China is undeniably one of the world’s most captivating destinations, known for its long history, diverse landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people. It was always our dream to visit China, and when COVID-19 restrictions eased, we finally got the chance to explore this amazing country.
Even if you spent an entire year in China, you still wouldn’t be able to see everything it has to offer. However, we’ve crafted a special 33-day itinerary that captures some of the country’s most iconic experiences. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip a few cities and tailor the schedule to fit your own travel plans.
Day 1 – 2: Guangzhou
Welcome to Guangzhou, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of southern China. Known for its rich history, modern skyline, and world-class Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge development.
Day 3 – 7: Zhangjiajie
Our adventure in China really kicked off when we arrived in Zhangjiajie, the place that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. For the next five days, we were blown away by the stunning landscapes, hiked through incredible stone pillars, and even braved the famous glass bridges.
Day 7-10: Kunming
Originally planned as just a stopover on our way to Lijiang, Kunming turned out to be a hidden gem! Known for its mild weather and beautiful mountain scenery, this vibrant city quickly won us over. From the stunning Stone Forest to its lively streets and welcoming locals, Kunming had so much more to offer than we expected.
Major Stone Forest in Kunming 
Shilin Stone Forest 
Main Entrance to the Shilin Stone Forest 
Stone Forest in Kunming 
Lake View in Shilin Stone Forest 
Stone Forest in Kunming 
Nanping Street in Kunming 
Yunnan Ethnic Village in Kunming 
Temple in Yunnan Ethnic Village 
Yunnan Ethnic Village 
Yunnan Ethnic Village Main Gate
Day 11 – 14: Lijiang
Our next stop was Lijiang, a picturesque city located at an elevation of 2,400 meters and surrounded by the Himalaya mountains. Lijiang instantly captivated us with its charming Old Town, cobblestone streets, and beautiful mountain views. Wandering through this UNESCO site felt like stepping back in time. From exploring the streets to hiking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang offered the perfect mix of history and nature.
Day 15-18: Beijing
No trip to China is complete without visiting Beijing! From wandering through the majestic Forbidden City to walking along the Great Wall, Beijing is a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern life.
Day 18 – 20: Shanghai
Shanghai, the most populous city in China and the financial and cultural center of the country. You’ll notice a lot of differences from the rest of China right away: luxury shops everywhere, Michelin-starred restaurants on every corner, and many people speaking English.
Sunset On The Bund 
The Bund Skyline, Shanghai, China 
Food Stall, Nanjing Road 
The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai, China 
Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai, China 
Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai, China 
Pavilion, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China 
Huangpu, Shanghai, China 
Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China 
Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai, China 
Boatman, Zhujiajiao Water Town 
Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai, China
Day 21 – 24: Huangshan
Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, quickly became one of our favorite stops on our China trip. The stunning views of misty peaks, ancient pine trees, and surreal landscapes make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Chinese painting. Over these four days, we hiked through jaw-dropping scenery, explored charming ancient villages, and soaked in some of the best views we’ve ever experienced. Whether you’re into hiking or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Huangshan is a spot you don’t want to miss.
Sunrise at Danxia Peak, Huangshan Mountain 
Huangshan Mountain, China 
The West Gate, Yellow Mountain, China 
Yellow Mountain, Huangshan, China 
Yellow Mountain, South Gate, Huangshan, China 
The Fairy Walking Bridge, Yellow Mountain, China 
Yellow Mountain, The West Gate, China 
Main Gate of Xidi Ancient Village, Huangshan 
Old Man, Xidi Ancient Village, Huangshan 
Xidi Ancient Village Streets, Huangshan 
Women in Traditional Dresses, Hongcun Ancient Village
Day 25 – 27: Hangzhou
Hangzhou, known for its serene West Lake and rich history, was the perfect place to unwind after our adventures. From peaceful boat rides on the lake to exploring ancient temples, this city has a calming charm that made it one of our favorite stops in China. Visiting in autumn made it even more special, with stunning views as the trees turned vibrant shades of red and gold.
Day 28 – 30: Xi’An
Our journey through China wouldn’t have been complete without a stop in Xi’an, the ancient capital and starting point of the Silk Road. Famous for its rich history, including the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an offered a perfect blend of ancient wonders and vibrant street life. If you’re journeying through China with the aim of delving into its rich culture and traditions, Xi’An is likely to become your favorite city.
Day 31 – 33: Chengdu
Chengdu was our final stop in mainland China. This city could easily be placed higher in your itinerary, perhaps following Lijiang or Hangzhou.
Chengdu is renowned not only for its pandas but also for its cuisine, as it is the capital of Sichuan province, famously known for its spicy and flavor-rich dishes. A visit to Chengdu isn’t complete without experiencing both. Beyond its culinary delights, Chengdu is also known as the biggest infrastructural hub in Western China and is often cited as the happiest city in the country.
conclusion
Chengdu marked the end of our journey through China, perfectly encapsulating the rich experiences of the past month. Despite some misconceptions about China prevalent in social media, we discovered a land rich in culture, filled with incredible people, extraordinary cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. This is the essence of China. And isn’t this why we travel? To immerse ourselves in new cultures, learn, and challenge our preconceptions and dispel myths. Our trip through China was a reminder of just how rewarding that can be.
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