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A Family-Friendly Adventure Through China: Culture, Nature, and City Experiences on a Shoestring Budget

Viewed by 178 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Beijing, China on April 12, 2025

10:00AM

Check-in at the Hostel

Upon arrival, check into a budget-friendly hostel in the city center, perfect for families.
Hostel close to subway; easy access to attractions.
CNY300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy delicious and affordable dumplings at a local eatery.
5-minute walk from the hostel.
CNY50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace that tells stories of China's history.
Take subway to Tiananmen East (30 minutes).
CNY60, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll in Tiananmen Square

Walk through the iconic square, observing its importance in modern China.
Right next to the Forbidden City.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Wangfujing Snack Street

Try a variety of street food from skewers to pancakes at this famous market.
Take short walk from Tiananmen Square.
CNY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Exploring Beijing

Beijing, China on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy a simple breakfast offered at the hostel.
Included at the hostel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Great Wall (Mutianyu Section)

Hike and take in breathtaking views of this architectural marvel.
Take a bus from the hostel (1.5 hours).
CNY100 (transport and entrance), 4-5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Summer Palace

Wander through beautiful gardens and enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Take bus back to Beijing and a local bus (1.5 hours).
CNY60, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Noodle Shop

Enjoy a hearty bowl of Beijing style noodles.
Walk to a nearby noodle shop.
CNY40, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 3: Travel to Xi'an

Xi'an, China on April 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Fill up on more breakfast at the hostel before heading out.
Included at the hostel.
CNY0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Xi'an by Train

Catch a morning high-speed train to Xi'an.
Walk to the train station (20 minutes).
CNY300 per person, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Muslim Quarter

Taste authentic Xi'an cuisine, including the famous flatbread.
Take bus from the station (30 minutes).
CNY50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Ancient City Wall

Bike or walk along one of the best-preserved city walls in China.
Walk to the entrance (10 minutes).
CNY30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Buffet

Savor a varied selection of Chinese dishes at an affordable buffet.
Short walk from the city wall.
CNY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 4: Discovering Xi'an

Xi'an, China on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast provided by your accommodation.
At your hotel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Terracotta Warriors

Explore the amazing site of thousands of ancient guards.
Take a bus from Xi'an (1 hour).
CNY150 (entrance included), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy traditional Shaanxi dishes at a cozy restaurant.
Return to Xi'an by bus (1 hour).
CNY60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Admire the ancient Buddhist pagoda and enjoy the peaceful gardens.
Take local bus (30 minutes).
CNY30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Street Vendor

Try some local snacks while enjoying the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Walk through the Muslim Quarter.
CNY40, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 5: Travel to Chengdu

Chengdu, China on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling breakfast at your place before heading to the next city.
At the hotel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Chengdu by Train

Take a comfortable train to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan Province.
Walk to the train station (15 minutes).
CNY250 per person, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Hot Pot

Experience the famous Chengdu hot pot, perfect for an adventurous family meal.
Subway from the train station to the hot pot restaurant (30 minutes).
CNY90, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Observe the adorable pandas and learn about conservation efforts.
Take bus from hot pot restaurant (30 minutes).
CNY70, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local BBQ Restaurant

Try some flavorful Sichuan BBQ as a family.
Take bus back downtown (40 minutes).
CNY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 6: Exploring Chengdu

Chengdu, China on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Start your day with breakfast at the hostel.
At your hostel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jinli Ancient Street

Explore shops and try local delicacies down this charming street.
Walk to the street (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Dumpling Shop

Indulge in delicious dumplings, a specialty in the area.
Nearby Jinli (5-minute walk).
CNY50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Check out Wuhou Shrine

Discover this historical site dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms era.
Walk from Jinli (10 minutes).
CNY40, 2 hours

4:00PM

Chengdu People's Park

Relax and enjoy the local atmosphere of this green space.
30-minute walk from Wuhou Shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tea House

Experience Sichuan culture with dinner at a traditional tea house.
Nearby People's Park (10 minutes).
CNY70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 7: Travel to Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Fuel up with breakfast before your next journey.
At your hostel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Zhangjiajie by Train

Head to Zhangjiajie, renowned for its stunning national park.
Walk to the train station (15 minutes).
CNY250 per person, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Noodle House

Enjoy a refreshing bowl of noodles upon arrival in Zhangjiajie.
Short walk from the train station.
CNY50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Tianmen Mountain

Take a cable car ride to see breathtaking views and the famous glass skywalk.
Take local bus (30 minutes) to the base.
CNY200, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Savor local flavors at a restaurant specializing in regional cuisine.
Return to town by bus (30 minutes).
CNY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zhangjiajie

Day 8: Nature in Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Have breakfast at the hostel to start your adventure-filled day.
At your hostel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Explore the stunning landscape that inspired Avatar.
Take a local bus to the park entrance (1 hour).
CNY145, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch Inside the Park

Grab a simple lunch from a park cafe before continuing your adventure.
In the park.
CNY60, 1 hour

4:30PM

Hiking in the Park

Continue hiking through the picturesque trails and take in the natural beauty.
Walking through the park.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a filling meal at a nearby restaurant after a long day in nature.
Return to the hostel (1 hour).
CNY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Zhangjiajie

Day 9: Travel to Guilin

Guilin, China on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing to Guilin.
At your hostel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Guilin by Train

Jump on a train to the picturesque city of Guilin.
Walk to train station (20 minutes).
CNY250 per person, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Rice Noodle Shop

Taste the famous Guilin rice noodles for a delightful meal.
Close to the train station.
CNY50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Elephant Trunk Hill

See the symbol of Guilin with stunning views from the top.
Take local transportation (20 minutes).
CNY30, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Choose from a variety of local dishes at an affordable restaurant.
Walking distance from the hill.
CNY70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 10: Exploring Guilin

Guilin, China on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel.
At your hotel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take Li River Cruise

Relax on a scenic cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo.
Take a bus to the dock (30 minutes).
CNY250, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Yangshuo

Enjoy lunch in Yangshuo after the cruise, filled with local flavors.
Dine at a restaurant in Yangshuo.
CNY70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Yangshuo's Countryside

Rent bikes to explore the stunning countryside and the Li River.
Bike rental shops are available downtown.
CNY50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Café

Relax with dinner at a cozy cafe in Yangshuo.
In the town center.
CNY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 11: Discovering Yangshuo

Yangshuo, China on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
At your hotel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Moon Hill

Hike to Moon Hill for spectacular views and a unique natural arch.
Take a local bus to Moon Hill (30 minutes).
CNY15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Feast on local specialties, perhaps some more delicious rice noodles.
Close to Moon Hill (10-minute walk).
CNY50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Local Artisan Workshops

Explore local workshops for pottery and crafts and meet the artists.
In Yangshuo town.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Dinner featuring local dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Short walk from artisan workshops.
CNY80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yangshuo

Day 12: Final Day in Yangshuo

Yangshuo, China on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Yangshuo, soaking up the scenery.
At your hotel.
CNY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax by the Li River

Spend some leisure time by the iconic Li River.
Walk to the river (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Riverside Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful lunch overlooking the beautiful scenery.
At a restaurant by the river.
CNY70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute Shopping in Yangshuo

Pick up souvenirs and local crafts to remember your trip.
Walk around the market area (20 minutes).
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner in Yangshuo

Have a farewell dinner celebrating your memorable trip to China.
Local restaurant in town.
CNY100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yangshuo

Day 13: Departure

Yangshuo, China on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Final Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast one last time before heading to the airport.
At your hotel.
CNY0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Yangshuo
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