Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
After arriving in Beijing, take the first day easy. Jet lag hits hard, so don’t push yourself to do too much. Spend some time walking around your hotel area and getting a feel for the city.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to get your first taste of authentic Chinese food. Try some famous Peking duck; it’s a must-eat dish when you’re here. Once you’re done eating, head back to rest and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2: Explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Wake up early and head to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Spend some time walking around and learning about Chinese history, as there are several important monuments here.
Right next to the square is the Forbidden City, the imperial palace that housed emperors for almost 500 years. It’s a massive complex with stunning architecture. Spend a few hours exploring and imagining what life was like during the Ming and Qing dynasties. You’ll need at least half a day to see the highlights.
In the evening, take a stroll through Wangfujing Street. This bustling street market comes alive at night with food stalls and shops. You can even try some bizarre street food like scorpions or starfish — if you dare!
Day 3: Hike the Great Wall of China
Today, it’s time to check off an iconic bucket-list item: The Great Wall of China. Head to the less crowded Mutianyu section. It’s a well-restored part of the wall, and the views are spectacular, with fewer tourists compared to Badaling.
You can hike or take the cable car up, depending on your mood. Spend the day walking along the wall and enjoying the panoramic views as far as the eye can see. There’s also a fun toboggan ride down the mountain if you’re up for it.
After a day of hiking, return to Beijing and rest up. You’ve earned it!
Day 4: Visit the Summer Palace
On your last full day in Beijing, visit the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site used to be a retreat for emperors during the hot summer months. It’s peaceful, with beautiful gardens, temples, and a lake.
Spend a few hours wandering around the grounds. If you want, rent a paddleboat to float around Kunming Lake for a relaxing break from the city noise.
In the evening, join a small tea house ceremony to wind down and enjoy some traditional Chinese tea.
Day 5: Take the Bullet Train to Xi’an
It’s time for your next destination: Xi’an. Board the bullet train in the morning, and you’ll be there in under five hours. It’s a comfortable and fast ride, plus you’ll get to see some of the countryside zip by.
After arriving, spend the afternoon walking the ancient city wall of Xi’an. It’s one of the best-preserved city walls in China. You can bike around the top; many rental shops are available.
For dinner, head to the Muslim Quarter. This vibrant area is full of street food stands, offering everything from spicy lamb skewers to stuffed bread. The atmosphere is lively, and the food is delicious.
Day 6: See the Terracotta Warriors
No trip to Xi’an is complete without seeing the Terracotta Warriors. This army of life-sized statues was buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife.
The site is just outside of the city, so catch a bus or hire a driver to get there. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, and you’ll want to take your time exploring the different excavation pits. It’s one of the country’s most important archaeological finds.
Return to Xi’an and spend the evening relaxing. Maybe take a leisurely walk by the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to wind down.
Day 7: Fly to Chengdu
Today, catch a flight to Chengdu, the land of pandas and spicy Sichuan food! It’s a quick flight from Xi’an, and you’ll have plenty of time to settle in.
In the afternoon, wander around Jinli Old Street, an area full of traditional Sichuan architecture with snacks and souvenir shops. You will see locals playing mahjong and sipping tea — it’s a great place to soak in the local vibe.
For dinner, try some Sichuan hotpot. Be warned: it’s spicy! But it’s a must-try when you’re in Chengdu.
Day 8: Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center
This is the day animal lovers have been waiting for: a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Go early in the morning when the pandas are most active. You’ll get to see these cute creatures lounging, eating bamboo, and playing.
Afterward, spend the afternoon exploring People’s Park. This lively park has lakes, tea houses, and daily activities like dancing and tai chi. Pull up a chair at a tea house, sip some green tea, and watch life unfold.
Day 9: Relax or Visit Mount Qingcheng
Today is a slower day. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for being one of the birthplaces of Taoism. The mountain is lush and green, with beautiful hiking trails and Taoist temples to explore.
If you’d prefer a more low-key day, rest in Chengdu. Visit a traditional teahouse to enjoy tea culture or take a cooking class to learn how to make Sichuan dishes from scratch.
Day 10: Fly to Guilin and Head to Yangshuo
Today, fly from Chengdu to Guilin, then make your way to Yangshuo, a couple of hours away by bus or car. The landscape here is surreal, with dramatic karst mountains and the Li River winding through the countryside.
After checking into your accommodation, take a walk along the Li River. The scenery here is legendary, and being surrounded by nature will be a nice contrast from the cities.
In the evening, grab dinner in the town and rest up for tomorrow’s outdoor adventures.
Day 11: Take a Bamboo Raft Ride on the Li River
Start your morning with a bamboo raft ride down the Li River. It’s a serene way to see the stunning karst peaks that have inspired Chinese paintings for centuries. You can hire a raft near Yangshuo, and the ride will take around 1-2 hours.
After the raft ride, rent a bike and explore the countryside. The roads between the villages are quiet, and you’ll see farmers working in rice paddies and water buffalo grazing. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon before heading back to town.
Day 12: Hike or Relax in Yangshuo
Today, you can either embark on one of the many hikes around the area (Moon Hill is a popular choice, offering a short but picturesque hike) or spend the day relaxing in Yangshuo.
The town has many cafes where you can sit and enjoy the views. If you’re interested in something active but low-key, consider taking a Chinese calligraphy class at one of the local cultural centers.
Day 13: Fly Back to Shanghai
Begin your journey back toward modern China by flying to Shanghai. Once you arrive, take it easy and explore the area around the Bund, the famous waterfront that showcases China’s development. You’ll see colonial-era buildings juxtaposed against futuristic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower.
For dinner, try Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) at a local eatery. Shanghai food is delicious, and the dumplings here are some of the best.
End your night with a walk along Nanjing Road, a pedestrian street filled with shops and bright lights.
Day 14: Explore the Best of Shanghai
Spend your last day in China exploring Shanghai. Start with a visit to the Yu Garden. The garden is small but stunning, with traditional Chinese landscapes, koi ponds, and rockeries.
In the afternoon, explore the French Concession, a charming area of Shanghai that feels distinctly European. There are cafes, boutiques, and tree-lined streets perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Spend your final evening taking a boat cruise along the Huangpu River for one last look at Shanghai’s skyline. It’s the perfect way to end your 14-day adventure across China.
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