China/Tibet

The Best of China: Imperial Capitals, Tibet and the Yangtze River

Program No. 19406RJ
Discover Tibet’s nomadic grasslands and explore firsthand China’s cultures and countryside. Walk the Great Wall of imperial Beijing and sail the Yangtze to contemporary Shanghai.

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At a Glance

Absorb the complex identity of China on a grand journey that brings you face-to-face with the country’s glorious treasures and modern identity. Feel the energy of Beijing and Shanghai, experience life along the Yangtze River and discover the fascinating land of Tibet on the “Roof of the World.”
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three hours daily over varied terrain. Some stairs without railings. Elevations up to 12,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Travel to Tibetan grasslands where nomadic families raise yak, sheep and goats.
  • Marvel at the massive Buddhist cliff carvings of the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Voyage down the Yangtze River, sailing through its legendary gorges, to the Three Gorges Dam to examine firsthand this extraordinary feat of engineering.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Hongying Yang
Professor Yang Hongying is an expert in the study of foreign language and linguistics at Xi'an International Studies University, where she leads courses in Chinese culture and international studies. She has received numerous teaching awards, and also has received advanced degrees in cultural heritage studies from the Institute of European Studies in Macau, and in education from the University of New South Wales in Australia. Yang has published numerous papers on museum text translations and international culture studies, and has given lectures on Chinese culture and heritage in China, Macau, and Singapore. She has worked with and taught Road Scholar groups for more than 10 years.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Hongying Yang
Hongying Yang View biography
Professor Yang Hongying is an expert in the study of foreign language and linguistics at Xi'an International Studies University, where she leads courses in Chinese culture and international studies. She has received numerous teaching awards, and also has received advanced degrees in cultural heritage studies from the Institute of European Studies in Macau, and in education from the University of New South Wales in Australia. Yang has published numerous papers on museum text translations and international culture studies, and has given lectures on Chinese culture and heritage in China, Macau, and Singapore. She has worked with and taught Road Scholar groups for more than 10 years.
Profile Image of Baima Wangdui
Baima Wangdui View biography
Professor Baima Wangdui is a senior professor in the Art Department of Tibet University. He is an expert on Thangka painting and gives numerous student lectures on the subject. In addition, he has extensive knowledge in Tibetan Buddhism, to which Thangka art is very closely linked.
Profile Image of Suolang Wangmu
Suolang Wangmu View biography
Professor Suolang Wangmu, a senior professor at Tibet University, received her doctorate in linguistics from the University of Bergen in Norway. She has been a visiting scholar at Sichuan University Department of Foreign Studies, and the University of York in Britain. Professor Suoloang Wangmu has often traveled abroad as an invited lecturer on the subject of Tibetan religion.
Profile Image of Hao Liu
Liu grew up in a northern Chinese city near Beijing and studied American literature and English at Hebei University. He has been leading Road Scholar programs for more than 10 years and has traveled extensively in China, Tibet, Mongolia and Vietnam. Liu enjoys reading Chinese history and listening to traditional Chinese music. He adds, “I love my job with all my heart. I sincerely want to show my beautiful country to our Road Scholar learners. I look forward to every program I lead.”
Profile Image of Li Jiang
Li Jiang is an instructor of traditional Chinese musical instruments. He started learning the violin at the age of 6 and has remained devoted to this instrument ever since. He extended his study to other musical instruments including the erhu, bawu, guitar and piano. He is a self-taught fluent speaker of English, having studied the language for over thirty years. He has traveled to Japan and Europe for art exchanges, making him a valued contributor to China's national culture and arts development.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
49 Meals
19 Breakfasts
15 Lunches
15 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 16, 2024 - Nov 05, 2024
  • Oct 16, 2024 - Nov 05, 2024
  • Aug 21, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 16, 2024 - Nov 05, 2024 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Apr 18, 2025 - May 08, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • May 02, 2025 - May 22, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • May 07, 2025 - May 27, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Aug 20, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
  • Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025 (Beijing to Shanghai)
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.
4 nights
Beijing
Originally built in the 1950s, this modernized hotel is located in a traditional district south of Beijing's famous Chan An Avenue and short distance from many of Beijing's historic and monumental sites, including Tian'anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. It also maintains a well-known theater devoted to nightly performances of Beijing Opera.
2 nights
Luoyang
This hotel boasts the best location in Luoyang, just across from the People's Square where locals gather on a daily basis to practice tai ji, ballroom dancing, martial arts, and to air pet birds.
3 nights
Xi'an
Located inside the city walls in the heart of 'downtown' Xi'an, this recently renovated hotel (formerly known as the Royal Garden Hotel) is close to the city's main attractions, including the Bell Tower and Muslim Section.
4 nights
Lhasa
This comfortable recently built 4 star hotel is centrally located and about a 15 minute walk to Jokhong Temple and the Barkhor Bazaar.
3 nights
Flushing
Cruise line is rated 5 star; all cabins are outside facing with private balcony.
3 nights
Shanghai
This modern 4 star hotel with contemporary facilities recently opened in west Shanghai in an integrated commercial area with shopping and coffee shops nearby.





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