THE ROUTE COLLECTION

Find your journey.

From a city introduction to a longer journey, start with the places and pace that speak to you.

217 STARTING POINTS

Where to
next?

These are sample itineraries. Tell us what matters most to you and we’ll discuss the practical details.

01 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Essential Shanghai in 2 Days A full city introduction, followed by a slower day in a water town. Shanghai 02 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Beijing Classics in 3 Days The imperial city, the Great Wall and the quieter rhythm of old Beijing. Beijing 03 / JOURNEY IDEA 4 days Beijing & the Summer Palace in 4 Days Keep the classic landmarks and add a full day for lakeside palace gardens. Beijing 04 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Essential Xi’an in 2 Days Meet the terracotta warriors, then explore the living city within and beyond its walls. Xi’an 05 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Luoyang Heritage in 2 Days Buddhist sculpture, temple courtyards and the atmosphere of an old capital. Luoyang 06 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Zhangjiajie Mountains in 3 Days Two days among the forest pillars and a separate day for Tianmen Mountain. Wulingyuan · Zhangjiajie 07 / JOURNEY IDEA 4 days Zhangjiajie & the Glass Bridge in 4 Days Add the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge without cutting the forest park short. Wulingyuan · Zhangjiajie 08 / JOURNEY IDEA Half-day experience Zhangjiajie: A Tujia Brocade Half-Day A city-based craft visit in Yongding, separate from Zhangjiajie’s full-day mountain visits. Discover Xilankapu and choose one guided making activity. Zhangjiajie · Yongding District 09 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Chengdu & Pandas in 2 Days A gentle introduction to pandas, tea and Chengdu street life. Chengdu 10 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Chengdu & Leshan in 3 Days Chengdu’s pandas and neighbourhoods, with a dedicated Giant Buddha day. Chengdu 11 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Chongqing City in 2 Days A vertical city of riverfront lights, monorails and old neighbourhoods. Chongqing 12 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Dazu Rock Carvings: A Cultural Day from Chongqing Read the carved stories at Baodingshan, with Beishan as an optional deeper chapter. Chongqing · Dazu 13 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Chongqing & Wulong in 3 Days Pair the city’s dramatic skyline with a full day beneath natural stone bridges. Chongqing 14 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Western Sichuan Small Loop · 5 Days A compact circuit through mountain valleys, Tibetan villages and Tagong grasslands. Siguniangshan · Danba · Tagong · Xinduqiao · Chengdu 15 / JOURNEY IDEA 7 days Western Sichuan & Yading · 7 Days A longer road journey through Kangding and Litang, with two days around Yading. Kangding · Xinduqiao · Shangri-La Town, Yading · Chengdu 16 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Dali & Lijiang · 5 Days Lake shores, old towns and mountain scenery without changing hotels every day. Dali · Lijiang 17 / JOURNEY IDEA 7 days Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La · 7 Days Follow northwest Yunnan from lakes and Naxi old towns towards Tibetan highland culture. Dali · Lijiang · Shangri-La 18 / JOURNEY IDEA 7 days Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai · 7 Days An energetic first look at three very different Chinese cities. Beijing · Xi’an · Shanghai 19 / JOURNEY IDEA 9 days Essential China & Zhangjiajie · 9 Days A brisk introduction to Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai, combining historic landmarks with two full days in the sandstone mountains. Beijing · Xi’an · Zhangjiajie · Shanghai 20 / JOURNEY IDEA 12 days Classic China & Zhangjiajie · 12 Days A first journey across China: Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai, with time for both cultural landmarks and mountain scenery. Beijing · Xi’an · Zhangjiajie · Shanghai 21 / JOURNEY IDEA 4 days Lhasa Culture · 4 Days A gentle arrival and two days of Lhasa landmarks and monasteries. Lhasa 22 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Lhasa Monasteries · 5 Days A slower Lhasa visit with a day for Ganden Monastery and Drak Yerpa. Lhasa 23 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake · 5 Days Lhasa culture followed by a full-day excursion around Yamdrok Lake. Lhasa 24 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Nyingchi Spring Blossoms · 5 Days A seasonal Nyingchi route combining flowering valleys, Lulang and Basum Tso. Nyingchi · Lulang · Bomi · Lhasa 25 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Nyingchi Lakes & Glaciers · 5 Days A Nyingchi circuit linking Lulang, Ranwu Lake, Laigu Glacier and Basum Tso. Nyingchi · Lulang · Ranwu · Lhasa 26 / JOURNEY IDEA 6 days Lhasa & Shigatse · 6 Days Lhasa’s main cultural sites, Yamdrok and Karola on the way to Shigatse. Lhasa · Shigatse 27 / JOURNEY IDEA 6 days Lhasa & Namtso · 6 Days Three nights in Lhasa before a two-day Namtso Lake circuit. Lhasa · Damxung / Namtso area 28 / JOURNEY IDEA 7 days Tibet 7 Days · A: Lhasa & Sacred Lakes A Lhasa-based journey with Yamdrok and a separate overnight approach to Namtso. Lhasa · Damxung 29 / JOURNEY IDEA 7 days Tibet 7 Days · B: Central Tibet Connect Lhasa with Yamdrok, Gyantse and the monastery city of Shigatse. Lhasa · Gyantse · Shigatse 30 / JOURNEY IDEA 7 days Central Tibet & Shigatse · 7 Days Lhasa culture, a