10 Days Private Chengdu Panda & Qinghai Tibet Railway Experience Tour

Welcome to the hometown of the Giant Panda! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, you will be warmly greeted by your local tour guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Chengdu. After check-in, take some time to rest from your journey. Or on your own experience the relaxed yet lively rhythm of this beloved city, known for its tea culture, spicy cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle.

Arrival Ideas: Chengdu is only about 2~3 hours flying from the majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. Additionally, the city offers direct international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Sydney, and major U.S. cities. You can also get to Chengdu by high speed trains from Xian (4hrs), Chongqing (1hr), Guilin (6hrs), Kunming (6hrs), etc.

Free-time Evening Ideas: 1) Visit the Jiuyanqiao area to enjoy beautiful night views along the river, highlighted by the iconic Anshun Bridge, especially charming after sunset when the lights reflect on the water. 2) Wander through Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li area, where historic streets blend seamlessly with modern fashion, cafés, and shopping malls, offering a glimpse into Chengdu's vibrant urban life. 3) Treat yourself to an authentic Sichuan cuisine dinner at a local restaurant and discover the bold flavors that make Chengdu a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Chengdu is known for its three iconic features: giant pandas, rich history, and a relaxed lifestyle. Today, you will explore these highlights one by one.

Your day begins with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the top attraction in the city. You will leave your hotel early and enjoy a scenic drive of about 30 minutes to arrive in time to witness the most active moments of the pandas. Watch them feeding, playing, climbing trees, and interacting with one another. The base features well-designed enclosures for pandas of different ages, from adorable cubs to energetic juveniles and fully grown adults. Pleasant walking paths connect the enclosures, allowing you to enjoy a close and memorable encounter with these beloved animals.

Next, experience Chengdu's famous leisurely lifestyle at Renmin Park (People's Park), a favorite gathering place for locals. Here, you can observe residents enjoying a slow-paced life—strolling, chatting with friends, or playing mahjong. To truly step into the local rhythm, join in the essential Chengdu ritual: sit on a bamboo chair at a simple wooden table and savor a pot of Chinese tea.

After that, visit the historic Wuhou Temple, one of Chengdu's most important cultural landmarks, dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period. Surrounded by ancient cypress trees, the temple features elegant traditional architecture, stone inscriptions, and peaceful courtyards, offering a deep insight into Sichuan's rich history and culture. Adjacent to the temple is Jinli Old Street, where you can continue your exploration at leisure. Wander along this lively traditional street, sample local snacks, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of old Chengdu.

Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a fascinating Sichuan Opera performance, featuring the famous Face-Changing (Bian Lian) art, at a local theater for a perfect cultural finale to your day.

After breakfast, take a one-hour drive to the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, 50 km north of Chengdu. Discover the mysteries of the ancient Shu Kingdom, which thrived 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. The museum displays over 4,000 artifacts, including the famous Bronze Standing Figure, Bronze Sacred Tree, Gold Stick, and Bronze Mask with Protruding Eyes, as well as many other bronze, jade, stone, and gold objects. These treasures reveal a highly advanced civilization, similar in mystery to the Maya or ancient Egyptians. As you explore, imagine the lives of the people who lived here, their rituals, artistry, and daily activities. Recent discoveries from 2021 continue to shed new light on the origins of Chinese culture.

After the museum visit, you will be escorted to catch a flight to Xining (about 1.5 hrs). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by local tour guide, and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

After breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour scenic drive (about 150 km) from Xining across the distinctive landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to Qinghai Lake. As China's largest inland saltwater lake, with its vast expanse of over 4,500 square kilometers at an altitude of 3,200 meters, it resembles a colossal sapphire embedded between mountains and grasslands.

You will enjoy a memorable experience at Qinghai Lake's Erlangjian Scenic Area, arriving by sightseeing bus at this unique peninsula likened to a sharp sword piercing the heart of the lake. Erlangjian offers visitors the closest possible encounter with the sacred waters of Qinghai Lake. As you stroll along the winding lakeside pathway, the gentle lapping of waves against the shore accompanies the sight of seabirds soaring freely overhead. Gazing across the lakeshore, you will witness the traditional dwellings of Tibetan and Mongolian communities, with scattered tents dotting the grasslands and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The iconic "Qinghai Lake" stone monument and landmarks like the Auspicious Four Companions sculpture are all perfect photo opportunities for lasting memories.

