17 jours: Chengdu et Tibet avec les pandas

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a trip to Tian'anmen Square. As the world's largest public square and a symbol of China, it has stood at the center of the nation's historical shifts for decades.

Next, walk across to the Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. With over 8,700 rooms, it is China's most significant and well-preserved collection of ancient wooden structures.

You will enter through the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis. This route ensures you see the most important palaces and imperial treasures while your guide shares stories of the emperors who lived within these walls.

Following the palace tour, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Forbidden City's russet roofs contrasted against the modern Beijing skyline.

In the afternoon, experience local life in the Old Hutongs. Take a traditional rickshaw ride through these narrow alleys to see historic courtyard homes and browse the unique shops tucked away in the neighborhood.

Optional Activity: For dinner, you can try the world-famous Peking Roasted Duck at the historic Quanjude (全聚德) restaurant. Your guide can help with the booking.

This morning you'll drive northwest from Beijing (about 73 km, 1.5–2 hours) to Mutianyu Great Wall. It is one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall and is known for its solid structure and open views. Compared with other sections, it is less crowded and easier to explore at your own pace.

Take the cable car up to around the 14th watchtower and start your walk along the western route. The path is well maintained, with a series of Ming-era watchtowers along the ridge. If you feel up for it, continue toward the 20th tower for broader views and a bit more challenge.

The slopes are covered with pine and cypress, and the wall follows the mountain ridges in long curves. It's a good place for photos, with clear sightlines in both directions. Take your time on the steps and enjoy the changing angles along the way.

After the visit, return to Beijing and stop for photos outside the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). Both were built for the 2008 Olympics and later used again in 2022. After that, transfer back to your hotel for a restful evening.

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the Summer Palace, dubbed the "Museum of Royal Garden" and once the summer retreat for China's imperial families. Its grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers and corridors make for an outstanding landscaping work. Take a leisurely walk here, and take your time to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views and beautiful lakes, a pastoral escape that mirrors the scenes of traditional Chinese paintings.

After the tour, you'll be escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian - capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties, which takes about 4.5-5.5 hours. When you arrive at Xian's train station, the local tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit and then escort you to your hotel in Xian.

Morning: Terracotta Warriors Museum

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive about 1 hour to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. This is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century, built by China's first emperor Qin Shihuang to guard him in the afterlife.

Start in Pit One, the largest excavation area with over 6,000 life-sized soldiers and horses arranged in battle formation. The scale is staggering - rows of archers, infantry, and charioteers stand frozen in time. Move to Pit Two (二号坑) to see around 1,300 warriors, including kneeling and standing archers, cavalry, and chariot formations. Each figure has a unique face and expression. (Note: If you're interested, you can join a Terracotta Warrior DIY session to make your own miniature warrior.)

Afternoon: Bell Tower, Drum Tower & Great Mosque

After lunch, return to Xian downtown and visit Bell & Drum Tower Square. Here you'll find the largest and best-preserved Bell Tower and Drum Tower in China.

A short walk brings you to the Great Mosque - a unique complex of multi-story buildings, towers, and pavilions. The architecture blends Chinese-style exteriors with Muslim-style interiors, creating a peaceful and fascinating atmosphere.

Late Afternoon: Muslim Quarter

Continue into the bustling Muslim Quarter, where narrow streets are lined with food stalls and shops. The air fills with the aroma of sizzling lamb skewers, fresh flatbread, and local snacks. It's the perfect place to sample Xian's famous street food and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Xian Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda

This morning, drive to Xian Museum, one of China's top museums. It houses over 110,000 cultural relics that tell the story of Xian's 3,000-year history - its economy, social life, and trade with foreign cultures.

Before entering the museum, take in the view of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO site and one of two famous Buddhist pagodas from the Tang Dynasty, built about 1,300 years ago. The "Morning Bell of Small Wild Goose Pagoda" is known as one of the "Eight Sights of Central Shaanxi."

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Hanfu Experience

Next, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the Tang Dynasty. Built over 1,300 years ago, this seven-story square pagoda stands within the peaceful Da Ci'en Temple. It was originally built to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuan Zang - whose journey later inspired the classic novel Journey to the West.

