Itinerary

Day 1 | Thu Oct 7, 2027 — Depart the USA

Depart the United States on your international flight to Shanghai, gateway to an extraordinary journey through China's imperial heartland, the mountain landscapes of Yunnan, and the spiritual treasures of Tibet. Meals in flight.

Day 2 | Fri Oct 8, 2027 — Arrive Shanghai

Upon arrival in Shanghai, you are met by a Coda Tours representative and privately transferred to your hotel.

China's largest city presents a captivating blend of old and new, where elegant colonial architecture lines the historic Bund while gleaming towers define one of the world's most impressive modern skylines. Ancient temples, bustling markets, and leafy boulevards exist alongside cutting-edge design, creating a city that is both deeply rooted in tradition and unmistakably contemporary.

Your home for the next two nights is the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel, an Art Deco landmark overlooking the Huangpu River. Beautifully restored to its original grandeur, the hotel has welcomed distinguished travelers for nearly a century and remains one of Shanghai's most celebrated addresses.

Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Hotel ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 3 | Sat Oct 9, 2027 — Shanghai

Discover the many layers of Shanghai during a full day of privately guided exploration.

Begin in the tranquil surroundings of Yu Garden, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty landscape design. Elegant pavilions, koi-filled ponds, dramatic rockeries, and centuries-old trees create an oasis of serenity amid the lively streets of the Old City.

Following lunch, continue to the outstanding Shanghai Museum East, whose exceptional collections span thousands of years of Chinese civilization. Highlights include ancient bronzes, exquisite ceramics, jade carvings, calligraphy, and imperial works of art.

Later, stroll along the iconic Bund, where grand European-style buildings recall Shanghai's cosmopolitan past while panoramic views stretch across the Huangpu River to the soaring towers of Pudong.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner celebrating the beginning of your journey. (B,L,D)

Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Hotel ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 4 | Sun Oct 10, 2027 — Shanghai to Lijiang

Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to the enchanting mountain town of Lijiang, nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang is renowned for its maze of cobbled lanes, stone bridges, flowing canals, and beautifully preserved Naxi architecture. For centuries, it served as an important trading center along the legendary Tea Horse Road, where merchants exchanged tea from Yunnan for Tibetan horses.

Your accommodations are at the elegant Banyan Tree Hotel, whose thoughtful design reflects the traditions and artistry of the Naxi people while offering immediate access to the historic quarter. (B)

Hotel: Banyan Tree Hotel ★★★★★

Room: Mountain View Room

Day 5 | Mon Oct 11, 2027 — Discover Lijiang

Today's exploration reveals the rich cultural heritage of one of China's most captivating historic towns.

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, beginning at bustling Zhongyi Market, where colorful displays of produce, flowers, herbs, and regional specialties offer a glimpse into daily life. Continue through lively Sifang Square, the historic commercial heart of the city, before ascending to Wangulou Pavilion , whose elevated position affords sweeping views across tiled rooftops to the snow-capped mountains beyond.

Pause at a traditional teahouse to sample Yunnan's celebrated Pu'er tea, an enduring symbol of the province's tea culture.

This afternoon, visit peaceful Black Dragon Pool Park, framed by the dramatic peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, before exploring the fascinating Dongba Museum, dedicated to the unique traditions, religion, and pictographic writing of the Naxi people.

Conclude the day in nearby Baisha Village, once the capital of the Naxi Kingdom, where remarkably preserved 16th-century murals reveal a remarkable blend of Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Buddhist artistic influences. (B,L)

Hotel: Banyan Tree Hotel Lijiang ★★★★★

Room: Mountain View Room

Day 6 | Tue Oct 12, 2027 — Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Travel into the spectacular landscapes surrounding Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of southwest China's most revered natural landmarks.

Ascend by cableway to Spruce Meadow, more than 10,600 feet above sea level, where alpine forests and sweeping mountain vistas unfold beneath the glacier-clad summit.

Continue to Yuhu Village, once home to explorer and botanist Joseph Rock, whose pioneering writings and photography introduced much of this remarkable region to readers of National Geographic.

