18 day itinerary for China

Itinerary

An 18-day adventure in China sounds like a dream! Let’s dive into an exciting itinerary that balances culture, history, and a bit of modern flair. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown for your trip:

## Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an

• Morning: Arrive in Xi'an. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Visit the iconic Xi'an City Wall. You can rent a bike and cycle around the wall for stunning views.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Dumpling Banquet followed by the Tang Dynasty Show for a taste of local culture.

## Day 2: Xi'an

• Morning: Head to the Terracotta Army. Spend a few hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Afternoon: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and stroll through the surrounding gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Muslim Quarter for dinner. Try some local street food like Yangrou Paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup).

## Day 3: Travel to Chengdu

• Morning: Take a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street for some shopping and snacks.
• Evening: Enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner. Don’t forget to try the spicy dishes!

## Day 4: Chengdu

• Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Spend a few hours watching these adorable creatures.
• Afternoon: Explore the People's Park and enjoy a cup of tea at a local teahouse.
• Evening: Experience a Sichuan Opera performance, famous for its face-changing act.

## Day 5: Travel to Chongqing

• Morning: Take a train or bus to Chongqing (around 2-3 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Ciqikou Ancient Town for a glimpse of traditional architecture and local snacks.
• Evening: Enjoy a Yangtze River cruise to see the city skyline illuminated at night.

## Day 6: Chongqing

• Morning: Visit the Three Gorges Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Yangtze River.
• Afternoon: Explore the Hongya Cave, a stilted building complex with shops and restaurants.
• Evening: Try some local specialties like Chongqing noodles or spicy grilled fish.

## Day 7: Chongqing

• ## Day Trip: Take a day trip to the Wulong Karst National Geology Park to see the stunning natural landscapes, including the Three Natural Bridges and Furong Cave.
• Evening: Return to Chongqing and relax at your hotel.

## Day 8: Travel to Shanghai

• Morning: Take a high-speed train to Shanghai (around 12 hours, or consider a flight for a quicker option).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and take a leisurely stroll along The Bund to see the iconic skyline.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Huangpu River.

## Day 9: Shanghai

• Morning: Visit the Shanghai Museum to explore Chinese art and history.
• Afternoon: Head to Yu Garden and the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar for shopping and snacks.
• Evening: Experience the Shanghai Acrobatic Show for a thrilling performance.

## Day 10: Shanghai

• Morning: Explore the Jing'an Temple and the surrounding area.
• Afternoon: Visit the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Evening: Enjoy a night out in Xintiandi, a trendy area with restaurants and bars.

## Day 11: Travel to Hong Kong

• Morning: Take a flight or high-speed train to Hong Kong.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit Victoria Peak for stunning views of the city.
• Evening: Explore Lan Kwai Fong for dinner and nightlife.

## Day 12: Hong Kong

• Morning: Visit Tsim Sha Tsui and the Hong Kong Museum of History.
• Afternoon: Take a ferry to Lantau Island and visit the Tian Tan Buddha.
• Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at Aberdeen.

## Day 13: Travel to Macao

• Morning: Take a ferry to Macao (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Historic Centre of Macao, including the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
• Evening: Try your luck at one of the famous casinos or enjoy a show.

## Day 14: Travel to Guangzhou

• Morning: Take a ferry or bus to Guangzhou (about 1-2 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Canton Tower for panoramic views.
• Evening: Enjoy a Cantonese dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 15: Guangzhou

• Morning: Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King.
• Afternoon: Explore Shamian Island, known for its colonial architecture.
• Evening: Stroll along the Pearl River and enjoy the night view.

## Day 16: Guangzhou

• ## Day Trip: Take a day trip to Zhaoqing to visit the Seven Star Crags and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Evening: Return to Guangzhou and relax at your hotel.

## Day 17: Free Day in Guangzhou

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and explore any areas you may have missed.
• Afternoon: Go shopping in Beijing Road or visit the Guangzhou Opera House.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, reflecting on your amazing journey.

## Day 18: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final stroll or some last-minute shopping.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! An 18-day itinerary that takes you through some of the most fascinating cities in China, filled with culture, history, and delicious food. Enjoy your trip! If you have any questions or need adjustments, feel free to ask!