Here, you'll have a Hanfu experience. Hanfu is the traditional clothing of the Han people, worn for thousands of years. Choose your favorite outfit and stroll around the pagoda grounds, capturing photos with this ancient Tang Dynasty landmark as your backdrop.

Optional Tour - Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City: Spend your evening at Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a 1,500-meter pedestrian street lined with stunning Tang-style architecture and sculptures. Enjoy authentic Xi'an cuisine and watch street performances as you soak up the atmosphere of China's golden age. This optional tour is the perfect way to end your day.

After breakfast, you'll have free time in Xian to explore the city at your own pace. Our team will escort you to the airport in time for your 3.5-hour flight to Lhasa.

Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang Autonomous Region. Upon your arrival at Lhasa Airport, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to a downtown hotel for check-in.

Spend the rest of the day resting in your hotel to acclimatize to Lhasa's altitude of 3,650m, and get ready for your exploration starting the next day.

Kind Reminds:

1. To avoid altitude sickness, take it slow, keep warm, drink water frequently, skip showers for the first 1-2 days, get plenty of rest, and avoid strenuous activity.
2. Always follow your doctor's altitude advice based on your personal health condition.
3. Let your guide or hotel staff know immediately if you feel unwell or need assistance. Local people are always ready to help and experienced in handling altitude-related issues.

Today you will explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites that define the spiritual and architectural heart of Tibet. Start your morning at the Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas since 1649.

To reach the Red Palace, situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters, you will climb 365 stone steps. Inside, your guide will lead you through sacred chapels and shrines filled with jeweled works, intricate wood carvings, and murals dating back centuries.

You will see many pilgrims who have traveled long distances to pray here. Learn about King Songtsen Gampo, who first established the palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng.

Note: The visiting order may change based on your specific ticket time. Potala Palace visits are limited to one hour per group, and photography is strictly prohibited inside.

Afterward, head to the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha," as it houses a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, considered the holiest treasure in the Buddhist world.

Watch the devoted pilgrims performing prostrations in front of the temple - a powerful display of faith that has remained unchanged for centuries. The temple's unique architecture reflects a mix of Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepalese styles.

Finally, walk through Barkhor Street, the ancient pilgrim circuit surrounding the temple. Today, it is a lively market where traditional "kora" rituals meet local commerce.

It is the perfect spot to try yak butter tea, browse for Tibetan or Indian handicrafts, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the old city. After the tour, return to your hotel to continue acclimating to the altitude.

Today, you will dive into Tibetan Buddhism by visiting two of the "Great Three" Gelug university monasteries: Drepung and Sera.

In the morning, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to Drepung Monastery. Before the 17th century, this was the residence of the Dalai Lamas. It remains famous for the Shoton Festival each August, where a giant Buddha Thangka is unfolded on the hillside.

Explore the unique architecture and observe the monks' daily lives. You will also participate in a 2-hour Tibetan culture workshop, which includes an introduction to local traditions, the art of Tibetan incense making, and traditional block printing.

In the afternoon, drive 40 minutes (14km) to Sera Monastery. The monastery compound, with its white stone walkways, offers a peaceful atmosphere. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful religious sites in Lhasa.

The highlight here is the Monks' Debate, held between 15:00 and 17:00 (except Sundays). Watch the animated exchanges where standing questioners use dramatic palm slaps and foot stomps to challenge the seated answerers - gestures meant to "activate wisdom" rather than show aggression.

After this immersive cultural experience, your driver will escort you back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Enjoy a free morning in Lhasa. Explore the city at your own pace - perhaps a last stroll through Barkhor Street or a quiet moment at a local teahouse.

When you're ready, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu (about 2 hours).

Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in downtown Chengdu. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

Optional Sichuan Hotpot Dinner & Sichuan Opera Performance (at your own expense): If you're up for it, try a Sichuan hotpot dinner - numbing, spicy, and unforgettable. Or catch a Sichuan Opera performance to see face-changing and puppetry. Your guide can even recommend a restaurant where you can enjoy Sichuan hotpot while watching a face-changing performance.

Insider Tip (Early Sleep): Tomorrow's Panda Base visit starts early, when pandas are most active. If you can, turn in a little earlier tonight — you'll be fresh and ready for the pandas.

