Enchanting China adventure with Shangri-La & optional Tibet
- Sun holiday
- 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 nights
- China
- £3,678 ]
- based on 2 travellers
Meet giant pandas and explore ancient towns and Tibetan monasteries in southwest China, with an optional Tibet extension - includes all travel & more
Snow-capped peaks, fluttering prayer flags and cobbled lanes lit by red lanterns – southwest China feels like a world of its own, and this captivating tour takes you right to its heart. From Chengdu’s beloved giant pandas to the serene monasteries of Shangri-La, the cobbled alleyways of Lijiang, and the timeless heritage of Dali, this mesmerising escape immerses you in rich culture and breathtaking scenery. Sleek bullet trains carry you effortlessly between historic realms, while optional extensions invite you deep into Tibet to behold Lhasa's iconic Potala Palace, sacred temples, and glittering turquoise lakes.
Across every leg of your adventure, handpicked stays offer an inviting haven, seamless transfers ensure complete peace of mind, and curated excursions bring the ancient wonders of East Asia to life. Unhurried days at leisure let you slow down, sip tea and soak up the enchanting scenery at your own pace, leaving you thoroughly refreshed and inspired. Should you wish to enrich your journey even further, a selection of optional excursions is on hand to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Included
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10, 12, 14 or 16 nights in China
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Optional Tibet extension (14-night and 16-night itineraries only)
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Breakfast included
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Day 2: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Street, Renmin Park tea tasting
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Day 3: Shangri-La Old Town tour, Songzanlin Monastery, Tibetan family visit
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Day 5 or 6: Old City of Dayan, Black Dragon Pool Park, Naxi Museum
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Day 8 or 9: Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Foreigner's Street
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Day 11 or 13: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (14-night and 16-night itineraries only)
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Day 12 or 14: Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, Palkhor Monastery, Kumbum Stupa (14-night and 16-night itineraries only)
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Range of optional tours and excursions
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English-speaking guide included on day 2 in Chengdu and days 3, 5 and 8 (for 10-night itinerary only)
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English-speaking guide included on day 2 in Chengdu and days 3, 6 and 9 (for 12-night itinerary only)
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English-speaking guide included on day 2 in Chengdu and days 3, 5, 8, 11 and 12 (for 14-night itinerary only)
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English-speaking guide included on day 2 in Chengdu and days 3, 6, 9, 13 and 14 (for 16-night itinerary only)
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Private airport transfers
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Shared transfers between hotels and during excursions
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Return flights from your selected airport to Chengdu, China
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Internal flight from Chengdu to Shangri-La
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Bullet train from Shangri-La to Lijiang
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Bullet train from Lijiang to Dali
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Bullet train from Dali to Chengdu
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Internal flight from Chengdu to Lhasa (14-night and 16-night itineraries only)
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Internal flight from Lhasa to Chengdu (14-night and 16-night itineraries only)
Day 1: Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel so you can settle in and rest after your journey. Take the remainder of your first day to relax and unwind after your long-haul flight, or step outside to catch your first glimpse of Sichuan’s vibrant s…
Read more
Day 2-3: Chengdu – Shangri-La
The next morning, your adventure begins with a visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch these gentle giants munching on bamboo amid leafy enclosures. Afterwards, wander the lantern-strung lanes of Jinli Street, a lively pedestrian quarter lined …
Read more
Day 4-6: Shangri-La – Lijiang
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board a high-speed bullet train to Lijiang, where another driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Set at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, Lijiang is home to the Naxi people and one of China's best-preserved ancient tow…
Read more
Day 7-8: Lijiang – Dali
Transfer to the station for a bullet train journey to Dali, where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Set between the green slopes of the Cangshan mountains and the shimmering waters of Erhai Lake, Dali has long been a favourite with travellers drawn to its mild climate and slower…
Read more
Day 9-10: Dali – Chengdu
Today, your driver will take you to the station to board a bullet train back to Chengdu. Settle in and watch the scenery unfold, as the mountains and valleys of Yunnan give way to the fertile plains of Sichuan. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.