Namtso day, Yamdrok and Shigatse, then a final Lhasa day. Lhasa · Shigatse 31 / JOURNEY IDEA 8 days Lhasa to Everest · 8 Days Lhasa, Yamdrok and Shigatse before an overnight journey to Everest. Lhasa · Shigatse · Everest area 32 / JOURNEY IDEA 8 days Shigatse & Namtso · 8 Days Combine central Tibet’s monasteries and glacier route with Namtso Lake. Lhasa · Shigatse · Damxung / Namtso area 33 / JOURNEY IDEA 8 days Nyingchi, Shannan & Lhasa · 8 Days A varied eastern Tibet route through Nyingchi, Shannan, Lhasa and Yamdrok. Lhasa · Nyingchi · Shannan 34 / JOURNEY IDEA 9 days Nyingchi, Shannan, Lhasa & Namtso · 9 Days The eastern Tibet circuit with an extra Namtso Lake day. Lhasa · Nyingchi · Shannan 35 / JOURNEY IDEA 10 days Everest & Namtso · 10 Days Extend the Everest loop with a separate journey to the northern plateau and Namtso. Lhasa · Shigatse · Rongbuk area · Damxung 36 / JOURNEY IDEA 10 days Nyingchi to Shigatse · 10 Days Nyingchi and Shannan culture, central Tibet’s glacier road, and Namtso. Lhasa · Nyingchi · Shannan · Shigatse 37 / JOURNEY IDEA 10 days Sichuan–Tibet G318 · 10 Days Travel overland from Chengdu through the G318 mountain corridor to Lhasa. Chengdu · Yajiang · Cuopu Valley area · Markam · Basu · Bomi · Nyingchi · Lhasa 38 / JOURNEY IDEA 11 days Yading & Sichuan–Tibet G318 · 11 Days Chengdu to Lhasa overland, with a Yading visit before the G318 crossing. Chengdu · Xinduqiao · Shangri-La Town, Yading · Markam · Basu · Bomi · Nyingchi · Lhasa 39 / JOURNEY IDEA 12 days Tibet Discovery & Everest · 12 Days A fuller eastern and central Tibet circuit reaching Everest before Namtso. Lhasa · Nyingchi · Shannan · Shigatse · Everest area 40 / JOURNEY IDEA 15 days Everest & Kailash Pilgrimage · 15 Days A specialist high-altitude journey with the three-day Kailash circuit. Lhasa · Shigatse · Everest area · Saga · Darchen · Driapuk area · Dzultripuk area · Gyirong · Tingri 41 / JOURNEY IDEA 17 days Western Tibet & Guge · 17 Days Everest, western Tibet’s Guge heritage and the Mount Kailash circuit. Lhasa · Shigatse · Everest area · Saga · Darchen · Guge area · Driapuk area · Dzultripuk area · Gyirong · Tingri 42 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Suzhou Gardens & Canals in 1 Day Pair the Humble Administrator’s Garden with Pingjiang Road in one Suzhou day, exploring framed views, water and old-city lanes without adding Tongli. Suzhou 43 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Suzhou & Tongli in 2 Days Explore Suzhou’s classical garden and Pingjiang canals, then spend a separate day in Tongli, with transfers and time to compare city lanes and water-town life. Suzhou · Tongli 44 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Wuxi Heritage in 1 Day Old lanes and garden scenery at the foot of Huishan. Wuxi 45 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Wuxi & Lake Taihu in 2 Days Bring together Huishan’s heritage and a day by Lake Taihu. Wuxi 46 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Nanjing Walls & Waterways in 1 Day Explore a selected Ming city-wall section and the Qinhuai riverside in one Nanjing day; keep the wooded Ming Xiaoling mausoleum for a longer stay. Nanjing 47 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Yangzhou Lake & Garden in 1 Day A focused introduction to Slender West Lake and He Garden. Yangzhou 48 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Yangzhou Gardens & Canal Culture in 2 Days Give the lake, two different gardens and Yangzhou food their own time. Yangzhou 49 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Qufu: Confucius in 1 Day Read the temple and mansion as two parts of one cultural landscape. Qufu 50 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Qufu’s Three Kong Sites in 2 Days Visit Qufu’s Confucius Temple, Kong Family Mansion and family cemetery over two days, following ritual, family life and remembrance at an unhurried pace. Qufu 51 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Nanjing Ming Heritage in 2 Days Connect Nanjing’s Ming city wall and Qinhuai riverside with a separate day at Ming Xiaoling, allowing time for the wooded approach and stone figures. Nanjing 52 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Qingzhou: Buddhist Art & Old Lanes in 1 Day A museum-led day with time for the Qingzhou Smile and the old city. Qingzhou 53 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Qingzhou: Sculpture, Old City & Mountain in 2 Days Stay overnight in Qingzhou, then choose Yunmen Mountain or a gentler garden day. Qingzhou 54 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Tiantai: Poetry & Temple Landscapes in 2 Days Meet the Hanshan–Shide story at Guoqing Temple, then give the mountain landscape its own day. Guoqing Temple · Shiliang Waterfall · Tiantai Mountain 55 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shaoxing: Orchid Pavilion & Calligraphy in 1 Day An unhurried introduction to Wang Xizhi, writing and the Shaoxing landscape. Shaoxing · Orchid Pavilion 56 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Xinchang: Dafo Temple & the Poetry Road in 1 Day Use Dafo Temple as an introduction to Xinchang and the Tianmu Mountain literary landscape. Xinchang · Dafo Temple 57 / JOURNEY IDEA 6 days Eastern Zhejiang Poetry Road in 6 Days Follow the historical cultural corridor from Hangzhou and Shaoxing by way of Shengzhou and Xinchang to Tiantai. Hangzhou · Xixing · Shaoxing · Shengzhou · Xinchang · Tiantai 58 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Along the Fuchun River: Painting & Seclusion in 3 Days