Today after an early breakfast, set out for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The rest morning is all about pandas — from playful adults to adorable cubs and red pandas.

• Start with Panda Star Hua Hua at No. 6 Giant Panda Villa of Chengdu Panda Base (Early for a Higher Chance);
• Meet Groups of Giant Pandas and Red Pandas, then Learn More About Pandas at the Museum;
• Enjoy an Optional Lunch at Panda Panoramic Restaurant Inside the Panda Base;
• Explore Three Kingdoms History at Wuhou Temple, then Stroll Through Jinli’s Lively Ancient Lanes and Snack Streets;
• Slow Down with Chengdu’s Laid-Back Tea-House Culture at the People’s Park;
• Optional Kuan and Zhai Alley at Night to Enjoy Chengdu Nightlife Among Ancient Alleys and Bars.

Classic Panda Base Route: South Gate (Start) - Audlut Panda (No.6 Giant Panda Villa, No.5 Giant Panda Villa, No.4 Giant Panda Villa, No.3 Giant Panda Villa, No.2 House for Giant Pandas) - Optional Baby Panda (Sun Giant Panda Nursery House, Moon Giant Panda Nursery House) - Red Panda (Red Panda Delivery House, No.2 Red Panda Enclosure) - Swan Lake - Giant Panda Museum - South Gate (End)

Walking Distance & Difficulty: 2.5-4 km, Easy

Start with No. 6 Giant Panda Villa, where you may meet Hua Hua, one of the base's most beloved pandas and a major draw for visitors. Then continue through several nearby panda villas to see more adult pandas. If you're interested in newborns and don't mind a possible long wait, add the Sun Giant Panda Nursery House and Moon Giant Panda Nursery House.

Continue downhill to the Red Panda Nursery and No. 2 Red Panda Enclosure to meet the smaller, more active red pandas. Then take a relaxing walk around Swan Lake before finishing at the Giant Panda Museum, where you can learn more about giant pandas, their habitat, and conservation.

Before leaving, stop for a photo at the golden panda mother-and-cub sculpture near the South Gate — a nice way to wrap up your panda visit.

Optional Sightseeing Bus: Active seniors or families with kids who prefer less walking? You can ride an optional sightseeing bus from South Gate to Sun Giant Panda Nursery House in direct (5-10 mins).

Optional Panda Panoramic Restaurant Lunch (Approx. 1.5-2.5x the usual lunch cost): After 2.5–3.5 hours exploring the Panda Base, you'll be right around lunchtime. If you'd like to keep the panda theme going, consider lunch at the Panda Panoramic Restaurant in the Panda Reception Hall. Its windows overlook the surrounding panda enclosures, making the meal part of the experience.

After the Panda Base, continue to Wuhou Temple, a historic site dedicated to the Three Kingdoms period, then stroll through the nearby Jinli Old Street for local snacks, teahouses, and traditional Chengdu streetscape.

Later, slow down at People’s Park, one of the best places to experience Chengdu’s everyday tea-house culture. Find a seat at a century-old teahouse, order a cup of local tea, and simply enjoy the unhurried Chengdu way of life. Watch locals play mahjong, practice tai chi, or sing folk songs. You might even spot the "blind date corner" where parents gather to find partners for their adult children.

Optional Kuan and Zhai Alley at Night: Experience Chengdu’s nightlife among its ancient alleys, with local snacks, teahouses, bars, and lively evening streets.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the station for a high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Upon arrival in the "Mountain City," your local guide will meet you at the exit to begin your city exploration.

The first stop is the Three Gorges Museum. With a collection of over 280,000 relics, the museum provides a deep understanding of the Yangtze River's history and the formation of the Three Gorges. You can also see the People's Assembly Hall just outside for photos.

After lunch, experience Chongqing's unique urban layout on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2. Ride from Huanghuayuan to Liziba Metro Station to witness the "train through the building" - a 11-storey residential block with a monorail track running directly through it.

Next, visit E'ling Park for a panoramic view of the city. Known as "Little Hong Kong," the park offers a stunning vantage point to see the dense skyscrapers and the two winding rivers that surround the city's peninsula.

