22 days in East Asia Itinerary

Witness the vibrant skyline of Hong Kong, an impressive urban territory on the southern coast of China.

Lantau island and A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu) will appeal to history buffs. Get a sense of the local culture at Ruins of St. Paul's and Yeung Hau Temple (Tai O). Pack the 10th (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Hong Kong Disneyland. There's still lots to do: get engrossed in the history at Hong Kong Museum of History, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Lo Hon Monastery, and take in panoramic vistas at Victoria Peak (The Peak).

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Hong Kong vacation planner.

Seattle, USA to Hong Kong is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 16 hours traveling from Seattle to Hong Kong. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Seattle in May: highs in Hong Kong hover around 87°F, while lows dip to 78°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Guilin.

The riverside karst landscape around Guilin has long made it a favorite with Chinese poets, photographers, and travelers.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Fri): get to know the fascinating history of Jiangtouzhou Ancient Dwellings, explore the fascinating underground world of Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan), and then take in the dramatic natural features at Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan). Keep things going the next day: explore the activities along Li River and then contemplate the long history of Xingping Town.

For ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Guilin journey maker tool.

Do a combination of train and flight from Hong Kong to Guilin in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In May, Guilin is little chillier than Hong Kong - with highs of 82°F and lows of 69°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) early enough to catch the train to Changsha.

A good starting point for explorations of the province, Changsha stands as a modern city with 3,000 years of history behind it.

On the 14th (Sun), take in the awesome beauty at Mount Yuelu and then examine the collection at Hunan Provincial Museum.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Changsha travel website.

You can take a train from Guilin to Changsha in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or fly. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) to allow time to fly to Zhangjiajie.

The city of Zhangjiajie has become particularly well known for its striking surrounding landscape.

Escape the urban bustle at Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Zhangjiajie and Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. Spend the 16th (Tue) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. The adventure continues: take in the awesome beauty at Tianzi Mountain.

For reviews, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our Zhangjiajie day trip planning site.

Getting from Changsha to Zhangjiajie by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can travel 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.

Get in touch with nature at Boat Tours & Water Sports and Hongya Cave. Three Gorges Museum and Old City Wall are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's still lots to do: admire the landmark architecture of Ciqikou (Porcelain Port), delve into the mystery of Shiba Ti, meet the residents at Chongqing Zoo (Chongqing Dongwuyuan), and make a trip to Jiefangbei Square.

For more things to do, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Chongqing trip planner.

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train, taxi, and flight. In May, plan for daily highs up to 80°F, and evening lows to 65°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) to allow time to take a train to Chengdu.

The home of giant pandas for more than two million years, Chengdu's vast human history cowers in comparison to the natural heritage of the area.

Get some historical perspective at Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Jinli Pedestrian Street. Take a break from the city and head to Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi) and Panda Valley. There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Wenshu Yuan Monastery, find something for the whole family at Happy Valley of Chengdu, don't miss a visit to Tianfu Square, and get to know the fascinating history of Kuanzhai Alley.

To find maps, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Chengdu trip builder website.

Getting from Chongqing to Chengdu by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or fly. In May in Chengdu, expect temperatures between 82°F during the day and 65°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight to Lhasa.

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

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Potala Palace and Chimpu Caves. Jokhang Temple and Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si) are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sera Monastery, see Off-Road Tours, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, and don't miss a visit to Barkhor Street.

Find out how to plan Lhasa trip without stress by asking Klarna Trips to help create an itinerary.

Traveling by flight from Chengdu to Lhasa takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Chengdu in May: high temperatures in Lhasa hover around 67°F and lows are around 47°F. You will leave for home on the 28th (Sun).