📍 China

TASTE OF CHINA: FROM ANCIENT CAPITAL TO MOUNTAIN CULTURES

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, ideal weather, moderate crowds, excellent for most regions, comfortable travel. Fall (September-October): Perfect weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, peak tourist season, higher prices, autumn colors beautiful. Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, rainy season, crowded tourist sites, highest prices, but best for Tibet and western regions. Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, fewer crowds, lower prices, perfect for southern regions, harsh in north, unique winter experiences. Regional Variations: Vast climate diversity, southern subtropical, northern continental, western plateau, plan according to regions visited.

Tea plantation mist wraps the mountains, terracotta warriors stand guard, prayer flags flutter at the peaks. China bears the imprint of a thousand cultures.

≈ 17

Days

3595

Stops

📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Imperial Beijing, Xi'an and its warriors, Chongqing and its spicy cuisine, Kunming, Lijiang and Shangri-La at Tibet's doorstep. China offers infinite diversity.

Beijing: imperial historic city
Xian: terracotta warrior
Kunming: eternal spring city
Lijiang: naxi cultural
Shangri-La: tibetan peaks

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Beijing

imperial capital history gate

4 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Walk around Houhai Lake and discovery of Beijing's lively hutongs

Stroll in Beihai Park, former imperial garden

🎯

Activities

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Free evening along the illuminated shores of Houhai Lake

Day

Beijing

imperial capital history gate

4 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Visit to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

Discovery of the artistic district 798 Art District

🎯

Activities

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Strolling through the galleries and modern cafés of 798 Art District

Day

Beijing

imperial capital history gate

4 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Excursion to the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu section

🎯

Activities

→

Cable car ride and walk on the historic ramparts

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 75 km

Travel time: 1h30

Day

Xian

terracotta warrior ancient

4 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Discovery of Xi'an's Muslim quarter and the Great Mosque

🎯

Activities

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Walk through the alleys and tasting of local specialties

→

Sunset over the old city from the ramparts

✈️

Next stop

✈️ Flight / transfer day

Distance: 1090 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Xian

terracotta warrior ancient

4 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Visit to the archaeological site of the terracotta warriors

Bike ride on the ramparts of Xi'an

🎯

Activities

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Discovery of a cave restaurant and introduction to spicy local cuisine

Day

Chongqing

spicy river gorge gateway

6 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Panoramic view from Nanshan Mountain and crossing the Yangtze River by cable car

🎯

Activities

→

Architectural discovery of Kuixing Building and its panoramic terrace

→

Thermal bath in a natural hot spring in the surrounding area

✈️

Next stop

✈️ Flight / transfer day

Distance: 750 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Chongqing

spicy river gorge gateway

6 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Walk in Eling Park and exploration of Testbed 2 site

Stop at the Liziba monorail passing through a building

🎯

Activities

→

Relaxation in a local café around the lake

Day

Chongqing

spicy river gorge gateway

6 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Exploration of Huangjueping Graffiti Street, urban art and colorful murals

🎯

Activities

→

Photos in traditional Naxi costume

Day

Kunming

eternal spring flower city

4 photos

Day 9

🔍

Discover

Discovery of Green Lake Park in Kunming

Exploration of the Stone Forest natural site

🎯

Activities

→

Panoramic break overlooking the Yangtze from the canyon trails

→

Discovery of old Shangri-La center

✈️

Next stop

✈️ Flight / transfer day

Distance: 900 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Lijiang

naxi tradition old town

4 photos

Day 10

🔍

Discover

Walk in the old town of Lijiang, UNESCO World Heritage site

Visit to Black Dragon Pool Park

🎯

Activities

→

Last walk before return flight or connection to Beijing

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 520 km

Travel time: 3h30

Day

Lijiang

naxi tradition old town

4 photos

Day 11

🔍

Discover

Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world

🎯

Activities

→

Panoramic break overlooking the Yangtze from the canyon trails

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 80 km

Travel time: 2h

Day

Shangri La

Day 12

🔍

Discover

Visit to Songzanlin Tibetan monastery in Shangri-La

Walk around Napa Lake and yak observation

🎯

Activities

→

Discovery of old Shangri-La center

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 180 km

Travel time: 2h30

Day

Shangri La

Day 13

🔍

Discover

Exploration of Pudacuo National Park, wooden boardwalk trails and mountain lakes

🎯

Activities

→

Last walk before return flight or connection to Beijing

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - China

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, ideal weather, moderate crowds, excellent for most regions, comfortable travel.

Fall (September-October): Perfect weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, peak tourist season, higher prices, autumn colors beautiful.

Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, rainy season, crowded tourist sites, highest prices, but best for Tibet and western regions.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, fewer crowds, lower prices, perfect for southern regions, harsh in north, unique winter experiences.

Regional Variations: Vast climate diversity, southern subtropical, northern continental, western plateau, plan according to regions visited.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 20 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in China?

Ancient civilization meets modern superpower with Great Wall, forbidden cities, and cutting-edge technology. Experience diverse landscapes, incredible cuisine, and 5000-year cultural heritage. The country offers bustling megacities, pristine nature, and traditional arts. China provides overwhelming cultural richness and geographical diversity in rapidly modernizing nation.