The followin…
Read more
Day 1: Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel so you can settle in and rest after your journey. Take the remainder of your first day to relax and unwind after your long-haul flight, or step outside to catch your first glimpse of Sichuan’s vibrant s…
Read more
Day 2-4: Chengdu – Shangri-La
The next morning, your adventure begins with a visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch these gentle giants munching on bamboo amid leafy enclosures. Afterwards, wander the lantern-strung lanes of Jinli Street, a lively pedestrian quarter lined …
Read more
Day 5-7: Shangri-La – Lijiang
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board a high-speed bullet train to Lijiang, where another driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Set at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, Lijiang is home to the Naxi people and one of China's best-preserved ancient tow…
Read more
Day 8-10: Lijiang – Dali
Transfer to the station for a bullet train journey to Dali, where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Set between the green slopes of the Cangshan mountains and the shimmering waters of Erhai Lake, Dali has long been a favourite with travellers drawn to its mild climate and slower…
Read more
Day 11-12: Dali – Chengdu
Today, your driver will take you to the station to board a bullet train back to Chengdu. Settle in and watch the scenery unfold, as the mountains and valleys of Yunnan give way to the fertile plains of Sichuan. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.
The followin…
Read more
Day 1: Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel so you can settle in and rest after your journey. Take the remainder of your first day to relax and unwind after your long-haul flight, or step outside to catch your first glimpse of Sichuan’s vibrant s…
Read more
Day 2-3: Chengdu – Shangri-La
The next morning, your adventure begins with a visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch these gentle giants munching on bamboo amid leafy enclosures. Afterwards, wander the lantern-strung lanes of Jinli Street, a lively pedestrian quarter lined …
Read more
Day 4-6: Shangri-La – Lijiang
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board a high-speed bullet train to Lijiang, where another driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Set at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, Lijiang is home to the Naxi people and one of China's best-preserved ancient tow…
Read more
Day 7-8: Lijiang – Dali
Transfer to the station for a bullet train journey to Dali, where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Set between the green slopes of the Cangshan mountains and the shimmering waters of Erhai Lake, Dali has long been a favourite with travellers drawn to its mild climate and slower…
Read more
Day 9: Chengdu
Today, your driver will take you to the station to board a bullet train back to Chengdu. Settle in and watch the scenery unfold, as the mountains and valleys of Yunnan give way to the fertile plains of Sichuan. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.
Read more
Day 10-11: Chengdu – Lhasa
Your driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the high altitude. Sitting at around 3,650 metres and ringed by bare mountains, the mystical capital of Tibet is a place of deep spirituality, where pilgrims …
Read more
Day 12: Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse
Journey through dramatic mountain passes towards Gyantse and Shigatse. Your first stop is Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of Tibet's sacred lakes, lying at around 4,441 metres. Its turquoise waters snake between rolling hills, often dotted with grazing yaks and fluttering prayer flags. Continue on to the …
Read more
Day 13: Shigatse – Lhasa
After breakfast, you'll travel back across the plateau to Lhasa, with the chance to admire the wide valleys, rivers and mountain villages along the way once more. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You could return to Barkhor Street to browse for handmade souvenirs, strol…
Read more
Day 14: Lhasa – Chengdu
Today, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight back to Chengdu. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax after your adventures on the plateau and enjoy the gentler air of the Sichuan basin.
Your final evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, givi…
Read more
Day 1: Chengdu
Upon arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel so you can settle in and rest after your journey. Take the remainder of your first day to relax and unwind after your long-haul flight, or step outside to catch your first glimpse of Sichuan’s vibrant s…
Read more
Day 2-4: Chengdu – Shangri-La
The next morning, your adventure begins with a visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch these gentle giants munching on bamboo amid leafy enclosures. Afterwards, wander the lantern-strung lanes of Jinli Street, a lively pedestrian quarter lined …
Read more
Day 5-7: Shangri-La – Lijiang
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board a high-speed bullet train to Lijiang, where another driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Set at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, Lijiang is home to the Naxi people and one of China's best-preserved ancient tow…
Read more
Day 8-10: Lijiang – Dali
Transfer to the station for a bullet train journey to Dali, where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Set between the green slopes of the Cangshan mountains and the shimmering waters of Erhai Lake, Dali has long been a favourite with travellers drawn to its mild climate and slower…
Read more
Day 11: Chengdu
Today, your driver will take you to the station to board a bullet train back to Chengdu. Settle in and watch the scenery unfold, as the mountains and valleys of Yunnan give way to the fertile plains of Sichuan. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for the evening.
