5 Weeks China Itineraries
5 Weeks Itinerary Highlights of China
Week 1: Beijing
Spend a few days exploring the capital city of Beijing. Some must-see attractions include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. Take a day trip to the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Explore the Hutongs, the traditional narrow alleyways in Beijing that are filled with history and culture. Check out the modern side of the city by visiting places like the CCTV Tower and the Olympic Park.
Week 2: Xi'an and Chengdu
Take a bullet train to Xi'an and spend a few days exploring the ancient city. Highlights include the Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Take another bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, famous for its spicy food and giant pandas. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these adorable creatures up close. Explore the historic Jinli Old Street and the modern Taikoo Li shopping district.
Week 3: Guilin and Yangshuo
Fly to Guilin and spend a few days exploring the beautiful karst landscapes of the area. Take a boat ride down the Li River to Yangshuo, a charming town surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Enjoy activities such as biking, rock climbing, and kayaking in the area.
Week 4: Shanghai and Suzhou
Fly to Shanghai, one of China's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. Visit the Bund, the Yu Garden, and the French Concession. Take a day trip to the nearby city of Suzhou, known for its beautiful classical Chinese gardens and canals. Check out the futuristic skyline of Pudong and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.
Week 5: Hong Kong and Macau
Take a high-speed train or fly to Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis and a hub for international trade and finance. Explore the city's highlights, such as Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry, and the Big Buddha. Take a ferry to Macau, a former Portuguese colony and now a vibrant city famous for its casinos and historic landmarks. Explore the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features a mix of Portuguese and Chinese architecture.
5 Weeks Leisure Itinerary
Week 1: Beijing
Day 1-2: Arrive in Beijing and visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
Day 3-4: Hike the Great Wall of China, either at Mutianyu or Jinshanling.
Day 5-6: Explore the traditional hutongs (alleyways) in Beijing's old neighborhoods, such as Houhai and Nanluoguxiang.
Day 7: Take a day trip to the Summer Palace, an imperial garden and palace complex in Beijing's suburbs.
Week 2: Xi'an and Chengdu
Day 8: Take a morning flight to Xi'an and visit the Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of the first emperor of China.
Day 9: Explore the ancient city walls and Muslim Quarter in Xi'an.
Day 10: Take a bullet train or flight to Chengdu and visit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Day 11-12: Discover the historic and cultural sites in Chengdu, such as the Wenshu Monastery and the Jinli Ancient Street.
Week 3: Yunnan Province
Day 13-14: Take a flight to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province, and explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of hundreds of karst formations.
Day 15-16: Visit Dali and explore the ancient town and surrounding countryside, such as Erhai Lake and the Three Pagodas.
Day 17-18: Continue on to Lijiang and immerse yourself in the Naxi minority culture and explore the Old Town.
Day 19-20: Travel to Shangri-La (also known as Zhongdian) and hike in the surrounding mountains, visit a Tibetan monastery, and learn about the unique Tibetan culture.
Week 4: Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai
Day 21-22: Take a flight to Chongqing and board a Yangtze River cruise ship for a 3-day cruise through the Three Gorges region.
Day 23-25: Arrive in Yichang and take a bullet train to Shanghai. Explore the Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, and the French Concession.
Day 26: Take a day trip to Suzhou, known for its classic gardens and canals.
Week 5: Guilin and Hong Kong
Day 27-28: Take a flight to Guilin and cruise along the Li River, surrounded by the picturesque karst mountains and rice paddies.
Day 29-30: Explore the rural countryside around Guilin, including Longsheng Rice Terraces and the Yao and Zhuang minority villages.
Day 31-33: Take a bullet train to Hong Kong and experience the city's vibrant culture and skyscrapers. Visit Victoria Peak, the Big Buddha, and the Symphony of Lights.
Day 34-35: Relax and enjoy the beaches on Hong Kong Island or Lantau Island before departing for your return flight.
5 Weeks Best of the Silk Road Itinerary
Beijing (5 days)
Day 1: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
Day 2: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
Day 3: Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section)
Day 4: Hutongs, Lama Temple, Houhai Lake
Day 5: Beijing Zoo, National Museum of China
Xi'an (3 days)
Day 1: Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Hot Springs
Day 2: City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque
Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Lanzhou (2 days)
Day 1: Gansu Provincial Museum, Yellow River Mother Sculpture
Day 2: Bingling Temple Grottoes
Dunhuang (2 days)
Day 1: Mogao Caves, Crescent Lake, Singing Sand Dunes
Day 2: Yumen Pass, Yangguan Pass
Xinjiang (6 - 8 days)
Day 1: Urumqi, Xinjiang Regional Museum
Day 2: Heavenly Lake, Xinjiang International Bazaar
Day 3: Turpan, Jiaohe Ruins, Grape Valley
Day 4: Flaming Mountains, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Day 5: Kashgar, Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town
Day 6: Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata
Tibet (4-8 days)
Day 1: Lhasa, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Day 2: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Day 3: Ganden Monastery, Drak Yerpa
Day 4: Namtso Lake
Day 5: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier
Day 6: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse
Chengdu (3 days)
Day 1: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Monastery
Day 2: Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei
Day 3: Jinli Ancient Street, Sichuan Cuisine Museum
Guilin/Yangshuo (5 - 7 days)
Day 1: Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill
Day 2: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Day 3: Yangshuo Countryside Cycling, Moon Hill
Day 4: Yulong River Rafting, Xingping Ancient Town
Day 5: Impressions Liu Sanjie Show
Hong Kong/Macau (3 - 5 days)
Day 1: Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Tsim Sha Tsui
Day 2: Disneyland, Causeway Bay
Day 3: Ocean Park, Stanley Market
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