20 day itinerary
China And South Korea
Itinerary
A 20-day adventure through China and South Korea sounds like a fantastic journey filled with nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances your love for the outdoors with some of the best sights these two countries have to offer, all while keeping your budget in mind.
Day 1-5: China - Beijing and Surroundings
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Arrive in Beijing and check into a cozy hotel (consider options like boutique hotels or guesthouses).
- Spend the evening exploring the for some delicious street food.
Day 2:
- Take a morning trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It’s less crowded and surrounded by beautiful nature.
- Hike along the wall, enjoy the stunning views, and take a cable car down.
- Return to Beijing and relax at a local tea house.
Day 3: Beijing - and Parks
- Visit the in the morning, stroll through its beautiful gardens and lakes.
- In the afternoon, head to for a peaceful walk and maybe rent a paddleboat.
- Enjoy dinner in the hutongs (traditional alleyways) of Beijing.
Day 4:
- Fly to Zhangjiajie (book in advance for better prices).
- Check into a hotel and spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Day 5:
- Spend the day hiking in , famous for its towering sandstone pillars.
- Take the cable car to Tianmen Mountain for breathtaking views and a walk on the glass skywalk.
- Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 6-10: China - Guilin and
Day 6: Travel to Guilin
- Fly from Zhangjiajie to Guilin.
- Check into a hotel and explore the city’s beautiful parks and riverside.
Day 7: Cruise to
- Take a scenic cruise to , surrounded by karst mountains.
- Spend the afternoon exploring ’s countryside by bike or on foot.
- Enjoy a local dinner and maybe catch a performance of "Impression Liu Sanjie" in the evening.
Day 8: - Outdoor Adventures
- Spend the day rock climbing or hiking in the surrounding areas (there are many trails).
- Visit the for a bamboo raft experience.
- Relax in a local café in the evening.
Day 9: Return to Guilin and Fly to Chengdu
- Head back to Guilin and fly to Chengdu.
- Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening in the city.
Day 10: Chengdu - Giant Panda Base and Nature Parks
- Visit the in the morning.
- Spend the afternoon at the nearby , a UNESCO World Heritage site, for some hiking.
- Enjoy a spicy Sichuan dinner in the evening.
Day 11-15: South Korea - Seoul and Surroundings
Day 11: Fly to Seoul
- Fly from Chengdu to Seoul.
- Check into a comfortable hotel and explore the vibrant streets of for shopping and street food.
Day 12:
- Spend the day hiking in , known for its beautiful trails and stunning views of the city.
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic spots.
- Return to Seoul and relax at a traditional Korean spa (jjimjilbang).
Day 13: and
- Take a day trip to , famous for its tree-lined paths and beautiful nature.
- Visit nearby for a whimsical experience.
- Return to Seoul in the evening.
Day 14:
- Take an early bus to for a day of hiking.
- Explore the trails and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Return to Seoul in the evening.
Day 15: Explore Seoul’s Nature
- Visit the for a leisurely morning walk.
- Spend the afternoon at the , where you can rent bikes or have a picnic.
- Enjoy a traditional Korean BBQ dinner.
Day 16-20: South Korea -
Day 16: Fly to
- Fly from Seoul to .
- Check into a hotel and spend the evening at the beach.
Day 17:
- Hike Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain, for stunning views and diverse flora.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail.
- Return to your hotel and relax.
Day 18: Explore Jeju’s Coastline
- Visit for a morning hike.
- Spend the afternoon at the beautiful beaches like Hyeopjae or Jungmun.
- Try some local seafood for dinner.
Day 19: - Waterfalls and Nature
- Visit and .
- Explore the scenic coastal roads and enjoy the natural beauty.
- Have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 20: Departure
- Fly back to Seoul for your departure flight or extend your stay if you wish!
Budget Considerations
- Accommodation: Look for mid-range hotels or guesthouses, which can range from €30-€80 per night.
- Food: Street food and local restaurants can keep your meals around €10-€20 per day.
- Transport: Domestic flights and public transport (buses, subways) are budget-friendly options.
- Activities: Most nature parks have low entrance fees, and hiking is free!
This itinerary gives you a mix of urban experiences and breathtaking nature, all while keeping your budget in check. Enjoy your adventure in China and South Korea! 🌏✈️🌲
