CHINA

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DAY 0 | DEPARTURE FROM BUDAPEST TO BEIJING – START OF THE JOURNEY

We fly directly to Beijing on Air China's flight. During the journey, we tune into the experiences awaiting us over the next two weeks, during which we will explore cultural treasures, spiritual centers, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Passport: Must be valid for at least 180 days after departure.
Visa: Hungarian citizens must have a visa to enter Nepal. Assistance with visa arrangements will be provided.
Vaccinations: None are mandatory (including Covid). Hygiene levels are good.
Flight: Scheduled flights with Air China.

Meeting: May 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

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DAY 1 | HOT POT LUNCH AND DISCOVERY OF THE MUTIANYU GREAT WALL

Early morning arrival in Beijing, where the local guide welcomes the group. Transfer to the hotel, check-in, followed by a short free time.

Lunch at the hotel restaurant: Hot Pot – a traditional Chinese communal meal where everyone cooks various ingredients themselves in a hot broth at the center of the table.

After lunch, excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Mutianyu section we chose is particularly well-preserved and less crowded, allowing us to enjoy the scenery in a quieter setting. The Great Wall was not only a military defense structure but also a symbolic boundary between the empire and the outside world. After the program, we return to our accommodation for a shared dinner.

Optional program: Tai Chi class with one of the grand masters at the Brickyard Hotel. Accommodation: Beijing, Brickyard HotelDay

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DAY 2 | THE POWER OF SILENCE – LONGMEN GROTTOES AND LIJING GATE

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by an early morning trip to the train station and departure by high-speed train to Luoyang (about 4 hours, second class).

After arrival, meet the local guide, then visit the Longmen Grottoes, part of the UNESCO World Heritage. This vast network of cave temples preserves over 100,000 Buddha statues and is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a spiritual treasure where the timeless power of meditation and Buddha's teachings is palpable amidst the silent cliffs. The program also includes viewing the famous Lijing Gate, once the eastern city gate of Luoyang, which remains a prominent historical symbol of China. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner on your own.

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DAY 3 | FROM THE WHITE HORSE TEMPLE TO THE GATE OF XI’AN

After breakfast, visit the White Horse Temple, regarded as China’s first Buddhist temple and the cradle of Chinese Buddhism. This sacred site has been a center for the transmission of Buddhist teachings for centuries, where silence and tradition can evoke deeper understanding within us.

After lunch, choose from optional programs:
The Luoyang Museum, which houses rich historical and artistic treasures, or The Sui–Tang Dynasties Grand Canal Cultural Museum, showcasing the heritage of the famous canal system and Luoyang’s central role at the confluence of the Luo and Chan rivers.
In the afternoon, transfer to the train station and travel by high-speed train to Xi’an (second class, approx. 1.5 hours).

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DAY 4 | ANCIENT CITY WALL, TERRACOTTA ARMY, AND BUDDHIST HERITAGE

After breakfast, take a walk on Xi’an’s ancient city wall. This is one of China’s best-preserved and oldest city walls, reflecting the empire’s military strength and the city’s rich history. The visible wall today was built around 1370 during the Ming dynasty under the orders of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang to strengthen the city’s defense.

Next, visit the Terracotta Army Museum, which protected the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor. Thousands of life-sized soldier and chariot sculptures demonstrate the emperor’s power and reflect both human creativity and faith in immortality.

The day continues at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi’an’s most important Buddhist monuments. The pagoda was built to store Buddhist sutras and statues brought back from India by the legendary monk Xuanzang. It remains a living monument to the teachings, where past and spiritual heritage meet.

Lunch on your own. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring steamed buns (baozi)—soft, steamed dumplings with various fillings, a beloved traditional dish of Chinese cuisine.

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DAY 5 | TRAVEL TO CHENGDU AND ARRIVAL AT THE SACRED EMEI MOUNTAIN

After breakfast, transfer to the train station, then travel by high-speed train to Chengdu (second class, approx. 3.5 hours).

Upon arrival, meet the local guide and enjoy a group lunch, then continue traveling toward Emei (approx. 1.5 hours). Mount Emei is one of the great sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism, attracting pilgrims and travelers with its special atmosphere and spiritual heritage.

After arrival, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and free time to rest before the experiences of the next day.

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DAY 6 | ABOVE THE CLOUDS – CONQUERING MOUNT EMEI AND THE GOLDEN SUMMIT

The highlight of the program is the Golden Summit, the iconic highest point of the Emei Mountains. We ascend to this sacred place by cable car, where standing above the clouds, the pure mountain air and breathtaking views provide a profound inner experience. Buddhists regard the Golden Summit as a symbol of enlightenment, so visitors here can experience not only the landscape but also the power of spiritual peace.

