17 Day Amazing China with Tibet

Gate 1 Travel
3.8 . Great
72%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
17 days
From: $ 4,859 $ 286 / day
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Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Flights Los Angeles-Beijing, Shanghai-Los Angeles Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • All intra-flights: Beijing-Xian, Chengdu-Lhasa, Lhasa-Chongqing & Yichang-Shanghai
  • 15 nights First Class accommodations

Short Description

3 Beijing, 2 Xian, 2 Chengdu, 3 Lhasa (Tibet), 3 Cruise, 2 Shanghai

Style Small group tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City N/A
End City N/A

Destinations

N/A

Activities & Interests

N/A

N/A
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Itinerary

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for China
Depart for China

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China; meeting and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the time change
Overnight: Beijing

DAY 3, Friday - Forbidden City, Home Hosted Lunch in Hutong
After breakfast, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for an orientation meeting about the extraordinary journey that lies ahead in China and Tibet. Your exploration begins at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once the residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, from the palatial to the modest, as you continue to a typical Hutong neighborhood. Beijing's Hutongs, a community of small residences centered around alleyways and courtyards, are dwindling in number as the city is modernized, but some have been preserved as "protected areas." Special arrangements just for you to meet a local family and share lunch together in their home - they will be delighted to share their secret family recipe for dumplings, complete with a demonstration. This evening, enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner, featuring China's world-famous Peking Duck
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday - The Great Wall & Ming Tombs
An amazing day! Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. Arrive at the Badaling section, the best-preserved and most complete section of the Great Wall of China. Mount the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view beautiful mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. To aid local organizations, you'll plant a tree along the ancient paths to commemorate your visit to the Great Wall. After lunch, at a local restaurant, stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. Next, continue to the Sacred Way lined with mythical stone beasts and statues. Originally built to lead to the mausoleum, it was thought to be the "road leading to heaven." Walk through the huge Memorial Stone Arch guarding its entrance continuing along the road to the 13 Ming Dynasty Tombs. Visit the Dingling Tomb, also known as the Underground Palace, the first Imperial tomb excavated in China, housing the remains of Emperor Wan Li and two of his wives. In the exhibition, you'll also see many of the precious golden crowns and glittering jewels that were uncovered
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Sunday - Flight to Xian, Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Market Visit
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Arrive in Xian, the ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. You're invited to a home hosted lunch with local community members, during which you will learn about life for the locals. Later, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China constructed during the Tang Dynasty. This brick and wood structure was only moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Then, on to the Muslim Quarter, a hub of the Muslim community in Xian. At the bustling Beiyuanmen Market, you'll find a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic stalls with food and crafts. Dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Monday - Xian Antiquities with Terracotta Army
Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity - join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to hear more about this delicate technique. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, a truly unforgettable experience! Arrive at the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of more than 7,000 finely sculpted, life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. This world-famous site discovered by farmers in 1974 is still being excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its unearthing. This evening, attend an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner, followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Tuesday - Xian City Wall, High-Speed Train to Chengdu
Begin the day with a visit to the ancient Xian city wall, which was started in 194 B.C. This is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu; arrival and transfer to your hotel in this capital city of Sichuan Province. Tonight, try the famous China "Hot Pot" for dinner. Created over 1,000 years ago, this dish varies by region and is popular all over the country. Be careful with the Szechuan version - it's spicy!
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday - View Giant Pandas, Visit Mahjong Parlor
This morning you'll get to visit some of Chengdu's most relaxed local celebrities - giant panda bears. You'll travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Center which houses more than 80 giant pandas. The center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Their livelihood in the wild is under threat from deforestation. After lunch at a local restaurant, join some residents in a local Mahjong parlor to watch this ancient Chinese game and have a few lessons from the experts. Later attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show and be swept away and mesmerized by this exciting Sichuan show as artists take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Thursday - Flight to Lhasa
