21 day itinerary
China
Itinerary
A 21-day adventure in China sounds like a dream, especially with your focus on beautiful landscapes, sightseeing, and vegetarian cuisine. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and delicious vegetarian food.
Day 1-3: Beijing
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Arrive in Beijing and check into your hotel.
- Take a leisurely stroll around the , where you can find vegetarian options at various restaurants.
- Visit the famous for some vegetarian snacks.
Day 2: The Great Wall
- Early morning trip to the (less crowded and beautiful).
- Enjoy a vegetarian picnic lunch with a view of the wall.
- Return to Beijing and visit the in the afternoon.
- Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.
Day 3: Beijing City Tour
- Visit and the .
- Lunch at a vegetarian restaurant nearby.
- Explore the in the afternoon.
- Evening: Peking Duck (vegetarian version) at a local restaurant.
Day 4-6: Xi'an
Day 4: Travel to Xi'an
- Take a morning high-speed train to Xi'an (about 5 hours).
- Check into your hotel and relax.
- Visit the for some vegetarian street food.
Day 5:
- Day trip to the (don’t miss the museum).
- Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- Return to Xi'an and visit the ancient city wall in the evening.
Day 6: Explore Xi'an
- Visit the and the .
- Lunch at a local vegetarian restaurant.
- Spend the afternoon at the and explore the surrounding area.
- Dinner at a vegetarian hotpot restaurant.
Day 7-9: Chengdu
Day 7: Travel to Chengdu
- Morning train to Chengdu (about 3 hours).
- Check into your hotel and relax.
- Visit for some vegetarian snacks and shopping.
Day 8: Panda Base
- Visit the in the morning.
- Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the base.
- Afternoon tea at a traditional teahouse in .
- Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.
Day 9:
- Day trip to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha (take a boat ride for a great view).
- Enjoy a vegetarian lunch in Leshan.
- Return to Chengdu and explore the local nightlife.
Day 10-12: Lijiang
Day 10: Travel to Lijiang
- Fly to Lijiang (about 1.5 hours).
- Check into your hotel and explore the .
- Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.
Day 11:
- Day trip to (take the cable car for stunning views).
- Enjoy a packed vegetarian lunch with a view.
- Visit the in the afternoon.
- Return to Lijiang for dinner.
Day 12: Lijiang to Shangri-La
- Travel to Shangri-La (about 3 hours by car).
- Visit the .
- Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13-15: Tibet (Lhasa)
Day 13: Travel to Lhasa
- Fly from Shangri-La to Lhasa (about 1.5 hours).
- Acclimatize to the altitude and relax.
- Visit the for some shopping and vegetarian snacks.
Day 14:
- Visit the iconic in the morning.
- Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant.
- Explore in the afternoon.
- Dinner at a Tibetan vegetarian restaurant.
Day 15:
- Day trip to (stunning views and serene landscapes).
- Enjoy a packed vegetarian lunch by the lake.
- Return to Lhasa for dinner.
Day 16-18: &
Day 16: Travel to
- Fly from Lhasa to (about 5 hours with a layover).
- Check into your hotel and relax.
- Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.
Day 17: Cruise
- Take a cruise to (stunning karst landscapes).
- Enjoy a vegetarian lunch on the boat.
- Explore ’s West Street in the evening.
Day 18: Exploration
- Rent a bike and explore the countryside (visit and the ).
- Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local café.
- Return to in the evening.
Day 19-21: Shanghai
Day 19: Travel to Shanghai
- Fly from to Shanghai (about 2 hours).
- Check into your hotel and relax.
- Visit the in the evening for stunning skyline views.
Day 20: Shanghai City Tour
- Visit the and the .
- Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- Explore the in the afternoon.
- Dinner at a vegetarian restaurant in the .
Day 21: Departure
- Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Shanghai.
- Enjoy a farewell vegetarian meal.
- Depart from Shanghai.
Tips:
- Always check for vegetarian options in restaurants, as many places in China may not have a clear vegetarian menu.
- Consider downloading translation apps to help with communication, especially in more remote areas.
- Enjoy the local teas and snacks; they often have vegetarian options!
This itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious vegetarian cuisine. Enjoy your trip to China! 🌏✨
