5 Star China Heartland & Tibet

Today, depart Australia (or New Zealand) for Xi'an, China and upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Located in central-northwest China, Xi'an records the great changes of the country just like a living history book. Called Chang'an (the eternal city) in ancient times, it is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilisation in the Yellow River Basin area. As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the city has a worldwide reputation. More than 3,000 years of history, including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).
• Some travellers may arrive early in the morning of Day 2.

Overnight: Sheraton Xi'an Hotel or similar, Xi'an

Meals included: In-Flight

Enjoy a sleep-in this morning, then get ready to discover one of China's UNESCO Heritage Listed icons.

The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life-size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century, and you're sure to be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army.

Afterwards, you'll visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory.

Finish the day back at your hotel, where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or alternatively take part in an optional activity.

Optional Tour: Xi'an At Night with Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City & Dinner
Tonight, enjoy an early dinner of local cuisine at a restaurant. You'll then head to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, the only large-scale Tang-style architectural complex pedestrian street in China. As the top destination for showcasing and experiencing Tang culture in Xi’an, it has attracted a large number of tourists with its unique Tang culture and technological exhibitions. Ever-Bright City is brightly lit at night with antique-style buildings shining brilliantly between the turns of light and shadow, recreating the magnificent Tang Dynasty. On the way back to the hotel, the view of the Ancient City Wall is another highlight of the nightlife in Xi'an.

Overnight: Sheraton Xi'an Hotel or similar, Xi'an

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, you'll transfer to Xi'an Railway Station for your high-speed train ride to Chongqing on an approximately 5.5-hour journey. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet and escort you to check into the hotel.

Chongqing, often nicknamed the "Mountain City" due to its hilly terrain, is a spectacular blend of hyper-modern innovation and ancient history. The city is famous for its mind-blowing urban landscape and complex, multi-layered topography. It's a place where you can exit a building on the ground floor and find yourself on the 22nd floor of a different street.

Overnight: Hilton Chongqing or similar, Chongqing

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will enjoy a walk outside the Great Hall of the People, an iconic landmark that ranks in the top 10 of classical Asian architecture of the 20th century and the Classic Chinese Centennial Building of the 20th century. Then head to Liziba Subway Station and experience the Chongqing monorail passing directly through a residential building, an architectural marvel trending on social media. Last, enjoy some free time in Hongya Cave, a multi-level shopping and dining complex known for its traditional stilted architecture. In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time at leisure or join in any of the below optional activities.

Optional Activity - Ciqikou Ancient Town Tour (Afternoon)
Your optional afternoon tour will start in Ciqikou Ancient Town, an old town preserved amid the sprawling modern city of Chongqing. It's an old sleepy town built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The town's name, Ciqikou, means porcelain harbour, and the community prospered from the porcelain trade. It offers a glimpse of the peaceful laid-back life in Chongqing countryside. Then proceed to Jiefangbei Square. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government built a 27.5 metres six-sided cylindrical at the intersection of the national road, the livelihood road, the civil liberties road and the minister road in downtown Chongqing.

It was called "people's liberation monument" and originally surrounded by low buildings. Now Jiefangbei is Chongqing's CBD with all the big shops and department stores; here you can see the most prosperous side of Chongqing. Last stop at Kuixing Pavilion, a place where scholars in ancient times prayed and made wishes. With a history of over 200 years, it has now become a popular city landmark among locals and tourists alike. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Optional Activity - Yangtze Two-Rivers Night Cruise (Evening)
Chongqing Two Rivers Night Cruise is one of the name cards of Chongqing. It offers a chance to behold Chongqing’s renowned night view, where the city's mountainous skyline, encircled by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, comes alive with a mesmerising display of lights. As the cruise glides smoothly, passengers can leisurely take in the sights while passing by major highlights of Chongqing downtown, fully immersing in the city’s nocturnal charm. Last proceed to a secret spot where you will have a full night view of this amazing city. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Optional Activity - Chongqing Hot Pot Dinner (Evening)
Enjoy a traditional Chongqing hot pot dinner. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Overnight: Hilton Chongqing or similar, Chongqing

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore this amazing city or join a full-day optional tour to visit Wulong Karst National Park.

Optional Activity – Wulong Karst National Park
On this day tour from Chongqing, explore the remarkable Wulong Karst National Geology Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, which is located approximately 2.5 - 3 hours from Chongqing. Take your time touring the park’s highlights, including the stalactite-filled Furong Cave, the grand Three Natural Bridges cluster and the Houping Giant Doline, a massive sinkhole that’s home to its own lush forests.

Overnight: Hilton Chongqing or similar, Chongqing

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, travel onwards to Leshan, where you will take a cruise to view the famous Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre-tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803, depicting Maitreya. It is carved out of a cliff face of Cretaceous red-bed sandstone that lies at the confluence of the Min River and the Dadu River, in the southern part of Sichuan Province. Finish the day at your accommodation in Leshan and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Today's driving distance is approximately 320 kilometres.

Overnight: Wyndham Leshan Downtown or similar, Leshan

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning drive onwards to Emeishan City, located in the shadow of Mount Emei (Emeishan), the highest of the country’s four sacred Buddhist mountains at 3099 metres. Here you may enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in China as you walk through the Emeishan area and visit Bao Guo Temple, the largest temple at Emei Mountain. It is the doorway to the mountain and the centre of Buddhist activity on Emei Mountain. Afterwards, proceed to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.