Early morning flight from Chengdu to Lhasa*, storied capital of the Tibet autonomous region in China, located at 11,500 feet above sea level on the northern slopes of the Himalayas. Arrive at your hotel with time to rest and adjust to the high altitude. Lunch is at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon briefing with Tibetan experts to hear about the local customs, traditions and the thrilling journey you will experience in Tibet. Rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant *Lhasa sits at an elevation of 11,500 feet above sea level. Your sightseeing will include a fair amount of walking, which at high elevations can be taxing for those in good physical condition. If you have any concerns about traveling to high altitudes, please consult with your healthcare provider.
Overnight: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Friday - Potala Palace, Barkhor Street Bazaar
Today you'll see the astonishing Potala Palace, one of the grandest monuments in all of Asia. Built in the 17th century atop the original 7th-century site, the palace boasts more than 1,000 rooms, including the Red Palace (where the Dalai Lama once lived), 10,000 chapels, and a labyrinth of mysterious dungeons. It took 7,000 workers and 1,500 artists and craftsmen more than 50 years to build the adjoining White and Red Palaces. This Eastern architectural triumph was once the world's tallest building before the creation of 20th-century skyscrapers. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the popular Barkhor Street Bazaar, located in the heart of Lhasa. Walk along the circular street filled with merchants and vendors offering a huge variety of local Tibetan art, crafts, and even tasty snacks
Overnight: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Saturday - Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery
Arrive this morning at the Jokhang Temple where you may observe the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and hear the musical sounds of chanting sutras and the spinning of prayer wheels. Inside the Jokhang Temple, thousands of yak-butter candles flicker inside beneath the enlightened gaze of the golden 7th century Buddha statue. Stop at a Tibetan art shop to collect souvenirs to bring home. In the afternoon, you'll dine at a local restaurant, before visiting the Sera Monastery, known as one of the great three university monasteries of Tibet. This evening, savor a traditional Tibetan dinner together. Afterwards, enjoy a trishaw ride around Potala Square before heading back to your hotel
Overnight: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Sunday - Flight to Chongqing, Cruise Embarkation
Depart Lhasa by flight to Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze River. Continue to Eling Park, located on a hill near the heart of the city. The park was established at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1909 by a wealthy businessman. Discover hundreds of plant species during a stroll though the different parts of the well-tended gardens. Ascend to the lookout tower for stunning views of the Chongqing skyline. This evening enjoy dinner before embarkation on your cruise ship to begin the scenic journey on the Yangtze River - you'll be welcomed by the warm and friendly crew
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Monday - Cruise to Fengdu
The ship arrives this morning at Fengdu, with its 1,900 years of history. Today's shore excursion will visit the Jade Emperor Scenic Area. The sacred site lies on the northern side of the Yangtze River and west of Mingshan Mountain. It features a 100-foot-tall statue depicting the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Chinese Taoism, as well as 208 additional holy statues of deities. You will also encounter exquisite pagodas, pavilions, and terraces. Time to relax on board after your return to the ship
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Tuesday - Qutang and Wuxia Gorges
Wondrous views await you today. Sail through Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze Gorges followed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountain passes as you sail through the 25-mile long Wuxia (Witches) Gorge, famous for its fabled Twelve Peaks. According to legend, the peaks are believed to be the spirits of 12 fairies, the most famous of them being the Shennu Feng (Goddess) Peak, topped by a huge rock resembling a kneeling maiden. The shore excursion takes you to visit the natural scenic wonders of the Shennv or Shennong Stream*. Finally, begin sailing downstream through Xiling Gorge. The longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges system, it comprises the Xietan, Qintan, and Kongling rapids in what is known as the Three Rapids of Xiling *The visit of Shennong or Shennv stream is dependent upon water levels.
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15, Wednesday - Three Gorges Dam & Cruise Disembarkation
After breakfast, this morning's excursion provides you with impressive panoramic views of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River. Then, fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline. Upon arrival, have lunch with your group at a local restaurant. Tonight, perhaps explore some of the city's world-class international restaurants on your own
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16, Thursday - Yu Yuan Gardens & Caoyang Community
Stroll this morning along the famous Bund walkway, with its gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Stop at a local silk carpet & embroidery shop and see how the fabric is woven into stunning designs by local craftspeople. Afterward, visit the classical Yu Yuan Gardens (Garden of Happiness) in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. Time at leisure for lunch & shopping in Shanghai. Later in the afternoon learn more about this ever-changing country by participating in an informative lecture and discussion about China's Cultural Revolution presented by a Shanghai resident who experienced the revolution first-hand and was sent to the countryside to be re-educated by the peasants. Tonight, bid goodbye to China and your fellow travelers at the Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 17, Friday - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Optional tours are available for purchase on board. Please visit this link for tour information.

