Seven nights- Beijing + Xian / Gulin/ Zhangjiajie

Question

Hi we are a Sr.couple from Mumbai, planning to spend about a week in China around end-Sept. Starting with Beijing three nights but not sure which place or places to choose next. Thinking of spending two nights each in Gulin and

Zhangjiajie.,skipping Xian but your views will help. Or if that is too hectic we can go straight to Zhangjiajie from Beijing.

Thanks for any response. A tentative itenarry will be a bonus.

Answer

For a seven-night trip in China around the end of September, focusing on Beijing plus either Guilin and Zhangjiajie or just Zhangjiajie, here is a detailed breakdown and recommendations for a senior couple from Mumbai:

1. Beijing (3 nights)

Spend three nights in Beijing to comfortably explore major sights without rushing. Key highlights include:

The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
The Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling section for easier access and less steep paths)
Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and optional Hutong tour

Consider hiring a private car with a driver who can also provide commentary. This is especially helpful for seniors.

2. Option 1: Guilin + Zhangjiajie (2 nights each)

After Beijing, fly to Guilin. Spend two nights here exploring:

Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (half-day or full-day scenic option)
Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill
Yangshuo countryside cycling or short easy walks if desired

Next, travel to Zhangjiajie (either by flight to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport or via high-speed train from Changsha if preferred). Spend two nights in Zhangjiajie exploring:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Avatar Mountains, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain)
Golden Whip Stream for an easy and scenic walk suitable for seniors
Consider taking the cable cars and elevators to minimize climbing

This option provides a richer experience but involves multiple flights, which may be tiring for some seniors.

3. Option 2: Beijing + Zhangjiajie only (5 nights in total)

Skip Guilin to reduce travel stress. After Beijing, fly directly to Zhangjiajie.
With three nights in Zhangjiajie, you can explore the major scenic areas more leisurely:

Avatar Mountains (Yuanjiajie)
Golden Whip Stream and Tianzi Mountain cable car rides
Bailong Elevator and optional glass bridge visit

This is less hectic and allows you to enjoy Zhangjiajie without rushing through flights or multiple transfers.

4. Suggested tentative itinerary (Option 2 – easier)

Day 1: Arrive Beijing, check-in, light city walk
Day 2: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
Day 3: Great Wall (Mutianyu), Summer Palace in the afternoon
Day 4: Flight to Zhangjiajie, check-in, rest
Day 5: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Yuanjiajie, Avatar Mountains, cable cars)
Day 6: Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream (easy walk), Bailong Elevator
Day 7: Optional visit to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge, fly back to Beijing or onward

5. Travel tips:

End of September is a good time: mild weather, less crowded than October Golden Week, and autumn colors may start appearing in Zhangjiajie.
Booking flights early is recommended, especially for internal flights between Beijing and Zhangjiajie or Guilin.
Consider private transfers at airports and scenic areas to minimize walking and waiting times for a comfortable experience.

In summary, for a senior couple, the Beijing + Zhangjiajie itinerary is more relaxed and less hectic, while adding Guilin offers more sightseeing at the cost of extra travel and transfers.