Lunch on your own. Dinner at a local restaurant.

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DAY 8 | THE GIANT LESHAN BUDDHA AND JINLI STREET

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by travel about 120 kilometers from Chengdu to Leshan.

The main attraction here is the huge Buddha statue carved into the red sandstone cliff along the banks of the Min River. Standing 71 meters tall, it was China's largest stone statue before modern constructions, and also the world's largest Buddha statue. The Buddha is best viewed from a boat, where the view is most impressive. After the visit, travel back to Chengdu by bus, followed by a walk along Jinli Street.

Lunch on your own. Hot-Pot dinner at a local restaurant.

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DAY 8 | FROM THE CALM OF THE PANDAS TO THE WORLD OF TEA HOUSES – THE HEART OF CHENGDU

The morning begins with a special visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Center, one of the world's foremost panda protection and research centers. Over 100 giant pandas live here safely in conditions resembling their natural habitat. The visit is not only an animal conservation experience but also an immersion in how harmony and respect for nature are intertwined in Chinese culture.

Afterward, take a stroll in Renmin Park, where we can glimpse the peaceful everyday life of the locals: many practice tai chi, chat, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of tea houses. We too can relax and embrace the Chinese way of life over a cup of tea.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport, then travel to Shangri-La. Upon arrival, meet the local guide and transfer to the hotel.

Planned flight schedule: Chengdu 08:30 PM – Shangri-La 10:05 PM

Lunch at a local restaurant, dinner on your own.

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DAY 9 | SONGZANLIN, BAIJI, AND DUKEZONG – THREE FACES OF TIBETAN CULTURE

Today, we explore three special sites that showcase both the spiritual richness of Shangri-La and the depth of Tibetan culture.

First, we visit the Songzanlin Monastery (also known as Ganden Sumtsenling), one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism in China. It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery complex in Yunnan Province, founded in 1679, located at 3,380 meters altitude at the foot of Fopingshan Mountain. The monastery is a place of spiritual practice, meditation, and teaching, often called the "Little Potala Palace.

Next, we visit the Baiji Monastery, also associated with Tibetan Buddhism. It stands in a picturesque setting near Qinghai Lake and holds historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.

Finally, we stroll through Dukezong’s old town, the heart of Shangri-La. Its ancient streets and traditional Tibetan buildings evoke the spirit of the past. Here, the "outer" cultural heritage of Shangri-La meets the search for the "inner" Shangri-La – a symbol of inner peace and harmony.

Lunch at a local restaurant, dinner on your own.

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DAY 10 | DISCOVERING THE MEILI SNOW MOUNTAINS, MINGYONG GLACIER, AND FEILAISI MONASTERY

Today we travel to the Meili Snow Mountains, one of China’s most sacred and spectacular mountain regions. This range holds religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists, where nature and spirituality intersect: snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and mountain monasteries offer experiences of inner silence and meditative contemplation.

Along the way, we visit the Mingyong Glacier, China’s lowest-lying glacier at 2,200 meters altitude, extending 11.7 km in length and averaging 500 meters in width. The stunning ice landscape reflects both the power of nature and the spiritual importance of the mountains.

Later, transfer to the Feilaisi Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Deqin County, where the atmosphere of traditional monastic life and meditation awaits visitors.

Lunch at a local restaurant, dinner on your own.

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DAY 11 | LIGHTS OF ENLIGHTENMENT AND FAREWELL TO TIBETAN FLAVORS IN SHANGRI-LA

Early morning offers the chance to admire the sunrise over the snowy peaks of Meili Mountains. The play of light above the mountains is not only spectacular but also a symbol of enlightenment and inner purification in Tibetan Buddhism.

Next, visit Feilai Monastery, where monastic life, meditation, and silence provide a deeper insight into Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

On the return journey to Shangri-La, stop at Dongzhulin Monastery and then at Nixi pottery village, where traditional Tibetan craftsmanship and local culture come to life. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Evening farewell dinner featuring Tibetan dishes, celebrating local flavors and culture as the Shangri-La adventure concludes.

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DAY 12 | IN THE TIMELESS OLD TOWN AND THE EMBRACE OF THE MOUNTAINS

After breakfast, transfer by high-speed train to Lijiang (optional departure times: 09:45 AM–10:58 AM; 10:07 AM–11:28 AM).

