25 day itinerary
China
Itinerary
A 25-day adventure in China sounds like a dream! With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, you’re in for a treat. I’ll make sure to sprinkle in plenty of parks and green spaces for you to enjoy. Let’s dive into your itinerary!
Day 1-3: Beijing
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Arrive in Beijing and check into your hotel.
- Spend the afternoon at , one of the oldest and most complete imperial gardens in China. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake and maybe rent a paddleboat.
- Dinner at a local restaurant to try Peking Duck!
Day 2: The Great Wall
- Early morning trip to the (Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections are less crowded).
- Spend the day hiking and taking in the breathtaking views.
- Return to Beijing and relax at , where you can see locals practicing tai chi.
Day 3: Explore Beijing
- Visit the in the morning.
- Afternoon at for panoramic views of the city.
- Evening stroll through (traditional alleyways) and enjoy some street food.
Day 4-6: Xi'an
Day 4: Travel to Xi'an
- Take a morning high-speed train to Xi'an (about 5 hours).
- Visit the and rent a bike to ride along the top.
- Evening at for dinner and local snacks.
Day 5:
- Day trip to the . Spend the morning exploring the site.
- Afternoon at for a relaxing soak.
- Return to Xi'an and enjoy a Tang Dynasty Show in the evening.
Day 6: Parks and Culture
- Visit and the surrounding park.
- Afternoon at for a peaceful stroll.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7-9: Chengdu
Day 7: Travel to Chengdu
- Morning train to Chengdu (about 3 hours).
- Visit to see locals enjoying tea and playing mahjong.
- Dinner at a hot pot restaurant.
Day 8: Giant Pandas
- Spend the day at the . Don’t forget to take lots of photos!
- Afternoon at and for shopping and snacks.
Day 9: Nature Day
- Day trip to for hiking and exploring Taoist temples.
- Return to Chengdu for a relaxing evening.
Day 10-12: Guilin & Yangshuo
Day 10: Travel to Guilin
- Morning flight to Guilin.
- Visit and stroll along the area.
- Evening at for dinner.
Day 11: Cruise
- Take a scenic cruise down the to Yangshuo. Enjoy the stunning karst landscape.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Yangshuo and relax at .
Day 12: Outdoor Adventures
- Rent a bike and explore the countryside around Yangshuo, visiting and local villages.
- Evening at for a peaceful end to the day.
Day 13-15: Hangzhou
Day 13: Travel to Hangzhou
- Morning flight to Hangzhou.
- Visit and take a boat ride. Explore the surrounding parks like .
- Dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 14: Tea and Nature
- Visit the and enjoy a tea tasting.
- Afternoon at and the surrounding area for hiking and exploring.
Day 15: Parks and Gardens
- Spend the day at and for a unique nature experience.
- Evening stroll along the lake.
Day 16-18: Shanghai
Day 16: Travel to Shanghai
- Morning train to Shanghai (about 1.5 hours).
- Visit and the surrounding bazaar.
- Evening at for stunning skyline views.
Day 17: City Exploration
- Morning at .
- Afternoon at and for a relaxing stroll.
- Dinner in the area.
Day 18: Modern Shanghai
- Visit for panoramic views.
- Afternoon at for a leisurely walk or a bike ride.
- Evening at for shopping and street food.
Day 19-21: Suzhou & Nanjing
Day 19: Day Trip to Suzhou
- Morning train to Suzhou (about 30 minutes).
- Visit and .
- Afternoon at and stroll along .
Day 20: Travel to Nanjing
- Morning train to Nanjing (about 1.5 hours).
- Visit .
- Evening at for a peaceful walk.
Day 21: Historical Nanjing
- Visit and .
- Afternoon at and for hiking.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 22-25: Lijiang & Dali
Day 22: Travel to Lijiang
- Fly to Lijiang.
- Explore and enjoy the local culture.
- Evening at for beautiful views of the mountains.
Day 23:
- Day trip to . Take the cable car and enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Visit for a hike.
- Return to Lijiang for dinner.
Day 24: Dali
- Travel to Dali (about 2 hours).
- Visit and . Rent a bike to explore the lakeside.
- Evening at .
Day 25: Relax and Departure
- Spend your last day relaxing at or enjoying the local cafes.
- Depending on your flight schedule, you can either head back to Kunming for your departure or fly out from Dali.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary balances cultural experiences, historical sites, and plenty of green spaces for you to unwind and enjoy nature. Make sure to check local travel restrictions and book your accommodations and transportation in advance. Enjoy your adventure in China! 🌏✈️🌿
