Transit Cities Before Entering Tibet

The gateway cities for the vast majority of foreign tourists entering China are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and Kunming. All of them have direct flights and trains to Lhasa, except for Kunming, which does not have direct trains to Lhasa. It is worth noting that all trains to Lhasa must be transferred through Xining. That is to say, you can take a 21-hour train to Lhasa from Xining after you arrive in Xining by air or train. It is suggested you spend some time traveling in these transit cities before entering Tibet if there’s a plenty of time. Our travel agency are willing to offer different tour plans to fit you.

Beijing

Beijing, as the capital of China, is not only a political and cultural center, but also an important transportation hub, which receives many international flights from all over the world every day. Through the Forbidden City, the Great Wall or the Temple of Heaven, you can feel the grandeur and magnificence of ancient Chinese architecture.

The direct flight from Beijing to Lhasa takes about 4.5 hours. On the train from Beijing to Lhasa, you can see these beautiful sights:Yellow River, Loess Plateau, Qinghai Lake, Cuona Lake, Naqu Grassland, Nianqing Tanggula Mountains and Yangbajing. The journey across half of China takes about 40 hours.

Shanghai

Shanghai is an international city full of vitality and charm. Here you can enjoy briliant Bund buildings, Yuyuan Garden of Jiangnan Classical garden style. It is also a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

Compared with the 47-hour train journey from Shanghai to Lhasa, it only takes 7 hours and 10 minutes to fly from Shanghai to Lhasa, which is much more convenient and time-saving than taking the train.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is the largest coastal city in southern China and it is one of the starting points of the "Maritime Silk Road". In Guangzhou, you can see colorful folk arts such as Cantonese opera, Cantonese embroidery and paper cutting.

The train route from Guangzhou to Lhasa is currently the longest, taking around 55 hours, while the flight takes around 6 hours.

Chengdu

Known as the "Land of Abundance," Chengdu offers delicious Sichuan cuisine and you can observe the living habits and behavioral characteristics of adorable giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Chengdu has the most flights to Lhasa, which take about 2 hours. As for the train, it takes 34 hours.

Chongqing

Chongqing's "mountain city" geography will give you a unique feeling. Chongqing hot pot is the representative of Chongqing cuisine and is famous for its unique spicy taste.

Jiangbei Airport in Chongqing has about 13 direct flights to Lhasa every day, which take 2 hours and 40 minutes. The train from Chongqing to Lhasa takes 33 hours and 45 minutes.

Xi'an

As a popular resort with a long history and abundant culture, Xi'an has Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and Terracotta Warriors Pit:One of the Eight Wonders of the World.

There are approximately 10 direct flights per day from Xianyang International Airport in Xi'an to Gongga International Airport in Lhasa. The flight duration is estimated to be nearly 3 hours. The train from Xi’an to Lhasa takes 34 hours and 45 minutes.

Kunming

Kunming is famous as the "Spring City" with blooming flowers everywhere, making it a large urban garden. The languages, costumes, customs, and arts of different ethnic groups blend with each other, forming a unique multicultural atmosphere. You can experience the diversity of this culture in depth. Attractions such as the Dian Lake, Stone Forest are recommended.

There are 5 direct flights from Kunming to Lhasa everyday. The flight duration is about 2 hours and 40 minutes. At present, there is no train to Lhasa.

Considering that the train journey to Lhasa is too long for most tourists, you can transfer to destinations such as Xining, Lanzhou, and Xi'an, and then take a train to Lhasa. It will greatly shorten the train ride time, and at the same time you can experience different histories and cultures, taste different cuisines in another city.