Lijiang is famous for its historic old town, rich ethnic culture, and picturesque natural setting. Since 1997, the old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can explore the living environment of the past and traditions. Upon arrival, free time to discover the old town: cobblestone streets, canals, traditional wooden houses, and Sifang Square, the city’s central marketplace, await visitors. The scenic Black Dragon Pool Park, set against the backdrop of the Snowy Mountains, creates a special, meditative atmosphere.

Lunch at a local restaurant, dinner on your own.

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DAY 13-14 | FAREWELL TO CHINA

After breakfast, transfer to the airport, then depart for Beijing (planned schedule: Lijiang 03:35 PM–Beijing 07:30 PM). During the flight, there is an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the trip: the silent memories of mountains, monasteries, old towns, and sacred sites, along with the richness of Chinese culture, accompany the traveler as an inspiring experience.

From Beijing, transfer to the connecting flight home, arriving in Budapest the next morning (planned schedule: Beijing 02:50 AM–Budapest 07:10 AM). This marks the end of the 14-day Chinese spiritual tour, during which participants experienced the harmony of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and Tibetan-Buddhist traditions, returning home with the experience of the “inner Shangri-La.”

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HERE AWAITS A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY FOR YOU!

Don't worry if you embark alone – on this journey, you will meet like-minded people with open and spiritual interests. If you share a double room, you will have a companion with similar outlooks, so there is no reason to feel anxious. Plus, you don’t have to pay a single room supplement!

This is not just a trip but a communal experience where deep conversations, new connections, and inspiring meetings await you.

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1. Who is this trip recommended for?

This trip is for anyone interested in Buddhism, meditation, and Eastern spiritual traditions. It is an ideal choice for those wishing to deepen their inner journey as well as for lovers of nature and culture.

2. What kind of spiritual programs can I expect?

There will be daily meditation sessions lasting up to one hour, and you will have the chance to gain insight into the lives and rituals of Buddhist monks. We will visit sacred sites and monasteries, where through shared reflections and conversations, you can deepen your understanding of Buddha's teachings and Buddhist philosophy, which you can apply in everyday life. All this is aligned with the rhythm of the tour and is not a retreat-style withdrawal.

3. Is prior experience necessary?

No prior experience is needed; the classes and meditations are suitable for all levels. Beginners will receive help mastering the basics, while advanced participants can deepen their practical and theoretical knowledge.

4. What physical condition is required for the trip?

The trip includes light hikes and stair climbing (e.g., Sigiriya, Mihintale, Pidurangala), so a basic level of physical fitness is recommended. However, all programs are optional, allowing you to participate at your own pace.

5. How should I prepare for the trip?

It is recommended to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing that respects the dress codes of Buddhist sacred sites (covering shoulders and knees). It is also advisable to bring your own meditation cushion and yoga mat (though a beach towel is also sufficient).

6. What type of accommodations can I expect?

Accommodation will be in three-star, mid-range hotels that are comfortable and well-equipped. The selection criteria prioritized peaceful surroundings so participants can rest and recharge after daily activities.

7. How do I apply?

Apply by filling out the online form available on the website. Your place will be reserved once the reservation fee is paid.

8. What weather should I expect?

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, so warm and humid weather is expected. It is best to bring lightweight (non-synthetic) clothing, a raincoat, and sun protection items.

9. What currency is used?

The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in major cities, but always carry some cash (LKR).

10. Is there internet and mobile coverage?

WiFi is available at accommodations and in larger cities, but internet access may be limited in monasteries and natural areas.

11. Who organizes the trip, and what is the role of the Bhávaná Buddhist Shangha?

The Bhávaná Buddhist Association is not a travel agency but organizes spiritual journeys to authentic sites in Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and China. Travel arrangements are made in collaboration with local partners and travel organizers, while flight tickets and travel insurance are handled by the IBUSZ travel agency. The Bhávaná Buddhist Association is responsible for the spiritual programs, including meditation, teachings, and professional guidance at sacred sites, as well as Hungarian language interpretation.

The organizers (Bhávaná Buddhist Sangha) reserve the right to make changes to the program, itinerary, and services in case of unforeseen circumstances. Such circumstances may include:

- Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, storms)
- Adverse weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain, heatwaves, monsoon, strong winds) that may affect the safe execution of the program
- Changes in political or security situations
- Epidemic measures and restrictions
- Changes or cancellations in flight schedules
- Local authority regulations affecting program implementation
- Technical or infrastructural problems (e.g., transportation disruptions)

The organizers will do everything possible to minimize the impact of changes on the travel experience and strive to provide alternative solutions similar to the original program.

Thank you for your understanding!