AACI’s Classic China + an Extension fo Sichuan, Yunan & Tibet – June 2026
June 1 to June 14. With add-on: June 14 to June 24, 2026
This is not another tour to China…
Get to know the REAL China on a tour to the unknown country with our expert guide, Michael Tuchfeld. Discover the wonders of China on an unforgettable journey through its most iconic cities. In Beijing, walk the ancient paths of the Great Wall and explore the grandeur of the Forbidden City. In Xi’an, stand in awe before the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Cruise along the breathtaking Li River in Guilin, where dramatic karst peaks rise above tranquil waters. Finally, feel the pulse of modern Shanghai, a dazzling city where tradition and innovation meet. This tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty—an experience of China you will cherish forever.
Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet have everything tourists can wish for: Surprising nature in immense altitudes when you visit the capitals Chengdu and Lhasa and the Tibetan autonomous region in the west, where you can merge with the nature and meet the secluded monks.
Sichuan and Yunnan are the provinces where the Chinese legend is revealed and told for almost 4 millennia. Over the years some non-Chinese cultures developed and its land has become a land of dispute and wars. Now it offers us unbelievable landscapes and an unforgettable experience.
These provinces attract people who want to explore this stimulating country more profoundly and to know much more about its history and unique culture.
A great deal of thought was invested in this trip how to take full advantage of the time, doing it in the right way in order to enable you to visit the most interesting things.
Part 1 – Classical China
Day 1 – Monday June 1, 2026 – Shenzhen
Welcome to China. Our flight arrives in Shenzhen, a dynamic metropolis in southern China, famous for its rapid transformation from a small fishing village into a modern hub of innovation and design, a fascinating gateway to contemporary China.
Dinner at Chabad.
Overnight in Shenzhen
Day 2 – Tuesday June 2, 2026 – Guilin
After Breakfast we will travel by Bullet train to Guilin. After meeting our guide we will drive to Longsheng. A journey into Guangxi’s stunning countryside, home to the famous Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the “Dragon’s Backbone.” We will wander through breathtaking terraced landscapes, visit traditional Zhuang and Yao villages, and admire their unique wooden houses and colorful culture. A highlight is the Long Hair Show performed by the Yao women, who proudly display their centuries-old tradition of growing and styling their hair.
Thereafter, we will drive back to Guilin, check in at the hotel. A fish dinner will be served at the hotel.
In the evening we will enjoy a 4 lake cruise. Gliding past graceful pavilions, willow-lined banks, and the glowing Sun and Moon Pagodas. A highlight of the cruise is watching a traditional cormorant fishing demonstration, where local fishermen use trained birds in an age-old practice that adds cultural depth to the journey.
Overnight in Guilin.
Day 3 – Wednesday June 3, 2026 – Guilin
After breakfast we will depart early morning to Yangshou. Our journey begins with a short cruise along the Li River, where you’ll drift past dramatic karst peaks, bamboo groves, and scenes of rural life that have inspired countless Chinese paintings. In Yangshuo, you’ll have time to explore the lively West Street, before ending the day with the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie show—an open-air performance on the river directed by Zhang Yimou, featuring hundreds of local performers against the backdrop of illuminated karst mountains.
Lunch – self made from the breakfast buffet.
We will have an early dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Yangshou.
Day 4 – Thursday June 4, 2026 – Guilin – Shanghai
Early departure after breakfast towards Guilin to visit the Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular natural limestone cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by colorful lights. Known as the “Palace of Natural Arts,” it features shapes resembling animals, plants, and mythical figures. We will have a chance to visit the pearl factory, a visit that combines culture, craftsmanship, and shopping in one experience. We will learn about the history of freshwater pearls in China, watch demonstrations of how pearls are cultivated and harvested, and discover the differences in quality and grading. We will also have an opportunity to browse elegant pearl jewelry and souvenirs, making it both educational and enjoyable.
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival we will drive to the Jewish community for a late dinner.
Overnight in Shanghai
Day 5 – Friday June 5, 2026 – Shanghai
Breakfast in the hotel and we depart for a morning tour to Jewish Shanghai: the former home of Shanghai’s Jewish community, the Hongkou Ghetto and nearby, the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue.
