43 days in China Itinerary

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Xi'an: Western Han Dynasty Mausoleums (in Xianyang), Red River Valley Forest Park (in Mei County) and Zhuque National Forest Park, Xi'an (in Hu County). And it doesn't end there: 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), delve into the distant past at Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qin Dynasty of Xi'an, and let the kids burn off some steam at Weiyang Lake Amusement Park.

Before you visit Xi'an, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Ulyanovsk, Russia to Xi'an is an approximately 22.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 5 hours traveling from Ulyanovsk to Xi'an. In November, daytime highs in Xi'an are °C, while nighttime lows are °C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) early enough to travel 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 plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Potala Palace, steep yourself in history at Sera Monastery, admire the striking features of Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Lhasa trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by flight from Xi'an to Lhasa takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Xi'an in November, plan for little chillier nights in Lhasa, with lows around °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sun) so you can travel to Emeishan.

A city forever linked with the mountain of the same name, Emeishan sits next to one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China, now a World Heritage Site.

Step out of Emeishan with an excursion to Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo) in Leshan--about 44 minutes away. There's much more to do: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Emei Mountain, take in the spiritual surroundings of Fuhu Temple, explore the ancient world of Baoguo Temple, and make a trip to Heilongjiang Plank Road.

To see more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Emeishan tour itinerary planning site.

Getting from Lhasa to Emeishan by flight takes about 7 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) so you can drive 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 these side-trips from Chengdu: Dujiangyan Irrigation System (in Dujiangyan) and Guanghan Sanxingdui Museum (in Guanghan). Spend the 2nd (Mon) behind the viewfinder with an inspiring photography tour. Next up on the itinerary: look for all kinds of wild species at Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi), shake up your sightseeing with Adventure Access, head outdoors with Kungfu Family, and get engrossed in the history at Jinsha Site Museum.

To find other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Chengdu travel route planner.

Traveling by car from Emeishan to Chengdu takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Chengdu can reach °C, while at night they dip to °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to travel 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 shopping, theme parks, and parks. Your plan 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 stroll around Nan Lian Garden.

To see maps, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, read Hong Kong online trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Chengdu to Hong Kong by flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Chengdu in December: high temperatures in Hong Kong hover around °C and lows are around °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can travel 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Suzhou side-trips: Shaxi Ancient Town (in Taicang), the Xues' Garden (in Wuxi) and Longbeishan Mountain National Forest Park (in Yixing). Next up on the itinerary: walk around The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, steep yourself in history at Tongli Town, appreciate the extensive heritage of Shantang Street, and examine the collection at Suzhou Garden Museum.

For ratings, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, use the Suzhou driving holiday planner.

Traveling by flight from Hong Kong to Suzhou takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel 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 shopping, nightlife, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to The Bund (Wai Tan), examine the collection at Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), take in panoramic vistas at Shanghai World Financial Center, and admire the natural beauty at Yu Garden (Yuyuan).

To see traveler tips, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Shanghai road trip planning site.

Traveling by train from Suzhou to Shanghai takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Shanghai are °C, while nighttime lows are °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel 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, museums, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see Mutianyu Great Wall, examine the collection at The Palace Museum, take an in-depth tour of Lama Temple (Yonghegong), and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To find more things to do, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Beijing trip itinerary planning website.

Fly from Shanghai to Beijing in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Shanghai in December, you will find days in Beijing are slightly colder (°C), and nights are cooler (°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) so you can drive to Luanping County.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Wed): see Jinshanling Great Wall.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Luanping County day trip planning site.

You can drive from Beijing to Luanping County in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.