31 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.

Beijing is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Mutianyu Great Wall, take in panoramic vistas at Bell and Drum Towers, take some stellar pictures from Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan), and admire the landmark architecture of The Palace Museum.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Beijing trip planning website.

Washington, USA to Beijing is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. You'll lose 13 hours traveling from Washington to Beijing due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Washington in May, you will find days in Beijing are a bit warmer (83°F), and nights are about the same (56°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can fly to Suzhou.

One of the oldest settlements in the Yangtze basin, Suzhou remains a complex, labyrinthine set of old canal districts, World Heritage gardens, and sprawling modern developments.

Step out of Suzhou with an excursion to Xitang Ancient Town in Jiashan County--about 1h 5 min away. Next up on the itinerary: stroll around The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, stroll through The Lingering Garden, contemplate the long history of Tongli Town, and see the interesting displays at Suzhou Garden Museum.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Suzhou trip planning tool.

You can fly from Beijing to Suzhou in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Tue) so you can take a train 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.

Shanghai is known for sightseeing, shopping, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: go for a walk through The Bund (Wai Tan), see the interesting displays at Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), take in nature's colorful creations at Yu Garden (Yuyuan), and take a stroll through Former French Concession.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read our Shanghai trip builder.

Getting from Suzhou to Shanghai by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Shanghai are 79°F, while nighttime lows are 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) so you can take a 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.

On the 15th (Mon), take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Huangshan and then take in breathtaking views at Xihai Great Canyon.

For more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Huangshan driving holiday planner.

Getting from Shanghai to Huangshan by train takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Hong Kong.

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

Hong Kong is known for sightseeing, shopping, and theme parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in panoramic vistas at Victoria Peak (The Peak), take an in-depth tour of Hong Kong Museum of History, make a trip to Hong Kong Skyline, and indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink.

To see reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Hong Kong travel planning website.

Getting from Huangshan to Hong Kong by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. In May, daytime highs in Hong Kong are 87°F, while nighttime lows are 78°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) to allow time 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.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sun): get the lay of the land with Walking tours and then make a trip to Old Town of Lijiang - China.

For more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Lijiang trip itinerary maker website.

Getting from Hong Kong to Lijiang by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can fly to Lhasa.

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

Lhasa is known for historic sites, wildlife, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in the spiritual surroundings of Potala Palace, get outside with Outdoor Activities, contemplate the long history of Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si), and admire the landmark architecture of Ani Tsankhung Nunnery.

To find traveler tips, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our Lhasa trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Lijiang to Lhasa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. In May, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 47°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 25th (Thu) to allow time for travel to Jiuzhaigou County.

Nine villages make up Jiuzhaigou County, a valley with a wealth of natural sites protected by UNESCO. Some of the natural sites are considered holy by the local Tibetan and Qiang minorities, with many legends and anecdotes associated with each lake, waterfall, off-shoot valley, and snowcapped peak.

On the 26th (Fri), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve.

To see ratings, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Jiuzhaigou County trip itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Lhasa to Jiuzhaigou County in 10 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and taxi; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) so you can travel to Xi'an.

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

Spend the 27th (Sat) wandering through the wild on Travel China Guide. And it doesn't end there: take an in-depth tour of The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, delve into the distant past at Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qin Dynasty of Xi'an, make a trip to Kaiyuan Square, and steep yourself in history at Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta).

To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Xi'an online trip builder.

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Jiuzhaigou County to Xi'an takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. In May, daily temperatures in Xi'an can reach 79°F, while at night they dip to 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Luanping County.

On the 30th (Tue), don't miss a visit to Jinshanling Great Wall.

To see ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Luanping County trip itinerary planning tool.

Getting from Xi'an to Luanping County by combination of flight and bus takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train, bus, and taxi; or drive. You'll set off for home on the 31st (Wed).