See the Memorial to Stateless Refugees within the ghetto and visit Ohel Rachel Synagogue, also built by the Sassoon family. Drive through the French Concession, where many of Shanghai’s fine Jewish estates were once located. We will then visit the Arts and Crafts Institute, a historic home and former estate of one of Shanghai’s officials.
Return to your hotel to prepare for Shabbat. Candle lighting: 6:37 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat and Seudat Shabbat at the Jewish Community.
Day 6 –Shabbat June 6, 2026 – Shanghai
Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Tfilot and seudot, including seuda shlishit will be at the Jewish community
A detailed itinerary will be handed out before Shabbat
Motzaey Shabbat at 7:38 pm. We will then enjoy a night cruise in the harbor over the neon lit Huangpu River, with a spectacular view of the Shanghai skyline.
Overnight in Shanghai
Day 7 – Sunday June 7, 2026 – Shanghai
Breakfast in the hotel. Our guide will meet us this morning for a 1.5 hours’ drive to the ancient water town – Zhouzhuang which is known as the Venice of China. Famed as China’s No.1 water town, Zhouzhuang reveals its beauty with various Ming and Qing Dynasty residences and dozens of classic bridges while the two most famous residences are Shen House and Zhang House.
A cruise along the canal will give you a view of a unique waterside lifestyle.
Return to Shanghai in late afternoon. Dinner at the Jewish Community.
This evening enjoy a fantastic Acrobatic show.
Overnight in Shanghai
Day 8 – Monday June 8, 2026 – Xi’an
After breakfast we will drive to the airport for our flight to Xi’an. (10:25 – 13:20)
Upon arrival we will meet our guide that will take us to the Muslim quarter. Visit the Muslim Street – a fantastic place to wander around. The stalls line the narrow alleys selling almost anything you can imagine. If you are good at bargaining, you can get some things at a really bargain price.
Visit the local mosque. Climb the ancient city wall. Then we’ll experience a traditional Chinese dinner at a local Buddhist restaurant
Later we will enjoy the Tang Dynasty costume show.
Overnight in Xi’an
Day 9 – Tuesdy June 9, 2026 – Xi’an – Beijing
After breakfast we will visit the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors site in Xi’an which is nothing short of awe-inspiring! As you step into the massive excavation halls, rows upon rows of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots emerge from the earth, each with unique facial expressions and intricate details that bring history vividly to life. Standing before this silent army—built over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor—you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the scale, artistry, and mystery of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
We will visit, Pit1, Pit2, Pit3 and the Bronze Charriot. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum.
Time permitting, we will take a glimpse of the warrior duplication site where molds are created to show the original way of creating them.
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Beijing (17:30-20:15) or the by the Bullet Train (15:27 – 20:35)
Upon arrival we will drive to Chabad house for a late dinner.
Overnight in Beijing
Day 10 Wednesday June 10, 2026 – Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart to the Great Wall initially built in 221 BC by the first emperor of China as a defense against nomadic tribes and has been renowned as one of the 7 wonders of the world. It extends over 10000 kilometers in the northern part of China from the eastern Pacific Ocean to the western Gobi Desert. Visit the Jade Friendship Store while enjoying the magnificent work done by elite Chinese jade experts on the spot. Later in the day, visit the Ming Tombs and learn about Chinese Feng Shui as mostly reflected by the layout of the Ming Dynasty Tombs.
Back to Beijing to explore the vibrant silk market.
Tonight we will enjoy the spectacle “The Golden Mask” show.
Dinner at Chabad.
Day 11 Thursday June 11, 2026 – Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning tour to the Temple of Heaven and traditional Chinese Park. The Temple is the sacred praying site for Chinese emperors (1420-1911) to pray for a good harvest. Then experience in the park the lives of the everyday Chines citizens through dance and culture.
We will continue to the pearl market, and then Stop for traditional Chinese foot massage and lecture on Chinese medicine and treatment at a local Chinese hospital.
In the afternoon we will visit the largest city square in the world, Tiananmen Square, which can hold as many as 3 million people. We proceed through the Tiananmen Rostrum to the imperial enclosure – the famed Forbidden City, also named the Palace Museum, the largest of its kind in the world. It houses more than 9999 rooms. Five of the rooms had 24 emperors living successively inside them from 1420 until 1911 both the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
In the evening we will enjoy a Kong Fu show
Dinner – at Chabad
Day 12 – Friday June 12, 2026 – Beijing
After breakfast we will head to the Summer Palace, the summer resort for the Qing dynasty’s royal family. It is covered 3/4 with the water, the rest are hills and palaces. renowned for its stunning gardens, ornate palaces, and the serene Kunming Lake. Built in the 18th century and expanded during the Qing Dynasty. Empress Dowager Cixi famously spent much of her time here with her son, the young emperor, overseeing court affairs and enjoying the palace’s serene surroundings.
