12 day itinerary
China
Itinerary
A 12-day trip to China sounds like an incredible adventure, and I’m excited to help you plan it! Given your preferences for business class flights, 4-5 star hotels, and travel in April or May, I’ve crafted an itinerary that balances cultural experiences, stunning sights, and a bit of relaxation. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Flight: Depart from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on a business class flight to .
- Hotel Check-in: Check into a luxurious hotel like the or .
- Evening: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around , famous for its night market and street food. Try some local delicacies!
Day 2: Explore Beijing
- Morning: Visit the , the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Make sure to book a guided tour to fully appreciate its history.
- Afternoon: Head to , one of the largest public squares in the world. Then, visit the , where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned restaurant like .
Day 3: The Great Wall
- Morning: Take a day trip to the . I recommend the section for its stunning views and fewer crowds. You can hike or take a cable car up.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view, then explore the wall further.
- Evening: Return to Beijing and relax at your hotel or enjoy a spa treatment.
Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an
- Morning: Visit the before your flight. This beautiful imperial garden is perfect for a morning stroll.
- Afternoon: Fly to Xi’an (about 2 hours). Check into a hotel like the .
- Evening: Explore the for dinner and try some local snacks like biangbiang noodles.
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take your time to explore the different pits and learn about the history.
- Afternoon: Return to Xi’an and visit the . You can rent a bike and ride along the top for great views of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a for a taste of traditional music and dance.
Day 6: Xi’an to Chengdu
- Morning: Fly to Chengdu (about 1.5 hours). Check into a hotel like the .
- Afternoon: Visit the . Spend time observing these adorable creatures.
- Evening: Savor a spicy Sichuan hot pot dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Explore Chengdu
- Morning: Visit the and for a mix of history and shopping.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll in and enjoy some tea at a traditional teahouse.
- Evening: Experience a performance, famous for its face-changing act.
Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin
- Morning: Fly to Guilin (about 1.5 hours). Check into a hotel like the .
- Afternoon: Visit the , known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the .
Day 9: Cruise
- All Day: Take a scenic from Guilin to . Marvel at the karst landscape and picturesque villages along the way. Enjoy lunch on the boat.
- Evening: Explore ’s West Street, filled with shops and restaurants. Try some local beer fish for dinner.
Day 10: to Shanghai
- Morning: Take a leisurely bike ride or hike in the countryside around .
- Afternoon: Return to Guilin and fly to Shanghai (about 2 hours). Check into a hotel like the .
- Evening: Stroll along the and enjoy the stunning skyline views. Have dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Day 11: Explore Shanghai
- Morning: Visit the and the . Enjoy the beautiful classical Chinese garden.
- Afternoon: Explore the to learn about Chinese art and history.
- Evening: Take a to see the city lights from the water.
Day 12: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping in or visit the .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your business class flight back to Toronto.
Tips:
- Visa: Don’t forget to check the visa requirements for Canada to enter China.
- Currency: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). It’s good to have some cash, but credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Language: While many people in tourist areas speak English, having a translation app can be handy.
This itinerary offers a mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, ensuring you experience the best of China. Enjoy your trip, and feel free to ask if you have any questions or need further adjustments! Safe travels! 🌏✈️
