7-14 Days China and Tibet Tour Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to China that includes Tibet? If you only have 7 days and are entering and exiting from other Chinese cities, it's recommended to spend 4 nights in Lhasa and 2 nights in your entry/exit cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu (1 night each). This is a safer option than trying to leave China on the same day you exit Tibet. If you have 14 days, you’ll have more flexibility - you could spend 7 to 8 days exploring Tibet and the remaining 6 to 7 days visiting other cities, such as 4 days in Beijing and 3 days in Chengdu.

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing / Shanghai / Chengdu

Upon arrival, transfer to a centrally located five-star hotel. Rest and adjust to the time difference.

Recommended Hotels:

Beijing: The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Wangfujing / Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing

Shanghai: Fairmont Peace Hotel / Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Chengdu: The St. Regis Chengdu / Niccolo Chengdu (Taikoo Li area)

Optional Activities in the Afternoon or Evening:

Beijing: Night walk at Wangfujing, street food tasting

Shanghai: Visit Yuyuan Garden and enjoy local snacks at City God Temple

Chengdu: Explore Taikoo Li, night stroll at Kuanzhai Alley, Sichuan Opera face-changing show

Dinner Recommendations:

Beijing: Li’s Imperial Cuisine / 1949 The Hidden City (Peking duck)

Shanghai: Fu He Hui / Su Zhe Hui (Suzhou & Zhejiang cuisine)

Chengdu: Yonghe Club Private Kitchen / Rongcheng Laoma Hotpot

Day 2: Fly to Lhasa

It is recommended to take a morning flight and arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport around noon.

Hotel Recommendations: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort / InterContinental Lhasa Paradise (City center with Potala Palace view rooms)

Afternoon Suggestion: Rest and acclimate to the altitude, take things slow. Enjoy afternoon tea at the hotel while admiring the sunset over the Potala Palace.

Dinner Recommendation: Hotel restaurant / Tibetan Family Kitchen (for an authentic Tibetan meal experience)

Day 3: Potala Palace / Jokhang Temple / Barkhor Street

Visit the iconic Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Tibet). After lunch, explore Jokhang Temple (a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism), followed by a stroll and shopping along Barkhor Street.

Cultural Experience: Participate in a Tibetan incense-making workshop or a Thangka painting class in Barkhor Street (advance reservation recommended).

Lunch Recommendation: Makye Ame Restaurant (Tibetan + Sichuan cuisine)

Dinner Recommendation: The Sense of Tibet (fusion fine Tibetan cuisine) or your hotel’s Chinese restaurant

Day 4: Sera Monastery & Tibetan Cultural Day

Visit the Tibetan Medicine Museum to learn about traditional Tibetan healing practices, and then head to Sera Monastery to watch the famous monk debate session (usually around 3:00 PM).

Afternoon Cultural Experiences (choose one):

Option A: Visit a local Tibetan family, try handmaking tsampa, and taste butter tea

Option B: Dress in traditional Tibetan attire with professional photos, and learn a local dance

Lunch Recommendation: Sunshine Tibetan Restaurant or a hands-on lunch with locals

Dinner Recommendation: Above the Clouds (refined Tibetan-style vegetarian restaurant)

Day 5: Yamdrok Lake Day Trip (approx. 5 hours round trip)

Visit Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, known for its turquoise waters. The altitude is high, so rest is important. You can enjoy a light picnic by the lake with tea or snacks.

Lunch: Light meal en route or a pre-packed Tibetan-style lunch box

Dinner Recommendation: Back in Lhasa, enjoy a yak meat hotpot (e.g., Old Guangming Tibetan Restaurant)

Day 6: Lhasa – Beijing / Shanghai / Chengdu

Morning flight back to your chosen city.

Suggested Afternoon Activities (depending on arrival time):

Beijing: Visit the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven + evening shopping at Wangfujing

Shanghai: Enjoy the Bund’s night view + Huangpu River night cruise

Chengdu: Stroll through Jinli Ancient Street + Kuanzhai Alley under night lights

Hotel Recommendation: Continue with your selected hotel from Day 1

Dinner Recommendation:

Beijing: Jingweizhai / Lei Garden

Shanghai: M on the Bund (No. 18 on the Bund)

Chengdu: Xiaolong Flips the River Hotpot / Sense Chinese Restaurant (Mandarin Oriental)

Day 7: Departure / Continue to Other Destinations in China

Transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule. If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, enjoy some free time before departure.