Connect Huang Gongwang in Fuyang with river scenery and Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace in Tonglu. Hangzhou · Fuyang · Tonglu · Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace 59 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Tonglu: Fuchun River & Yan Ziling in 2 Days A shorter river chapter with time for the fishing terrace and its literary history. Tonglu · Fuchun River · Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace 60 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Hangzhou Lake & Temple in 1 Day A classic introduction to West Lake and Lingyin’s Buddhist heritage. Hangzhou 61 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Hangzhou & Longjing Tea in 2 Days Spend two days with West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Longjing tea country, keeping the village tasting separate from the lake-and-temple day. Hangzhou 62 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Jingdezhen Porcelain in 1 Day An introduction to the porcelain city, from imperial kiln heritage to contemporary makers. Jingdezhen 63 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Jingdezhen Craft & Kilns in 2 Days Take another day to follow the making process and leave room for your own creative interests. Jingdezhen 64 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mount Sanqingshan in 1 Day A full mountain day among granite peaks and forested ridges. Shangrao 65 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Sanqingshan & Wuyuan in 2 Days Pair a mountain walk with a separate day in Huangling’s hillside village. Shangrao · Sanqingshan · Wuyuan 66 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Hongcun & Xidi in 1 Day Compare Hongcun’s water-shaped lanes and Xidi’s gateways in one Huizhou village day, with a local lunch and no Mount Huangshan climb. Huangshan · Hongcun · Xidi 67 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Mount Huangshan in 2 Days Stay on the mountain for more time among granite ridges and pines. Huangshan 68 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Huangshan & Huizhou Villages in 3 Days Combine Hongcun and Xidi with two days on Mount Huangshan, including a mountain overnight and realistic time for cableways, steps and transfers. Huangshan · Hongcun · Xidi · Mount Huangshan 69 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Dunhuang Caves & Dunes in 2 Days Give Mogao’s cave art and the Crescent Lake dunes separate days in Dunhuang, shaped around reserved cave access, weather and your walking pace. Dunhuang 70 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Dunhuang & the Desert Frontier in 3 Days Go beyond the oasis to Yumen Pass and the sculpted landscapes of the western desert. Dunhuang · Yumen Pass · Yardang 71 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Zhangye Heritage & Danxia in 1 Day A city temple and a striking introduction to the colourful hills. Zhangye 72 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Zhangye & Mati Temple in 2 Days Add cliffside Buddhist caves and Qilian foothill scenery to the Danxia landscapes. Zhangye 73 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Datong Buddhist Art in 1 Day Compare Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple in a focused Datong day, with transfers and a lunch break between cave sculpture and timber halls. Datong 74 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Datong & Yingxian in 2 Days Add cliffside architecture and the great timber pagoda to Datong’s Buddhist heritage. Datong · Hunyuan · Yingxian 75 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Taiyuan & Jinci in 1 Day A focused introduction to Shanxi through historic temple grounds and museum collections. Taiyuan 76 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Pingyao Merchant Town in 1 Day Walk through the lanes, courtyards and commercial stories of a historic walled town. Pingyao 77 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Pingyao & Painted Temples in 2 Days Add Shuanglin and Zhenguo to an unhurried exploration of the old town. Pingyao 78 / JOURNEY IDEA 7 days Shanxi Ancient Architecture in 7 Days Travel south from Datong through Yingxian, Wutai County and Taiyuan to Pingyao, comparing cave art, timber temples, painted sculpture and merchant streets. Datong · Hunyuan · Yingxian · Wutai County · Taiyuan · Pingyao 79 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Terracotta Army & Huaqing Palace in 1 Day A full day on Xi’an’s eastern imperial corridor. Xi’an 80 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Xi’an History & Tang Evenings in 3 Days Combine imperial archaeology, museum collections and the illuminated Tang quarter. Xi’an 81 / JOURNEY IDEA 4 days Xi’an Tang Culture in 4 Days Allow time for the museum, pagoda district and Tang Paradise as well as the warriors. Xi’an 82 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Xi’an & Mount Huashan in 5 Days Four relaxed cultural days and a dramatic mountain extension. Xi’an · Huashan 83 / JOURNEY IDEA 6 days Shaanxi Heritage, Huashan & Famen in 6 Days An Xi’an-based journey through imperial history, a sacred mountain and Buddhist heritage. Xi’an · Huashan · Fufeng 84 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mount Huashan in 1 Day Cable cars and a tailored walk among the granite peaks. Xi’an · Huayin 85 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days An Unhurried Huashan Escape in 2 Days Stay near the mountain before a full day of summit scenery. Huayin 86 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Famen