24 day itinerary
China
Itinerary
Let’s craft an exciting 24-day itinerary for your family adventure in China, starting in Beijing and ending in Shanghai. With a mix of history, nature, and culture, this trip will be a memorable experience for everyone, especially the kids!
Day 1-3: Beijing
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into a budget-friendly hotel like the .
- Afternoon: Visit and the . Kids will love the vastness and the stories behind the emperors!
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant for Peking Duck. Try Quanjude for a family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 2: Great Wall Adventure
- Morning: Head to the (less crowded and family-friendly). Take the cable car up for an easier ascent.
- Afternoon: Pack a picnic lunch or grab snacks from local vendors. Explore the wall and take lots of photos!
- Evening: Return to Beijing and enjoy a casual dinner at . Try local street food like scorpions on a stick (for the brave!).
Day 3: Culture and Shopping
- Morning: Visit the . Let the kids run around in the park and watch locals practicing Tai Chi.
- Afternoon: Explore the (traditional alleyways). Stop by for unique shops and snacks.
- Evening: Dinner at a local dumpling restaurant. Try for a variety of dumplings.
Day 4-5: Xi'an
Day 4: Travel to Xi'an
- Morning: Take a high-speed train to Xi'an (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel like . Visit the for street food and souvenirs.
- Evening: Try (bread soaked in mutton soup) at a local eatery.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
- Morning: Visit the . Kids will be amazed by the thousands of life-sized figures!
- Afternoon: Return to Xi'an and visit the . Rent bikes for a fun family ride.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try for a unique taste.
Day 6-8: Chengdu
Day 6: Travel to Chengdu
- Morning: Take a train to Chengdu (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel like . Visit the and for shopping and snacks.
- Evening: Enjoy Sichuan Hot Pot for dinner. is a popular chain with a fun atmosphere.
Day 7: Panda Base
- Morning: Visit the . The kids will love seeing the pandas!
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a nearby café. Explore the and enjoy some tea.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try for a spicy treat.
Day 8:
- Day Trip: Take a day trip to the (about 2 hours away). Enjoy a boat ride for a great view.
- Evening: Return to Chengdu for dinner. Try Chuan Chuan Xiang (skewered food).
Day 9-11: Zhangjiajie
Day 9: Travel to Zhangjiajie
- Morning: Take a train or flight to Zhangjiajie.
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel like . Visit the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try local fish dishes.
Day 10: Avatar Mountains
- Day: Explore the . Take the cable car to for stunning views.
- Evening: Return to your hotel and enjoy a local meal.
Day 11: More Nature
- Day: Visit the and walk across for an adrenaline rush! Explore more of the park.
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery. Try Zhangjiajie Tofu.
Day 12-14: Guilin
Day 12: Travel to Guilin
- Morning: Take a train or bus to Guilin.
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel like . Visit .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try Guilin Rice Noodles.
Day 13: Li River Cruise
- Day: Take a to . Enjoy the stunning karst landscape.
- Evening: Explore ’s West Street for shopping and dinner. Try Beer Fish.
Day 14: Adventures
- Day: Rent bikes or take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River. Visit for a hike.
- Evening: Return to Guilin for dinner.
Day 15-17: Furong and
Day 15: Travel to Furong
- Morning: Travel to Furong (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a local guesthouse. Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try local snacks.
Day 16: Explore Furong
- Day: Visit the and enjoy the natural beauty.
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 17: Travel to
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a guesthouse. Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner by the river. Try spicy fish.
Day 18-20:
Day 18: Travel to
- Morning: Travel to (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a traditional courtyard hotel. Explore the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try Beef.
Day 19: Exploration
- Day: Visit the and .
- Evening: Enjoy a local meal and explore the night market.
Day 20: More
- Day: Take a bike ride around the city walls. Visit local shops for souvenirs.
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 21-24: Lijiang and Shanghai
Day 21: Travel to Lijiang
- Morning: Travel to Lijiang (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel like . Explore .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try Naxi cuisine.
Day 22:
- Day: Visit . Take the cable car and enjoy the views.
- Evening: Return to Lijiang for dinner.
Day 23: Travel to Shanghai
- Morning: Fly to Shanghai.
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel like . Visit .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Day 24: Explore Shanghai
- Day: Visit and . Enjoy shopping at .
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Try Shanghainese cuisine.
Tips for Food, Places, Shopping, and Sleeping:
- Food: Always try local specialties. Street food is often safe and delicious. Look for busy stalls!
- Places: Use public transport (subways and buses) for budget-friendly travel. Download translation apps for easier communication.
- Shopping: Bargain at local markets. Look for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Sleeping: Book hotels in advance, especially in tourist areas. Look for family rooms or hostels with family-friendly options.
This itinerary balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, ensuring that everyone in the family has a fantastic time! Enjoy your trip to China! 🌏✈️
