9 Days Wonderful Shanghai Xian Lhasa Contrast Private Tour

Welcome to Shanghai, the China's most cosmopolitan city. Your private tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport or train station, and escort you to your hotel in downtown. The rest of the day is free for you to have fun and relax.

Optional Activity: attend the spectacular acrobatics show at the Shanghai Circus World, featuring incredible acts like aerial ballet, balls of death, and precision juggling, set to dazzling lights and water screens.

Arrival Ideas: As a cosmopolitan city, Shanghai is served by a wide array of international and domestic flights, connecting it to major cities across the globe and throughout China. Additionally, you can conveniently reach Shanghai via high-speed rail from numerous cities, like Beijing (4.5~6 hrs), Xian (6~8 hrs), Hangzhou (1 hr), Suzhou (0.5 hrs), Huangshan (2.5~4 hrs), etc.

Today, your wonderful Shanghai journey starts with a visit to Lujiazui and take a look at Shanghai at present. If the weather is clear, ascending to Shanghai Tower which is the tallest skyscraper in China, and overlooking from the view deck on the 118th floor, a prosperous and majestic Shanghai will reveal its true face in front of you.

Your next stop is Shanghai Museum East. It is one must-see attraction in Shanghai famed for its countless treasured cultural collections, including bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, jade, seal and some other shining exhibits, tracing back to as long as 5,000 years ago. This charming museum will guide you through the craft of millennia as well as the pages of Chinese history.

After exploring Chinese old history, you will be driven to Yu Garden. The private garden built in Ming Dynasty fully shows the architecture and design style of classical Chinese gardens with delicate pavilions, clear ponds and artificial hills. Next, you will walk leisurely through the Yuyuan Bazaar, located right next to the Yu Garden, which is full of tasteful local snacks and elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works.

Then, stroll along Nanjing Road, and you will be surprised how this paradise for shoppers satisfy your shopping demand. At the east end of the road appears the famous Bund, the symbol of Shanghai situated in the river bank of Huangpu River. Walk along the Bund, feel the perfect fusion of Chinese culture and Western culture, and seize the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes.

Optional Recommended Night Activity: take an enjoyable ship cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy the beautiful night view of Shanghai.

The first place to visit for today is the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center where multiple media, such as photography, models, videos, machines, etc, are used to help visitors to learn about the past history, present facts and future plan of Shanghai. Next, head to Tianzifang, a charming arts and crafts district that emerged from the transformation of a traditional residential area. Wander through its narrow, picturesque alleys, where you can experience the vibrant life of Shanghai locals, enjoy a drink at an outdoor café, or explore unique shops that blend international styles with authentic Shanghai culture.

In the afternoon, you will be escorted to catch your flight to Xian (about 2~3 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met by local tour guide at the airport hall and be transferred to your hotel by a private vehicle. The rest of today is free for you to explore Xian.

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.

After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport and take a flight to Lhasa (about 3.5 hours). Upon arriving at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be picked up by local tour guide at the airport hall, 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 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.