2-Month Budget-Friendly China Itinerary from Slovenia by Train for Nature and City Lovers

Day 1: Arrival and Beijing Intro

Beijing, China on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Liu's Eatery

Enjoy traditional Beijing soy milk and youtiao at this affordable local breakfast spot that opens early at 6am.
CNY20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

Explore the vast Tiananmen Square and tour the Forbidden City, China’s imperial palace from the Ming dynasty, a must-see cultural city highlight. Open 8:30am-5pm.
CNY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Baochao Hutong Noodle House

Savour authentic northern Chinese noodles in a traditional hutong setting, open till 3pm.
CNY40, 1h

2:30pm

Summer Palace Gardens

Wander through the beautiful Summer Palace lakes and gardens, enjoying scenic nature right in the city. Opens 6:30am-6:30pm.
CNY40, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dadong Roast Duck

Treat yourselves to famous Peking duck at Dadong, a top-rated restaurant open till 10pm.
CNY120, 1.5h
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Day 2: Beijing to Xi'an

Training and Historical Sites on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local street market

Grab breakfast baozi (steamed buns) and congee from street vendors near the train station.
CNY15, 0.5h

8:00am

Train from Beijing to Xi'an

Board a high-speed train (approx 5h) south to Xi'an, the start of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Warriors.
CNY300, 5h

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch near City Wall

Try Xi'an’s famous biangbiang noodles at a local eatery inside the city walls.
CNY30, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Ancient City Wall

Cycle or walk on the well-preserved city wall dating back to the Ming dynasty, with great views of Xi'an.
CNY54, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant

Experience a variety of traditional dumplings in this well-known local restaurant open till 10pm.
CNY60, 1.5h
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Day 3: Terracotta Warriors & Nature

Xi'an, China on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Light breakfast to fuel the day, options usually include porridge and steamed buns.
CNY20, 1h

8:30am

Terracotta Warriors Museum

Visit the world-famous archaeological site showcasing thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb. Opens 8am-6pm.
CNY150, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Qin Palace Restaurant

Try Shaanxi regional cuisine with noodles and unique flavors near the museum.
CNY50, 1h

2:00pm

Huaqing Hot Springs Park

Relax and explore the scenic hot springs and mountain views closely linked with Chinese history.
CNY120, 2h

5:00pm

Return to city for dinner

Enjoy Xi'an famous Roujiamo (Chinese sandwich) from a recommended street food stall, open until late.
CNY25, 1h
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Day 4: Xi'an to Chengdu

Train to Nature on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast to start the day, often included with accommodation.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train from Xi'an to Chengdu

Take a fast train south-west to Chengdu, gateway to Sichuan cuisine and panda reserves (approx 4.5h).
CNY250, 4.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Try authentic spicy Sichuan dishes like Mapo tofu at this famous restaurant open till 9pm.
CNY70, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

See giant pandas in naturalistic settings along with red pandas. The reserve opens 7:30am-6pm.
CNY58, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jinli Ancient Street

Stroll and eat local snacks like spicy rabbit head and hot pot at this bustling night spot.
CNY60, 1.5h
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Day 5: Chengdu to Guilin

Train to Scenic Landscapes on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Chengdu local cafe

Try local congee and fried dough sticks before heading out.
CNY20, 0.5h

9:00am

Train from Chengdu to Guilin

Take a train east to Guilin known for spectacular karst mountain scenery, journey takes approx 8h with early booking recommended.
CNY300, 8h

5:00pm

Check in and Dinner

Relax after the journey and try Guilin rice noodles, a specialty, at a recommended local restaurant.
CNY40, 1h
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Day 6: Guilin to Yangshuo

Li River Cruise & Countryside on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast before an active day exploring nature.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Take a scenic 4-hour river cruise past iconic limestone peaks from Guilin to Yangshuo, very popular for natural photos and fresh air. Cruises run from 8:30am to 1pm.
CNY150, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at West Street, Yangshuo

Eat local dishes at one of the many street-side restaurants on this popular pedestrian street.
CNY40, 1h

3:00pm

Cycle Countryside Around Yangshuo

Rent a bike and explore rice paddies, karst hills and rural villages for 2-3 hours.
CNY30, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cloud 9 Restaurant

Savour fresh river fish and local cuisine, with stunning views overlooking the karst scenery, open till 10pm.
CNY80, 1.5h
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Day 7: Yangshuo to Hangzhou

Train and City Lakes on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start the day with simple local breakfast items like steamed buns and soy milk.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Bus to Guilin Train Station

Take the short bus or taxi ride back to Guilin to catch the morning high-speed train to Hangzhou.
CNY30, 1h

9:30am

Train Guilin to Hangzhou

Board a high-speed train east towards Hangzhou, home of West Lake, trip duration about 7 hours.
CNY350, 7h

5:00pm

Check-in and light dinner at food street

Explore the Hubin area and sample Hangzhou street foods like Dongpo pork or lotus root snacks.
CNY50, 1h
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Day 8: West Lake & Tea Plantations

Hangzhou, China on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast or nearby cafe with traditional Chinese teas.
Included, 1h

9:00am

West Lake Scenic Walk and Boat Ride

Stroll the famous West Lake paths and take a small boat ride to enjoy the iconic landscapes and pagodas. Boats run 8am to 5:30pm.
CNY45, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lou Wai Lou Restaurant

Dine on classic Hangzhou cuisine such as West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy at this historic riverside restaurant.
CNY120, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Longjing Tea Plantations

Explore the nearby green tea fields where the famous Dragon Well tea is grown; enjoy a tea tasting session. Open till 6pm.
CNY20, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Zhiweiguan

Try local vegetarian dishes and snacks at Zhiweiguan, open until 9pm, famous for Hangzhou flavours.
CNY60, 1.5h
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Day 9: Hangzhou to Shanghai

Big City Experience on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in hotel or local cafe

Start the day with light breakfast options including pastries and congee.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train Hangzhou to Shanghai

Short 1-hour high speed train to Shanghai, China’s modern metropolis.
CNY80, 1h

10:30am

Check-in and refresh

Settle into accommodation close to major attractions in Shanghai.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Chinese delicacies at this popular Shanghai branch.
CNY90, 1h

1:00pm

Explore The Bund and Nanjing Road

Walk along the Huangpu River to see colonial architecture and then shop and wander Nanjing Road pedestrian street until late evening.
Free, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Enjoy Yunnan cuisine in an atmospheric setting near The Bund, open until 10pm.
CNY110, 1.5h
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Day 10: Shanghai Culture & Departure

Shanghai, China on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quiet breakfast to prepare for departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Yuyuan Garden

Tour the classic Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds and rockeries in inner Shanghai. Opens 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Taste Shanghainese steamed buns near the garden.
CNY40, 1h

2:00pm

Pack and head to airport or train station

Prepare for return departure or next destination, ending the China itinerary.
Transport Cost Varies, Varies
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