17 days in China Itinerary

As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing stands at the heart of Chinese history, buzzing with the energy of its high population density and centuries of importance.

The Palace Museum and Lama Temple (Yonghegong) will appeal to museum buffs. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Mutianyu Great Wall and Tian'anmen. The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), get great views at Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), and get a sense of history and politics at Temple of Heaven.

To see traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Beijing road trip planner.

Baton Rouge, USA to Beijing is an approximately 20.5-hour flight. Traveling from Baton Rouge to Beijing, you'll lose 14 hours due to the time zone difference. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Baton Rouge in April, with highs in Beijing at 73°F and lows at 47°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Dunhuang.

Once a vital stop-off on the Silk Road trade route, Dunhuang today offers travelers of all persuasions a place to rest in the middle of the desert.

On the 11th (Tue), take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain and then Head underground at Mogao Caves. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll the grounds of Xijin Tomb, see the interesting displays at DunHuang ShiKu WenWu BaoHu YanJiu ChenLie ZhongXin, then take an in-depth tour of Library Cave Heritage Museum, then take in the natural beauty of Crescent Moon Pool, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Dunhuang Leiyin Temple.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and tourist information, read Dunhuang journey planner.

Fly from Beijing to Dunhuang in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to fly to Lhasa.

The capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa possesses a wealth of Tibetan Buddhist sites of historical and cultural importance.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sera Monastery, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Jokhang Temple, and then don't miss a visit to Barkhor Street. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Potala Palace, see the interesting displays at Tibet Museum, contemplate the long history of Norbulingka (Precious Stone Garden), then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si), and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Xiamiyuan Temple.

To see reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Lhasa online tour itinerary maker.

Traveling by flight from Dunhuang to Lhasa takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In April in Lhasa, expect temperatures between 60°F during the day and 40°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight to Lijiang.

The cultural capital of the Naxi people, one of the 55 minority ethnic groups in the country, Lijang traces its history back over 800 years, with the city developing from a trading post on the ancient Southern Silk Road.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sat): steep yourself in history at Mufu Palace, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Town of Lijiang - China, then ponder the design of Black Dragon Pond Park, and finally contemplate the long history of Shuhe Ancient Town. On the 16th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get outside with Baisha Ancient Town, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Blue Moon Valley, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Lijiang Spruce Plain.

To find where to stay, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Lijiang trip itinerary planning website.

Fly from Lhasa to Lijiang in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) so you can catch the flight to Chongqing.

With one of the most populated and largest metropolitan areas in the world, Chongqing was the de facto capital of China during World War II. Its wartime political importance and post-war economic boom have left a number of attractions in Chongqing, including war memorials and museums, government buildings, and thriving commercial districts with a wealth of malls and more traditional market areas.

On the 17th (Mon), see the interesting displays at Three Gorges Museum, delve into the distant past at Ciqikou (Porcelain Port), and then witness a stunning natural landmark at Ronghui Hot Springs. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the fascinating underground world of Hongya Cave, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Chongqing Zoo (Chongqing Dongwuyuan), and then take some stellar pictures from Huangjueping (Doodle Street).

To find other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Chongqing tour itinerary planner.

You can fly from Lijiang to Chongqing in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In April, plan for daily highs up to 76°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Sanya.

The climate and coastline bring visitors from far and wide on vacations to Sanya, with its 40 km (25 mi) of shoreline almost entirely devoted to tourism.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Wed): take in the spiritual surroundings of Nanshan Temple, take advantage of the amenities at Yalong Bay, and then don't miss a visit to Sanya Beauty Crown Cultural Exhibition Center. On your second day here, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mazu Temple of Sanya, make a trip to XiaRi MeiShi GuangChang, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Sanya Coral Reef National Nature Reserve.

To find maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Sanya online trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Chongqing to Sanya takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or take a train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Chongqing in April: high temperatures in Sanya hover around 86°F and lows are around 71°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Shanghai.

With a nickname like the "Pearl of the Orient," it's not surprising Shanghai offers some of the most rewarding attractions and activities in the Far East.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Fri): see the interesting displays at Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, identify plant and animal life at Shanghai Wild Animal Park, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Dishui Lake. Keep things going the next day: make a trip to The Bund (Wai Tan), explore the activities along Huangpu River, and then take a stroll through Former French Concession.

For reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Shanghai online travel route builder.

You can fly from Sanya to Shanghai in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of car and ferry. In April, Shanghai is slightly colder than Sanya - with highs of 71°F and lows of 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) so you can fly back home.