--- title: "Must-See China with Holy Tibet: 21 Days from Beijing to Shanghai" description: "Must-See China with Holy Tibet: 21 Days from Beijing to Shanghai" type: "tour" route_id: "must-see-china-with-tibet" total_days: 21 price: 5930 highlights: ["Beijing", "Xi'an", "Lhasa", "Chengdu", "Zhangjiajie", "Guilin", "Yangshuo", "Shanghai"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet" locale: "es-ES" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/must-see-china-with-tibet"} --- # Must-See China with Holy Tibet: 21 Days from Beijing to Shanghai 中国必看与西藏 ## Summary - Route ID: must-see-china-with-tibet - Duration: 21 days / 20 nights - Starting price: $5,930 - Group size: 8 travelers - Status: active - Highlights: Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai ## Hero tags - Private - Tailor-made ## Selling points - The 3-week China journey with Tibet at its spiritual centre — imperial Beijing, Tang-dynasty Xi'an, the Potala Palace and turquoise Yamdrok Lake on the Tibetan Plateau, Chengdu's pandas, Zhangjiajie's Avatar mountains, the Li River's karst peaks and Shanghai's Bund, all in one bespoke private journey for first-timers. - Hear the bittersweet legends of eight imperial figures — Concubine Zhen, the Last Emperor, Empress Dowager Cixi and others — inside the Forbidden City's hidden halls beyond the standard six chambers most group tours visit, with senior private guidance every step. - Step inside the Potala Palace's strictly-timed 1-hour entry to walk the White Palace and Red Palace, then follow Tibetan pilgrims circumambulating Jokhang Temple in prostrations, with Barkhor Street's prayer-wheel walk just outside. - Picnic on the shore of Yamdrok Lake at 4,440m — one of Tibet's three holiest lakes, where turquoise waters frame snow-capped Himalayan peaks and your guide lays out a lakeside lunch when the weather agrees. - Spend a full day in Yangshuo's countryside: cycle past karst peaks, shop a village market with your guide and sit down for a Chinese calligraphy lesson with brush, ink and rice paper — the rural-life immersion most karst-region tours reduce to a postcard cruise. ## City highlights - Beijing (3 days): Beijing - Chengdu (3 days): Chengdu - Guilin (2 days): Guilin - Lhasa (4 days): Lhasa - Xi'an (3 days): Xi'an - Yangshuo (2 days): Yangshuo - Zhangjiajie (2 days): Zhangjiajie - Shanghai (2 days): Shanghai ## Itinerary ### Imperial Capitals & the Tang Foundation - 6 days 6 Days · Eight Royal Stories and the Conservation Workshop #### Beijing (3 days) - Subtitle: Beijing - Recommendation: Beijing and Xi'an open the trip with the imperial canon at access tiers most travellers never reach — hidden halls beyond the Forbidden City's standard six chambers, and a Terracotta Conservation Workshop that turns guests into "archaeologist for an hour." - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Arrival recovery, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City hidden halls, royal stories, roast duck, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall. **The Flexible Part** [Forbidden City hidden halls]{#E93C10} add the access tier that makes this more than a standard palace visit. Mutianyu can be cable car both ways or chairlift plus toboggan. **The Route Role** Beijing gives the Tibet route an imperial opening before the journey climbs to the plateau. It balances palace intimacy, ritual space, and Wall scale. **Good to Know** Ticketing and passport details matter for the Forbidden City. Save energy for the high-speed rail transition west after the Wall day. #### Xi'an (3 days) - Subtitle: Xi'an - Recommendation: Beijing and Xi'an open the trip with the imperial canon at access tiers most travellers never reach — hidden halls beyond the Forbidden City's standard six chambers, and a Terracotta Conservation Workshop that turns guests into "archaeologist for an hour." - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** High-speed rail arrival, Terracotta Warriors, Terracotta Conservation Workshop, archaeologist-style hands-on time, and the flight onward toward Lhasa. **The Flexible Part** [Terracotta Conservation Workshop]{#E93C10} is the key upgrade, turning the warriors from a viewing stop into a restoration and craft experience. **The Route Role** Xi'an bridges imperial China and the Tibetan plateau. It gives the trip one last archaeology-rich lowland chapter before altitude becomes the main pacing concern. **Good to Know** Workshop access should be confirmed early. Keep the day controlled, since the next major move is a flight to high-altitude Lhasa. ### The Roof of the World - 4 days 4 Days · Potala Palace to a Sacred Turquoise Lake #### Lhasa (4 days) - Subtitle: Lhasa - Recommendation: Lhasa is the trip's spiritual centre — the Dalai Lamas' winter residence, Tibetan Buddhism's holiest temple, and a sacred turquoise lake at 4,440m, all on a plateau the trip arrives at with deliberate acclimatization comfort. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Gonggar Airport arrival, slow acclimatization, Potala Palace timed entry, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Yamdrok Lake, and Kamba La pass views. **The Flexible Part** [Potala Palace]{#E93C10} has strict timed access, while Yamdrok Lake depends on road and weather conditions. The first day should stay deliberately light. **The Route Role** Lhasa is the spiritual center of the itinerary. Dalai Lama history, pilgrim circuits, prayer wheels, and a turquoise highland lake make the plateau chapter distinct from every other city. **Good to Know** Altitude at 3,650m is real. Hydrate, avoid alcohol and heavy exertion on arrival, and expect Potala entry time to shape the day's order. ### Pandas & Avatar Mountains - 5 days 5 Days · Bamboo Feeding to Heaven's Gate #### Chengdu (3 days) - Subtitle: Chengdu - Recommendation: Chengdu and Zhangjiajie pair China's most beloved animal at its active feeding hour with the country's most photographed landscape — the Avatar floating mountains that gave James Cameron his visual reference. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Flight down from Lhasa, relaxed Chengdu evening, Wenshu Monastery or Sichuan opera, Giant Panda Research Base, Jinli Ancient Street, and hotpot dinner. **The Flexible Part** [Giant Panda Research Base]{#E93C10} should stay early, when feeding makes pandas active. The post-Lhasa evening can be as quiet as needed. **The Route Role** Chengdu is the altitude reset and soft landing. Pandas, monastery calm, snacks, and hotpot bring the body back down before Zhangjiajie's vertical scenery. **Good to Know** After Tibet, do not over-schedule the arrival evening. Panda viewing is weather- and time-sensitive, so morning departure matters. #### Zhangjiajie (2 days) - Subtitle: Zhangjiajie - Recommendation: Chengdu and Zhangjiajie pair China's most beloved animal at its active feeding hour with the country's most photographed landscape — the Avatar floating mountains that gave James Cameron his visual reference. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Flight from Chengdu, Tianmen Mountain, Heaven's Gate, glass skywalks, Wulingyuan sandstone pillars, Bailong Elevator queue-skip access, and canyon viewpoints. **The Flexible Part** [Wulingyuan]{#E93C10} is the main scenic anchor. Tianmen Mountain and glass-walk elements should be adjusted for weather, crowds, and comfort with heights. **The Route Role** Zhangjiajie gives the post-Tibet route a second kind of altitude: not sacred plateau, but sheer sandstone towers and cable-car drama. **Good to Know** Fog can reshape the day. Queue-skip access helps, but travelers who dislike heights should discuss alternate viewpoints with the guide. ### Karst Rivers & the Cosmopolitan Coast - 6 days 6 Days · Li River Cruise to the Bund #### Guilin (2 days) - Subtitle: Guilin - Recommendation: Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai close the trip with the karst peaks featured on the 20-yuan banknote, a real Yangshuo countryside immersion, and the Bund's contemporary skyline — the natural-cultural-cosmopolitan finale. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** High-speed rail from Zhangjiajie, Guilin arrival, transfer toward Yangshuo, Li River cruise, 20-yuan-note karst views, and optional Impression Liu Sanjie show. **The Flexible Part** [Li River cruise]{#E93C10} is the scenic connector, while the evening show is optional depending on energy after the rail journey. **The Route Role** Guilin softens the route after Tibet and Zhangjiajie. River scenery and limestone peaks create a calmer natural chapter before the final city close. **Good to Know** The rail day is long enough that the first evening should stay flexible. Pack a light layer for boats and riverside evenings. #### Yangshuo (2 days) - Subtitle: Yangshuo - Recommendation: Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai close the trip with the karst peaks featured on the 20-yuan banknote, a real Yangshuo countryside immersion, and the Bund's contemporary skyline — the natural-cultural-cosmopolitan finale. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Yulong River bamboo rafting, village market, calligraphy master's studio, countryside cycling, rice paddies, water buffalo, and karst-field views. **The Flexible Part** [Calligraphy studio]{#E93C10} gives the rural day a hands-on cultural focus. Cycling can be replaced with a gentler transfer if heat or road comfort is an issue. **The Route Role** Yangshuo turns the karst finale into lived countryside. Markets, brush practice, fields, and village roads give the trip a grounded pause before Shanghai. **Good to Know** Market timing and weather affect the day. Choose activity intensity honestly; the scenery still works without a full cycling route. #### Shanghai (2 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai close the trip with the karst peaks featured on the 20-yuan banknote, a real Yangshuo countryside immersion, and the Bund's contemporary skyline — the natural-cultural-cosmopolitan finale. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **The Core** Flight from Guilin, Yu Garden, Yuyuan bazaar, Bund waterfront, Pudong skyline, and the final modern-cosmopolitan close. **The Flexible Part** [The Bund]{#E93C10} should be kept for evening or blue hour if timing allows. Garden and market time can flex around the flight from Guilin. **The Route Role** Shanghai closes the Tibet route with a clean contrast: after plateau temples, mountain pillars, and karst villages, the trip ends in China's most polished skyline. **Good to Know** Flight timing can compress the final day. Keep dinner and airport transfers realistic, especially if departure follows the next morning. ## Service workflow From your first question to your safe return home — the expertise of seasoned locals, offered on your terms. Ready when you need us. Silent when you don't. - Pre-Trip Prep: Overwhelmed by prep? Talk to a real local expert, anytime. - Itinerary Planning: An hour-by-hour trip roadmap, expertly crafted by locals (bookings not included). - Booking Services: Ultimate peace of mind. We handle every detail, so you don't have to. - On-Trip Experience: Exclusive online safety net for self-booking travelers. We've got your back. - Free Expert Chat ($0): Overwhelmed by prep? Talk to a real local expert, anytime. - 1:1 Local Advisor - Pre-trip Q&A - Authentic Local Info - Traveler's Toolkit ($0): Everything a seasoned traveler needs for China — curated by locals. - Essential Apps (pre-configured) - Payment & SIM Setup Guide - Pocket Phrase Cards - Pro Roadmap ($99): An hour-by-hour trip roadmap, expertly crafted by locals (bookings not included). - 1:1 Video Call with a planner - Transit, dining & timing tips - Ready-to-follow roadmap - All-Inclusive Booking (Custom): Ultimate peace of mind. We handle every detail, so you don't have to. - Hotels & Transit Booking - VIP Attraction Access - Visa Invitation Letter - On-Trip Concierge ($199): Exclusive online safety net for self-booking travelers. We've got your back. - Real-time Translation - Emergency Rescheduling - Ride & Dining Assist ## Concierge - Name: [object Object] - Title: [object Object] - Tagline: [object Object] - Bio: [object Object] - Languages: English, 中文 ### Trust signals - Bilingual route design - Hotel and host coordination - No-obligation first call ### Included support - Before you book: {'en-US': 'Route pacing review', 'en-GB': 'Route pacing review', 'zh-CN': '路线节奏审查', 'de-DE': 'Routen-Tempo-Überprüfung', 'fr-FR': "Examen du rythme de l'itinéraire", 'es-ES': 'Revisión del ritmo de la ruta', 'it-IT': 'Revisione del ritmo del percorso'}; {'en-US': 'Hotel tier and room style matching', 'en-GB': 'Hotel tier and room style matching', 'zh-CN': '酒店等级与房型匹配', 'de-DE': 'Abstimmung von Hotelkategorie und Zimmerstil', 'fr-FR': "Correspondance entre la catégorie d'hôtel et le style de chambre", 'es-ES': 'Emparejamiento de categoría de hotel y estilo de habitación', 'it-IT': 'Abbinamento tra categoria alberghiera e stile della camera'}; {'en-US': 'Private transfer and guide options', 'en-GB': 'Private transfer and guide options', 'zh-CN': '私人接送和导游选项', 'de-DE': 'Private Transfer- und Führungsoptionen', 'fr-FR': 'Options de transfert privé et de guide', 'es-ES': 'Opciones de traslado privado y guía', 'it-IT': 'Opzioni di trasferimento privato e guida'} - On the road: {'en-US': 'Daily bilingual support', 'en-GB': 'Daily bilingual support', 'zh-CN': '每日双语支持', 'de-DE': 'Tägliche zweisprachige Unterstützung', 'fr-FR': 'Assistance bilingue quotidienne', 'es-ES': 'Asistencia bilingüe diaria', 'it-IT': 'Supporto bilingue quotidiano'}; {'en-US': 'Restaurant and timing adjustments', 'en-GB': 'Restaurant and timing adjustments', 'zh-CN': '餐厅及时间调整', 'de-DE': 'Anpassungen von Restaurant und Öffnungszeiten', 'fr-FR': 'Modifications du restaurant et des horaires', 'es-ES': 'Ajustes de restaurante y horarios', 'it-IT': 'Modifiche di ristorante e orari'}; {'en-US': 'Weather-aware plan changes', 'en-GB': 'Weather-aware plan changes', 'zh-CN': '天气感知计划变更', 'de-DE': 'Wetterabhängige Planänderungen', 'fr-FR': 'Modifications de plan en fonction de la météo', 'es-ES': 'Cambios de plan según el clima', 'it-IT': 'Modifiche del piano in base al meteo'} ## Hotels - DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road, Beijing: International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays. - Hilton