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From the bright chaos of Beijing to the sacred heights of Tibet, from the gravity-defying peaks of Zhangjiajie to the shimmering skyline of Hong Kong - this wasn’t just a trip; it was a soul-shaking, mind-opening, laugh-filled adventure across the heart of Asia.
The Trip That Changed Everything
Before we arrived in China, we’ll admit - we had some reservations. Growing up in the U.S., you’re bombarded with headlines, stereotypes, and political narratives that paint the country in a narrow light. Words like “controlled,” “polluted,” and “intimidating” were echoed around us. But as seasoned travelers who’ve visited over 70 countries, we’ve learned to keep our minds open - though even we weren’t prepared for what we discovered.
What we found was not what we’d been told.
Instead of tension, we found kindness. Instead of rigidity, we found culture, complexity, and beauty. We were welcomed by people who were curious, generous, and deeply proud of their heritage. We were stunned by the sheer natural grandeur of Zhangjiajie, the spiritual richness of Tibet, the quiet elegance of Lhasa’s temples, and the thrilling pulse of Shanghai’s skyline. The food - especially as vegans - was diverse, creative, and absolutely delicious. And the infrastructure? Efficient, clean, and futuristic in ways the U.S. hasn’t caught up with.
China didn’t just surprise us - it floored us.
In fact, out of all the countries we’ve traveled to - and there have been many - China quickly became one of our absolute favorites. This wasn’t just another trip. It was a recalibration of assumptions, a breaking of boundaries, and a reaffirmation of why we travel in the first place: to see the world as it is, not as we’ve been told.
Welcome to the real China. It’s not what you think. It’s better!
We had an amazing travel experience in China, including exploring Tibet.
The 16-day China Tibet Nepal tour is the perfect way for first-time travelers to experience the highlights of all three destinations.
Great Wall, Tesla Rides & Toboggan Thrills: A Surreal Day in Beijing
With the sun rising and jet lag mostly conquered, we met our guide, Cindy. She was a whirlwind of facts, legends, and insider tips - part tour guide, part gossip queen. We adored her.
Our first real destination? The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, the less-crowded, more scenic alternative to Badaling – this was recommended by our tour guide so just know there are multiple sections to the wall with different difficulty of hiking and scenery so do some research before. We drove there in a sleek Tesla Model X, during the ride we learned about where to get the best fake designer shops and a secret number to call, and how the cars on the road were limited based on their license plate. Green license and electric cars could drive every day, whereas if you did not have this, you were limited to certain days you could drive in order to cut down on traffic.
We reached the Great Wall and took a cable car ride; it was like entering another dimension. Fog curled over the hills like silk ribbons, and then - there it was. The Wall.
We climbed watchtowers, paused to catch our breath in the thin air, and stared into the horizon where history stretched endlessly. And then, you’ll never guess, but we tobogganed down - yes, tobogganed! Laughing like kids. I thought about how surreal it was to finally see the last of the Seven Wonders with my partner. It felt full-circle.
Visited the Great Wall in Beijing, one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Our First Magical Day on the Roof of the World
After spending a couple of days exploring Beijing, the next stop on our trip is so VIP, even Ana Delvey could not! YES, I know, WE GOT APPROVED TO GO INTO TIBET! This Tibet Travel Permit process was long and arduous, and people RARELY get approved.
We woke before the sun. By 3:45 a.m., we were checked out and headed to the airport. Flying into Lhasa felt surreal - mountains scraped the sky, clouds drifted like spirits.
Upon landing, our Tibetan guide welcomed us with traditional white scarves called khatas - symbols of purity and goodwill. He handed us bottled water, smiling, and told us to take it easy. The altitude was already making itself known.
We drove to Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Its water shimmered turquoise, ringed by snow-capped peaks. We stood at the edge of the world, our breath shallow, our hearts full. Lunch was at a small roadside café - bok choy and rice with a warmth that reached the soul. The tour guide ate yak meat and milk, which is a specialty here.
That evening we checked into Thangka Hotel, a modest, charming base in Lhasa’s Old Town. Dinner at DK Café was a mix of vegan Vietnamese, falafel, and Tibetan teas. We wandered through cobblestone streets after, buying Buddhist charms under hanging prayer flags. Jesse got a bad headache which is a first sign of altitude sickness but apparently a mild one – but be prepared with oxygen.
Journey to the turquoise Yamdrok Lake from downtown Lhasa.
Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes
Explore Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake on a 5-Day Lhasa to Yamdrok Tour
Tibet Vista Made Our Dream Trip a Reality!
From start to finish, they were absolutely incredible. My partner and I had the most unforgettable experience thanks to Tibet Vista's seamless planning, deep local knowledge, and warm hospitality. Every detail - from permits to transportation to the knowledgeable guide - was handled perfectly.
They didn’t just show us Tibet - they helped us feel it, with immersive experiences and stunning sights we’ll never forget. Highly, highly recommend Tibet Vista for anyone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime journey through this magical place! Experience the thrill of popular China Tibet tours.
Tip: Avoid alcohol on your first day in Tibet. Your body needs oxygen, water, and warmth. Get an oxygen tank and make sure you have ibuprofen or Tylenol for any headaches. Altitude sickness is no joke.
Experience the holy Barkhor kora followed by a visit to the sacred Jokhang Temple.
A Soulful Journey in Lhasa, the Spiritual Heart of Tibet
Our visit to the Potala Palace was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Towering above the city, its white walls and golden spires felt like something out of a myth. Climbing over 1,000 steps, we entered a space rich with history and reverence. Inside, we viewed the tombs of past Dalai Lamas and learned about the 14th Dalai Lama’s exile - a powerful reminder of Tibet’s resilience.
We continued to Jokhang Temple, the most sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism. The devotion of pilgrims - some of whom travel vast distances while performing full-body prostrations - was deeply moving. Their commitment stood in sharp contrast to the material world many of us are used to. It was a moment of profound humility and reflection.
Monks chanted under the soft glow of butter lamps as we turned prayer wheels and explored Barkhor Street, a vibrant maze of color, sound, and sacred energy. Unlock more exciting Lhasa tours.
Dinner at LK Vegetarian was the highlight of our culinary experience in Tibet - spicy dry pots, stir-fried eggplant and green beans, and surprisingly delicious mock meats made for a memorable meal. We even found a modern supermarket with everything from fresh produce to… peanut butter!
Tip: Most shops and markets in Lhasa accept Alipay, and haggling is welcome!
At the square outside Jokhang Temple
Ready to explore the residence of the past Dalai Lamas.
Farewell to Lhasa and Our Adventure Continues
Our guide from Tibet Vista personally escorted us to the airport, offering heartfelt goodbyes that made it feel like we were leaving family behind.
Security gave us a bit of a laugh - our power bank triggered a mini investigation, but after some scrutiny, we made it through just fine.
As we boarded our flight out of Lhasa, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience Tibet Vista created for us. This wasn’t just a vacation - it was a life-changing journey.
A Word of Thanks to Tibet Vista
Tibet Vista made our dream of visiting Tibet a reality. From the Tibet Travel Permit process (which was no small feat!) to the expertly planned itinerary, seamless logistics, and incredible guide, every detail was handled with care and precision.
We didn’t just see Tibet - we felt it . For anyone dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime journey to this sacred land, we can’t recommend Tibet Vista enough. Discover Tibet Vista’s budget-friendly Tibet small group tours here.
"A China Tour Through Tibet: Experiencing the Spiritual Heart of Lhasa and the Wonders of Tibet"