April itinerary doubt

Question

Hello everyone we are planning our upcoming trip to China in April.

The first part of the trip is Beijing (5 days), Zhangjiajie (3 full days) and Guilin (4 days) after which we arrive to two possible scenarios'

1) guilin to chonquing (train)-wulong karst- Chengdu (two full days in the city)+ last one departing from Chengdu.

2) late night fly Guilin-chengdu (Flight at 22.00) + 5 full days in Chengdu area which would include Jiuzhaigou National park.

Which one would you choose???

We live in Italy and on one side we would be more familiar with the scenery of Jiuzhaigou mountains and lakes so that's why we may think to visit something more particular like chonquing and wulong.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Answer

Both itinerary options have their unique advantages, and the choice largely depends on what kind of experience you want to prioritize in the second part of your trip. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Option 1: Guilin → Chongqing → Wulong → Chengdu (2 days)

This route focuses on exploring more off-the-beaten-path natural scenery and urban life in southwest China.

Chongqing: A bustling city with unique hilly terrain and riverside landscapes. It offers a very different urban experience compared to Beijing or Guilin. You can enjoy local hotpot cuisine and the city’s vibrant night views.
Wulong Karst: Famous for dramatic karst formations, natural bridges, and caves. It’s an excellent choice if you want to experience geological wonders and less-touristy landscapes.
Chengdu: With two full days, you can explore the city’s cultural highlights, including Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, and possibly the panda research base. This option gives you a mix of natural and urban experiences but only a short Chengdu stay.

Pros of this option include diversity in scenery (urban, karst landscapes) and fewer crowds compared to major tourist destinations like Jiuzhaigou. However, travel between Guilin, Chongqing, and Chengdu can be time-consuming and may feel rushed.

Option 2: Guilin → Chengdu (late night flight) → 5 full days in Chengdu area including Jiuzhaigou

This route emphasizes exploring natural wonders in depth.

Jiuzhaigou National Park: Famous for its stunning lakes, waterfalls, and colorful forests. April is a good time with spring scenery, though some higher-altitude areas might still be chilly.
Chengdu area: You’ll have more flexibility to explore Chengdu itself, including nearby towns, local food culture, and possibly smaller natural parks.
Less travel stress: Flying at night allows you to maximize your time in Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou without spending long hours on trains or buses.

Pros of this option include more relaxed pacing and a deep dive into Jiuzhaigou’s landscapes. The main downside is missing the distinctive Wulong karst landscapes and Chongqing city experience, which are less familiar to most travelers.

Considering you are coming from Italy and might be more familiar with mountainous and lake scenery, Option 1 offers a fresh experience with Wulong and Chongqing that contrasts with what you have seen in Europe. However, if your priority is iconic natural beauty with less hassle, Option 2 is safer and more relaxed, giving you ample time in Jiuzhaigou and Chengdu.

Recommendation:

Choose Option 1 if you want to explore more unique and less-touristy landscapes, enjoy city contrasts, and don’t mind tighter travel schedules.
Choose Option 2 if you prefer a relaxed pace, want to focus on the natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou, and minimize long-distance travel stress.

Ultimately, it depends on whether your priority is diverse experiences or in-depth natural exploration. Both options are feasible, but Option 1 gives a sense of adventure and discovery, while Option 2 emphasizes comfort and iconic scenery.

April itinerary doubt

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