Availability

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Price From $ 4,859
Price Per Day: $ 286 per day

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

655 Gate 1 Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

72%
3.8 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 433
Great 20
Average 19
Disappointing 22
Terrible 161
Value
3.8
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3.8
Activities
3.8
Lodging
3.8
Transportation
3.8
Meals
3.8

17 Day Amazing China with Tibet

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Company Reviews

We loved Gate1 until our flight that we booked through them was cancelled. We have gone on 5 trips and loved them all but we learned the hard way about their policy. They own the flight until the flight. If flight is cancelled, they simply cancel the flig

3.0
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Value1.0
Guide5.0
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Transportation1.0
Meals2.0
We loved Gate1 until our flight that we booked through them was cancelled. We have gone on 5 trips and loved them all but we learned the hard way about their policy. They own the flight until the flight. If flight is cancelled, they simply cancel the flights for the entire trip and rebook at last minute rates. They called us to tell us it would be $2200 more and we would need to arrive a day early (meaning lose another day of work) and pay an additional $220 for hotel. This became no longer an Affordable Trip to Italy. You will be sitting in the last row of airplane next to the bathrooms if Gate 1 books your flight.
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One of the best !!!!

5.0
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One of the best !!!!
We have been traveling with Gate1Travel many times and always enjoyed its tour guides. Not always the cheapest but the best customer service! Henry Maaravi (Israel tour guide) was the best so far! We also know many others have traveled with Gate1Travel and were impressed with the quality of the resources provided.
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Horiabel can not reach the company.

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Horiabel can not reach the company.

I’ve taken many trips over the years…

4.0
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Value4.0
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Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
I’ve taken many trips over the years with Gate 1 prior to Covid. All were exquisitely memorable and wonderful experiences! However I booked one trip where they paid for my travel because it was included. I learned from that one experience to always book my own travel. Fortunately I chose to book different return flights from China. My travel partner was stuck 3 days in the airport while I had the best experiences getting to my destination even though my flight cancelled due to a flat tire, the airline placed us in two hotels with meals and arrived in less than two days. I also learned never book travel insurance through Gate1 the hard way. Note that even if you use outside insurance they give you a hard time providing documentation. Post Covid our flights cancelled to Fiji due to a cyclone. Our travel insurance company paid us in full after 30 days. Do your homework. Protect yourself while traveling.
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TRAVELING WITH GATE1 IS NOT FOR THE…

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We planned two trips with Gate1, but never left our house neither time. It is a chaotic experience.

Our first mishap was a trip planned to Portugal with a non-stop flight from Newark, New Jersey to Portugal. The airlines pulled the plug on the direct flight and Gate1 found another flight with stopover in Germany before traveling on to Portugal. I avoid any stops when traveling overseas. It increases the chance of being stuck in a country where you change planes, so I refused the offer of a trip around the world before reaching Portugal. Gate1 did not find another direct flight for me and told me my money was NON-REFUNDABLE. To avoid losing my money I booked a trip to Ecuador instead.

Gate1 charged me an additional $100 to book the trip to Ecuador because it was to a different destination. After booking to Ecuador, 2 days before departure, an earthquake shook Ecuador. Gate1 did not send out any information to let us know what the status of the trip was, total silence on their part. The earthquake occurred on a Saturday and the departure date is on a Monday.

We were leaving our house on Sunday to fly to Miami a day before our flight to Ecuador. I received no communications from them on what the status of the trip was in light of the earthquake. W didn't now whether to proceed or stay home.

We called Gate1and found lines busy multiple times with high call volume. In the absence of any communication from Gate1 we cancelled our flights to Miami. We paid for airfare from North Carolina and booked a hotel in Miami.

