Itinerary for 21 day trip to China

A 21-day adventure in China sounds like a dream, especially with your love for beautiful landscapes, sightseeing, and vegetarian cuisine. Let’s dive into an itinerary that will take you through some of the most stunning regions, including Tibet and its majestic mountains.

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Visit the , a beautiful park where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Evening: Dinner at a vegetarian restaurant. Try some local dishes like Mapo Tofu (without meat) and stir-fried vegetables.

Day 2: Beijing - The Great Wall

Morning: Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It’s less crowded and offers stunning views.
Afternoon: Hike along the wall and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Evening: Return to Beijing and enjoy a vegetarian hot pot dinner.

Day 3: Beijing - &

Morning: Explore the , the imperial palace with beautiful architecture.
Afternoon: Visit the , stroll around Kunming Lake, and enjoy the gardens.
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an

Morning: Take a high-speed train to Xi'an (about 5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the ancient City Wall and rent a bike to ride around it.
Evening: Explore the and enjoy some vegetarian street food.

Day 5: Xi'an -

Morning: Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Return to Xi'an and visit the .
Evening: Dinner at a vegetarian restaurant.

Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu

Morning: Take a train to Chengdu (about 3 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the .
Evening: Enjoy a Sichuan vegetarian meal, perhaps some spicy tofu dishes.

Day 7: Chengdu -

Morning: Take a day trip to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha.
Afternoon: Explore the area and enjoy the beautiful river views.
Evening: Return to Chengdu for dinner.

Day 8: Chengdu to Lijiang

Morning: Fly to Lijiang (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 9: Lijiang -

Morning: Take a trip to . Enjoy the stunning views and take a cable car up.
Afternoon: Visit the Blue Moon Valley for more breathtaking scenery.
Evening: Return to Lijiang for dinner.

Day 10: Lijiang to Dali

Morning: Travel to Dali (about 2 hours by bus).
Afternoon: Explore and enjoy the local culture.
Evening: Dinner at a vegetarian restaurant.

Day 11: Dali -

Morning: Rent a bike and cycle around , enjoying the beautiful landscapes.
Afternoon: Visit local villages around the lake.
Evening: Return to Dali for dinner.

Day 12: Dali to Kunming

Morning: Travel to Kunming (about 2 hours by train).
Afternoon: Visit the , a stunning natural rock formation.
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 13: Kunming to Lhasa (Tibet)

Morning: Fly to Lhasa (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Acclimatize and explore the .
Evening: Enjoy a Tibetan vegetarian meal.

Day 14: Lhasa -

Morning: Visit the iconic .
Afternoon: Explore , a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists.
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 15: Lhasa -

Morning: Take a day trip to , one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.
Afternoon: Enjoy the stunning views and the serene atmosphere.
Evening: Return to Lhasa for dinner.

Day 16: Lhasa to Shigatse

Morning: Travel to Shigatse (about 6 hours by road).
Afternoon: Visit , the seat of the Panchen Lama.
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 17: Shigatse to Gyantse

Morning: Travel to Gyantse (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the and .
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 18: Gyantse to Lhasa

Morning: Return to Lhasa (about 4 hours).
Afternoon: Free time to explore or relax.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Lhasa.

Day 19: Lhasa to Chengdu

Morning: Fly back to Chengdu.
Afternoon: Visit the and .
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 20: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie

Morning: Fly to Zhangjiajie (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Explore .
Evening: Dinner at a local vegetarian restaurant.

Day 21: Zhangjiajie -

Morning: Visit , take the cable car, and walk the glass skywalk.
Afternoon: Enjoy the stunning views and hike the trails.
Evening: Return to Zhangjiajie for your final dinner before departure.

Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you can either head back to Chengdu or Beijing for your international flight home.

This itinerary is packed with beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and delicious vegetarian food. Make sure to check local travel restrictions and book accommodations in advance, especially in Tibet. Enjoy your adventure in China! 🌏✨