17 days in China Itinerary

As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing stands at the heart of Chinese history, buzzing with the energy of its high population density and centuries of importance.

Popular historic sites such as Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) and Bell and Drum Towers are in your itinerary. Museum-lovers will get to explore The Palace Museum and 798 Art Zone. There's much more to do: explore the activities along Back Lakes (Hou Hai), ponder the world of politics at Temple of Heaven, admire the landmark architecture of Meridian Gate (Wu Men), and get engrossed in the history at Lama Temple (Yonghegong).

To see traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Beijing trip itinerary builder tool.

Tokyo, Japan to Beijing is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, ferry, car, and bus. Traveling from Tokyo to Beijing, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. While traveling from Tokyo, expect a bit warmer days and a bit cooler nights in Beijing, ranging from highs of 83°F to lows of 56°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Zhangjiajie.

The city of Zhangjiajie has become particularly well known for its striking surrounding landscape.

Step off the beaten path and head to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park and Tianzi Mountain. Take a break from the city and head to Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Zhangjiajie and Nature & Wildlife Tours.

For where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Zhangjiajie trip planner.

You can fly from Beijing to Zhangjiajie in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can fly to Xi'an.

Historians often describe Xi'an, capital city for over a dozen dynasties, as the birthplace of Chinese civilization.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sun): take an in-depth tour of The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses and then get engrossed in the history at Shaanxi History Museum. On your second day here, get a dose of the wild on Travel China Guide.

For photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Xi'an itinerary builder app.

You can fly from Zhangjiajie to Xi'an in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In May in Xi'an, expect temperatures between 79°F during the day and 56°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) to allow enough time to fly to Lhasa.

The capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa possesses a wealth of Tibetan Buddhist sites of historical and cultural importance.

Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple will appeal to history buffs. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si). The adventure continues: get to know the fascinating history of Barkhor Street, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, see Off-Road Tours, and do sightseeing your way with Private Tours.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Lhasa trip website.

Fly from Xi'an to Lhasa in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Xi'an in May, with highs in Lhasa at 67°F and lows at 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can fly to Sanya.

The climate and coastline bring visitors from far and wide on vacations to Sanya, with its 40 km (25 mi) of shoreline almost entirely devoted to tourism.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Yalong Bay and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nanshan Temple.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Sanya road trip website.

Traveling by flight from Lhasa to Sanya takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Expect much warmer temperatures when traveling from Lhasa in May; daily highs in Sanya reach 89°F and lows reach 76°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Shanghai.

With a nickname like the "Pearl of the Orient," it's not surprising Shanghai offers some of the most rewarding attractions and activities in the Far East.

On the 26th (Sun), see the interesting displays at Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), then contemplate the long history of Soong Ching-ling Memorial Residence, then see the interesting displays at Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, and finally get to know the fascinating history of The Bund (Wai Tan).

To see ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Shanghai online journey maker.

You can fly from Sanya to Shanghai in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Sanya in May, expect Shanghai to be slightly colder, temps between 79°F and 64°F. On the 27th (Mon), you're off to home.