5 Weeks China Itineraries

5 Weeks Itinerary Highlights of China

Great Wall, 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

Giant Panda, Chengdu

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.

Camel Riding, Silk Road

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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