Beijing, Beijing: Established international hotel in Beijing with reliable service and central access. - Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town, Beijing: International upscale hotel near Chaoyang’s commercial and lifestyle district. - Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast, Beijing: International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays. - Sofitel Beijing Central, Beijing: Luxury international hotel in central Beijing with refined comfort and service. - Palace International Hotel Beijing, Beijing: Local five-star hotel in Beijing offering spacious rooms and classic hospitality. - West International Trade Grand Hotel, Beijing: Local five-star hotel in western Beijing, suitable for business and events. - Atour X Hotel, Sanyuanqiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Beijing: Modern local boutique hotel near Sanyuanqiao with convenient city access. - Manxin Hotel Beijing Guangqumen, Beijing: Stylish local upscale hotel in Beijing’s central area, suited for urban stays. - Mercure Beijing City Centre, Beijing: International midscale hotel in central Beijing with convenient city connections. - Beijing Pudi Hotel, Beijing: Local boutique hotel in Beijing with refined design and comfortable rooms. - Beijing Suwen Hotel, Beijing: Boutique-style local hotel in Beijing, suitable for relaxed city stays. - Atour Hotel, Liuliqiao, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing: Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station and Liuliqiao. - Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square), Beijing: Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square. - JI Hotel (Beijing Fengtai Station Fengguan Road), Beijing: Reliable midscale chain hotel near Fengtai Station, practical for transit stays. - JI Hotel (Beijing Shoujingmao Jijiamiao Subway Station), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Jijiamiao Subway Station, convenient for city travel. - JI Hotel Beijing Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Capital University of Economics and Business. - Yitel (Beijing Tiantan), Beijing: Midscale hotel near the Temple of Heaven, suitable for central Beijing stays. - Vienna Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station Lize Business District), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Lize Business District and Beijing West Railway Station. - Mei Hua Light Luxury Hotel (Beijing South Railway Station Shiliuzhuang Subway Station), Beijing: Light luxury hotel near Beijing South Railway Station and Shiliuzhuang Subway Station. - Lavande Hotel (Beijing Fengtai Railway Station First Economic and Trade Subway Station), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Fengtai Railway Station with convenient transport access. - Rezen Select Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Hub, Shanghai: Upscale local hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao transport hub, ideal for transit stays. - Vienna International Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport Hangtou Road), Shanghai: Upscale local hotel near Pudong Airport corridor, convenient for airport access. - Blossom House · Shanghai On The Bund, Shanghai: Boutique-style hotel near the Bund, suited for a refined Shanghai stay. - Grand Rezen Hotel Shanghai Pudong (Shanghai International Tour and Resort Zone), Shanghai: Upscale local hotel in Pudong, convenient for resort-zone and city stays. - Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai, Shanghai: Lifestyle hotel in Shanghai’s Taopu area with modern design and comfort. ## Experiences A three-week first China journey linking Beijing, Lhasa, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin and Shanghai. - Forbidden City (Beijing): The Forbidden City brings travelers into the ceremonial center of China's Ming and Qing dynasties. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: Core imperial Beijing access with palace courtyards and historic halls. - Mutianyu Great Wall (Beijing): A well-restored Great Wall section with open views and easier walking conditions for first-time visitors. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: A polished Great Wall experience with flexible cable car or walking options. - Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an): The Terracotta Warriors reveal the military scale and funerary ambition of China's first emperor. - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens - Access: Essential Xi'an access to one of China's most recognized archaeological sites. - Chengdu Panda Research Center (Chengdu): Chengdu Panda Research Center is the classic place to see giant pandas and learn about conservation. - Host: Chengdu, Chengdu Lens - Access: A core Chengdu experience centered on China's most beloved animal. - Potala Palace (Lhasa): Potala Palace is the defining architectural and spiritual symbol of Lhasa. - Host: Lhasa, Lhasa Lens - Access: A must-see Tibetan landmark with palace temple and city views. - Jokhang Temple (Lhasa): Jokhang Temple is one of Tibet's most important pilgrimage sites and a center of devotion. - Host: Lhasa, Lhasa Lens - Access: A deeply atmospheric temple experience in Lhasa's old core. - Sera Monastery Monk Debates (Lhasa): Sera Monastery Monk Debates show a distinctive part of Tibetan Buddhist learning culture. - Host: Lhasa, Lhasa Lens - Access: A lively cultural observation of monastic debate traditions. - Yamdrok Lake (Lhasa): Yamdrok Lake adds wide high-altitude scenery and a sacred landscape dimension to a Tibet journey. - Host: Lhasa, Lhasa Lens - Access: A memorable lake-and-mountain excursion outside Lhasa. - Li River Cruise (Guilin): The Li River Cruise carries travelers through Guilin's signature karst scenery toward Yangshuo. - Host: Guilin, Guilin Lens - Access: A slow scenic transfer through one of China's most recognizable landscapes. - Yangshuo Countryside (Yangshuo): Yangshuo Countryside brings travelers closer to villages rivers fields and limestone hills. - Host: Yangshuo, Yangshuo Lens - Access: A softer countryside moment after the Li River scenery. - The Bund (Shanghai): The Bund frames Shanghai's historic banks and modern Pudong skyline in one clear view. - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens - Access: A signature Shanghai orientation stop for architecture and city contrast. ## China ready We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveler needs to know before arriving. ### VPN & Internet Access - What's blocked: Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN. - Download before you leave: It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working. - Hotel Wi-Fi tip: Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops. - Good news: WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work. ### Paying in China - China is cashless: Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities. - International cards now work: Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning. - Carry some cash: We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns. - Booking this trip: Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees. ### Visa & Entry - Do you need a visa?: Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval. - 240-hour visa-free transit: Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight. - Processing time: Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates. - What we provide: Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly. ### Safety & Practical Tips - Is China safe?: China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence. - Emergency numbers: Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary. - Health & medications: Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically. - Language: English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveler. ## Reviews - Overall rating: 4.9 - Total reviews: 523 4.9 / 5 - Emily Carter: Perfect for couples - My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all. - Claire Brooks: Great for families - Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip. - Laura Bennett: Alisa made the whole experience easy - Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights. - Mark Henderson: Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly - Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless. - Rebecca Miller: Really listened to what we wanted - Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible. ## FAQ ### What's included in the price? Hotels, domestic transport, guided experiences, most meals, entrance fees, and your Travel Designer support. International flights are optional. ### Can I customize this itinerary? Absolutely. Every detail — dates, pace, hotels, experiences — can be customized to your preferences. ### How many people are in a group? Max 12 travelers for our small group. Custom private trips can be as small as 2 people. ### Do I need a visa for China? Most Western passport holders need a tourist visa. We provide visa invitation letters for All-Inclusive bookings. ### Is China safe for Western travelers? Extremely safe. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent. Our concierge provides 24/7 support. ### What about the language barrier? All guides speak English. Your itinerary includes translation cards and On-Trip Concierge provides real-time translation. ### How far in advance should I book? 3–6 months ahead for peak seasons (April–May, September–October). ### What if I need to cancel? Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Rescheduling is flexible.