Temple from Xi’an in 1 Day Follow the story of Tang Buddhist patronage west to Fufeng County. Xi’an · Fufeng 87 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Zhongnan Mountains: Buddhist & Daoist Traditions in 2 Days Step beyond Xi’an into a landscape of wooded slopes, Buddhist discipline and Daoist thought. Xi’an · Zhongnan Mountains · Louguantai 88 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Baoji Bronzes & Famen Temple in 2 Days Explore Baoji’s ritual bronzes on one day and Famen Temple’s Buddhist heritage on the next, with time for the road to Fufeng. Baoji · Fufeng 89 / JOURNEY IDEA 15 days The Chan Journey: In the Footsteps of the Six Patriarchs Explore the places associated with China’s six Chan patriarchs, from Mount Song through Nanjing, Anhui and Huangmei to Shaoguan and Guangzhou, with neighbouring sites grouped into regional chapters. Dengfeng · Nanjing · Yuexi · Qianshan · Huangmei · Shaoguan · Guangzhou 90 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Lanzhou & the Yellow River in 1 Day A museum introduction to Gansu and a walk beside its great river. Lanzhou 91 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Historic Wuwei in 1 Day Leitai and Confucian courtyards in the eastern Hexi Corridor. Wuwei 92 / JOURNEY IDEA 17 days Buddhism Along the Silk Roads: Kucha to Luoyang A 17-day west-to-east journey connecting Buddhist cave art, translation centres and living temple sites from Kucha to Luoyang. Kuqa · Turpan · Dunhuang · Zhangye · Wuwei · Lanzhou · Tianshui · Xi’an · Luoyang 93 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Jiayuguan Frontier Heritage in 1 Day Take time to explore the gateways and ramparts of the famous fortress. Jiayuguan 94 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Tianshui & Maijishan in 2 Days Buddhist sculpture on a cliff face and the courtyards of Fuxi Temple. Tianshui 95 / JOURNEY IDEA 9 days Gansu & the Hexi Corridor in 9 Days Follow the classic Silk Road corridor from the Yellow River to the caves and dunes of Dunhuang. Lanzhou · Wuwei · Zhangye · Jiayuguan · Dunhuang 96 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Lushan Mountain in 1 Day A flexible first look at the mountain’s scenery and cultural layers. Mount Lu 97 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Yandangshan Peaks & Valleys in 1 Day A measured introduction to two of Yandangshan’s best-known landscapes. Yandangshan 98 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mount Tai & Dai Temple in 1 Day Explore the mountain’s imperial and pilgrimage history at a manageable pace. Mount Tai 99 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Nanyue Hengshan in 1 Day Temple culture and a mountain walk on China’s southern Great Peak. Mount Heng (Hunan) 100 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Northern Hengshan & Hunyuan in 1 Day A northern mountain day with the Hanging Temple as a nearby extension. Mount Heng (Shanxi) 101 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mount Wutai Temples in 1 Day An introductory temple day for travellers with limited time. Mount Wutai 102 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mount Emei Temples in 1 Day A gentle introduction to Emei’s lower-mountain Buddhist landscape. Mount Emei 103 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mount Jiuhua Temples in 1 Day Explore temples around Jiuhua Street in a focused Mount Jiuhua day, with optional gentle walking and time to understand Ksitigarbha pilgrimage traditions. Mount Jiuhua 104 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mount Putuo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Temples and island scenery in a carefully paced day. Mount Putuo 105 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Guangzhou: Cantonese Culture in 1 Day Carved halls, Xiguan streets and time for a Cantonese tea table. Guangzhou 106 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Guilin to Yangshuo: Two Rivers in 2 Days Follow the Li River, then slow down in the Yulong countryside. Guilin · Yangshuo 107 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Gulangyu: An Island History in 1 Day A walking day through the architecture, gardens and lanes of Gulangyu. Xiamen 108 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Qingdao: Coast & Architecture in 2 Days Follow the bay from old-city streets to the quieter lanes of Badaguan. Qingdao 109 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Shenyang: Before Beijing in 2 Days An early Qing palace and a second day among the imperial tomb landscape. Shenyang 110 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Harbin: Architecture & Local Life in 1 Day A season-aware city walk around Saint Sophia, Central Street and the river. Harbin 111 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Hohhot: Temples & Local Culture in 2 Days Dazhao, the Five Pagoda Temple and time for the city around them. Hohhot 112 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Ordos: A Day in the Kubuqi Landscape A desert day shaped around scenery, light and your preferred level of activity. Ordos 113 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Hulunbuir: A Grassland Day from Hailar A gentle first encounter with meadow landscapes and the Morigele area. Hailar 114 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shaolin & Mount Song: A Day from Zhengzhou Temple history and Chinese kung fu in the landscape of Dengfeng. Zhengzhou · Dengfeng 115 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Zhengzhou & Shaolin in 2 Days