China Tours including Tibet | Tibet Tours from China Gateway Cities 2026/2027

Unless you are qualified for Visa-free policies, such as long-term residential visa, transit visa free, or you are from specific countries, you are required to have a Tourist Visa (L Visa) for your China tour. You can apply for Chinese visa in Chinese embassies or consulates in your country.

China has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for following eligible countries, including European nations - Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia, and UK. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain are included. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in South America are also eligible. Canada in North America has been included too.

240-Hour Visa Free Transit (10 days) has been lanched. 55 eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, Indonesia, Brazil, etc. Eligible travelers can now travel across provinces, for example traveling from Beijing to Xian, then to Shanghai. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to 240-hour transit visa-free entry ports.

As of now, China has established full visa exemption agreements with 28 countries, including Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.

To travel in Tibet, all Non-Chinese passport holders need to have a Tibet Travel Permit which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. And only Chinese travel agencies like Tibet Discovery can apply for the permit on behalf of tourists. You must obtain it before your tour starting because the permit will be checked when you board your flight/train to Tibet. Traveling with Tibet Discovery, you don't have to worry about the complicated procedures of Tibet Travel Permit application.

In general, China weather features a distinct continental monsoon climate, characterized by cold winter and hot summer. However, it’s hard to define China weather in a few words because of vast land. It enjoys a rich climate and the weather differs from region to region by different temperature zones according to the diverse landforms. Two different cities may have totally different temperature and climate in the same time, that makes China is a great country to travel all the year around.

Traveling in the broad country, it’s hard to say when is the best time to visit China. No matter when you step into the land of China, you can easily find some great places to visit. Generally speaking, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit China with mild climate and comfortable temperature throughout the country, especially the months of April, May, September and October. But it is also the busiest tourism peak season. To avoid the crowds, you’d better avoid traveling during Chinese Public Holidays, such as Spring Festival (Late January or Early February), Labor's Day (May 1~5), National Holiday (October 1~7), Student Summer Holiday (Early July to Late August), etc.

Tibet is located in Qinghai Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters. Influenced by its special topography, geographical environment and atmospheric circulation, Tibet owns a complex climate – freezing winter and mild summer, featuring strong sunlight, ultraviolet radiation and dry and thin air. Under the alternant control of west wind in winter and southwest wind in summer, Tibet has an obvious dry season and rainy season: every October to next year April is the dry season, every May to September is the rainy season. Night rain happens quite frequently in summer. The temperatures in daytime and night differs a lot and it will get colder with the rise of elevation, so please wear accordingly whenever you come. Generally speaking, April to November is the best months for Tibet tour.

Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong serve as China's primary international gateways, offering convenient flight connections from numerous major countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, the United States, Russia, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, etc.

For travelers wishing to include Tibet in their China itinerary, Tibet is well-connected through efficient transportation links from key domestic cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xining, Shanghai, etc. as well as international hubs including Kathmandu. Travelers can reach Tibet by the following main transportation options:

By Air: Direct flights operate from major Chinese cities to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, with Beijing (4~6 hrs), Xian (3.5~4 hrs), Chengdu (2.5~3 hours), Chongqing (3 hrs), Kunming (3~4.5 hrs), Hong Kong (7.5 hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu stands out as the optimal air gateway, offering short flight time and the most frequent daily flights to Lhasa. Kathmandu (1.5 hrs), Pokhara (1.5 hrs), and Singapore (10.5 hrs) also provides a direct international flight link to Lhasa.

By Train: the Xining-Lhasa route (19.5~20.5 hrs) is highly recommended for featuring the most scenic section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. you can also take a train to Tibet from Beijing (40.5 hrs), Chengdu (34.5 hrs), Xi'an (32 hrs), Chongqing (34 hrs), Lanzhou (23 hrs), Shanghai (45 hrs), and Guangzhou (53.5 hrs).

By Road: Foreign travelers can also enter Tibet from Nepal by land, or leave Tibet for Nepal through Gyirong Port.

Intra-city Transportation Upgrades: Lhasa’s road system has been significantly improved, featuring smoother, well-paved highways that connect all key destinations seamlessly. Whether you are traveling from the airport to the city center via the Lhasa-Gonggar Airport Expressway, or venturing from downtown to farther natural wonders like Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and even the Mount Everest region, you can expect a comfortable journey on expansive, orderly roads.