We lost money on the hotel reservation and had to pay for the stay anyway. I finally got Gate1 on the phone Sunday noon only to find out that the trip was still on as far as they were concerned. They could/should have communicated that to us without our having to call them to find out. We had cancelled the flight to Miami and the hotel by now. My husband and I discussed the safety concerns and decided to cancel.

Gate 1 suggested I rebook our flight to Miami on the same day of travel. There was no way we could make it to Charlotte, NC. (2.5-hour drive from our house) and get to the airport in time to catch the last flight to Miami. Gate1 then tried to convince me to book a flight from Asheville to Miami with a 2.5-hour layover in Atlanta arriving in Miami at 1 AM in the morning. I do not have any faith in making connecting flights on time with airlines anymore. A million things can go wrong and prevent a connection. Not to mention that the airfare would have cost us over $1,200.00 to book at the last minute. We had already spent $897.00 for airfare.

The agent then told me if I could find and book a flight by 5:30 she would hold our trip. I called back at 5:07 pm and Gate1 was closed. I decided the situation could not be salvaged and cancelled the trip. You may get your money back if Gate1 cancels the trip. You get nothing if you cancel the trip close to the departure date.

Gate1 told me that my money for the trip is non-refundable because I cancelled the trip. Ok. I get that. However, Gate1 was very lax in communicating with customers in an emergency where a natural disaster has occurred in a country, they planned to take customers to. Had they sent out an email regarding the status of the trip, we could have made a more informed decision, but we were left in the dark to speculate the worst and made our decision based on lack of information from Gate1

After Gate1’s failure to communicate promptly about the situation in Ecuador, they put all the responsibility and stress on me to rectify the problem. They waited until the last minute to say whether the trip was a go and left us hanging on wondering what was happening, and what to do.

I am done with Gate1. I will never use their service or recommend them to anyone. If things go well, you can probably have a good experience, but when things go wrong, their systems are designed to protect them, not you. They need to do a better job of communicating with customers at every juncture of the trip, especially when natural disasters occur in the area where they will be traveling to. Gate1 told me they had people on the ground in Ecuador who were keeping them informed of the situation. It would be nice if Gate1 can do the same for their customers
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Very poor customer service of 4 trips…

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Very poor customer service of 4 trips with Gate 1, two resulted in canceled return flights, stranded in Ecuador and again in africa. While travel agencies have no control over airline cancelations, they should at least help to get another flight. Both times i was stranded, no one from Gate 1 would assist. I had to find my own last minute flight home, pay for transportation to airport, etc. All my original flights were booked thru and by Gate 1. They have ZERO customer service and do not care if you cannot get home. Burned twice by Gate 1.
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Details

Optional Activities

Sichuan Opera Show
Be swept away and mesmerized by a colorful Sichuan Opera as performers take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances. Traditional performances include theatrical dance pieces, opera solos, a :"rolling oil lamp" sequence, hand-shadow play, stick puppets, and the famous Bian Lian (face changing performance) where actors can imperceptibly swap vividly colored masks in the quick swipe of a fan. Transfers to and from your hotel are included.

Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

OnDay : 8
Price : $45

Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show
Dine on Imperial set menu of 6 courses. All while you enjoy the beat of Chang' an music. After dinner, enjoy the celebrated Tang Dynasty show, a one-thousand-year-old dance performed by the passionate Tang Dynasty Troupe. This historical performance is a national art, reflective of the glory and richness of China's Tang Dynasty. Transfers to and from your hotel included.

Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.

OnDay : 6
Price : $59

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Additional Information


Additional Information:
Land only prices do not include arrival/departure transfers, but do include flights Beijing-Xian, Chengdu-Lhasa, Lhasa-Chongqing & Yichang-Shanghai.

Trip ID#:

gate1-DSCV-CN-17DAMZCN-PKG-22

What's excluded

Not Included: Yangtze River Cruise gratuity charge of RMB 150 (approx. US$25) per adult per cruise (charged directly to your account upon embarkation), optional tours and gratuities.
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