11 Days Private Beijing Xian Lhasa Memory Tour by Train

Welcome to the capital city of China! Upon arriving at the airport/train station, you will be met by your local tour guide, and then drive to your downtown hotel in Beijing City. After the hotel check-in, you are free to take a rest or explore around on your own.

Arrival Ideas: As China's top transportation hub, Beijing is directly connected to major global destinations such as Singapore, London, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney. Domestically, it offers frequent flight connections to almost every provincial capital and major tourist city across the country, with major cities like Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu within 2~3 hours. It also serves as the core of China's high-speed rail network, with express trains to Shanghai (4.5~6 hrs), Xian (4~6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5~8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5~10 hrs), Chongqing (7~9 hrs), Hong Kong (8 hrs) etc.

As the nation's political and cultural center for centuries, Beijing stands as the guardian of China's most majestic legacies and cultural heritage. Today your guide will pick you up in the hotel after your breakfast, then start the wonderful ancient China culture and history tour!

You will firstly get to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest plaza. The grandiose Tian'anmen Gate was the place where the chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China to the world. Passing through Tiananmen Gate, you will enter the splendid Forbidden City, the previous home to 24 emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties for 600 years. A highlight is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the highest-ranking hall in the Forbidden City and the ceremonial center. Here you can see the impressive three-tiered white marble terrace, the ten mythical creatures lining its roof ridge, and inside, the magnificent gilded dragon throne. You can also stroll through the serene Imperial Garden and explore deeper into the palace halls to uncover more architectural wonders.

After exploring the Forbidden City, a short walk leads you to Jingshan Park. Ascend the hill to its summit pavilion, and you'll be rewarded with the most iconic bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City. This unparalleled vantage point allows you to fully grasp the majestic scale and layout of the imperial city you've just explored.

In the afternoon, head to visit the exquisite Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese imperial garden design and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally a royal summer retreat during the Qing Dynasty, this vast landscape harmoniously blends lakes, hills, pavilions, temples, and corridors into a poetic expression of nature and architecture. The palace grounds are divided into three main areas: Front Hill, Back Hill, and Kunming Lake. At the heart of the garden lies the expansive Kunming Lake, where you can admire the graceful Seventeen-Arch Bridge and take in views that embody the classic Chinese ideal of “borrowed scenery.”

After the sightseeing, you will be taken back to your hotel for rest.

Optional Recommended Night Activities: 1) Watch an exciting acrobatic show featuring incredible feats of strength, balance, and agility; 2) Enjoy a famous Peking Opera Show at Liyuan Theater.

Hiking the Great Wall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most travelers. Today, you will accomplish this dream. You will be escorted approximately 70km from downtown Beijing to the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall, a section known for having fewer tourists than Badaling Great Wall, and widely considered the best for appreciating the beautiful scenery. Your journey begins with an enclosed cable car ride to Watchtower No. 14, the starting point of your hike. Walking westward, you will pass historic watchtowers and be rewarded with sweeping, photo-worthy vistas. The path is generally moderate and family-friendly, though those seeking a challenge can ascend Great Man Slope to Watchtower No. 20, the highest point, for truly unparalleled views. After your exploration, return to Watchtower No. 14 to descend by the enclosed cable car.

Optional Toboggan Experience: For an adventurous end to your Great Wall visit, you may choose the exciting toboggan slide down from Watchtower No. 6 (available to visitors under age 60). Note that there might be a queue, especially during peak seasons like Chinese holidays.

After your hike on the Mutianyu Great Wall, you'll begin your journey back to the city. En route, you'll visit the solemn Ming Tombs, the imperial burial complex for 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Here, you will walk the Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer ceremonial path lined with majestic stone statues of 12 mythical animals and 12 officials. This path was symbolically regarded as the route through which the emperor, the Son of Heaven, traveled between the celestial realm and the earthly throne. To cap off the day, a stop will be made at the Beijing Olympic Village, where you can capture photos of the world-famed "Bird's Nest" and the"Water Cube" from the outside before proceeding to your hotel.

After breakfast, you'll visit one of the greatest masterpieces in Chinese architectural history - the Temple of Heaven. This was the sacred site where Ming and Qing emperors performed solemn rites to pray for national prosperity and bountiful harvests. Today, the vast outer park has transformed into a lively public space where locals practice Tai Chi, fly kites, and socialize, while the serene inner sanctuary remains a preserved historic site, offering a window into China's profound ancient culture and cosmology.

Later move on to visit the most famous Hutongs which are some old alleys with time-honored courtyard residences dated back to Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD). Exploring these lanes offers an immersive glimpse into the authentic local lifestyle. You can browse quaint antique shops and boutiques while observing the architectural evolution of these historic neighborhoods, and may also have the opportunity to step into a local family’s courtyard home, gaining a personal insight into their daily traditions and contemporary lifestyle.

After the lunch, you will have some free time until be taken to catch a high speed train to Xian (about 5 hours). Our local guide will be waiting for you in Xian North Railway Station and escorting you to your hotel in Xian. The rest of day is free for you to explore the ancient city on your own.

