China-7-day-itinerary

China 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Places to Go:

  • Forbidden City: The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
  • Tiananmen Square: A historic city square surrounded by famous buildings like the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Activities:

  • Explore the Forbidden City, which consists of over 980 buildings and more than 8,000 rooms.
  • Visit Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world.

Things to Know:

  • Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can apply for a Chinese visa online or at a local embassy/consulate. A valid passport, completed application form, and supporting documents are required.
  • Transportation: The best way to get around Beijing is by metro or taxi.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Try traditional Chinese cuisine like Peking duck and jiaozi (dumplings).
  • Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a glimpse into imperial China’s history.

Day 2: Beijing

Places to Go:

  • Great Wall of China: One of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval Period.
  • Summer Palace: A royal retreat with beautiful gardens and lakes.

Activities:

  • Hike along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded than other areas.
  • Explore the Summer Palace’s temples, lakes, and gardens.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Day 3: Beijing to Xi’an

Transportation:

  • Take an overnight train or bus from Beijing to Xi’an (around 4-5 hours).

Places to Go:

  • Terracotta Warriors: A collection of life-sized terracotta soldiers.
  • City Wall: One of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China.

Activities:

  • Visit the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Walk along the City Wall for stunning views of Xi’an.

Things to Know:

  • Be respectful when visiting historical sites like the Terracotta Warriors.
  • Try local street food and snacks, like xi’an paomo (hand-pulled noodles in broth).

Day 4: Xi’an

Places to Go:

  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A seven-story Buddhist pagoda.
  • Huaqing Palace: A historic palace with beautiful gardens.

Activities:

  • Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Explore Huaqing Palace’s temples and gardens.

Things to Know:

  • Learn about Chinese history and culture at the Xi’an Museum.
  • Try local snacks like rou jia mo (Chinese hamburger).

Day 5: Xi’an to Guilin

Transportation:

  • Take an overnight train or bus from Xi’an to Guilin (around 6-7 hours).

Places to Go:

  • Longji Rice Terraces: A scenic area with beautiful rice terraces.
  • Li River: A picturesque river with stunning views.

Activities:

  • Visit the Longji Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Take a boat ride along the Li River for breathtaking views.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.
  • Try local street food and snacks, like Guilin’s famous roasted duck.

Day 6: Guilin

Places to Go:

  • Elephant Trunk Hill: A scenic hill with a unique shape resembling an elephant trunk.
  • Folded Brocade Hill: A hill with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Activities:

  • Visit Elephant Trunk Hill for stunning views of the Li River.
  • Explore Folded Brocade Hill’s scenic trails and gardens.

Things to Know:

  • Learn about Chinese history and culture at the Guilin Museum.
  • Try local snacks like Guilin’s famous sticky rice cake.

Day 7: Departure from Guilin

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city before departing.
  • Return your rental car (if applicable) and head to the airport for your departure flight.