Today's driving distance is approximately 220 kilometres.

Overnight: InterContinental Chengdu Global Center by IHG or similar, Chengdu

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the famous Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base of Chengdu. Giant Pandas, one of the rarest animals in the world and known as a “living fossil”, are not only extolled as China’s “National Treasure” but also beloved by people around the world. Chengdu Panda Base, also called the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, is the world's only museum dedicated entirely to the critically endangered giant pandas. It is a site that Panda fans cannot miss.

Then visit Kuanzhai Alley, one of Chengdu’s three historic conservation districts. Constructed in 1718 during the early years of the Qing Dynasty, this charming pedestrian thoroughfare is home to an eclectic mix of classic Sichuan architecture, modern cafes and smart boutiques. As you explore, listen to commentary from your guide about the district’s history and design, and witness how some of the city’s old establishments, local restaurants, traditional teahouses, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations, sit alongside the new.

Overnight: InterContinental Chengdu Global Center by IHG or similar, Chengdu

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, head to Chengdu airport and fly to Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet.

The remainder of the day is free to relax and acclimatise to the high elevation of this area.

Please note
• Parts of this journey into Tibet reach heights above 3,500 metres. Altitude sickness can occur at high elevations when the body receives less oxygen. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness, with symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath. If required, your local guide can arrange oxygen (at an additional cost) to help you settle into the high altitude environment
• A special permit is required for overseas tourists to visit Tibet. It is called the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), also often referred to as the Tibet Entry Permit or a "Tibet Visa" (though it is not a visa). This permit is included in your booking and you will be required to provide a photo passport copy to TripADeal no later than 90 days to your travel date so we may arrange this permit on your behalf. As a condition of this permit, you are not to deviate from the group itinerary at all whilst visiting Tibet

Overnight: InterContinental Lhasa Paradise by IHG or similar, Lhasa

Meals included: Breakfast

Lhasa is a contemporary, fast-growing city, but among the narrow old streets at its heart, you'll feel a million miles from the modern world.

This morning, you will first explore Potala Palace. This is the most iconic landmark of Tibet and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas (1649-1959). After climbing 365 stone steps from the palace gate to the Red Palace, you’ll reach the highest ancient palace in the world, standing proudly at 3,700 meters above sea level, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Lhasa city. The Potala Palace stairs are a significant, challenging climb (hundreds of steps over 13 stories) for visitors, located at a high altitude of 3,700 metres, requiring acclimatisation and rest, but offering incredible views and access to sacred chapels and tombs. If you are unable to do the stairs, you are welcome to opt out of this excursion and wait at the bottom of the stairs whilst the group completes this excursion

As you wander through the halls, chapels, and sacred shrines that honour past Dalai Lamas, you’ll be captivated by the intricate murals, exquisite carvings, dazzling jewelled decorations, and the deep spiritual atmosphere that fills the air. Inside the Potala Palace, countless Tibetan pilgrims can be seen bowing and praying devoutly for many; visiting this sacred site is the journey of a lifetime.

Wander around the Barkhor Circuit to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles.

Optional Activity – Princess Wencheng The Musical, Nepali Dinner & Lhasa Night Tour
Epic Tibetan Drama Unfolds: Never Miss the Princess Wencheng Real-Scene Musical in Lhasa. Of all the major historical events in Tibet, the legendary intermarriage between Wencheng, the princess of the Han Empire, and Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan king of the Tubo Empire, is indeed the most romantic story to delve into. You will be sitting in a huge open-air theatre, expertly designed beside a lofty mountain and enjoying a dazzling array of traditional Tibetan dancing and singing, performed by professional Tibetan actors, actresses and dancers. Dressed in both traditional Tibetan and Han costumes, up to 700 performers will vividly display the legendary journey taken by Princess Wencheng from Chang’an to meet and marry Songtsen Gampo and the subsequent incredible bond forged between the Tubo Empire and the Tang Dynasty, in 5 chapters.

On this optional activity, also enjoy a Nepali dinner, which is a popular cuisine in Tibet due to the historical trade routes with Nepal, along with a Lhasa night tour. The night tour will focus on Lhasa's illuminated landmarks, such as Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple to give you a different perspective on these amazing landmarks

Overnight: InterContinental Lhasa Paradise by IHG or similar, Lhasa

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, it is time to explore the holy lake and the beautiful landscape outside Lhasa city. With 2 hours of driving (110 kilometres approximately), get your camera ready as you approach Kampala Pass at 4,797 metres. Here, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise ribbon shimmering among snow-capped mountains. Known as one of Tibet’s four sacred lakes (along with Lhamo Latso, Manasarovar, and Namtso), Yamdrok is believed to hold spiritual power, helping Tibetans locate the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You’ll also see locals offering photo opportunities with Tibetan mastiffs, yaks, or goats dressed in traditional ornaments. Finish the day back in Lhasa.

Today's driving distance is approximately 220 kilometres.

Overnight: InterContinental Lhasa Paradise by IHG or similar, Lhasa

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will be transferred to Lhasa Airport for your flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note:
• Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later, and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge. This will not apply to passengers departing before 02:00 the following day, as they will be transferred to the airport the day prior.

Meals included: Breakfast

Meals included: None