14 day itinerary for China

Itinerary

A 14-day adventure in China sounds like a fantastic journey filled with rich culture, delicious food, and exciting shopping opportunities. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances all your interests while allowing you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this incredible country.

## Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to the Forbidden City. Explore the vast imperial palace and learn about its history.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a renowned restaurant like Quanjude.
• Shopping: Stroll through Wangfujing Street for some evening snacks and shopping.

## Day 2: Beijing

• Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where you can see locals practicing tai chi.
• Afternoon: Explore the Summer Palace and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
• Evening: Try some street food at the nearby markets, like jianbing (Chinese crepes) and skewers.
• Shopping: Visit the Silk Market for some unique souvenirs and bargaining fun!

## Day 3: Great Wall of China

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling). Hike along the wall and enjoy breathtaking views.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic or eat at a local restaurant near the wall.
• Evening: Return to Beijing and relax. Consider a foot massage to unwind after your hike.

## Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an

• Morning: Visit Beijing’s Hutongs for a guided tour and enjoy a local breakfast.
• Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Xi’an (about 5 hours).
• Evening: Arrive in Xi’an, check into your hotel, and explore the Muslim Quarter for dinner. Try the famous biangbiang noodles!

## Day 5: Xi’an

• Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army. Spend a few hours marveling at this archaeological wonder.
• Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Xi’an City Wall. Rent a bike and ride along the top.
• Evening: Enjoy a dumpling banquet and consider watching the Tang Dynasty Show for a cultural experience.

## Day 6: Xi’an to Chengdu

• Morning: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and learn about its significance in Buddhism.
• Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3 hours).
• Evening: Arrive in Chengdu, check into your hotel, and enjoy a hot pot dinner. Don’t forget to try the spicy Sichuan peppercorn!

## Day 7: Chengdu

• Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Spend time observing these adorable creatures.
• Afternoon: Explore Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street for shopping and snacks.
• Evening: Try some Sichuan street food and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

## Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin

• Morning: Visit a local tea house for a traditional tea ceremony.
• Afternoon: Fly to Guilin (about 1.5 hours).
• Evening: Arrive in Guilin, check into your hotel, and take a leisurely walk along the Li River.

## Day 9: Guilin to Yangshuo

• All ## Day: Take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Enjoy the stunning karst landscape.
• Lunch: Have lunch on the boat or at a riverside restaurant in Yangshuo.
• Evening: Explore West Street in Yangshuo for shopping and local cuisine. Try the beer fish!

## Day 10: Yangshuo

• Morning: Rent a bike or take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River.
• Afternoon: Visit the Moon Hill for a hike and stunning views.
• Evening: Enjoy a local cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes.

## Day 11: Yangshuo to Shanghai

• Morning: Relax in Yangshuo, perhaps with a tai chi class or a visit to a local market.
• Afternoon: Travel back to Guilin and fly to Shanghai (about 2 hours).
• Evening: Arrive in Shanghai, check into your hotel, and take a stroll along The Bund to see the skyline.

## Day 12: Shanghai

• Morning: Visit the Yuyuan Garden and explore the nearby bazaar for shopping.
• Afternoon: Head to the Shanghai Museum to learn about Chinese art and history.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the French Concession area and explore the charming streets.

## Day 13: Shanghai

• Morning: Visit the Jade Buddha Temple and experience the tranquility.
• Afternoon: Explore Nanjing Road for shopping and people-watching.
• Evening: Consider a Huangpu River cruise to see the city lights.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or visit the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure flight.

Tips:

• Make sure to download a translation app to help with communication.
• Try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; locals appreciate the effort!
• Always have cash on hand, as some places may not accept cards.

This itinerary offers a blend of culture, food, and shopping, ensuring you have a memorable solo adventure in China. Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️🥢