12 day itinerary for Cina

Itinerary

Planning a 12-day adventure in China with kids sounds like a fantastic idea! China is a country rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and some downtime for the little ones.

## Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Settle into your hotel and take a moment to relax after your journey.
• Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Heaven. The park is spacious, and kids can run around while you admire the beautiful architecture.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant. Try some Peking duck – a must in Beijing!

## Day 2: The Great Wall

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu is a great family-friendly section). You can take a cable car up and walk along the wall.
• Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch on the wall or at a nearby restaurant. Let the kids explore and take lots of photos!
• Evening: Return to Beijing and relax at your hotel. Maybe watch a movie or play some games.

## Day 3: Beijing City Tour

• Morning: Visit the Forbidden City. Kids will love the stories of emperors and the vast courtyards.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Tiananmen Square and then head to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the city.
• Evening: Explore the Wangfujing Street for some street food and shopping. Try some candied fruits!

## Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an

• Morning: Visit the Summer Palace. The gardens are beautiful, and there are plenty of spots for kids to play.
• Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Xi'an (about 5-6 hours). The train ride is an adventure in itself!
• Evening: Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

## Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

• Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army. The sheer scale of the site will amaze both you and the kids!
• Afternoon: Explore the Xi'an City Wall. Rent bikes and ride along the top of the wall for some fun!
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner. The performances are colorful and engaging for all ages.

## Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu

• Morning: Visit the Muslim Quarter for breakfast and some souvenir shopping.
• Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3-4 hours).
• Evening: Settle into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely dinner. Try some spicy Sichuan cuisine!

## Day 7: Chengdu Panda Base

• Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Kids will love seeing the adorable pandas!
• Afternoon: Have lunch at a nearby café and then visit the Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street for some shopping and snacks.
• Evening: Relax at your hotel or take a stroll in a local park.

## Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin

• Morning: Fly to Guilin (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Reed Flute Cave. The colorful stalactites and stalagmites are fascinating!
• Evening: Enjoy a river cruise on the Li River to see the stunning karst landscape at sunset.

## Day 9: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

• All ## Day: Take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The scenery is breathtaking, and kids will love the boat ride!
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo and explore the town. Rent bikes or take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Yangshuo and maybe catch a local performance like the Impression Liu Sanjie show.

## Day 10: Yangshuo to Shanghai

• Morning: Spend the morning exploring the countryside around Yangshuo. Consider a cooking class or a visit to a local farm.
• Afternoon: Fly to Shanghai (about 2 hours).
• Evening: Check into your hotel and take a stroll along The Bund to see the stunning skyline.

## Day 11: Shanghai City Tour

• Morning: Visit the Shanghai Tower for incredible views of the city. Kids will love the glass floor!
• Afternoon: Explore Yu Garden and the surrounding bazaar. Try some local snacks!
• Evening: Visit Nanjing Road for shopping and dinner. The neon lights are mesmerizing!

## Day 12: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you can visit the Shanghai Museum or relax at your hotel.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Reflect on all the amazing memories you’ve made!

Tips for Traveling with Kids:

• Transport: Use high-speed trains for intercity travel; they are comfortable and efficient.
• Food: Always have snacks on hand, and don’t hesitate to try local dishes. Kids often enjoy dumplings and noodles!
• Downtime: Allow for some downtime each day to avoid overwhelming the little ones.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to China with your family! Enjoy every moment! 🌏✈️