After lunch, enjoy reserved seating for Impressions of Lijiang, Zhang Yimou's acclaimed open-air production. Performed by hundreds of local villagers against the magnificent backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the performance celebrates the diverse ethnic traditions of Yunnan in one of the world's most dramatic natural theaters.

Return to Lijiang in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Hotel: Banyan Tree Hotel Lijiang ★★★★★

Room: Mountain View Room

Day 7 | Wed Oct 13, 2027 — Lijiang to Shangri-La

Travel north through some of Yunnan Province's most breathtaking scenery on your journey toward legendary Shangri-La.

Pause at the celebrated First Bend of the Yangzi River, where the mighty river dramatically changes course before continuing through the historic settlement of Shigu, long an important crossroads along ancient caravan routes.

This afternoon, experience one of China's most awe-inspiring natural wonders at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Carved by the powerful Yangzi River, this immense canyon ranks among the deepest in the world, with sheer cliffs rising thousands of feet above the rushing water below.

Arrive in Shangri-La, where Tibetan culture and Himalayan traditions define the character of this remarkable mountain town. Explore the atmospheric lanes of Du Ke Zong Old Town, visit a traditional Thangka workshop to learn about this intricate sacred art, and ascend Guishan Hill to see the immense gilded Prayer Wheel overlooking the city.

Your accommodations at Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City Shangri-La combine contemporary luxury with architectural elements inspired by Tibetan culture and commanding views of the surrounding mountains. (B,L)

Hotel: Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City Shangri-La ★★★★★

Room: Premium Room with Balcony

Day 8 | Thu Oct 14, 2027 — The Tibetan Heart of Shangri-La

Today offers an enriching introduction to the spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism in the mountain landscapes of Yunnan.

Begin at the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the province and one of the region's most significant religious centers. Golden roofs gleam above whitewashed buildings as monks continue centuries-old rituals in an atmosphere of profound serenity.

A special private blessing ceremony provides a rare opportunity to engage with local monastic life. Meet an esteemed monk, light traditional butter lamps, observe sacred chanting, and gain meaningful insight into Tibetan Buddhist customs and philosophy.

Following lunch, enjoy a leisurely walk along the shores of tranquil Napa Lake, where expansive wetlands and surrounding peaks create one of Shangri-La's most picturesque landscapes. Later, visit a traditional Tibetan home to experience local hospitality while sampling authentic yak-butter tea, an enduring symbol of life on the Tibetan Plateau.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Hotel: Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City Shangri-La ★★★★★

Room: Premium Room with Balcony

Day 9 | Fri Oct 15, 2027 — Shangri-La to Lhasa

Fly today to Lhasa, the legendary capital of Tibet and one of the world's most revered spiritual destinations.

Situated more than 12,000 feet above sea level on the vast Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa has long inspired pilgrims, scholars, and travelers with its remarkable monasteries, sacred temples, and enduring Buddhist traditions.

Upon arrival, transfer to the elegant St. Regis Lhasa Resort, ideally located near the historic Barkhor district. The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation and gradual acclimatization to the altitude in preparation for the days ahead. (B)

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa Resort ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 10 | Sat Oct 16, 2027 — Sacred Lhasa

Begin your exploration of Tibet with a visit to the incomparable Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Himalayan world.

Rising dramatically above Red Hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates the skyline of Lhasa with its soaring white and crimson walls. Within its vast complex lie countless chapels, meditation halls, sacred stupas, and priceless collections of Buddhist art accumulated over centuries.

This afternoon offers a more intimate perspective on daily spiritual life. Visit the historic Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, founded in the fifteenth century, before walking through traditional Tibetan neighborhoods to Lho Rigsum Lhakhang, a small but revered chapel near Jokhang Temple. These quieter encounters reveal the enduring devotion that continues to shape everyday life throughout Lhasa. (B,L)

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa Resort ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 11 | Sun Oct 17, 2027 — Monasteries of Lhasa

Today's discoveries continue your immersion into Tibet's remarkable religious heritage.

