang on the Nepal border.

Yamdrok Lake is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. It is located 100 km southwest of Lhasa and surrounded by Mt. Kampala, Mt. Nyinchenkhasa, Mt. Chetungsu and Mt. Changsamlhamo. The holy lake is a pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Every summer, groups of pilgrims trek there to pray and receive blessings. Befitting its religious importance, the turquoise blue lake has indescribable scenic beauty, prompting the Tibetans to compare it with a fairyland in Heaven.

Located 100 km east of Shigatse, Palkhor Monastery is a monastery with the characteristics of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture. It enjoys a high status in Tibet Buddhism history because it houses three sects - Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa together. According to Tibetan calendar, Saka Dawa Festival will be held on April 15th to commemorate Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. During the festival, about 500 Lamas chant sutras and the loyal pilgrims gather in the monastery to commemorate Sakyamuni.

Palkhor also features its Kumbum in Tibet. Deemed as the symbol of the monastery, the spectacular 'stupa' consists of hundreds of chapels in layers, housing about a hundred thsoud images of various icons, in total there are about 33,000 statues.
 

Day 10

Shigatse    Lhatse    Tingri
In the morning, you will enjoy a visiting to famous Tashilumpu Monastery and Sakya Monastery, and then, continue your driving to Tingri. Stay overnight at Tingri. Even though the hotel is simple, the people are very friendly.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Tingri

Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, Tashilumpu Monastery is one of the six big monasteries in Tibet. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second ranking person in the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy, after the Dalai Lama. The monastery houses the tombs of Panchen Lamas and a 22.4-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha. Tanshilumpu remains popular among the Tibetans, as they carry on coming here on pilgrimage.

Situated 160 km west of Shigatse, Sakya is the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Its medieval Mongolian architecture is quite different from temples in Lhasa and Yarlung. Sakya Monastery is famed as the “Second Dunhuang” due to its colossal collection of numerous Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, murals and Thangkas.
 

Day 11

Tingri    Mt. Everest    Shigatse
Drive to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest in the morning and drive back to Shigatse after visiting. Stay overnight at Shigatse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shigatse

The road condition to the camp is bumpy and dusty, and it will take about 5 hours back and forth.

The Base Camp is a small flat piece of land in front of the north face of Mt. Everest. It is at an altitude of 5200m and many people might experience difficulties with the high altitude. Located at the border between China and Nepal, Mt. Qomolangma (also known as the Mt. Everest) with its north slope belongs to China and the south one to Nepal. The peak has been a dreaming attraction for world mountaineers. Recently more and more mountaineers start off from the Base Camp trying to conquer the world's highest peak while travelers trek to the foot of the peak to enjoy its beauty through their own eyes. Around Mt. Everest, there are four peaks above 8,000 meters high, including Mt. Makarluh, Gosanthain, Zhuoyo, Shishabanma and other 14 peaks above 7,000 meters, which form a soul-stirring picture of Mt. Qomolangma natural scenery area.
 

Day 12

Shigatse    Lhasa

Day 13

Lhasa    Xian
Be transferred to the railway station for the train to Xan. Stay overnight at the soft sleeper on the train.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: On the train

The total length of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is 1,956km. The train covers the 1000 kilometers between Golmud and Lhasa in 14 hours. It may seem like a long ride, but it does help people get used to the altitude. Starting from Golmud, the train supplies oxygen and becomes smoke-free. But some passengers still get queasy around the Tanggula Mountain pass which is more than 5,000 meters above sea level.
 

Day 14

Xian
Arrival Xian at night, be transferred to the hotel to check in and have a good rest after the long journey.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: In Xian

Xian, steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties.  Xian was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today Xian is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery.
 

Day 15

 Xian
Today, you will have a full day visit of those famous spots, including Qin Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda,  and Ancient City Wall. Either Jiaozi Banquet or Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner is available for your optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

As an ancient capital city to 13 dynasties, Xian has a rich recorded history, frequently enhanced by the evidence of new discoveries, like the 1974 unearthing of the fabulous Qin Terracotta Army, the long forgotten army created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who labored under the whip to build it.  Then, over two thousand years later, this "Eighth Wonder of the World" was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion.  You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and travelers Xuanzang. Now this well-preserved holy place for Buddhist has been the symbol of Xian. 

Continue the trip to the nearby Xian City Wall. Actually, it is the first landmark that visitors will encounter in Xian, which stretches round the old city. Xi'an was always a walled city, and today's wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. 

This evening you could choose Jiaozi Banquet as a local flavor experience. It includes over 10 kinds of Jiaozi, whose shapes and flavours vary, such as rabbit, duck, shrimp, peanuts and so on.

Or if you more interested in dancing show, choose a Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner would be a good idea. You will enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.
 

Day 16

Xian    Beijing
Be transferred to the airport for the flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, take a half-day Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

Beijing, China capital and one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing.

This half-day Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You willtake a rickshaw tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today Beijing.
 

Day 17

Beijing
Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the World largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

As the biggest city center square in the world, Tian'anmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts; you will begin understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.

In the evening, we offer you an opportunity to enjoy Peking Opera. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment. 
 

Day 18

Beijing
In the morning, take a driving for 75km to visit the Great Wall (Badaling Section) first, then Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb), the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.  Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

Just 75km North-west of Beijing, along a smooth and comfortable highway is the Badaling Section of the Great Wall, which is one of the best-preserved and most accessible sections. The Great Wall is an internationally admired structure, symbolic of the cruelty of the ancient rulers, and the stoicism and determination of the Chinese people. The construction of the Great Wall began in the 5th century BC.

Then, you will have chance to visit the The Ming Tombs which located in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Altogether there are thirteen tombs of Ming Dynasty Emperors from the period after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. You will visit the Changling Tomb, burial site of Emperor Yong Le, the biggest and first built at this historic site. The Lingsi Palace in Changling Tomb's second yard really deserves a visit. This is unique, a magnificent palace made of camphor wood. The ceiling is colorfully painted and supported by sixteen solid camphor posts. The floor is decorated with gold bricks. 

For today optional dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You will visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you will enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment.
 

Day 19

Departure Beijing
Bid China a fond farewell as board the return flight.
Meals: Breakfast

Service Ends