Mainla

A 10-day itinerary in mainland China sounds like an exciting adventure! With your love for parks and green spaces, I’ll make sure to sprinkle in some beautiful natural spots along with cultural experiences. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Morning: Arrive in Beijing. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Beihai Park. Stroll around the lake, visit the White Dagoba, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
• Evening: Explore the Hutongs nearby for dinner. Try some local Peking duck!

Day 2: Beijing - The Great Wall

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling). Hike along the wall and enjoy the stunning views.
• Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant near the wall.
• Evening: Return to Beijing and relax at Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City at sunset.

Day 3: Beijing - Cultural Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Forbidden City. Spend a few hours exploring the vast complex.
• Afternoon: Walk to Tiananmen Square and then head to Temple of Heaven. Don’t forget to check out the surrounding park where locals practice tai chi!
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an

• Morning: Take a high-speed train to Xi'an (about 5-6 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then visit the Xi'an City Wall. Rent a bike and ride along the top for great views.
• Evening: Explore the Muslim Quarter for dinner and try some local snacks.

Day 5: Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors

• Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army. Spend a few hours marveling at this incredible archaeological site.
• Afternoon: Return to Xi'an and relax at Small Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding gardens.
• Evening: Enjoy a Tang Dynasty Show with dinner.

Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu

• Morning: Take a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3-4 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Spend time watching the adorable pandas!
• Evening: Stroll through People’s Park and enjoy a cup of tea at a local teahouse.

Day 7: Chengdu - Nature and Culture

• Morning: Visit Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street. Enjoy the traditional architecture and local snacks.
• Afternoon: Head to Qingcheng Mountain for a hike. It’s a beautiful area with lush greenery and Taoist temples.
• Evening: Return to Chengdu and try some spicy Sichuan hotpot for dinner!

Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin

• Morning: Fly to Guilin (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit Elephant Trunk Hill. Enjoy the scenic views and take a leisurely walk along the river.
• Evening: Explore the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, beautifully lit at night.

Day 9: Guilin - Li River Cruise

• Morning: Take a Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Enjoy the stunning karst landscape along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo, explore the town, and maybe rent a bike to ride through the countryside.
• Evening: Enjoy a local dinner and consider watching the Impression Liu Sanjie light show on the Li River.

Day 10: Yangshuo to Guilin and Departure

• Morning: Spend your last morning in Yangshuo. Visit Yulong River for a bamboo raft ride or a leisurely walk.
• Afternoon: Head back to Guilin and visit Seven Star Park for some final green space exploration.
• Evening: Depart from Guilin for your onward journey.

Tips:

• Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly, especially for outdoor activities.
• Try to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases; it can enhance your experience!
• Always have some cash on hand, as not all places accept cards.

I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your trip! Each day is packed with a mix of culture, history, and beautiful green spaces. Enjoy your adventure in mainland China! 🌏✨