6 Days Chengdu and Lhasa Tour by Flight

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

   So happy to see you on our 6-day Chengdu and Lhasa tour! Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, which borders Tibet. Upon your arrival at the airport, your friendly driver will be waiting for you at the exit hall then escort you to your hotel in the city center.

   The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant city of Chengdu at your own pace. You can take a leisurely stroll to explore the nightlife of Chunxi Road (Chengdu's busiest neighborhood).

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

2. Day 2: Chengdu Tour
   Panda Encounter and Cultural Exploration

   After breakfast, you will enjoy a Chengdu city tour beginning at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which provides an opportunity to allow visitors to get up close and personal with the adorable giant pandas and red pandas. The base is located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, about 10 kilometers from the city, and fully simulates the wild living environment of giant pandas, with lakes, streams, bamboo forests and lawns. Your tour guide will tell you about their daily activities and living habits.

   

   Then, head to the tranquil Wenshu Temple which was built in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) with a long history. The temple is still operating and frequented by local people who come to pray and relax themselves. It is a good place to learn Buddhism. You can have a nice stroll around the pleasant garden and take photos of the wonderful ancient architecture.

   Later, you will be taken to Renmin Park, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and watch local people doing various activities like playing cards, practicing Tai Chi, playing mahjong, and napping. Last, explore the bustling Jinli Pedestrian Street, a must-see place in Chengdu. You can see the buildings here built in Qing Dynasty style, and meandering through the street gives people the feeling of traveling back in time. Enjoy shopping and tasting some yummy food that you never saw before.

   

   In the evening, we can arrange a wonderful Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show for you (pay extra), which is a traditional Chinese dramatic art form that is truly unique to the area.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

3. Day 3: Chengdu to Lhasa Tour by Flight

   After a hearty breakfast, say goodbye to Chengdu. Then your private driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa.

   Welcome to Lhasa, Tibet! Aka the City of Light, Lhasa is the ultimate faith of pilgrims. Upon your arrival, a local driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. Along the way you will enjoy the unique Tibetan architecture and beautiful Himalayan landscape. Check in and have the rest of the day free to acclimate to the high altitude.

   Tips:

   To reduce or avoid symptoms of altitude sickness, you are advised to avoid strenuous exercise on your first day in Lhasa. Do not take a shower to avoid catching a cold. Avoid drinking alcohol. Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

4. Day 4: Lhasa Tour
   Explore the Highest Palace in the World and Stroll through the Busiest Street

   Today, your Tibet tour takes you to the grand Potala Palace. Perched on Marpori Hill, the palace is the highest palace in the world and the largest and most complete ancient palace complex in Tibet. Originally built in the 7th century, the Potala Palace with a blend of Tibetan and Han architectural styles was established in the 17th century. You will see many chapels, sacred relics, and remarkable murals in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

   

   Continue your Lhasa tour to the revered Jokhang Temple, with a history of more than 1,300 years. This spiritual center, located in the heart of Lhasa, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a blend of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. After that, stroll through the surrounding Barkhor Street, the busiest commercial street in Lhasa where you can purchase unique Tibetan souvenirs and experience vibrant local culture.

   Note:

   Taking photos is not allowed in the chapel of the monasteries.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

5. Day 5: Lhasa Tour
   Visit a UNESCO-listed Park That Was the Summer Palace for Dalai Lama

   After your breakfast in the hotel, your driver and guide will drive you to Norbulingka Park, a UNESCO-listed park established in the 18th century to serve as the summer palace for successive Dalai Lama. It is a combination of Tibetan and Han architectural styles, where you can see beautiful gardens, magnificent palaces, elegant pavilions, and vivid murals.

   Following that, we will transfer to Drepung Monastery, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Founded in 1416, this sprawling monastery houses exquisite carvings, solemn statues of Buddha, and a large number of Thangka paintings, embroidery, murals and other valuable art treasures. It showcases Tibetan architectural brilliance and artistic splendor.

   

   Continue your journey to the renowned Sera Monastery. Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, this temple is known as the three major monasteries in Lhasa and is the latest of the three to be built. Here you will witness the monks engaging in lively debates, a centuries-old tradition. Sera Monastery is also home to many ancient murals and tens of thousands of Vajra statues, both locally made and a few brought from India.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lhasa

   

6. Day 6: Departure from Lhasa

   Your 6-day Chengdu and Lhasa tour ends here. After breakfast in the morning, your driver will escort you to the airport according to your flight time! Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour and hope to see you again in your next China trip!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A