30 Days Across China: Unlock the Panorama of Culture, Cuisine & Natural Wonders

I. 30-Day In-Depth Itinerary (Narrative Version)

Days 1-4 Beijing · Imperial Charm & Urban Vitality

Upon arriving in Beijing, start your journey with the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square on the first day to feel the solemn national sentiment. Then delve into the Palace Museum (Forbidden City), explore the secrets of the Ming and Qing imperial families among the red walls and yellow tiles, and climb Jingshan Park to overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City. On the second day, head to Badaling Great Wall, hike the "Heroes' Slope" to feel the grandeur of "The Great Wall never falls", and visit the Great Wall Museum in the afternoon to learn about the construction history and military value of the Great Wall. On the third day, wander through the Summer Palace, take a boat tour on Kunming Lake to admire the exquisite layout of the imperial garden; in the evening, stroll through Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Xiejie, experience hutong cycling, and taste Beijing-style snacks such as Peking duck, Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and Ludagun (glutinous rice rolls with soybean flour). On the fourth day, visit Temple of Heaven Park to feel the solemnity of ancient heaven-worshipping rituals; in the afternoon, enter the National Museum of China to trace the context of China's 5,000-year civilization through cultural relics, and watch an authentic Peking Opera performance at night, indulging in the melodious singing and exquisite facial masks.

Days 5-7 Xi'an · Qin & Tang Dynasties' Charm & Ancient Capital Heritage

Take the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an. On the fifth day, directly go to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum and Terracotta Army Museum, explore the life-like terracotta army formation with a professional guide, and feel the magnificent momentum of Qin Dynasty military culture; in the afternoon, visit Huaqing Palace to explore the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, and watch the live performanceSong of Everlasting Sorrowin the evening to experience the charm of the Tang Dynasty immersively. On the sixth day, climb Xi'an City Wall, cycle around the city to overlook the urban style blending ancient and modern times; in the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Daci'en Temple to learn about the legendary journey of Xuanzang's pilgrimage for Buddhist scriptures, and wander through Huimin Street and Yongxingfang at night to taste Yangrou Paomo (mutton soup with baked bread), Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Biangbiang noodles, and experience the boldness of Shuaiwanjiu (bowl-breaking wine). On the seventh day, travel to Famen Temple to pay homage to the Sakyamuni's finger bone relic and feel the solemnity of Buddhist culture; in the afternoon, visit Qianling Mausoleum, explore the joint burial tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, and admire the exquisite Tang Dynasty stone carving art.

Days 8-10 Dunhuang · Desert Smoke & Silk Road Legend

Take a plane from Xi'an to Dunhuang. On the eighth day, enter Mogao Grottoes, walk among the murals and sculptures to feel the charm of millennium-old Buddhist art, and go to Mingsha Mountain Crescent Moon Spring in the evening to ride camels and wander through the desert, waiting for the golden sand sea at sunset. On the ninth day, visit Yumen Pass and Han Great Wall ruins in the morning to touch the vicissitudes of the ancient Silk Road; in the afternoon, go to Yardang National Geopark to admire the strange landforms of the "Devil City" and feel the magic of nature. On the tenth day, rest in downtown Dunhuang, visit Dunhuang Museum to learn about the evolution of Silk Road culture, buy special souvenirs such as Mogao Grottoes mural replicas and raisins, and taste local delicacies such as Dunhuang Liangpi (cold noodles) and Lurou Huangmian (donkey meat with yellow noodles) at night.

Days 11-14 Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou · Bashu Slow Life & Plateau Fairyland

Fly from Dunhuang to Chengdu. On the eleventh day, go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning to observe the lovely pandas up close and participate in panda volunteer activities; in the afternoon, wander through Kuanzhai Alleys to feel the local urban culture of old Chengdu, and taste hot pot and Chuanchuan (skewered food) in Jinli Ancient Street in the evening, experiencing the comfort of Gaiwancha (lid-and-bowl tea) and ear cleaning. On the twelfth day, visit Wuhou Temple to explore the history of the Three Kingdoms; in the afternoon, learn Sichuan cuisine cooking, personally make Mapo Tofu and Twice-Cooked Pork, and watch a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance at night. On the thirteenth day, take a bus from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, enjoying the scenery of the western Sichuan plateau along the way; on the fourteenth day, tour Jiuzhaigou all day, hiking attractions such as Nuorilang Waterfall, Five-Flower Lake, and Long Lake, indulging in the blue-green lakes and cascading waterfalls.

