30 days in China Itinerary

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.

Family-friendly places like The Bund (Wai Tan) and Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu) will thrill your kids. There's much more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Yu Garden (Yuyuan), shop like a local with Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road), see the interesting displays at Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), and look for gifts at Spin Ceramics.

To find photos, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read our Shanghai travel itinerary planner.

Sydney, Australia to Shanghai is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to China Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -2 hour difference. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Sydney in December: high temperatures in Shanghai hover around 13°C and lows are around 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) early enough to catch the train to Huangshan.

Named after the "Yellow Mountains" with which the region has long been associated, Huangshan offers access to UNESCO-listed sites both natural and man-made.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Sat): take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Huangshan and then look for all kinds of wild species at Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark.

To find maps, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Huangshan road trip planning website.

Traveling by train from Shanghai to Huangshan takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sat) to allow time to fly to Beijing.

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.

Family-friendly places like Mutianyu Great Wall and Nature & Wildlife Tours will thrill your kids. And it doesn't end there: get engrossed in the history at The Palace Museum, hit the slopes at Beijing Badaling Ski, see the interesting displays at National Museum Of China, and ponder the world of politics at Temple of Heaven.

For where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read Beijing trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Huangshan to Beijing takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In December, daytime highs in Beijing are 5°C, while nighttime lows are -8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) so you can 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.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Harbin Ice and Snow World and Harbin Forest Park. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, examine the collection at HaErBin GuiHua ZhanLanGuan, and stroll around Jiuzhan Park.

For photos, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Harbin online travel planner.

You can fly from Beijing to Harbin in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Traveling from Beijing in December, things will get much colder in Harbin: highs are around -11°C and lows about -24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) early enough to fly to Xi'an.

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

Bring the kids along to Travel China Guide and The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. And it doesn't end there: delve into the distant past at Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang), don't miss a visit to Muslim Quarter, and steep yourself in history at Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta).

To find ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Xi'an route maker app.

Traveling by flight from Harbin to Xi'an takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Harbin in December, expect Xi'an to be much hotter, temps between 8°C and -5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) early enough to fly 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Lijiang: Yulong County (Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain & Yulong Snow Mountain Ski Area). Spend the 31st (Sun) exploring nature at Three Parallel Rivers National Park. There's still lots to do: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Town of Lijiang - China and step off the mainland to explore Bird Island, Lijiang.

To see reviews, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Lijiang route planner.

Traveling by flight from Xi'an to Lijiang takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Hong Kong.

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

Kids will enjoy Hong Kong Disneyland and Victoria Peak (The Peak). Step out of Hong Kong with an excursion to Ruins of St. Paul's in Macau--about 1h 20 min away. Spend the 4th (Thu) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Ocean Park. The adventure continues: step off the mainland to explore Lantau island, get curious at Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, walk around Nan Lian Garden, and don't miss a visit to Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

To find photos, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Hong Kong holiday planner.

Traveling by flight from Lijiang to Hong Kong takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In January, daily temperatures in Hong Kong can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Mon) so you can fly back home.