In the late afternoon, explore Hongya Cave. This 11-storey complex features traditional Ba and Shu style wooden stilt houses built into the cliffside. It is most impressive at nightfall when the orange lights illuminate the layered architecture against the river.

Finally, you will be transferred to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your 5-star cruise ship. Your journey down the Yangtze River officially begins at 21:00 as the ship departs into the sparkling nightscape.

Note:

• If you have heavy luggage, a porter can help carry your bags from the port to the cruise check-in area (extra charge is required).
• All scheduled times are estimates and may change due to weather or navigation conditions.
• Boarding times and departure piers are subject to change based on water levels, seasons, and other local factors.

Wake up leisurely on the cruise as it sails peacefully along the Yangtze River. Enjoy a buffet breakfast while taking in the river views - misty mornings and gentle sunshine add to the experience.

Throughout the day, the cruise offers activities and shore excursions to traditional cultural sites. You can join a tour or stay onboard to relax and learn about Chinese culture.

In the afternoon, follow a local English-speaking guide on a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. This complex of temples, memorials, and monasteries is dedicated to the afterlife. Your guide will share legendary stories about the underworld, Chinese demons, and judgment of souls.

Alternative Option: If you prefer, you can visit Shibaozhai Pagoda for an additional fee. This 12-story red wooden pagoda is one of the world's eight extraordinary architectures. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Yangtze River.

Note: The itinerary above is for reference. Shore excursions may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We'll help you choose the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

Today is dedicated to the spectacular Three Gorges. You will first sail through Qutang Gorge, famous for the dramatic and steep cliffs of the Kui Gate.

Next, the ship enters the serene Wuxia Gorge, known for its misty peaks and secluded beauty. Finally, you will pass through the rugged Xiling Gorge, an area historically known for its turbulent waters and shoals.

Throughout the morning, enjoy live commentary on the observation deck as you take in these iconic river landscapes.

In the afternoon, join a shore excursion to Shennv Stream in Wushan County. You will switch to a smaller boat to navigate this primitive tributary, allowing for a closer look at the sheer mountain walls.

Along the cliffs, you can spot ancient hanging coffins tucked high into the rock faces. During the boat ride, local Tujia guides may invite you to join in traditional singing and dancing performances.

In the evening, attend the Captain's Farewell Party. Gather with your fellow travelers for a final celebratory dinner on board as the cruise journey approaches its conclusion.

After breakfast, complete the check-out procedure and disembark at Maoping Port. Today's highlight is the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in China.

View the massive dam and its lock system up close. The structure spans 2,335 meters across the Yangtze, stands 181 meters high, and is 115 meters wide. Optional experience: Take the world's largest ship lift for an up-close view of the dam - a thrilling and unique perspective.

After the visit, take the cruise company's tourist bus to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal (arriving around 12:30-1:30 PM). In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai (about 2 hours).

Upon arrival in Shanghai, our team will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in downtown Shanghai.

This morning, visit the Shanghai Museum. The building's unique shape—a round top on a square base - symbolizes the ancient Chinese concept of "round sky, square earth."

Inside, you will explore a collection of 120,000 relics spanning 5,000 years. Don't miss the Exhibition Hall of Bronze, featuring the 3,000-year-old Da Ke Ding (food vessel) and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical bells).

Your second stop is the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Take the high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor observatory (546 meters high) for a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai.

Next, head to Yu Garden, a celebrated classical garden hidden in the city center. Walk through its tranquil pavilions and admire the intricate rockeries and traditional carvings that date back to the Ming Dynasty.

Outside the garden, explore Yuyuan Bazaar. This is a fun, lively area to sample local Shanghai snacks, such as steamed soup dumplings, or browse for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the afternoon, take a stroll along Nanjing Road. This famous pedestrian street is lined with a mix of historic shops, modern brands, and busy cafes, leading you directly toward the riverfront.

Reach The Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic landmark. Known as an "Exhibition of International Architecture," it features 52 historic buildings. From here, you can overlook the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyscrapers of the Pudong skyline.

Your 17-day China grand tour draws to an end today. You'll have free time in Shanghai to explore at your own pace, until your driver escorts you to the airport or train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.