Visit Drepung Monastery, founded in 1416 and once home to more than 10,000 monks. Long regarded as one of the great monastic universities of Tibetan Buddhism, its whitewashed buildings cascade across the hillside, creating one of Tibet's most impressive architectural ensembles.

Following lunch, explore Norbulingka, the “Jeweled Park” and former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Set amid beautifully landscaped gardens, elegant pavilions, and tranquil courtyards, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a peaceful contrast to the monumental grandeur of the Potala Palace while providing further insight into Tibet's spiritual and political history.

Return to the St. Regis in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa Resort ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 12 | Mon Oct 18, 2027 — Across the Tibetan Plateau to Gyantse

Travel westward across the vast Tibetan Plateau, where snow-covered peaks, high mountain passes, and brilliant alpine lakes create one of Asia's most dramatic landscapes.

Pause at sacred Yamdrok Lake, whose vivid turquoise waters shimmer beneath towering Himalayan summits. Revered as one of Tibet's holiest lakes, its breathtaking setting has inspired pilgrims for centuries.

Continue over Karola Pass, reaching an elevation of approximately 16,500 feet, where the impressive Karola Glacier descends almost to the roadside, offering unforgettable views of Tibet's rugged alpine wilderness.

Arrive in the historic trading town of Gyantse , once an important crossroads linking Tibet with Bhutan and Nepal. This evening, enjoy the distinctive charm of Gyantse Nangchu Manor House, an intimate property reflecting the character and traditions of the region. (B,L)

Hotel: Gyantse Nangchu Manor House ★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 13 | Tue Oct 19, 2027 — Gyantse to Shigatse

This morning, visit Palkhor Chode Monastery, one of Tibet's most architecturally distinctive religious complexes. Its celebrated Kumbum Stupa, containing 108 chapels adorned with exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures, represents one of the finest artistic achievements in Tibetan Buddhism.

Before departing, stroll through Gyantse's colorful local market, where residents gather to trade produce, textiles, and handcrafted goods much as they have for generations.

Continue to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Your accommodations this evening are at the contemporary Hilton Shigatse, offering modern comforts amid the timeless landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. (B,L)

Hotel: Hilton Shigatse ★★★★★

Room: Guestroom

Day 14 | Wed Oct 20, 2027 — Shigatse to Lhasa

Begin the day exploring the revered Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama. As the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the monastery remains one of Tibet's most influential religious institutions, renowned for its richly decorated chapels, impressive assembly halls, and magnificent gilded statues.

Continue with a walk along the Lingkhor, the ancient pilgrimage circuit encircling the monastery, where local worshippers perform centuries-old devotional rituals. A visit to the bustling local market offers another glimpse into everyday Tibetan life before your scenic drive returns you to Lhasa. (B,L)

Hotel: St. Regis Lhasa Resort ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 15 | Thu Oct 21, 2027 — Lhasa to Beijing

Bid farewell to Tibet as you fly east to Beijing, China's historic imperial capital.

Upon arrival, transfer to the distinguished Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, ideally situated near Wangfujing, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. Combining refined contemporary luxury with subtle Chinese design elements, the hotel provides an elegant setting from which to conclude your journey.

The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 16 | Fri Oct 22, 2027 — Imperial Beijing

Your final day showcases the enduring legacy of China's imperial past.

Begin at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, one of the finest surviving examples of Ming Dynasty architecture and the ceremonial site where emperors once prayed for abundant harvests.

Continue into Beijing's atmospheric hutongs , the city's historic alleyways, where a visit to a local family home offers a personal glimpse into traditional neighborhood life. Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring freshly prepared handmade dumplings before continuing to two of China's most iconic landmarks.

Stand in the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square before entering the legendary Forbidden City, the immense imperial palace that served as the seat of the Ming and Qing emperors for nearly five centuries. Wander through magnificent ceremonial halls, ornate courtyards, and beautifully preserved imperial residences that reflect the extraordinary power and artistry of dynastic China.

