Feedback on China 2 Week Itinerary | First Time Visit

Question

Hello,

I'm planning a trip to China in late May (first time visit). Does the following itinerary seem manageable? My main concern is the amount of time in transit or at the airport.

Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong

Day 2: Hong Kong

Day 3: Hong Kong

Day 4: 3 hour flight to Lijiang

Day 5: Lijiang

Day 6: 1.5 hour train to Shangri-La

Day 7: Shangri-La

Day 8: 2 hour Flight to Chongqing

Day 9: Chongqing

Day 10: 2 hour train ride to Chengdu

Day 11: Chengdu (potential day trip to Emei Mountain)

Day 12: Chengdu

Day 13: 2.5 hour flight back to Hong Kong in the evening in preparation for flight home the following morning

Looks like most people visit Beijing and Xi'an on their first trip. I'm okay skipping those this trip as the Tibetan influence and monasteries in Yunnan is more attractive to me than the Imperial history and Temples in Beijing/Xi'an.

Another option would be to omit Yunnan and explore more rural areas of the Sichuan province. This would replace 2 flights with ground transport.

Let me know what you'd recommend! Thank you,

Answer

Your 2-week China itinerary focusing on Hong Kong, Yunnan, and Sichuan is certainly doable, but it does involve multiple flights and trains, which will require careful planning to minimize transit stress. Given that this is your first visit, your approach of prioritizing Tibetan-influenced regions in Yunnan over the typical Beijing/Xi’an highlights is reasonable and allows a unique cultural experience.

Here’s a breakdown of your proposed itinerary with observations:

Days 1–3: Hong Kong

Three days in Hong Kong is sufficient to cover key highlights, shopping, and local cuisine. Your arrival and acclimatization time on Day 1 is well-placed.

Days 4–7: Lijiang and Shangri-La

The 3-hour flight from Hong Kong to Lijiang is convenient. You’ll have most of Day 4 to settle in.
Lijiang on Day 5 is manageable, with time to explore the Old Town and nearby attractions like Black Dragon Pool or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 6 train to Shangri-La (1.5 hours) is short, leaving plenty of time to explore the town and Tibetan culture.
Day 7 in Shangri-La is adequate for monasteries and scenic viewpoints like Songzanlin Monastery or Tiger Leaping Gorge if you prefer light hiking.

Days 8–12: Chongqing and Chengdu

Flying from Shangri-La to Chongqing (~2 hours) is practical, though consider possible delays or early check-in times.
Chongqing on Day 9 gives time to explore the city, riverfront, and hotpot cuisine. One day is short but feasible for the main highlights.
Train from Chongqing to Chengdu (2 hours) is efficient, allowing you to explore Chengdu’s pandas, Wuhou Shrine, or Jinli Ancient Street on Day 10.
Day 11 for a potential day trip to Mount Emei is ambitious but possible. It will be a long day, especially if including the cable car or summit.
Day 12 in Chengdu allows for a more relaxed pace or additional sightseeing in the city.

Day 13: Return to Hong Kong

Evening flight back to Hong Kong is feasible, giving you one night near the airport to rest before your flight home.
Ensure sufficient buffer time for airport transit and check-in, especially after internal flights.

Alternative option:

Omitting Yunnan and focusing on Sichuan’s rural areas reduces the number of flights and relies on ground transport, which can save transit time but may extend travel times on buses or trains.
This would allow a deeper exploration of Sichuan’s countryside, Tibetan culture in Garze or Aba prefectures, and local villages without repeated airport transfers.
Choosing this option depends on whether you prioritize more relaxed travel versus seeing Yunnan’s unique highlights.

Recommendations:

Your current plan is manageable but involves four flights and two train journeys in two weeks, which can be tiring. Ensure you have airline schedules and connections confirmed.
If you prefer less transit and more immersive experiences, consider focusing on Yunnan or Sichuan separately, rather than combining both extensively in one trip.
Late May is generally pleasant for Yunnan and Sichuan, but check for local weather conditions, especially for high-altitude areas like Shangri-La.

Overall, your itinerary is doable, but be prepared for multiple airport and train transfers. Prioritizing either Yunnan or Sichuan more deeply could reduce transit stress and allow a more relaxed experience.

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