42 days in China Itinerary

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

Spend the 23rd (Thu) wandering through the wild on Travel China Guide. And it doesn't end there: get engrossed in the history at The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, make a trip to Kaiyuan Square, explore the ancient world of Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qin Dynasty of Xi'an, and contemplate the long history of Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta).

To see maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Xi'an tour planner.

Reykjavik, Iceland to Xi'an is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Reykjavik to Xi'an is 8 hours. Traveling from Reykjavik in May, you will find days in Xi'an are much hotter (30°C), and nights are somewhat warmer (15°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) early enough to 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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sat): explore the striking landscape of Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Upper Seasonal Sea in Jiuzhaigou Valley and then take in the dramatic scenery at Pearl Shoal Waterfalls.

For more things to do, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Jiuzhaigou County attractions planner.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Xi'an to Jiuzhaigou County in 6.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) early enough to travel 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Guanghan Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan (about 1h 5 min away). And it doesn't end there: look for all kinds of wild species at Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi), stop by West China Center of Medical Sciences, take an in-depth tour of Jinsha Site Museum, and stroll around Beihu Park.

To find reviews, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Chengdu trip planning site.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Jiuzhaigou County to Chengdu in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Chengdu are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Wed) to allow time to 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: admire the striking features of Potala Palace, don't miss a visit to Lasa Sanquan Scenic Resort, take in the spiritual surroundings of Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si), and see Off-Road Tours.

To see reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Lhasa trip planner.

Fly from Chengdu to Lhasa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Chengdu in May; daily highs in Lhasa reach 22°C and lows reach 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) 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.

On the 3rd (Mon), get the lay of the land with Walking tours and then make a trip to Old Town of Lijiang - China. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 4th (Tue): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Three Parallel Rivers National Park.

For other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Lijiang trip planner.

Getting from Lhasa to Lijiang by flight takes about 4 hours. Other options: take a bus; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) to allow time to fly to Hong Kong.

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

Explore Hong Kong's surroundings by going to Macau (Macao Museum, Ruins of St. Paul's, &more). Pack the 6th (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Hong Kong Disneyland. Spend the 7th (Fri) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Ocean Park. There's much more to do: enjoy breathtaking views from Victoria Peak (The Peak), indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, take an in-depth tour of Hong Kong Museum of History, and stop by M&B Private Jewelers Hong Kong.

For more things to do, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Hong Kong online road trip planner.

You can fly from Lijiang to Hong Kong in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In June in Hong Kong, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 32°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) to allow time to fly 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Yi County (Dagu Ridge of Huangshan & Huangshan Taoyuan Cavern) and She County (Xuguo Stone Arch & Huangshan Nanqiao Building). And it doesn't end there: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Huangshan, contemplate the long history of Tunxi Mountainous Town, explore the stunning scenery at Xihai Great Canyon, and get great views at Celestial Capital Peak (Tian Du Feng).

To find reviews, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Huangshan trip builder site.

Traveling by flight from Hong Kong to Huangshan takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) so you can catch the 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: don't miss a visit to The Bund (Wai Tan), steep yourself in history at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, admire the striking features of Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu), and get great views at Jin Mao Tower.

Plan a Shanghai trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Take a train from Huangshan to Shanghai in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in June, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can catch the train 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.

Explore Suzhou's surroundings by going to Shaxi Ancient Town (in Taicang) and Xitang Ancient Town (in Jiashan County). There's still lots to do: walk around The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, get to know the fascinating history of Shantang Street, examine the collection at Suzhou Garden Museum, and contemplate the long history of Tongli Town.

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

Getting from Shanghai to Suzhou by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough 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.

Beijing is known for historic sites, sightseeing, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: see Mutianyu Great Wall, don't miss a visit to Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), take some stellar pictures from Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), and take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of Heaven.

Start your trip to Beijing by creating a personalized itinerary on Klarna Trips.

You can fly from Suzhou to Beijing in 4 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In June, daytime highs in Beijing are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can go by car to Luanping County.

On the 29th (Sat), see Jinshanling Great Wall.

To see reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Luanping County online sightseeing planner.

Getting from Beijing to Luanping County by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. You will leave for home on the 30th (Sun).