Then we will take an exciting tour of Beijing’s Hutongs (old neighborhoods) on a private and exciting Rickshaw ride. Get familiar with the local atmosphere. Back to the hotel for preparations for Shabbat
Candle lighting: 7:25 pm
Kabalat Shabbat and seudah at Chabad of Beijing
Day 13 –Shabbat June 13, 2026 – Beijing
An updated itinerary will be published before Shabbat
We will have Shacharit and breakfast at the hotel then go to Chabad for Kriat Hatorah and Mussaf followed by Seudat Shabbat. Time will be given for R&R followed by a walking tour then Seudah Shlishit
Arvit and Havdala at the hotel: 8:34 pm
We will depart on a night tour of Illuminated Beijing – Beijing by night, Strolling through bustling night markets or along the lively streets of Wangfujing, you can savor local street food, admire vibrant neon lights, and feel the city’s energy come alive after dark. The combination of history, culture, and modern excitement makes Beijing by night truly thrilling.
Day 14 – Sunday June 14, 2026 – End of part 1/ – Lijiang
After early Shacharit and breakfast we will depart to Gubei water town that boasts a combination of mountains, water and ancient villages.
After a lunch break (self made from Breakfast buffet) we will have a boat ride along a row of ancient houses, old quartzite streets and long Hutongs show the style and features of the old town. We can also experience unique local customs and participate in native activities, such as ecological cloth printing and dyeing.
We will drive back to Beijing
Dinner at Chabad
It is a rare ancient village with a combination of natural landscape of water and mountains in the suburb of Beijing. This town possesses an old-fashioned simplicity and elegance. River channels are scattered between streets; houses near the river are bathed in sunlight. This resort is rebuilt on the basis of three natural villages, well preserving the original mountain courtyard buildings in during Republic of China’s style. It covers a total area of 430,000 square meters.
Part 2 – Sichuan, Yunan, Tibet
Explore the rich heritage of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet, three regions that reveal the depth and diversity of China’s culture and landscapes. In Sichuan, discover ancient temples, vibrant teahouses, and the world’s beloved giant pandas. Continue to Yunnan, where colorful ethnic traditions, historic towns, and breathtaking mountain scenery reflect centuries of harmony and diversity. Finally, ascend to Tibet, “the Roof of the World,” where spiritual devotion, sacred monasteries, and majestic Himalayan vistas offer a profound glimpse into timeless faith and resilience. Together, they form an unforgettable journey through China’s living history and soul.
The first part of the tour comes to an end. After breakfast – Transfer to the airport for the flight home
Those who continue in the second part and those who join us today – welcome
Those who continue to Part 2 – drive to Gubei Water Town
Visit the town (including boat ride), Fish dinner at a local restaurant. Gubei at night tour
Day 15 – Monday June 15, 2026 – Lijiang
Join the group in the flight to Lijiang (10:40-14:50)
We will meet our guide and take the Spruce Plateau cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Visit Baisha village and with it’s traditional houses and murals.
Lunch break during the tour – self made from breakfast buffet
In the evening we will enjoy the Naxi Ancient Music and Dance performance at Dongba Palace or the Lijiang Goldan Sand show.
Fish dinner at the hotel.
Witness the authentic life of the Naxi People and appreciate their culture . The village, at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is about 4.9 miles (8km) to the north of Lijiang Old Town. Baisha Village used to be a Naxi settlement and the birthplace of local Mu Family Governors. It was the political, economic and cultural center of Lijiang prior to the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). Its construction started during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) and it became prosperous during the Song (960 – 1279) and Yuan (1271 – 1368) Dynasties
Day 16 – Tuesday June 16, 2026 – Lijiang, Yangtze river
We will depart the hotel after Shacharit and breakfast to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, We’ll stop at the Yangtze first bend and take a hike at the gorge.