Days 15-17 Lijiang · Naxi Customs & Ancient Town Leisure Time

Fly from Jiuzhaigou to Lijiang. On the fifteenth day, wander through Lijiang Ancient Town, walking on the bluestone roads, visit Mufu Palace to learn about the Naxi chieftain culture, and enjoy a Naxi ancient music performance at night to feel the unique musical charm. On the sixteenth day, go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take the big cable car to the top to admire the glacial wonders, and visit Blue Moon Valley in the afternoon, indulging in the bright blue and pure lake water; in the evening, participate in a Naxi bonfire party, dancing and singing with the locals. On the seventeenth day, travel to Shuhe Ancient Town to feel a more peaceful ancient town atmosphere, experience Naxi intangible cultural heritage such as hand papermaking and tie-dyeing, and taste local delicacies such as Lijiang Baba (flatbread) and preserved pork rib hot pot.

Days 18-19 Dali · Wind, Flower, Snow & Moon & Erhai Lake Tenderness

Take a bus from Lijiang to Dali. On the eighteenth day, tour Dali Ancient City, climb Wuhua Building to overlook the panoramic view of the ancient city, visit Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas to feel the connection between Buddhist culture and the Dali Duan Clan; in the afternoon, cycle around Erhai Lake to admire the stunning scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake reflecting each other, passing through Xizhou Ancient Town to taste freshly baked Xizhou Baba. On the nineteenth day, go to Shuanglang Ancient Town to wander leisurely by Erhai Lake, checking in at Internet-famous homestays and photo spots; in the afternoon, visit Butterfly Spring to feel the romantic legend of "Butterfly Spring is a good place to dress up", and taste Dali sour and spicy fish and Tuba Wan (eight bowls of local dishes) at night.

Days 20-22 Guilin & Yangshuo · Landscape Painting & Pastoral Ballad

Fly from Dali to Guilin. On the twentieth day, take a bamboo raft drift on the Li River (Yangdi-Xingping section) to admire the karst landscape, checking in at the shooting location of the 20 RMB banknote background; in the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill to explore Guilin's urban landmark. On the twenty-first day, travel to Yangshuo, take a manual bamboo raft tour on the Yulong River to feel the tranquility of a pastoral ballad; in the afternoon, cycle along the Ten-Mile Gallery, passing through attractions such as Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree, and wander through West Street at night to taste Beer Fish and Tianluo Niang (stuffed river snails). On the twenty-second day, experience intangible cultural heritage projects such as Zhuang brocade and Yangshuo tie-dyeing, learn the art of making Guilin rice noodles, and admire the sunset by the Li River in the afternoon to feel the poetry between mountains and rivers.

Days 23-25 Xiamen · Island Customs & Literary Leisure

Fly from Guilin to Xiamen. On the twenty-third day, wander through Gulangyu Island, visit Shuzhuang Garden and Haoyue Garden, admire European-style old buildings and the Piano Museum, and taste Gulangyu pastries and fish ball soup; return to Xiamen Island at night, wander through Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street to feel the Minnan customs. On the twenty-fourth day, visit South Putuo Temple to feel the solemnity of Buddhist culture; in the afternoon, go to Xiamen University to admire the Minnan-style buildings on campus and the creative graffiti in Furong Tunnel; cycle along the Island Ring Road in the evening, enjoying the sea view with the sea breeze. On the twenty-fifth day, go to Zengcuo'an to wander through literary shops, taste Minnan delicacies such as Shacha Noodles and Oyster Omelette; in the afternoon, take a boat to Kinmen Island to overlook the scenery of the Taiwan Strait and buy special products such as Kinmen Kaoliang Wine and tribute candy.