Connect Henan Museum’s ancient objects with Dengfeng’s living traditions. Zhengzhou · Dengfeng 116 / JOURNEY IDEA 4 days Henan: Ancient Capitals & Kung Fu in 4 Days A westward journey from Zhengzhou through Dengfeng to Luoyang. Zhengzhou · Dengfeng · Luoyang 117 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Kunming: Green Lake & Yunnan Flavours Lakeside mornings, older streets and regional food make Kunming more than a transport stop. Kunming 118 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Dali: Lake Shores & Bai Culture Dali brings together Bai cultural traditions, old-town lanes and the open shore of Erhai. Dali 119 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Lijiang: Waterways & Naxi Stories Follow the channels through Lijiang’s old town, then look beyond the busy lanes towards Naxi cultural histories and the surrounding mountain landscape. Lijiang 120 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shangri-La: Songzanlin & Dukezong Monastery halls, plateau light and the lanes of Dukezong give Shangri-La a different character from lower-altitude Yunnan. Shangri-La 121 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Jinghong: Dai Culture in Jinghong Jinghong is a gateway to a warmer, greener Yunnan, where Dai cultural traditions, Buddhist temples and tropical gardens shape a very different journey from Dali or Lijiang. Jinghong · Xishuangbanna 122 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Quanzhou: Temple, Port & Old Streets Quanzhou’s maritime past is visible in religious buildings, stonework and streets that still carry everyday life. Quanzhou 123 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Fuzhou: Courtyards & Jasmine Tea Fuzhou invites a slower reading of traditional urban life. Fuzhou 124 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Wuyishan: River Scenery & Rock Tea Wuyishan connects a striking river landscape with rock-tea traditions and the history of Chinese thought. Wuyishan 125 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shenzhen: Design & the Modern City Shenzhen offers a window onto contemporary urban China: a changing skyline, public parks and neighbourhoods shaped by rapid growth. Shenzhen 126 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Foshan: Martial Heritage & Living Craft Foshan brings lion dance, martial-arts histories and Lingnan craft traditions into the same conversation. Foshan 127 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Chaozhou: Old Streets & Gongfu Tea Chaozhou rewards attention to small rituals: a carefully poured cup, a carved detail and the sound of an old street. Chaozhou 128 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shaoguan: Nanhua & the Chan Tradition Shaoguan provides a natural base for Nanhua Temple and the northern Guangdong landscapes around it. Shaoguan 129 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Haikou: Arcaded Streets & Island Flavours Haikou offers an urban introduction to Hainan before the beach. Haikou 130 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Sanya: A Slower Day on Yalong Bay Sanya offers room to pause: a beach morning, a regional meal and a day without a crowded checklist. Sanya 131 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Tianjin: Haihe & Historic Streets Tianjin combines riverfront perspectives with streets of varied architecture and a lively local food culture. Tianjin 132 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Chengde: Imperial Gardens & the Outer Temples Three unhurried days linking the Mountain Resort with Puning, Putuo Zongcheng and Xumi Fushou, each with its own story. Chengde 133 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Chengde: Palace Gardens & Lake Views Chengde brings the Qing court into a setting of lakes, gardens and surrounding temples. Chengde 134 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Bailin Temple from Shijiazhuang Shijiazhuang is a gateway to important temple landscapes in central Hebei. Shijiazhuang & Zhengding 135 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Guiyang: Jiaxiu Tower & Guizhou Flavours Guiyang brings together riverside landmarks, a varied food culture and a practical gateway to Guizhou’s landscapes. Guiyang 136 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Anshun: A Day at Huangguoshu Anshun is a base for Huangguoshu’s waterfall landscape and for cultural visits that reveal another side of central Guizhou. Anshun 137 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Libo: Water & Karst at Xiaoqikong Libo is a landscape destination where forest, streams and limestone belong together. Libo 138 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Dragon Palace: A Water-Cave Day from Anshun Follow a karst landscape from an open-water entrance into Dragon Palace’s boat-accessed caves, with a route chosen for the day’s conditions. Anshun · Dragon Palace 139 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Kaili & Qiandongnan: Village Stories around Kaili Kaili is a gateway to the cultural landscapes of Qiandongnan. Kaili & Qiandongnan 140 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Changchun: History beyond the Palace Walls Changchun offers a serious historical chapter alongside parks and everyday city life. Changchun 141 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day A Day on Changbai Mountain Changbai Mountain brings forest, volcanic scenery and the possibility of a view across Tianchi. Changbai Mountain 142 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Ürümqi: Regional