China

🏨 Where to Stay

• Beijing: Dongcheng (near Forbidden City), Wangfujing.
  
  

• Xi’an: Beilin District (near Bell Tower), Qujiang.
  
  

• Chengdu: Jinjiang District, Chunxi Road area.
  
  

• Guilin/Yangshuo: Guilin City Center or Yangshuo West Street area.
  
  

• Shanghai: Huangpu District (The Bund), French Concession.
  
  

• Suzhou/Hangzhou: Near the old town or scenic lake areas.
  
  

🚄 Transportation

• High-Speed Rail (CRH): Fast and efficient for intercity travel.
  
  

• Domestic Flights: Recommended for long distances (Beijing to Xi’an, Guilin to Shanghai).
  
  

• Metro/Subway: Affordable & convenient in major cities.
  
  

• Taxis/Didi (Chinese Uber): Reliable in urban areas.
  
  

• Private Drivers/Tours: Ideal for rural areas (e.g., Longji Rice Terraces).
  
  

📅 15-Day China Itinerary

Days 1-4: Beijing

• Day 1: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park.
  
  

• Day 2: Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Hutong tour.
  
  

• Day 3: Great Wall (Mutianyu section for fewer crowds).
  
  

• Day 4: Lama Temple, 798 Art District, evening Peking Duck dinner.
  
  

Days 5-6: Xi’an

• Day 5: Bullet train to Xi’an. Visit the Ancient City Wall, Bell & Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter.
  
  

• Day 6: Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Dynasty Show.
  
  

Days 7-9: Chengdu & Panda Encounter

• Day 7: Flight to Chengdu. Explore People’s Park, Kuan & Zhai Alleys.
  
  

• Day 8: Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
  
  

• Day 9: Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Qingcheng.
  
  

Days 10-11: Guilin & Yangshuo

• Day 10: Fly to Guilin. Explore Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill.
  
  

• Day 11: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, cycling tour through karst landscapes.
  
  

Days 12-13: Shanghai

• Day 12: Arrival in Shanghai. Visit The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road.
  
  

• Day 13: Shanghai Tower, French Concession, Tianzifang, evening Huangpu River Cruise.
  
  

Day 14: Suzhou or Hangzhou (Day Trip)

• Suzhou: Classical Gardens (Humble Administrator's Garden), Tiger Hill, silk factories.
  
  

• Hangzhou: West Lake boat ride, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea plantations.
  
  

Day 15: Departure & Free Exploration

• Last-minute shopping in Shanghai, relax at Jing’an Temple or stroll along Xintiandi before departure.
  
  

💡 Travel Tips for China

• Visa: Check visa requirements and apply in advance.
  
  

• Language: Translation apps (Baidu Translate or Google Translate) are essential. English is limited outside tourist areas.
  
  

• Connectivity: Get a Chinese SIM card or portable Wi-Fi. Use VPN for unrestricted internet access.
  
  

• Payments: Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are ubiquitous. Carry some cash for small vendors.
  
  

• Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially in temples and historic sites.
  
  

• Air Quality: Check AQI apps, especially in winter.
  
  

• Apps to Download: Didi, Baidu Maps, Ctrip/Trip.com for bookings.
  
  

• Food to Try: Peking Duck (Beijing), Biang Biang Noodles (Xi’an), Hotpot (Chengdu), Dim Sum (Shanghai), and Guilin Rice Noodles.
  
  

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather.