First time in China: itinerary in April

Question

Hello everyone,

we have found very cheap tickets for the 2 mid weeks of April (11th-27th).

We will arrive to Bejing around midday of the 11th and depart early morning from Chengdu on the 28th and then the same day fly back Europe from Bejing (same ticket reservation).

Therefore, we have from the 11th to the 27th and we need now to build an itinerary.

We would like to include, if feasible:

-Zhangjiajie national park

-Guilin and Yangshou area

-Chonquing

Do you have some suggestions on how to create an itinerary with some of these destination?

We have made extensive researches and we are not so interested in Xi'an.

Thanks!

Answer

For a first-time trip to China in April with your specified destinations (Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Guilin/Yangshuo, and Chongqing), you have about 16 days, which allows for a relaxed but comprehensive itinerary focusing on nature, city, and cultural experiences.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1 (April 11) – Arrival in Beijing: Arrive around midday, check in, rest, and if time allows, enjoy a short evening stroll around Wangfujing or the nearby hutongs.
Days 2–4 – Beijing: Visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and spend a full day at the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling section). Consider an evening at a traditional Peking Duck restaurant or a cultural performance like Beijing Opera.
Day 5 – Beijing to Zhangjiajie: Fly to Zhangjiajie (approx. 3 hours). Check into a hotel near the park entrance.
Days 6–8 – Zhangjiajie National Park: Explore Avatar Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie, and Golden Whip Stream. Use cable cars and park shuttle buses to minimize walking strain. This allows a full experience of the park without rushing.
Day 9 – Zhangjiajie to Chongqing: Fly or take a high-speed train (flight ~1h; train ~5–6h). Afternoon arrival and light exploration of Chongqing, maybe a Yangtze River night cruise.
Day 10 – Chongqing: Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, explore local street food, or do a short day trip to Wulong Karst for natural scenery.
Day 11 – Chongqing to Guilin: Fly to Guilin (approx. 1.5–2 hours) and check into the hotel.
Days 12–14 – Guilin and Yangshuo: Explore Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin, then transfer to Yangshuo for Li River cruise, countryside cycling, and visiting Moon Hill. Spend 2 nights in Yangshuo for a relaxed pace.
Day 15 – Guilin to Chengdu: Fly to Chengdu (approx. 2 hours). Evening at leisure in Chengdu city.
Days 16–17 – Chengdu: Visit the Giant Panda Base early in the morning, Wuhou Temple, Jinli Ancient Street, and enjoy Sichuan cuisine. Optionally, a day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha if time allows.
Day 18 (April 28) – Departure: Early morning flight from Chengdu back to Beijing for your connecting flight to Europe. Ensure enough buffer time for domestic transfer.

Tips and Recommendations:

Flights are recommended between major destinations (Beijing → Zhangjiajie → Chongqing → Guilin → Chengdu) to save time compared to trains.
Consider booking accommodations near park entrances and train/airport terminals to reduce commuting time.
In Zhangjiajie and Yangshuo, allow flexibility for rest and slower-paced exploration, as both areas involve outdoor walking and uneven terrain.
Check local weather in April: Beijing may still be cool, while the southern areas (Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chongqing) are warmer and humid, so pack accordingly.

This itinerary balances sightseeing, nature, and cultural immersion, while avoiding over-packing your schedule. It also minimizes frequent hotel changes, helping maintain a comfortable pace throughout your two-week trip.

First time in China: itinerary in April

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