Stories & City Life Ürümqi is a place to begin understanding Xinjiang’s scale and cultural variety before travelling farther. Ürümqi 143 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Xingyi: Peak Forests & Canyon Waterfalls in 2 Days Give Wanfenglin’s fields and villages one day, then explore the waterfalls and cliff paths of Maling River Canyon. Xingyi · Wanfenglin · Maling River Canyon 144 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Turpan: Bezeklik & Oasis Culture Turpan connects desert-edge landscapes with the history of oasis settlement. Turpan 145 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Zhenyuan: River Stories & Cliffside Temples in 2 Days Stay in the historic river town to explore merchant lanes, Qinglongdong and Zhusheng Bridge in daylight and after dark. Zhenyuan · Wuyang River 146 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Kashgar: Craft & Life in the Old City Kashgar invites exploration through streets, workshops and food. Kashgar 147 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day A Day beside Sayram Lake Ili rewards a journey with several nights, beginning with Yining’s neighbourhoods and continuing towards selected grassland landscapes. Yining & Ili 148 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day A Slower Day around Kanas Northern Xinjiang asks for a different journey from the southern oases. Altay & Kanas 149 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Xining: Kumbum & Plateau Perspectives Xining is a useful cultural and practical beginning for Qinghai. Xining 150 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Haixi: Light on Chaka Salt Lake Haixi is a broad region of salt lakes, desert landscapes and long roads. Haixi · Chaka & the Qaidam 151 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Yinchuan: Regional History & Local Life Yinchuan offers an introduction to Ningxia through its urban life, regional food and the historic landscapes beyond the city. Yinchuan 152 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Zhongwei: Where River Meets Desert Zhongwei brings together the Yellow River and the edge of the Tengger Desert. Zhongwei 153 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Wuhan: Yellow Crane Tower & River Stories Wuhan is shaped by its rivers and by the distinct histories of its urban districts. Wuhan 154 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Yichang: Understanding the Three Gorges Dam Yichang connects a river journey with a close look at the landscape and infrastructure of the Yangtze. Yichang 155 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Changsha: Yuelu Academy & Hunan Flavours Changsha combines intellectual history with a lively contemporary food scene. Changsha 156 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Fenghuang: A Day beside the Tuo River Fenghuang’s riverside townscape is best explored at a slower hour, when there is room to notice its building details and everyday rhythms. Fenghuang 157 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Jinan: Springs & Old-City Lanes Jinan’s water gives its public spaces a distinctive character. Jinan 158 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Dalian: A Day along the Coast Dalian offers sea air, broad urban spaces and a coastal rhythm distinct from inland northeastern cities. Dalian 159 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Jiuzhaigou: Lakes & Valley Walks Jiuzhaigou’s lakes and wooded valleys reward time, changing light and a route matched to your walking ability. Jiuzhaigou 160 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Nanning: Qingxiu Mountain & Guangxi Flavours Nanning offers a relaxed urban beginning for southern Guangxi, with green spaces, regional food and a chance to understand the province before travelling farther. Nanning 161 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Beihai: Old Streets & Coastal Life Beihai combines a historic trading-street setting with coastal downtime. Beihai 162 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Ningbo: Tianyi Pavilion & the City of Books Ningbo adds a literary and maritime chapter to Zhejiang. Ningbo 163 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Lhasa: Jokhang & Barkhor at a Gentle Pace Lhasa brings together major monuments and the everyday religious life around them. Lhasa 164 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shigatse: A Closer Look at Tashilhunpo Shigatse is a distinct cultural stop on a wider Tibet journey, with Tashilhunpo Monastery as its principal focus. Shigatse 165 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Nyingchi: Forest Landscapes around Lulang Nyingchi introduces a greener Tibetan landscape of wooded slopes, valleys and changing mountain light. Nyingchi 166 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Wanning: Shimei Bay & Island Coffee Wanning offers a coastal stay between Hainan’s main city gateways. Wanning 167 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day A Day among the Nanjing Tulou Zhangzhou opens a route from southern Fujian’s urban life towards the tulou settlements of Nanjing County. Zhangzhou & Nanjing Tulou 168 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Zhuhai: Island Architecture & Seafront Walks Zhuhai brings a softer coastal rhythm to a journey through Guangdong. Zhuhai 169 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Qinhuangdao: The Great Wall & a Slower Coast From Shanhaiguan’s frontier history to Beidaihe’s shore and an optional contemporary-art day on the Aranya