Days 26-30 Shanghai & Suzhou · Metropolis Vitality & Jiangnan Elegance

Take the high-speed train from Xiamen to Shanghai. On the twenty-sixth day, wander along the Bund to admire the international-style buildings and modern skyscrapers on both sides of the Huangpu River; in the afternoon, climb the Oriental Pearl Tower to overlook the panoramic view of Shanghai, visit the Shanghai Museum to learn about the evolution of Shanghai-style culture. On the twenty-seventh day, spend the whole day at Shanghai Disneyland Resort, experiencing amusement rides, watching parades and fireworks shows; wander through Tianzifang at night to feel the literary atmosphere of old Shanghai shikumen buildings. On the twenty-eighth day, take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou, visit Humble Administrator's Garden to feel the exquisite layout of Jiangnan classical gardens; in the afternoon, visit Pingjiang Road Historical District to wander among the small bridges and flowing water, and taste Su-style delicacies such as Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish and Xiaolongbao (steamed buns). On the twenty-ninth day, visit Tiger Hill to explore the "No. 1 Scenic Spot in Wu" and feel the historical heritage; in the afternoon, visit Suzhou Museum to admire the architectural aesthetics designed by I.M. Pei and buy souvenirs such as Su Embroidery and sandalwood fans. On the thirtieth day, return to Shanghai, feel the fashionable atmosphere of the integration of Chinese and Western cultures in Xintiandi, buy souvenirs, and end the 30-day journey across China.

II. List of Unique Experiences (Categorized by Theme)

(I) Cultural Experiences

1. Historical Sites: In-depth tour of Beijing Palace Museum, hiking Badaling Great Wall, professional guided tour of Xi'an Terracotta Army, appreciation of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes murals, exploration of Naxi chieftain culture at Lijiang Mufu Palace, aesthetic experience of Suzhou Humble Administrator's Garden, tour of old buildings on Xiamen Gulangyu Island
2. Intangible Cultural Heritage & Folk Customs: Watching Beijing Peking Opera, experiencing Xi'an shadow puppetry, copying Dunhuang murals, enjoying Chengdu Sichuan Opera face-changing/spit-fire performance, appreciating Naxi ancient music, making Zhuang brocade/Yangshuo tie-dyeing, learning Su Embroidery craftsmanship, experiencing Minnan paper-cutting
3. Religion & Etiquette: Learning about ancient heaven-worshipping rituals at Beijing Temple of Heaven, paying homage to Sakyamuni's finger bone relic at Xi'an Famen Temple, meditation experience at Xiamen South Putuo Temple, exploring Buddhist culture at Dali Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas
4. Cultural Interaction: Being a Chengdu panda volunteer, attending Sichuan cuisine cooking class, participating in Lijiang Naxi bonfire party, experiencing Guilin Zhuang March 3rd singing festival, immersive interaction at Shanghai Disneyland

(II) Culinary Experiences

1. Local Featured Staples: Beijing Peking duck, Zhajiangmian; Xi'an Yangrou Paomo, Biangbiang noodles; Dunhuang Liangpi, Lurou Huangmian; Chengdu hot pot, Chuanchuan, Dandan noodles; Lijiang preserved pork rib hot pot, Lijiang Baba; Dali sour and spicy fish, Xizhou Baba; Guilin rice noodles, Yangshuo Beer Fish; Xiamen Shacha Noodles, Oyster Omelette; Suzhou Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Xiaolongbao
2. Featured Snacks: Beijing Ludagun, Ai Wo Wo (glutinous rice cakes with sweet filling); Xi'an Zenggao (glutinous rice cake with red dates), Jinggao (rice cake); Chengdu Danhongao (egg cake), rabbit head; Jiuzhaigou Qingke cake, butter tea; Xiamen Gulangyu pastry, fish ball soup; Shanghai Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), pear paste candy; Suzhou osmanthus cake, plum blossom cake
3. Catering Culture Experiences: Checking in at Beijing hutong snack streets, food tour at Xi'an Huimin Street, tasting Chengdu Gaiwancha, enjoying Lijiang Naxi long-table banquet, making Guilin Gongcheng Youcha (oil tea), experiencing Minnan Gongfu tea