This evening, gather for a memorable Farewell Dinner featuring Beijing's celebrated Peking Duck, raising a toast to an unforgettable journey through some of Asia's most remarkable cultural and spiritual landscapes. (B,L,D)

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 17 | Sat Oct 23, 2027 — Depart Beijing

Transfer to the airport for your departing international flight home, taking with you lasting memories of China's imperial treasures, the timeless landscapes of Yunnan, and the spiritual traditions of Tibet. (B)

Or continue with the optional extension.

Optional Post-Tour Imperial China Extension

Can also be booked as a standalone full tour. Please inquire.

Day 17 | Sat Oct 23, 2027 — Beijing | The Great Wall & Ming Tombs

Meet your private guide and journey to the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved stretches of this iconic monument. Ascend by cable car or chairlift before enjoying time to stroll along the ancient ramparts, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Ming Tombs, where the emperors of the Ming Dynasty were laid to rest. Walk the impressive Spirit Way, lined with monumental stone statues, and visit Changling Mausoleum, the largest and most magnificent of the imperial tombs. Return to your hotel late this afternoon. (L)

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 18 | Sun Oct 24, 2027 — Beijing | Summer Palace, Hongqiao Market & Foot Massage

Spend the morning exploring the magnificent Summer Palace, the largest and finest surviving imperial garden in China. Wander through elegant pavilions, ornate temples, and beautifully landscaped grounds before enjoying a private boat cruise across tranquil Kunming Lake. After lunch, browse the lively Hongqiao Market, renowned for its selection of pearls, jewelry, clothing, electronics, and traditional Chinese handicrafts. Conclude the day with a relaxing foot massage before returning to your hotel. (B,L)

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 19 | Mon Oct 25, 2027 — Beijing to Xi'an | High-Speed Rail & Ancient City Wall

Transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for your first-class journey aboard China's world-renowned high-speed rail service to Xi'an. Porter assistance is provided at both stations, while the train journey itself is unescorted. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and discover Xi'an's remarkably preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall, one of the finest surviving fortifications in China. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Hotel: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an ★★★★★

Room: Premium Room

Day 20 | Tue Oct 26, 2027 — Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Great Mosque & Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Today's highlight is one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries—the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, created over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China's first emperor. Explore the excavation pits and the fascinating Bronze Chariot Museum before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the heart of Xi'an to visit the historic Great Mosque and stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of Chinese and Islamic cultures converge. Complete the day at the elegant Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautifully preserved monument dating from the Tang Dynasty. (B,L)

Hotel: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an ★★★★★

Room: Premium Room

Day 21 | Wed Oct 27, 2027 — Xi'an to Shanghai | Han Yangling Museum & Flight to Shanghai

Transfer to Xi'an Airport, stopping en route at the fascinating Han Yangling Museum, where elevated walkways provide a unique perspective over active archaeological excavations surrounding the mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi. Continue to the airport for your China Eastern Airlines flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel overlooking the historic Bund. (B)

Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 22 | Thu Oct 28, 2027 — Shanghai | Zhujiajiao Water Town, French Concession & Tianzifang

Travel beyond the city to the charming water town of Zhujiajiao, a centuries-old settlement celebrated for its graceful stone bridges, narrow canals, classical gardens, and traditional riverside residences. Explore its atmospheric lanes, visit the historic post office and a traditional Chinese apothecary, then enjoy a private canal cruise. After lunch, return to Shanghai for a leisurely walk through the leafy avenues of the former French Concession before exploring Tianzifang, an enchanting maze of restored lane houses filled with boutique shops, galleries, cafés, and artisan studios. Return to your hotel this afternoon. (B,L)

Hotel: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund ★★★★★

Room: Deluxe Room

Day 23 | Fri Oct 29, 2027 — Depart Shanghai

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at the designated time and transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward flight. Flight details will be provided once confirmed. (B)

Please note: Train and flight schedules are subject to change. Final departure flight details and transfer time will be confirmed in the final travel documents.