Lhasa to Beijing Express - 16 days

2012 - Your journey starts Chengdu, ends Beijing

DAYS 1-4 - CHENGDU & EMEI SHAN
Arrive in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Your adventure begins with a visit the nearby Giant Panda Research & Breeding Base, a chance to learn more about these endangered animals. Spend some time in a teahouse in bustling People’s Park and observe local life, then you may like to try the famous Sichuan Hotpot for dinner and enjoy a performance of the Sichuan Opera. The next day, see the Big Buddha at Leshan en route to Mt Emei (Emei Shan). This cool, forested mountain region is dotted with mist-shrouded peaks, temples and monasteries. Sit back and enjoy the sweeping views on a cable car ride to Wannian Temple before heading back to Chengdu.
Hotels: Tianfu Sunshine, Hongzhushan

DAYS 5-9 - LHASA
Fly across the Himalayas to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet. At 3,600 metres above sea level, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world, so take the time today to relax and adjust to the altitude. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the most significant holy site in all of Tibet, where you may like to join the seemingly endless stream of pilgrims in walking the kora (a spiritual pilgrimage circuit) around the temple. Visit the interesting Tibet Museum, explore the narrow backstreets and wander the hallways and chambers of the iconic Potala Palace, then head out of the city to Yamdrok-tso - a sparkling turquoise lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks. There is an opportunity to learn more about the way of life in this remote region when you stop at a family home and enjoy a chat over a cup of yak butter tea.
Hotel: Thang Ka

DAYS 10-11 - OVERNIGHT TRAIN & XINING
Board a comfortable soft sleeper train for your journey to Xining on the highest railway in the world, which climbs Tangula Pass at an altitude of more than 5,000 metres. After this fascinating journey, spend a night in Xining, an interesting city that was once an important stop on the Silk Road. Visit the Ta'er Monastery and the Great Mosque and enjoy an evening stroll through the Shujiang Xiang Markets.
Hotels: Overnight train, San Want

DAYS 12-13 - XIAN
One of the most important cities in China, Xian is home to a wealth of cultural and historical sites. Wander the fascinating streets of the thriving Muslim Quarter, marvel at incredible Terracotta Warriors and visit the Big Goose Pagoda. Why not indulge in a sumptuous dumpling banquet before taking  a comfortable overnight train to Beijing?
Hotels: Union Alliance Atravis, Overnight train

DAYS 14-16 - BEIJING
Arrive in Beijing in the early morning and transfer to your hotel. There is a chance to freshen up before you head out to explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City on foot, and see the famous Drum Tower and beautiful Summer Palace. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and discover one of Beijing’s few remaining hutongs (backstreets) when you lunch in a local home, followed by a thrilling rickshaw ride. Travel to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and enjoy free time to explore the Wangfujing Night Markets. On your final night enjoy a thrilling acrobatics show, before your journey ends with free time until your departure transfer on your last day.
Hotel: Novotel Xinqiao