Transportation Options to Erlangjian Scenic Area: The Erlangjian Peninsula, the scenic core of Qinghai Lake, is located 13 km from the main tourist center and cannot be reached on foot. Visitors may choose 1). 25-minute high-speed cruise from Erlangjian Wharf to the peninsula, and return by sightseeing train or bus; 2). travel both ways via sightseeing train or bus. The ticket price ranges from CNY 120 to 140. Please inform your guide or travel consultant in advance to arrange your preferred option. Note that cruises may be suspended due to weather conditions, in which case land transportation will be provided instead.

If your visit coincides with July or August, you'll find yourself surrounded by seas of golden rapeseed flowers. The vibrant yellow blooms create a striking contrast with the deep blue of the lake and sky, forming a once-in-a-lifetime visual spectacle that is every photographer's dream. Come winter, from December to February, the lake transforms into a vast expanse of crystalline blue ice, its surface etched with delicate natural patterns, offering an equally breathtaking wonderland to explore through your lens.

After fully immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Qinghai Lake, drive back to Xining for accommodation.

After breakfast, drive to the Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum, a comprehensive national museum of Tibetan culture that hosts Tibetan medicine as its central theme. You can explore its core exhibitions, immersing yourself in the visual spectacle of grand thangkas, admiring exquisite traditional costumes, and delving into the unique wisdom of Tibetan medicine. The museum’s crown jewel is the Guinness World Record-holding “Color Painting Panorama.” This 618-meter-long, 1,500-square-meter masterpiece features over 700 individual thangka paintings and more than 3,000 distinct embroidery patterns, forming a true living encyclopedia of Tibetan civilization.

Leaving the musuem, you will be taken to Dongguan Mosque, the largest and oldest mosque in Qinghai. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, it is also one of the four major mosques in Northwest China. Its architecture uniquely blends traditional Chinese palace style with Islamic decorative arts, and its main prayer hall can accommodate nearly 3,000 worshippers. The mosque houses several historical stone tablets recording cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road. You can experience the distinctive atmosphere of multicultural harmony here.

After the Xining city tour, board the train to Lhasa (about 19.5~20.5 hours) and witness the breathtaking scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau unfold outside your window throughout the journey.

Continuing your train journey from Xining to Lhasa, the true wonder may not lie in single landmark, but in the gradual, majestic transformation of the world outside your window.

As the train across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, you will pass the majestic ranges of the Kunlun and Tanggula Mountains, standing as silent and ancient sentinels. The terrain then opens into the breathtaking expanse of the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve where wildlife occasionally appears. Tibetan antelope may cross near the tracks, and you might see herds of wild yaks or Tibetan wild asses in the distance. The climb reaches its highest point at the Tanggula Pass, over 5,000 meters above sea level, where the landscape is bare and the air is thin. Not long after crossing this pass, the view changes dramatically. The vivid blue waters of Cuo’na Lake come into sight, surrounded by mountains.

Upon arriving at Lhasa Railway Station, you will be picked up by local tour guide, then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and high altitude of Lhasa.

High Altitude Acclimation Tips:1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you'd better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest.

Today, you will explore Lhasa’s city and suburban attractions accompanied by your local guide, gaining deep insight into Tibetan history and culture. Your journey will begin at the Tibet Museum, where carefully curated exhibits trace the region’s past from the Paleolithic era to the rise of early civilization. Highlights include ancient stone tools and pottery, exquisite Buddhist statues, vivid Thangka paintings, and invaluable relics such as gold seals and traditional manuscripts. Next, visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of Lhasa. This expansive garden complex, filled with rare flowers and lush greenery, is often called the “Plateau Oxygen Bar.” Beyond its elegant Tibetan-style architecture, Norbulingka is also a vibrant cultural venue, hosting major Tibetan celebrations and performances, most notably the traditional shows during the annual Shoton Festival (June 30th in the Tibetan calendar, lasting about a week).

In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa’s most renowned monasteries, famous for its daily Buddhist debating sessions. In the courtyard, monks engage in animated debates on Buddhist philosophy, using expressive gestures to sharpen understanding and deepen their studies-an unforgettable cultural experience. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city.

Optional Activity: If there is extra time, it is highly recommended to watch the outdoor live performance of Princess Wencheng at evening. Princess Wencheng Show, performed usually during 21:30~23:00 (late April to Early October), presents the Chinese and Tibetan history and culture through the story that Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty married Songtsen Gambo 1,300 year ago. Since the performance is outdoors and the nighttime temperatures in Lhasa are relatively low, please make sure to dress warmly in advance.

The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn't wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the monastery; 3) taking photos and videos are usually not allowed inside the monastery.