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world with a good path high above the Yangtze River. Vertical cliffs rise dramatically from the turquoise waterway to the glaciated peak of Snow Dragon Snow Mountain.
The Jinsha River, a tributary of the legendary Yangtze River, meanders its way through terraced farmlands and imposing limestone ridges, creating one of the most stunning backdrops to be found anywhere in China.
Back to Lijiang
Dinner at the hotel
Day 17 – Wednesday June 17, 2026 – Chengdu
Welcome to Sichuan, one of the most important provinces of China. After breakfast we will fly to Chengdu (9:25-10:40)
Upon landing in the international airport Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan the bus will take us 85 Km (60 m) north-west to Dujiangyan to visit the unique project of Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which was constructed in 256 B.C.
Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwest Sichuan Province, is famed for being the home of cute giant pandas. Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the center of Chengdu Plain, the city covers a total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres (4,749 square miles) with a population of over 11 million.
Sichuan Province is reputed as the Heavenly State, Tian Fu Zhi Guo in Chinese, literally a place richly endowed with natural resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely productive. The Min and Tuo Rivers, two branches of the Yangtze River, connected to 40 other rivers, supply an irrigation area of more than 700 square kilometres (270.27 square miles) with 150-180 million kilowatts of water. Consisting of abundant mineral resources, the land is extremely fertile and the irrigation system is one of the biggest in the world, and a wonder in the development of Chinese science. Built over 2,200 years ago. This incredible feat of engineering is still in use today to irrigate over 668,700 hectares of farmland, drain floodwater, and provide water resources for more than 50 cities in the province.
we will head back to Chengdu to have dinner at Chabad. Later we will enjoy the Sichuan Opera with the Face Changing Show at a traditional tea house.
Overnight at Millenium Hotel
Day 18 – Thursday June 18, 2026 – Lesham, Emeishan
We will start today visiting the Giant Panda Research Base. We will be able to get closer to the rare giant pandas and observe pandas of different age resting, eating and drinking, playing with each other, using enrichment toys or watch female pandas nursing their cubs in the nursery area.
We will continue to Lesham – about 1.5 hours drive from Chengdu – Where we take a boat ride on the Min river to see the Giant Buddha. Carved out of a hillside in the 8th century and looking down on the confluence of three rivers. At 71 m high, it is the largest Buddha in the world.
Drive to Emeishan, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, where we will check in at our hotel.
Fish dinner at the hotel. Enjoy the hot springs located in the area.
The giant panda is a rare and beloved animal that only inhabits the six major mountain ranges in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces of China. With a population of less than 2000, the species is included on the endangered list by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and is protected by China’s Wildlife Protective Law as the special-class protected animal. Chengdu has been the ancestral homeland to giant pandas since ancient times. The Chengdu Panda Base is a well-known institution for the preservation of endangered wildlife, integrating scientific research and breeding of giant pandas, conservation education, tourism education, and panda cultural events.
Day 19 – Friday June 19, 2026 – Chengdu
After breakfast we will drive back to Chengdu to have a delightful day tour that blends history, culture, and local tradition. Begin at the lively People’s Park, where music, games, and tai chi bring the city to life, and pause for an authentic tea ceremony in one of its classic teahouses — a timeless ritual that captures the essence of Sichuan leisure. Continue to the poetic haven of the Du Fu Cottage, where tranquil gardens and graceful pavilions honor one of China’s most celebrated poets. Your day concludes along the enchanting lanes of Jinli Culture Street, a vibrant showcase of traditional architecture, handicrafts, and tantalizing street food — the perfect finale to an unforgettable Chengdu experience.
Back to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat
We will light candle, daven and have a seudat Shabbat at Chabad
Candle lighting 19:50
(Chabad might have an early Shabbat commence)
Day 20 – Saturday Shabbat June 20, 2026 – Chengdu
Breakfast at the hotel thereafter we will join the Chabad congregation in Chengdu for Shabbat services, followed by seudat Shabbat.
A walking tour in Chengdu
Mincha followed by Seuda Shlishit
Motzaey Shabbat – 20:51
Evening visit Gingli culture and Kuang Zhai street
Day 21 – Sunday June 21, 2026 – Lhasa
Today we will take an early flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Upon arrival we will be met by our guide, have a lunch break and after adjusting to the elevation (3,656 m – 12,000 feet above sea level) we will visit the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.