coast. Qinhuangdao & Shanhaiguan 170 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Fujian: Maritime Stories & Tulou in 5 Days Quanzhou’s port-city heritage, Xiamen’s island lanes and a night near the tulou. Quanzhou · Xiamen · Zhangzhou & Nanjing Tulou 171 / JOURNEY IDEA 5 days Hainan: Old Streets & Island Shores in 5 Days Travel down the east coast from Haikou through Wanning to a relaxed stay in Sanya. Haikou · Wanning · Sanya 172 / JOURNEY IDEA 4 days Ningxia: History, River & Desert in 4 Days Begin with Yinchuan’s cultural setting, then move south to Zhongwei and Shapotou. Yinchuan · Zhongwei 173 / JOURNEY IDEA 3 days Guangzhou & Foshan: Living Lingnan in 3 Days Cantonese food, ancestral halls and a closer look at Foshan’s martial and craft traditions. Guangzhou · Foshan 174 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Heshun: Courtyards & Caravan Stories Tengchong opens a quieter chapter of western Yunnan: Heshun’s courtyards, a history of migration and trade, and a landscape shaped by volcanoes and geothermal water. Tengchong 175 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Nanchang: River Poetry & Local Life Nanchang makes a useful cultural beginning to Jiangxi, pairing the Gan River and Tengwang Pavilion with museums, neighbourhood food and stories of a changing China. Nanchang 176 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Wuyuan: A Day in Huangling Wuyuan deserves its own pause among northeastern Jiangxi’s villages, where white walls, dark tiles and fields give the landscape its changing seasonal character. Wuyuan 177 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Ganzhou: River Walls & Old Streets Ganzhou brings southern Jiangxi into view through riverfront walls, historic lanes and the wider world of Hakka communities. Ganzhou 178 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Longhushan: Red Cliffs & Daoist Stories Yingtan is the base for Longhushan, where red sandstone cliffs, the Luxi River and Daoist traditions belong to the same landscape. Yingtan & Longhushan 179 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Wugongshan: A Mountain Walking Day Pingxiang is the starting point for Wugongshan’s open ridges and high meadows, a more active counterpoint to Jiangxi’s towns and villages. Pingxiang & Wugongshan 180 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Hongcun & Xidi: Huizhou Village Life Hongcun and Xidi reward a stay beyond a quick excursion from Huangshan: ponds, lanes and merchant homes reveal the social world of historic Huizhou. Yixian · Hongcun & Xidi 181 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shexian: Archways & Scholarly Crafts Shexian offers a closer look at Huizhou’s old civic heart, where archways, courtyards and scholarly crafts connect prosperity with education and family memory. Shexian · Historic Huizhou 182 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Hefei: Bao Gong Park & Anhui Stories Hefei gives an Anhui journey an urban introduction: regional collections, the memory of Bao Zheng and lively streets where the province’s food traditions come into focus. Hefei 183 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Tianzhushan: A Day Among Granite Peaks Western Anhui brings together Tianzhushan’s granite scenery and the religious history around Qianshan, with Anqing serving as a wider regional gateway. Anqing & Tianzhushan 184 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Jing County: Poetry Beside the Water Xuancheng’s appeal lies in the meeting of literary memory and tangible craft: poetry, Xuan paper and the waterside settlements of Jing County. Xuancheng & Jing County 185 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Laozi & Louguantai in 1 Day An unhurried cultural day from Xi’an, with one temple area and time to read the landscape. Xi’an · Louguantai · Xi’an 186 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Jingmai: Tea Forests & Village Life Jingmai Mountain offers a tea journey shaped by forests and communities, where cultivation is part of a living cultural landscape rather than simply rows of plantation bushes. Pu’er & Jingmai Mountain 187 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Yuanyang: A Living Terrace Landscape Honghe pairs the architecture of Jianshui with the agricultural landscape of Yuanyang, offering a rich southern-Yunnan journey beyond the familiar western circuit. Honghe · Jianshui & Yuanyang 188 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Liugong Island: Maritime History & Sea Air Weihai combines sea air and coastal walks with the maritime history of Liugong Island. Weihai 189 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Penglai: Pavilions & Maritime Legends Yantai links coastal city life with Penglai’s pavilions and maritime legends. Yantai & Penglai 190 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Yanji: Korean Chinese Flavours Yanji is a compelling introduction to Korean Chinese life through language, food and the cultural traditions of Yanbian. Yanji & Yanbian 191 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Mohe: Forests & River Landscapes Mohe offers a journey into the far north, with forest roads and river villages that feel quite different in summer and winter. Mohe 192 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shanhaiguan: The Great Wall & the Sea Qinhuangdao pairs the eastern Great Wall’s coastal setting with seaside time around Beidaihe. Qinhuangdao & Shanhaiguan 193 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Kaifeng: Pagoda Details & City Life