Itinerary for 18 day trip to China

An 18-day adventure in China sounds like a fantastic family trip! China is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for families. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into your family-friendly hotel.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll in and visit the .
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Peking Duck at a local restaurant.

Day 2: The Great Wall

Morning: Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It’s less crowded and has a cable car for easy access.
Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch at the Wall, then explore more of the area.
Evening: Return to Beijing and relax at your hotel or explore a local night market.

Day 3: Beijing City Tour

Morning: Visit the . Kids will love the stories of emperors and the beautiful architecture!
Afternoon: Explore for a panoramic view of the city.
Evening: Attend a traditional Chinese acrobatics show.

Day 4: &

Morning: Visit the . Rent a paddle boat on Kunming Lake for some family fun!
Afternoon: Explore the (traditional alleyways) by rickshaw. Stop for snacks and local treats.
Evening: Dinner in a Hutong restaurant.

Day 5: Beijing to Xi’an

Morning: Take a high-speed train to Xi’an (about 5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Visit the Muslim Quarter for some delicious street food.
Evening: Try the famous Xi’an dumplings at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

Morning: Visit the . Kids will be amazed by the thousands of life-sized soldiers!
Afternoon: Explore the museum and learn about the history.
Evening: Return to Xi’an and enjoy a Tang Dynasty show with dinner.

Day 7: Xi’an City Tour

Morning: Visit the ancient City Wall. Rent bikes for a fun family ride!
Afternoon: Explore the and its surrounding gardens.
Evening: Free time to explore more of the Muslim Quarter.

Day 8: Xi’an to Chengdu

Morning: Take a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the . Kids will love seeing the pandas!
Evening: Enjoy a hot pot dinner, a fun and interactive dining experience.

Day 9: Chengdu to Leshan

Morning: Take a day trip to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride for a great view of the Buddha.
Evening: Return to Chengdu and relax at your hotel.

Day 10: Chengdu to Guilin

Morning: Fly to Guilin (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit and take a leisurely walk along the .
Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant.

Day 11: Cruise

All Day: Take a scenic cruise from Guilin to . Enjoy the stunning karst landscapes and have lunch on board.
Evening: Explore ’s West Street, filled with shops and street performers.

Day 12: Adventures

Morning: Go biking or take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River.
Afternoon: Visit a local farm or take a cooking class as a family.
Evening: Enjoy a light show on the , featuring local culture and stunning visuals.

Day 13: to Shanghai

Morning: Travel back to Guilin and fly to Shanghai (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Bund for stunning views of the skyline.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Huangpu River.

Day 14: Shanghai City Tour

Morning: Visit the for breathtaking views from the observation deck.
Afternoon: Explore the and the nearby bazaar for some shopping.
Evening: Enjoy a family-friendly acrobatics show.

Day 15:

All Day: Spend the day at Shanghai Disneyland! Enjoy rides, shows, and meet your favorite characters.
Evening: Stay for the fireworks show before heading back to your hotel.

Day 16: Shanghai to Hangzhou

Morning: Take a train to Hangzhou (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Visit West Lake. Rent a boat or bike around the lake.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

Day 17: Hangzhou to Suzhou

Morning: Visit the and the nearby Fei Lai Feng.
Afternoon: Travel to Suzhou (about 1.5 hours) and visit the Humble Administrator's Garden.
Evening: Explore Suzhou’s ancient water towns.

Day 18: Departure from Shanghai

Morning: Return to Shanghai and do any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

Transportation: Use high-speed trains for comfortable travel between cities.
Food: Try local cuisines but also look for international options if needed.
Rest: Make sure to schedule downtime to relax and recharge.
Engagement: Involve the kids in planning some activities to keep them excited!

This itinerary offers a mix of history, culture, and fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. Have an amazing trip to China! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to ask!