18 days in East Asia 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.

Beijing is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: see Mutianyu Great Wall, take an in-depth tour of Lama Temple (Yonghegong), fly down the slopes at Beijing Badaling Ski, and see the interesting displays at National Museum Of China.

To find ratings, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Beijing holiday planning website.

Huizhou to Beijing is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also take a train; or drive. Expect much colder temperatures when traveling from Huizhou in February; daily highs in Beijing reach 6°C and lows reach -7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly to Harbin.

The influence of neighboring Russia remains visible throughout much of Harbin, with the country's northernmost metropolis possessing an intoxicating eclecticism in its architecture, food, and art.

On the 8th (Wed), don't miss a visit to Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, find something for the whole family at Harbin Ice and Snow World, and then stroll around Zhaolin Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get a new perspective on nature at Harbin Forest Museum, then head off the coast to Sun Island (Tai Yang Dao), and then examine the collection at Saint Sophia Cathedral.

For photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read our Harbin road trip planning tool.

Getting from Beijing to Harbin by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. In February, Harbin is cooler than Beijing - with highs of -7°C and lows of -23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight to Qingdao.

The city of Qingdao has become particularly well known for its clean streets, orderly layout, and blending of the old and the new.

Qingdao is known for sightseeing, nature, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: play a few rounds at Qingdao International Golf Course, don't miss a visit to Qingdao Haiwan Bridge, take a leisurely stroll along Zhanqiao Pier, and take an in-depth tour of Qingdao Museum of History and Culture.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Qingdao day trip planner.

Getting from Harbin to Qingdao by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Harbin in February; daily highs in Qingdao reach 7°C and lows reach -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) so you can fly to Dali.

Combining a glorious past with modern conveniences and scenic natural surroundings, Dali stands out as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Yunnan, perched in a strategic location and boasting fertile fields for agriculture.

Dali is known for sightseeing, nature, and classes. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: appreciate the history behind Monument of Shih-tsu Taking over Yunnan, explore the activities along Huadian Dam, delve into the lush surroundings at Erhai Lake, and stop by Dali Ancient.

For where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Dali holiday planner.

Traveling by flight from Qingdao to Dali takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) early enough to go by car 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.

Spend the 17th (Fri) exploring nature at Three Parallel Rivers National Park. The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Town of Lijiang - China, appreciate the history behind Sanyan Well, wander the streets of Ancient City Zhongyi Market, and head off the coast to Bird Island, Lijiang.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Lijiang tour itinerary planner.

Drive from Dali to Lijiang in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. On the 19th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.