China's vast territory offers exceptionally rich tourism resources, yet its geographical span also means that traveling between major destinations often requires considerable time. When planning an itinerary, it is essential to allocate sufficient days while arranging stops in an efficient order.

Beijing (3~4 days), the capital and cultural heart of China, home to Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutongs, etc.

Xi'an (2~3 days), the starting point of the Silk Road, famous for Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, etc.

Shanghai (2~3 days), a dazzling metropolis, with highlights including the Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, etc.

Zhangjiajie (3~4 days), Known for its otherworldly quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired the scenery of Avatar, with must-see sites such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, and the Glass Bridge.

Guilin (3~4 days), renowned for its classic karst landscapes, ideal for a Li River cruise, exploring Yangshuo's countryside, visiting the Longji Rice Terraces, and seeing the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill.

Chengdu (1~2 days), the land of abundance, famous for the Chengdu Panda Base, Jinli Old Street, etc. If you plan to visit nearby natural and cultural heritage sites, such as Jiuzhaigou or the Leshan Giant Buddha, you will need at least another 1-2 days.

Yangtze River Cruise (4~5 days), a leisure journey through the majestic Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges, typically sailing between Chongqing and Yichang, offering stunning scenery, shore excursions to Fengdu Ghost City and Three Gorges Dam.

Tibet (5~8 days), the roof of the world, centered around Lhasa with the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Extended itineraries can include sacred Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, the Everest, etc.

Double-check Your Must-have Items: Travel documents & permits (Valid passport with Chinese visa, Tibet Travel Permit); personal prescription medicines and altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor, e.g., Acetazolamide); skin care & protection items (sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, lip balm, intensive moisturizers); clothing suitable for the weather and your destination; daily practical items (power bank, packable raincoat, blister plasters, a moderate amount of cash)

Take Precautions Against Altitude Sickness: Tibet's average elevation exceeds 4,000 meters, a height at which most travelers will experience some degree of altitude sickness. It is advised to avoid flying directly into Tibet from low-altitude regions. Instead, enter gradually from intermediate-altitude hubs like Xining (about 2,300 m) or Chengdu (about 500 m) to allow your body to acclimatize. Upon arrival, prioritize rest for the first 24 hours by avoiding bathing, alcohol, and strenuous activity. Consult your doctor before departure regarding preventive medications like acetazolamide and carry pain relievers like ibuprofen for headaches. Stay well-hydrated with warm water, maintain a light diet, and consider drinking butter tea to aid acclimatization. If symptoms like severe headache, vomiting, or shortness of breath occur, cease all activity immediately, use supplemental oxygen, and seek medical help.

Respect for Local Culture and Beliefs: Always move clockwise when circling prayer wheels, stupas, or temples. Inside temple halls, remove hats and sunglasses, and do not step on thresholds. Do not photograph interiors, statues, or monks without explicit permission. Be respectful and quiet in sacred spaces.

Travel worry-free with Tibet Discovery on a fully private tour across China, including Tibet. Our service is built on one simple promise: private and fully customized travel experiences. We craft your itinerary around your interests, your pace, and your personal style.

Whether you wish to visit iconic cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, unwind on a Yangtze River cruise, immerse in the natural beauty of Guilin and Zhangjiajie, or explore tourist gems like Chengdu, Lhasa, Yunnan, and Guizhou, we tailor every journey to your preferences. You focus on the experience; we handle every detail. Our all-inclusive service covers:

Custom itinerary planning - From the first conversation, we ensure prompt responses and smooth communication. We design your unique journey based on your travel dates, preferred season, dream destinations, and desired experiences. Your trip is personalized from the very start.

Dedicated private guides - In each destination, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. They are passionate storytellers who adapt to your pace and interests, and answer your questions.

Seamless Transfers & Private Transport - We take care of long-distance connections, seamlessly booking and coordinating your flights and train tickets within China. Upon arrival at each destination, your private vehicle and driver ensure smooth transfers between airports, train stations, hotels, and all attractions.

Handpicked hotels - Every hotel is selected for its cleanliness, comfort, and superior location. We balance proximity to key sites with the quality of your stay to ensure perfect rest each night.

All necessary tickets - We pre-purchase and manage entrance tickets, activity reservations, and internal transport tickets. You arrive ready to explore, with guaranteed access and a seamless flow.

Daily meals - We arrange daily meals featuring authentic local cuisine. Special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or Western preferences, are accommodated upon request.

Your effortless China journey awaits!