Itinerary for 21 day trip to China

A 21-day adventure in China sounds like an incredible journey for your family. China is a vast country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, so there’s plenty to explore. Here’s a family-friendly itinerary that balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and some downtime. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Visit the , where you can see locals practicing tai chi and playing games.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Peking Duck at a family-friendly restaurant.

Day 2: Beijing - The Great Wall

Morning: Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Take the cable car up for stunning views and enjoy a family hike along the wall.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch on the wall (pack some snacks!) and then head back to the city.
Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore a local night market for dinner.

Day 3: Beijing - &

Morning: Visit and then explore the . Kids will love the stories of emperors and the beautiful architecture.
Afternoon: Stroll through for panoramic views of the .
Evening: Dinner in the hutongs (traditional alleyways) and maybe a rickshaw ride!

Day 4: Beijing -

Morning: Visit the . Rent a paddle boat on Kunming Lake for some family fun.
Afternoon: Explore the gardens and temples. Don’t forget to take lots of photos!
Evening: Attend a traditional Chinese acrobatics show.

Day 5: Beijing to Xi’an

Morning: Take a high-speed train to Xi’an (about 5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit the Muslim Quarter for lunch and some shopping.
Evening: Try some local specialties like dumplings for dinner.

Day 6: Xi’an - Terracotta Warriors

Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army. Kids will be amazed by the thousands of life-sized figures.
Afternoon: Explore the museum and learn about the history of the Qin Dynasty.
Evening: Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show.

Day 7: Xi’an - City Wall & Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Morning: Rent bikes and ride along the ancient city wall.
Afternoon: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the surrounding gardens.
Evening: Free time to explore or relax at the hotel.

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: Dinner at a local hot pot restaurant.

Day 9: Chengdu -

Morning: Take a day trip to see the (about 2 hours away).
Afternoon: Explore the area and enjoy a boat ride for a different view of the Buddha.
Evening: Return to Chengdu and relax.

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: Guilin - Cruise

All Day: Take a scenic cruise down the to . Enjoy the stunning karst landscapes and have lunch on the boat.
Evening: Explore ’s West Street and enjoy some local snacks.

Day 12: - Outdoor 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: Relax and enjoy a family dinner in .

Day 13: to Shanghai

Morning: Travel back to Guilin and fly to Shanghai (about 2 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the for breathtaking views.
Evening: Stroll along the Bund and enjoy the skyline.

Day 14: Shanghai - Disneyland

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

Day 15: Shanghai - & Old City

Morning: Visit and explore the beautiful classical Chinese gardens.
Afternoon: Wander through the Old City and try some local snacks.
Evening: Enjoy a Huangpu River cruise to see the city lights.

Day 16: Shanghai to Hangzhou

Morning: Take a train to Hangzhou (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Visit . Rent a boat or bike around the lake.
Evening: Try the famous Longjing tea and enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant.

Day 17: Hangzhou - Tea Plantations

Morning: Visit a tea plantation and learn about tea picking and processing.
Afternoon: Explore the and its beautiful surroundings.
Evening: Return to Shanghai for the night.

Day 18: Shanghai to Suzhou

Morning: Take a train to Suzhou (about 30 minutes).
Afternoon: Visit the and the .
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kunqu opera performance.

Day 19: Suzhou - Water Town

Morning: Visit a nearby water town like Zhouzhuang or Tongli. Explore the canals and traditional architecture.
Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride and try local snacks.
Evening: Return to Suzhou and have dinner.

Day 20: Suzhou to Beijing

Morning: Travel back to Beijing by train (about 4 hours).
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit the for some contemporary art.
Evening: Farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.

Day 21: Departure from Beijing

Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a final stroll or visit a local market.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

Transportation: Use high-speed trains for intercity travel; they’re comfortable and efficient.
Food: Try local dishes but also look for international options if your kids are picky eaters.
Rest: Don’t forget to schedule downtime; it’s important for everyone to recharge.
Engagement: Involve the kids in planning some activities or choosing meals to keep them engaged.

I hope this itinerary helps you create unforgettable memories in China! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to ask! Safe travels! 🌏✈️