Historical China, Tibet + the Yangtze

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore.

Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water.

After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing.

Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

Tibet, often referred to as the "Roof of the World," is a land of breathtaking beauty, spiritual depth, and rich cultural heritage. Set against the backdrop of the towering Himalayas, Tibet captivates travelers with its dramatic landscapes, from vast high-altitude deserts to verdant valleys and serene lakes. The city of Lhasa, the heart of Tibet, serves as a gateway to this mystical region. Here, visitors can explore the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. With its striking white and red facade towering over the city, the Potala Palace is a testament to Tibetan architecture and Buddhist culture, housing thousands of statues, murals, and sacred scriptures.

Lhasa also invites travelers to experience the spiritual essence of Tibet. The Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism and a hub of pilgrimage activity. As you walk along the bustling Barkhor Street that encircles the temple, you will encounter pilgrims from all over Tibet, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras in devotion. This vibrant street is also a treasure trove of Tibetan arts, crafts, and local delicacies. For a more immersive experience, visitors can join a local guide to explore the Sera Monastery and witness the monks engage in their famous debate sessions, a lively display of philosophical discourse that is both a tradition and a spectacle.

Beyond its religious and cultural sites, Tibet offers unparalleled natural beauty that beckons adventure seekers. A journey to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, reveals an otherworldly turquoise expanse surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lake is believed to be the lifeblood of Tibet, and its waters are said to hold spiritual powers. Meanwhile, Mount Everest Base Camp is a bucket-list destination for trekkers wanting to witness the world's highest peak up close. Here, the sunrise over Everest’s north face is a sight that will remain etched in memory, a reward for those who venture to these remote heights.

Fun fact: Tibet's average elevation is about 4,500 meters (14,800 feet) above sea level, making it the highest region on Earth. Due to its altitude, Tibet has a unique high-altitude climate, where sunny days are plentiful, and the thin air allows for clear, breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The "Roof of the World" is not only a spiritual haven but also a destination for those seeking to experience nature at its most grand and untamed.