Check in at our hotel Shangri La . Fish dinner at the hotel
The center of the Tibetan Buddhist world for over a millennium, Lhasa, (literally the ‘Place of the Gods’) remains largely a city of wonders. Your first view of the red and white Potala Palace soaring above the Holy City raises goosebumps and the charming whitewashed old Tibetan quarter continues to preserve the essence of traditional Tibetan life. It is here in the Jokhang, an other-worldly mix of flickering butter lamps, wafting incense and prostrating pilgrims, and the encircling Barkhor pilgrim circuit, that most visitors first fall in love with Tibet.
Day 22 – Monday June 22, 2026 – Lhasa
Today we will visit the Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai – Lama since the 7th century. We will climb to the palace, visits it’s rooms and temples, watch the residence of the last Dalai Lama who escaped to India in 1959. Walking and visiting the palace will take about 4 hours.
In the afternoon, we will visit Nurbolingka Palace, the summer palace of the Dalai-Lama, the biggest manmade garden in Tibet.
Fish dinner at the hotel.
In the evening we will enjoy the Princess Wencheng spectacle performance
Enclosed within massive walls, gates and turrets built of rammed earth and stone the White and Red Palaces and ancillary buildings of the Potala Palace rise from Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley at an altitude of 3,700 metres. As the winter palace of the Dalai Lama from the 7th century CE the complex symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The White Palace contains the main ceremonial hall with the throne of the Dalai Lama, and his private rooms and audience hall are on the uppermost level. The palace contains 698 murals, almost 10,000 painted scrolls, numerous sculptures, carpets, canopies, curtains, porcelain, jade, and fine objects of gold and silver, as well as a large collection of sutras and important historical documents.
As an extraordinary palace, Norbulingka provides brilliant buildings of Tibetan architecture. Norbulingka is mainly made up to several palaces and each palace is consists of three sections: the forest area, the palace area and the area in front of the palace
Day 23 – Tuesday June 23, 2026 – Lhasa, Yarlung river
After breakfast we will visit the beautiful highland lake, along the Yarlung river to Yamdrok-tso Lake, one of the 3 most sacred lakes in Tibet. It is a lake of 72km long, sourrounded by snow covered mountains. The two long arms of water, makeing it look like a scorpion from the sky.
Back to Lhasa. Fish dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Lhasa
Day 24 – Wednesday June 24, 2026 – Lhasa-Beijing-end of the tour
After breakfast we will drive to the airport for our flight to Beijing. (9:45-13:35)
Flight home.
NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change
Prices without international airfare:
Classic China (including domestic flights)
$6,450 per person in a double room for AACI members
$7,320 single person in a room
Sichuan, Yunan and Tibet extension (including domestic flights)
$6,200 per person in a double room for AACI members
$7,300 single person in a room
$75 pp addition for non AACI member or join AACI
Internation Flight details:
Final flight details to be determined. As flight operations to and from Israel continue to stabilize, additional airline options may become available.
Payment Schedule
From registration until February 15, 2026- $600 pp.
From February 16th, 2026– Balance Due
Cancellation Policy:
From registration until February 15th: $600 per person
February 16th-April 10th-35% cancellation fee
From April 11th-April 30th-60% cancellation fee
From April 30th-Departure 100% cancellation fee
* Cancellation insurance should be purchased at time of booking
*Please note the rate of exchange used for this tour is subject to change if there are currency fluctuations.
Minimum # of participants required
Price Includes:
- Accommodation at 4 and 5 star hotels
- Kosher full board under supervision of Chabad (daily packed lunch)
- Some meals provided by local Jewish community or supervised fish/vegan dinner under supervision
- Israeli English-speaking guide
- Local English-speaking guides when relevant
- Entrance fees to all sites and activities as per the itinerary
- Air-conditioned DLX bus for the entire tour
- 2 x Mineral water daily on bus
- Tips
- Domestic flights as mentioned in itinerary
- Visa to Tibet
Price Excludes
- Airport taxes where needed
- International flights to and from China and/or Tibet
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Travel and health insurance
- Beverages at meals, alcoholic drinks/mini bar consumptions/soft drinks
- Meals other than specified
- Visa to China
- Anything not specified in the “The tour price includes”
For further assistance, please write to info@aaci.org.il