12 day itinerary
Chine
Itinerary
A 12-day adventure in China sounds fantastic, and I’m excited to help you craft an itinerary that balances culture, history, unique experiences, and a bit of relaxation. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
- Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Visit the , where emperors used to pray for good harvests. Stroll through the park and watch locals practicing tai chi.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional at a renowned restaurant.
Day 2: Beijing - The Great Wall
- Morning: Head to the . It’s less crowded and offers stunning views. You can hike or take a cable car up.
- Afternoon: Explore the wall and take plenty of photos. Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.
- Evening: Return to Beijing and relax at your hotel or explore the for some street food.
Day 3: Beijing - &
- Morning: Visit the . Spend a few hours exploring the vast complex and learning about imperial history.
- Afternoon: Take a rickshaw tour through the (traditional alleyways) and visit a local family for tea.
- Evening: Attend a performance for a unique cultural experience.
Day 4: Beijing to
- Morning: Visit the for a leisurely stroll around the beautiful gardens and lake.
- Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to (about 5 hours).
- Evening: Arrive in , check into your hotel, and enjoy a local dinner of .
Day 5: -
- Morning: Visit the . Spend the morning marveling at the thousands of life-sized soldiers.
- Afternoon: Explore the . You can rent a bike and ride along the top for great views of the city.
- Evening: Stroll through the and try some local snacks.
Day 6: to
- Morning: Visit the and learn about its significance in Buddhist history.
- Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to (about 3 hours).
- Evening: Arrive in , check into your hotel, and enjoy a .
Day 7: - Panda Base & Culture
- Morning: Visit the . Spend the morning observing these adorable creatures.
- Afternoon: Explore the and for some shopping and local snacks.
- Evening: Attend a performance, famous for its face-changing act.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Fly to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its charming streets and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Naxi dinner and perhaps catch a local music performance.
Day 9: -
- Morning: Take a day trip to . You can take a cable car up for breathtaking views and enjoy some light hiking.
- Afternoon: Visit the for stunning scenery and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Evening: Return to and relax at your hotel or explore more of the Old Town.
Day 10: to
- Morning: Fly to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
- Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the area, and enjoy a local dinner.
Day 11: - Li River Cruise
- All Day: Take a to . Enjoy the breathtaking karst landscape along the way. Once in , explore the town and perhaps rent a bike to ride through the countryside.
- Evening: Enjoy a or a local dinner in before returning to .
Day 12: Departure from
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you can visit the or relax at your hotel.
- Afternoon: Depart from for your onward journey.
Tips for Your Trip:
- Transportation: Consider using high-speed trains for intercity travel; they are efficient and comfortable.
- Language: Download a translation app or have a phrasebook handy, as English may not be widely spoken in some areas.
- Cash: While credit cards are accepted in many places, having some cash (RMB) for street food and small shops is a good idea.
I hope this itinerary excites you! Each day is packed with unique experiences that blend culture, history, and relaxation. Enjoy your adventure in China! 🌏✈️