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to witness what is acclaimed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. This monumental, man-made wonder was created and buried to guard the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China's First Emperor, for his afterlife. The site features over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses with different looks, alongside a vast array of bronze weapons. You will explore the 3 excavated pits open to the public, each revealing a unique aspect of this ancient underground army. Pit 1 presents the main combat formation, with over 6,000 terracotta soldiers and chariots arranged in battle-ready ranks. Pit 2 displays the tactical diversity of the army, featuring cavalry, archers, and chariots, while its exhibition hall houses iconic figures such as the Kneeling Archer and the General. Pit 3, identified as the military command center, contains high-ranking officers and a ceremonial chariot, reflecting the structure of ancient headquarters.

Optional hands-on activity: Craft your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter.

Following lunch, return to Xian to visit Da Cien Temple, a significant center for Buddhist scripture translation during the Tang Dynasty. Within its grounds stands the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, erected by the revered monk Xuanzang (玄奘) to safeguard the precious Buddhist texts he brought back from India. At 64.5 meters tall, the pagoda remains an enduring symbol of faith and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. (extra cost: CNY 30 applies for those who wish to climb up the pagoda)

As evening falls, you will explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. This vibrant cultural district is especially enchanting after dark, when elegant lighting illuminates its Tang-style architecture, evoking the splendor of one of China's most celebrated dynasties. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, photography, and immersing yourself in the atmospheric legacy of the Tang.

Optional activity: Try on traditional Hanfu and capture your imperial look for a memorable photoshoot.

Start today's Xian tour with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant 43.4-meter-tall brick pagoda with multiple eaves, originally built with 15 storeys during the Tang Dynasty and now preserved with 13. Remarkably, the pagoda has withstood numerous earthquakes over its 1,300-year history while maintaining its elegant silhouette, thanks to its partially buried rammed-earth foundation. It's a testament to the sophisticated seismic wisdom of Tang builders. Adjacent to the pagoda lies the Xi'an Museum, home to a rich collection of over 130,000 cultural artifacts including jade, ceramics, Buddhist statues, and other treasures that narrate the city's profound history.

Next, explore the Ancient City Wall, once a silent witness to the camel bells of the Silk Road. Enterng through the historic Hanguang Gate and walking atop the wall is like stepping into a corridor where past and present converge. This magnificent Ming Dynasty fortification, stretching approximately 13.74 kilometers in length, stands as the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. From the broad walkway of the wall, you are treated to a sweeping panoramic view of modern Xi’an. For a more active experience, opt to rent a bicycle (extra cost: CNY 45) for a scenic ride, with flexible routes tailored to your interest. After that, move to Muslim Quarter, a place to satisfy your stomach with various delicious local snacks. Just steps away, tucked behind the lively market lanes, lies the serene Great Mosque, China's largest and best-preserved classical mosque. Its courtyards and pavilions perfectly blend traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic function and art.

At the conclusion of the visit, you will be escorted back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Optional activity: Watch the spectacular Tang Palace Dance Show (usually 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM) with a hearty dumpling dinner.

Today you are going to take a train from Xi'an Railway Station to the holy city Lhasa (about 30~31 hours). Currently there are two trains travelers can take to Lhasa from Xi'an, Z165 and Z265, both leaving in the morning. Passengers only need to spend one night on the train, but don't have to miss the highlights of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Shortly after departing Xi'an, the window frames open up to vast plains dotted with farmland and villages. As the train heads west, the terrain gradually gives way to hills, revealing the iconic landscape of the Loess Plateau, with endless yellow slopes carved by ravines stretching as far as the eye can see. By evening, the train arrives in Xining, marking the official start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway section. From here onward, you can feel the altitude quietly climbing, setting the stage for the high-altitude train journey awaiting you the next day.

Note: Starting from Golmud (around early morning on the second day), the entire train will provide diffuse oxygen supply to help passengers cope with the high altitude, so you can sleep soundly without any worry.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, often called the "Road to the Sky," is one of the most remarkable train journeys in the world, officially beginning from Xining as it climbs through high-altitude plateaus, snow-capped mountains, and vast wilderness into the roof of the world. When you wake up in the early morning, the train has already brought you into the heart of this incredible landscape. You will have chance to see the majestic Kunlun Mountains, with snow-capped peaks glowing golden in the morning light and glaciers stretching out nearby. The train then continues into the Kekexili Nature Reserve, where you might spot Tibetan antelopes and wild donkeys running and grazing across the vast grasslands. Crossing the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the highest point of the entire journey at over 5,000 meters, you will find yourself surrounded by a breathtaking world of snow and ice. In the afternoon, as the train enters the Nagqu to Lhasa section, the landscape begins to change. Herds of yaks dot the green meadows, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, and traditional Tibetan houses appear along the way. Finally, arrive at Lhasa Railway Station in the late afternoon, and then be picked up by our local tour guide and driven to your hotel in the downtown. Have a good rest.

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 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.