(III) Natural Landscape Experiences

1. Mountains & Plateaus: Mountain scenery of Badaling Great Wall, glacial wonders of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, lakes and cascading waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou, exotic peaks of Zhangjiajie, Guilin karst peaks
2. Water Landscapes: Boating on Beijing Kunming Lake, hot springs at Xi'an Huaqing Palace, desert oasis of Dunhuang Crescent Moon Spring, cycling around Erhai Lake, bamboo raft drift on Li River, manual bamboo raft tour on Yulong River, sea view of Xiamen Island Ring Road, Huangpu River light show in Shanghai
3. Special Landforms: Dunhuang Yardang Devil City, Zhangye Danxia Landform (optional extra trip), Guilin Elephant Trunk Hill, Jiuzhaigou travertine beaches
4. Ecology & Pastoral Scenery: Ecological experience at Chengdu Giant Panda Base, pastoral scenery of Yangshuo Ten-Mile Gallery, pastoral cycling in Dali Xizhou, island greenery on Xiamen Gulangyu Island

III. Travel Planning

1. Travel Time

• Best Period: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October). Most areas of the country have a mild climate (15-25℃) with less precipitation, suitable for outdoor activities and photography;
• Summer (June-August): Plateau areas such as Jiuzhaigou, Lijiang, and Dali have a cool climate, making them ideal summer resorts. However, Guilin, Xiamen, and other places are hot and rainy, so pay attention to sun protection and rain;
• Winter (December-February): Beijing and Xi'an offer Spring Festival temple fairs and snow scenes. Dunhuang and Jiuzhaigou have low temperatures (-5℃ to 10℃), so adequate cold protection is required, and some mountain roads may be icy.

2. Transportation Arrangements

• Inter-city Transportation: Prioritize high-speed trains (Beijing-Xi'an, Shanghai-Suzhou, Xiamen-Shanghai) for comfort and convenience with easy access to stations; choose planes for long-distance routes (such as Xi'an-Dunhuang, Dunhuang-Chengdu, Guilin-Xiamen) to save time, and book in advance for discounted tickets;
• Urban Transportation: Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu have extensive subway networks with English signs. You can buy transportation cards or use mobile phone QR code payment; for scenic areas such as Lijiang, Dali, and Guilin, choose chartered cars, electric bikes, or scenic spot special lines for flexibility; take sightseeing buses within scenic areas such as Jiuzhaigou and Dunhuang.

3. Documents & Reservations

• Visa: Apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) in advance. The passport must be valid for more than 6 months beyond the departure date, and prepare round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, and itineraries;
• Scenic Spot Reservations: Popular scenic spots such as Mogao Grottoes, Terracotta Army, Palace Museum, and Jiuzhaigou need to be booked online 7-15 days in advance. You can register with your passport number, and some scenic spots implement time-slotted entry;
• Accommodation Reservations: In Beijing, recommend Dongdan and Chongwenmen; in Xi'an, recommend Bell Tower and South Gate; in Chengdu, recommend Chunxi Road and Kuanzhai Alleys; in Lijiang, recommend homestays around the ancient town; in Shanghai, recommend the Bund and Nanjing Road. Prioritize hotels or homestays with English services.

4. Itinerary Adjustment Suggestions

• Abbreviated Version: For 20 days, you can omit the Dunhuang and Xiamen sections, focusing on core destinations in the northwest, southwest, and east China;
• Themed Version: Culture lovers can add Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes) in Henan and Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi; nature lovers can extend the stay in Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie; food lovers can add Guangzhou and Shunde sections to explore Cantonese cuisine.

IV. Notes

1. Language & Communication

• Download offline translation apps in advance (Youdao Translator, Google Translate). Scenic spots, hotels, and subway stations have English signs;
• Learn simple Chinese phrases (Hello, Thank you, How much, Goodbye) and carry a bilingual list of attraction names and hotel addresses;
• For important communication scenarios (such as medical treatment and emergencies), contact the hotel front desk or scenic spot service center for translation assistance.

