Please give advice on 21 day Itinerary

Question

Hello,

We are planning a 21 day trip approximately in beginning of June this year and we know that rain may be a factor in our plans. We like our days to be packed with sight seeing and like a moderately hectic itinerary. This is what we approximately want to do and realize that we will also lose time traveling from one place to another by either train or flight. We would have loved to include Guilin but feel that we won't have time. Do you suggest cutting days from any places below and adding anything else. Should we reduce a day in Xian or Chengdu?

We haven't booked anything yet and will probably take another month to book hotels, airfares and other things. Or book by the end of April, will that be too late?

Your inputs are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

3 nights in Shanghai - one day Shanghai city tour and one day Gardens of Suzhou

Fly to Zhanjiajie

4 nights Zhangjiajie - two days Zhangjiajie national park and one day Tianmen Mountain, want to hike Stairway to Heaven

Train to Chengdu

4 nights in Chengdu - one day Panda sanctuary and Leshan Buddha, one day Mount Emei, one day to explore Chengdu

Train to Xian

5 nights in Xian - two days exploring Xianm terracotta warriors etc, One day trip to Huashan Mountain, one day trip to Youngman Grottoes

Train to Beijing

5 nights in Beijing - three days exploring Beijing with Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven etc, one day trip to Datong to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery.

Answer

Hello,

Your 21-day itinerary is ambitious and well-structured, but given the distances and travel times in China, a few adjustments could make it more manageable and enjoyable. Here’s a detailed analysis and advice:

1. Shanghai & Suzhou (3 nights)

3 nights is reasonable. One day in Shanghai city and one day in Suzhou Gardens leaves a buffer day for arrival, jet lag, or exploring a little more of Shanghai.
Consider booking a high-speed train or private transfer to Zhangjiajie to minimize travel fatigue.

2. Zhangjiajie (4 nights)

Two days for Zhangjiajie National Park is adequate, but the “Stairway to Heaven” hike is very demanding. Make sure you are prepared physically; it may take most of a day.
One day for Tianmen Mountain is fine, but consider the cable car option if the weather or stamina is an issue.
Overall, 4 nights is reasonable. Cutting a day here would reduce flexibility for bad weather.

3. Chengdu (4 nights)

One day for the Panda Sanctuary and Leshan Buddha is doable but involves significant travel. Starting early is key.
One day for Mount Emei is realistic; it is a long day trip.
One day for Chengdu city exploration is enough for Wuhou Temple, Jinli Street, and local food.
Consider reducing to 3 nights if you are okay with a slightly rushed schedule and are comfortable skipping either Leshan or Mount Emei.

4. Xi’an (5 nights)

Two days for the Terracotta Warriors and city exploration is sufficient.
One day trip to Huashan Mountain is very demanding; it is a full day trip.
One day for the Yungang Grottoes / Longmen or alternative is very long due to travel time. Consider skipping this if it is logistically difficult.
Possibly reduce Xi’an to 4 nights and allocate saved day to Chengdu or Beijing for more flexibility.

5. Beijing (5 nights)

Three days in Beijing for Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Great Wall is adequate.
One day trip to Datong (Yungang Grottoes / Hanging Monastery) is very long; it can be tiring due to train travel. Consider making it optional or switching to local day trips.

Booking advice:

Booking by the end of April for June is generally acceptable for hotels and trains, but international flights and popular hotels in Zhangjiajie or Beijing may fill up fast, so early booking is recommended.
High-speed train tickets often go on sale 30–45 days in advance. Keep track and book as soon as they are available.

Summary recommendations:

Keep Shanghai 3 nights.
Zhangjiajie 4 nights is fine.
Consider Chengdu 3 nights instead of 4 if you want more buffer for Xi’an or Beijing.
Xi’an 4 nights is sufficient, especially if skipping Yungang Grottoes.
Beijing 5 nights is reasonable, but reconsider Datong day trip.
Overall, this allows a packed yet manageable schedule with less risk of travel fatigue.

With these adjustments, your trip remains ambitious but more comfortable, giving you some flexibility in case of rain or delays.