This 14 days journey on our China Train Tour combines high-speed rail with the unique Himalaya Express to Tibet. It offers an unforgettable experience. Throughout the tour, you’ll travel from Beijing’s bustling city to the historic streets of Xi’an. Along the way, you will enjoy the contrast between vibrant cities and peaceful landscapes. Moreover, the journey continues to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, all by high-speed train.
The Himalaya Express, the world’s highest altitude train, offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau. In addition, you’ll see the vast, untouched nature that stretches for miles. Furthermore, the tour blends ancient temples and historical sites with modern transportation technology. Each stop on the journey allows you to explore China’s rich cultural heritage. Moreover, you’ll witness China’s remarkable advancements in infrastructure. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of both its history and future. This unique tour offers a complete experience of China’s diverse beauty.
Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, your guide and driver will be there to greet you. They will assist you with your luggage and provide a private transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you will have the remainder of the day to explore at your leisure, allowing you to relax or begin discovering the vibrant city of Beijing.
The best times to visit China are in Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring. Spring features blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures, while autumn offers beautiful fall foliage and clear skies. It's wise to avoid major holidays like Chinese New Year and National Day, as travel can be crowded and prices may increase.
If you're booking a Beijing tour, expect a considerable amount of walking, particularly if you opt for a walking tour or visit several historical sites. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walking on the Great Wall can be especially strenuous, and even city tours to places like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City involve a lot of walking.
In the Beijing Classic Full-Day Tour, the estimated time spent at each attraction is as follows:
- Tiananmen Square: 30 minutes
- Forbidden City: 2 hours
- Temple of Heaven: 1 hour
- Summer Palace: 1 hour 30 minutes
Visiting Xi'an feels like stepping into a living museum where ancient history and modern life blend seamlessly. As the ancient capital of 13 dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi'an is rich in cultural heritage, notably home to the remarkable Terracotta Warriors. The vibrant Muslim Quarter provides a sensory experience with its lively markets and fusion of Chinese and Islamic cultures. Traditional arts like shadow puppetry and calligraphy at Gao Family Mansion offer deep cultural insights. You can also dress in classical Chinese attire and learn to make traditional sweets and pastries, adding authenticity to your visit. For adventure lovers, Mount Huashan offers exhilarating hikes with stunning views.
To enter Tibet, you must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit. If you plan to visit areas outside Lhasa, you'll also need an Alien's Travel Permit issued by the PSB of Tibet. Since the PSB only provides these permits to Chinese travel agencies, independent travelers must book their tours through a travel agency to secure the Alien's Travel Permit. Just China Tours can assist with all permit applications when you book a tour with us, and the government service charge for the permits is approximately $7-$10 per person.
Chengdu offers several locations to see giant pandas, with the most popular being the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This renowned facility has the largest number of pandas and is dedicated to their conservation and breeding, allowing visitors to observe both adults and baby pandas. Here’s a comparison of the different panda viewing locations in Chengdu:
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Pros: Largest number of pandas of all ages, spacious grounds, beautiful scenery.
- Cons: Often crowded with tourists, requires a lot of walking.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
- Pros: Houses about 30 giant pandas, offers science programs and English lectures, has a volunteer program.
- Cons: Can be crowded with tour groups in the morning.
Dujiangyan Panda Valley
- Pros: Scenic with fewer visitors, opportunities for close encounters with pandas.
- Cons: Limited number of pandas (around 15) and age diversity.
Wolong Panda Reserve (Shenshuping Panda Base)
- Pros: Higher altitude in natural surroundings, fewer tourists, offers a volunteer program.
- Cons: About a 2-hour drive from Chengdu.
Bifengxia Panda Base
- Pros: Less crowded, set in a natural environment, offers a volunteer program.
- Cons: Approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Chengdu.
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