2. Payment Methods

• WeChat Pay and Alipay support international credit card binding, covering most shopping malls, restaurants, and scenic spots;
• Prepare cash (RMB) for small vendors and remote scenic areas (such as Dunhuang Yardang and Jiuzhaigou surroundings). It is recommended to exchange 5,000-8,000 RMB for backup;
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted for shopping, and tax refund services are available in large shopping malls.

3. Cultural & Etiquette Taboos

• When dining, do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or tap bowls with chopsticks; accept items with both hands and stand up when receiving or handing over business cards;
• Keep quiet when visiting temples and churches, do not touch cultural relics, and follow "No Photography" signs before taking pictures;
• Respect local customs in ethnic minority areas (Lijiang, Guilin), do not randomly take photos of locals or touch ritual items.

4. Health & Safety

• Drink bottled water and avoid raw food; carry common medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, sunscreen, mosquito repellent), and prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine for plateau areas (Jiuzhaigou, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain);
• Most scenic spots require walking. Wear comfortable sports shoes. Some sections (Great Wall, Jiuzhaigou plank roads) are steep, so be careful of slipping;
• Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places (Palace Museum, Bund, Disneyland), and keep copies of important documents such as passports and visas;
• Emergency Contacts: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services (+86-10-12308), Police: 110, Emergency Medical Service: 120.

5. Other Details

• China uses 220V electricity with plug types A, C, and I. Prepare a universal adapter in advance;
• Bring a folding umbrella or raincoat as mountainous areas have frequent rains in summer; prepare down jackets, scarves, and gloves for cold northern winters;
• Respect environmental protection regulations, do not litter, and do not damage natural landscapes or cultural relics.

V. Folk Customs

1. Northern China (Beijing, Xi'an, Dunhuang)

• Beijing: Visit temple fairs (Ditan, Longtan) during Spring Festival, eat dumplings, and paste Spring Festival couplets; elderly Beijingers in hutongs like bird-raising and chess-playing, and use "Nín" (honorific form of "you") to show respect;
• Xi'an: Qinqiang Opera is a local characteristic with high-pitched tones; Hui people celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha with special religious activities;
• Dunhuang: Most local residents believe in Buddhism and are simple and hospitable. There is a custom of "offering tea" in desert areas, and accepting tea symbolizes friendship.

2. Southwest China (Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Lijiang, Dali)

• Chengdu: "Beating the Spring Ox" on the Start of Spring to pray for a bumper harvest; visit lantern shows and eat glutinous rice balls during the Lantern Festival; Mahjong is a daily entertainment, and teahouse culture is strong;
• Jiuzhaigou (Tibetan-inhabited area): Tibetans believe in Tibetan Buddhism. Respect religious symbols such as prayer flags and mani piles, and greet others with a "hands-folded salute"; receiving a hada is a noble etiquette, which should be accepted with both hands;
• Lijiang (Naxi-inhabited area): Naxi people believe in Dongba religion, and Dongba script is the oldest existing pictographic writing; the "Sanduo Festival" is an important festival with horse racing and song and dance performances;
• Dali (Bai-inhabited area): The "March Street" of the Bai people is a traditional grand event with horse racing, trade, and singing competitions; when visiting Bai families, you need to drink "Three-Course Tea" (bitter, sweet, and aftertaste).

3. Southern China (Guilin, Xiamen, Shanghai, Suzhou)

• Guilin (Zhuang-inhabited area): The Zhuang people hold the "March 3rd" Singing Festival, with singing competitions, throwing silk balls, and eating five-color glutinous rice; the Yao people hold sacrificial activities and long-drum dances during the Panwang Festival;
• Xiamen (Minnan area): Minnan people believe in Mazu, visit temple fairs and eat rice cakes during Spring Festival; Gongfu tea is a daily etiquette with specific rules for making and serving tea;
• Shanghai: Visit Yuyuan Garden lantern shows during Spring Festival, eat mooncakes and admire osmanthus flowers during the Mid-Autumn Festival; Lane culture is strong, and neighborhood relations are harmonious;
• Suzhou: Kunqu Opera is the "ancestor of all operas" with euphemistic singing; Dragon boat races are held and zongzi are eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival; Su Embroidery and Pingtan (storytelling with music) are local cultural symbols.
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