Read more
Day 12-13: Chengdu – Lhasa
Your driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the high altitude. Sitting at around 3,650 metres and ringed by bare mountains, the mystical capital of Tibet is a place of deep spirituality, where pilgrims …
Read more
Day 14: Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse
Journey through dramatic mountain passes towards Gyantse and Shigatse. Your first stop is Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of Tibet's sacred lakes, lying at around 4,441 metres. Its turquoise waters snake between rolling hills, often dotted with grazing yaks and fluttering prayer flags. Continue on to the …
Read more
Day 15: Shigatse – Lhasa
After breakfast, you'll travel back across the plateau to Lhasa, with the chance to admire the wide valleys, rivers and mountain villages along the way once more. On arrival, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You could return to Barkhor Street to browse for handmade souvenirs, strol…
Read more
Day 16: Lhasa – Chengdu
Today, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight back to Chengdu. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax after your adventures on the plateau and enjoy the gentler air of the Sichuan basin.
Your final evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, givi…
Read moreExcursions
Included excursions
We've gone the extra mile to pack your trip with exciting included excursions; all the details are outlined in the day-by-day itinerary.
Optional excursions
If you’d like to make your trip even more unforgettable, you can also book the following optional excursions. These excursions can be selected in the booking process.
Day 4: Pudacuo National Park with Shudu Lake & Bita Lake (12-night and 16-night itineraries only)
Embark on a scenic nature excursion into the pristine wilderness of Pudacuo National Park. Wander along peaceful boardwalks bordering the crystalline waters of Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, surrounded by dense pine forests and rolling alpine meadows.
Day 6 or 7: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Impression Lijiang show
Take an unforgettable trip to the sacred snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Experience breathtaking high-altitude mountain scenery and witness the spectacular Impression Lijiang outdoor cultural show.
Day 10: Dali Erhai Lake boat tour, Xizhou & Shuanglang (12-night and 16-night itineraries only)
Discover the coastal beauty of Dali on a scenic boat tour across glittering Erhai Lake. Visit the historic Bai village of Xizhou to admire classic courtyard architecture and explore the artistic, peaceful shoreside village of Shuanglang.
Day 10 or 12: Leshan Giant Buddha excursion (10-night and 12-night itineraries only)
Journey from Chengdu to marvel at the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha—the largest stone Buddha statue in the world—a magnificent 8th-century masterpiece carved directly into the riverbank cliffs.
Excluded
- Local taxes
- China visa and Tibet travel permit fees (see 'Passport, visa and health requirements' in 'Additional Information')
- Compulsory €5 driver tip per person per night
- Compulsory €5 guide tip per person per night
- Transfers not specified in the itinerary
Book now, pay the rest later
If you book this deal 35 days prior to your departure, you can choose to pay in instalments. The deposit will be 35% of the deal’s price, plus any extras you may decide to add (i.e. excursions). You can review the instalment amounts and due dates in the last step before placing your booking.
Additional Information
| Conditions | Your booking is a direct contract between you and Secret Escapes Limited for the provision of your package. Secret Escapes acts as a tour operator responsible, and is therefore liable for the proper execution of the agreement. The Secret Escapes Terms and Conditions (A) apply to this booking. The Secret Escapes Cancellation Terms and Conditions apply to this booking. |
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| Passport, visa and health requirements | The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements, before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. For some countries, you may be required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation, a Digital Arrival Card or other immigration procedures prior to or upon arrival. We recommend that you complete any required digital forms as early as possible to save time upon arrival. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals. |
| Price changes | Please note that the flights included in this offer are subject to live availability and price, and can change during your booking process. When this is the case, we will always notify during the booking process. |
| Pet policy | Pets are not allowed on this trip. |
| Optional services | To provide you with the best choice, we partner with a wide range of airlines. Please be aware that many carriers now charge extra for optional services like seat reservations and additional baggage. These airline-specific fees are not included in your holiday price unless stated. We recommend visiting your chosen airline's website directly to review their policies and understand any potential additional charges. |
| National holidays | Please be mindful of any local public holidays when choosing your dates, as these may affect your trip |
