Starting in northern China, this tour encompasses the cultural icons of Beijing and Xi'an, providing the opportunity to walk along two remote sections of the Great Wall. Continue to Xining and board the train to Lhasa, a spectacular 24 hour journey over the deserted Tibetan Plateau, on which you pass high altitude lakes, jagged Himalayan peaks and nomadic settlements.  Opened in 2006 the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, much of it built on permafrost, reaching 5,072m above sea level at the Tanggula Pass. After some time to acclimatise to the altitude and marvel at the cultural gems of Lhasa, travel through provincial Tibet to explore ancient ruins, influential monasteries, glacial lakes and rural towns. The trip finishes in Chengdu for a chance to visit the Giant Pandas research base, and wander the lively streets of Sichuan’s capital city.