Start today's cultural heritage journey from the Potala Palace Square, where you can admire the grandeur of Potala Palace and capture classic photos of its magnificent front facade. From here, continue to the landmark - Potala Palace, an outstanding symbol of Tibetan architecture mainly composed of the White Palace and the Red Palace with many cherished cultural heritages. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then you will explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace with explanations accompanied by your local guide. After exploring Potala Palace, enjoy a leisurely walk through Zongjiao Lukang Park, a scenic lakeside park located behind the palace. Here, you can experience authentic local life, often seeing Tibetans gathering for singing and dancing, chatting, exercising, and walking kora. On clear days, the lake also offers beautiful reflections of Potala Palace.

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple, widely regarded as the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the most sacred religious site in Tibet as it enshrines the revered Jowo Rinpoche, a life-sized (about 1.5 meters / 5 feet) statue of Shakyamuni Buddha depicting him at the age of twelve. In the square before the temple, you will witness devoted pilgrims performing full-body prostrations, gradually polishing the stone flagstones beneath them-a deeply moving and unforgettable sight. The day’s exploration concludes at Barkhor Street, the bustling circular street that surrounds Jokhang Temple. The local Tibetans usually walk clockwise on the street for several circles, as part of their daily pilgrimage. Lined with lively shops and stalls, Barkhor Street is also an excellent place to browse for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and local specialties, offering a vibrant glimpse into both the spiritual and everyday life of Lhasa.

Optional Activity: If your physical strength permits, you can take a short climb to the Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, which is precisely the location featured on the back of China's fifth series 50-yuan banknote. From this platform, you can appreciate the terraced architecture of Potala Palace ascending the mountainside.

Tips of today: 1) Potala Palace (3,700m) is situated at a higher elevation than the average city altitude (3,650m) and requires climbing many steps, so please walk slowly and take breaks as needed; 2) taking photos, videos and wearing hats are not allowed in the palace; 3) please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

Today, you will take an exciting trip to the holy lake Namtso - Tibet’s most beautiful lake and the world’s highest saltwater lake with an altitude of 4,718 meters. The overwhelming beauty also makes it known as the Heavenly Lake and the Paradise of Photographer. Start from Lhasa, you will have a smooth ride along the expressway to Damxung County - the gateway to this celestial region along with the view of Mt. Nyenchen Thangla Ranges on the way. From there, wind upward along the highway to cross the iconic Nagenla Pass (5,190m), where the air thins and the world unfolds: pause at the pass to overlook the exhibition-like Namtso Lake, its turquoise expanse shimmering below like a fallen piece of sky.

You will first arrive at Namtso Lake Tourist Center, and take a short rest then take the shuttle bus for about 30 minutes to reach Tashi Peninsula Scenic Area of Namtso Lake to throw yourself into the incredible landscape of Namtso Lake. It’s quite common for tourists who are awestruck at the Namtso at the first sight. With the snowy mountains in the background, the crystal-clear dazzling blue water, Namtso is stretching to the horizon. In clear days, the lake looks like a beautiful turquoise surrounded by magnificent snow-capped Tanggula Mountains, and the lakeshore is green, wide and open, dotted with yaks and sheep of local nomads. For travelers, Namtso is the ideal place for photography and sightseeing. While for Tibetans, it is a sacred and magical lake for pilgrimage and sometimes you can even see some Tibetans walk the kora around the lake with prayer wheels.

After finishing the visit in Tashi Peninsula Scenic Area, you will take the shuttle bus back to the Tourist Center from the drop-off point or along the way. The return trip will include a short tour around the lake, taking about 40 minutes in total, then return to Lhasa for accommodation.

Tips of Today: 1) the altitudes of Namtso Lake region is about 5, 000 meters, so you should be fully prepared for high altitude sickness. Do remember to keep warm all the time and avoid strenuous activity; 2) it is available ride a yak at Namtso lake but remember to ask for the owners’ permission and about the price in advance; 3) if you want to spend longer time and watch sunset, you can also accommodate at Damxung County for a night, which is about 1 hour's driving from Namtso Lake.

Today is free for you until your tour guide and private driver transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.

Recommended Activities: If you have extra time, you can visit Nanshan Park on the way to the airport or train station. Nanshan Park (Lhasa’s “Green Lung”), a hillside oasis that tells the story of Tibet’s ecological triumph. Pause at viewpoints to marvel at the greening project’s success: once-barren hills now burst with emerald foliage, a testament to local efforts to harmonize with nature. The most highlight part is the panoramic view of Lhasa’s skyline, where the Potala Palace rises like a golden crown against the azure sky-its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs glowing in the sunlight, framed by distant snow-capped peaks.

Tips of today: 1) please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel; 2) if your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12 PM.