20 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 in panoramic vistas at Bell and Drum Towers, admire the landmark architecture of Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), and get a sense of history and politics at Temple of Heaven.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Beijing vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Huizhou to Beijing is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also take a train; or drive. In February, Beijing is cooler than Huizhou - with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) 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.

Harbin is known for sightseeing, theme parks, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get in on the family fun at Harbin Ice and Snow World, don't miss a visit to Sophia Square, learn more about the world around you at Harbin Forest Museum, and see the interesting displays at Saint Sophia Cathedral.

To see more things to do and more tourist information, use the Harbin trip itinerary planning site.

You can fly from Beijing to Harbin in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Beijing in February, with highs in Harbin at -7°C and lows at -23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can fly to Xi'an.

Historians often describe Xi'an, capital city for over a dozen dynasties, as the birthplace of Chinese civilization.

Spend the 19th (Sun) wandering through the wild on Travel China Guide. Next up on the itinerary: get engrossed in the history at The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, steep yourself in history at Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), make a trip to Muslim Quarter, and stroll around Celebration Palace Park.

To find out how to plan a trip to Xi'an, use our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Harbin to Xi'an by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Traveling from Harbin in February, expect Xi'an to be much warmer, temps between 11°C and -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to fly to Kunming.

With a temperate climate at 2,000 m (6,600 ft) and a variety of tourist attractions, Kunming makes a popular gateway for exploring Yunnan Province.

On the 20th (Mon), contemplate the waterfront views at Dian Lake (Dian Chi) and then steep yourself in history at Kunming Golden Temple.

To see ratings, photos, and tourist information, use the Kunming itinerary maker site.

Fly from Xi'an to Kunming in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Xi'an in February: high temperatures in Kunming hover around 20°C and lows are around 4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Tue): view the masterpieces at Da Li Shi Kong Guo Shi Museum, then delve into the lush surroundings at Erhai Lake, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Guanyin Hollow. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in panoramic vistas at Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple （Northwest Gate） and then visit Dali Ancient.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Dali trip planner.

Fly from Kunming to Dali in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) so you can 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.

Step out of Lijiang with an excursion to Yulong Snow Mountain Ski Area in Yulong County--about 52 minutes away. Spend the 24th (Fri) exploring nature at Three Parallel Rivers National Park. There's still lots to do: get to know the fascinating history of Old Town of Lijiang - China, head off the coast to Bird Island, Lijiang, admire the landmark architecture of Beiyue Temple of Lijiang, and contemplate the long history of Shuhe Ancient Town.

To find maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Lijiang driving holiday planner.

Getting from Dali to Lijiang by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 27th (Mon) to allow time for the flight back home.