Kaifeng adds a different historical chapter to Henan: memories of the Northern Song capital, Buddhist landmarks and lively food culture. Kaifeng 194 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Enshi: A Day in the Grand Canyon Enshi opens western Hubei’s dramatic karst country, where high cliffs and deep valleys frame a journey with strong regional identity. Enshi 195 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Suzhou: Temple, Garden & Local Life in 1 Day A living Daoist temple, classical garden design and the old city at a relaxed pace. Suzhou · Xuanmiao Temple · Classical Gardens 196 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Fanjingshan: Forest & Sacred Peaks Tongren provides a gateway to Fanjingshan, where forest, distinctive rock forms and Buddhist associations create a memorable mountain journey. Tongren & Fanjingshan 197 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Detian: A Waterfall Landscape Chongzuo extends Guangxi beyond Guilin, with karst countryside, the Detian waterfall landscape and Zhuang cultural connections. Chongzuo 198 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Badain Jaran: A Supported Desert Day Alxa introduces another Inner Mongolia: desert journeys where huge dunes and unexpected lakes replace the familiar image of grassland. Alxa · Desert Journeys 199 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Wuzhen: Canals & an Unhurried Evening Jiaxing’s water towns offer canal-side lanes, bridges and a slower evening between Shanghai and Hangzhou. Jiaxing · Wuzhen & Xitang 200 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Nanxun: Silk Stories & Merchant Houses Huzhou brings together the merchant architecture of Nanxun and the greener retreat landscapes around Moganshan. Huzhou · Nanxun & Moganshan 201 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Zhenjiang: Jinshan & the Old Ferry Quarter Zhenjiang makes a thoughtful addition to a Jiangsu journey through hilltop temples, river history and distinctive food traditions. Zhenjiang 202 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Xuzhou: Inside Han History Xuzhou rewards travellers who want to look deeper into Han history, through tomb architecture, sculpture and regional museum collections. Xuzhou 203 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shantou: Port Stories & Chaoshan Food Shantou adds a port-city chapter to Chaoshan: arcaded streets, overseas connections and an exceptionally rewarding food culture. Shantou 204 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Taimu Mountain: Granite & Coastal Fujian Northeastern Fujian pairs Taimu Mountain’s granite formations with the tidal landscapes around Xiapu and tea traditions around Fuding. Ningde · Fuding & Xiapu 205 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shennongjia: A Forest Walking Day Shennongjia offers a forest-led journey in western Hubei, with mountain scenery and remarkable ecological diversity. Shennongjia 206 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Leshan: Buddha, River & Local Flavours Leshan deserves a clear place on a Sichuan journey, with its monumental riverside Buddha and a rewarding local food culture. Leshan 207 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Yongle Palace & Ruicheng Architecture in 2 Days Time for Daoist mural art, Tang timber architecture and southern Shanxi at a slower pace. Yuncheng · Ruicheng · Yongle Palace 208 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Kucha: A Dedicated Kizil Cave Day Kucha is a key cultural stop in Xinjiang for travellers interested in Buddhist art and the histories of the Silk Roads. Kucha 209 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Samye: A Tibetan Cultural Day Shannan opens a deeper chapter of Tibetan cultural history through the Yarlung Valley and the monastery of Samye. Shannan 210 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Kailash: A Day Within a Longer Journey Ngari is a demanding journey through western Tibet, where Kailash, Manasarovar and the remains of Guge belong to a vast high-altitude landscape. Ngari · Kailash & Guge 211 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Qingcheng Temples & Forest Paths in 2 Days A lower-mountain introduction followed by a flexible temple walk, with time to settle into the landscape. Chengdu · Mount Qingcheng 212 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Wudang: Sacred Landscape & Daoist Culture in 2 Days An introduction to the mountain complex, followed by a summit or lower-mountain day. Shiyan · Wudang Mountains 213 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Shanghai: A Day with Chinese Art Spend an unhurried day at Shanghai Museum East in Pudong, choosing bronze, ceramic or painting galleries and leaving time for breaks and discussion. Shanghai 214 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Nanjing: Jiangsu through Its Collections History and a chosen second theme, with time to read objects rather than rush six halls. Nanjing 215 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Suzhou: A Museum and the Art of Looking Collections and I. M. Pei’s architecture, followed by an easy introduction to the old city. Suzhou 216 / JOURNEY IDEA 2 days Hangzhou: Celadon, Silk & Song Taste in 2 Days Two different collections on two separate days, with room for Hangzhou beyond the galleries. Hangzhou 217 / JOURNEY IDEA 1 day Sanxingdui: An Ancient Shu Museum Day A focused archaeology day from Chengdu, centred on the extraordinary Sanxingdui collections. Chengdu · Guanghan · Chengdu