Discover China: Your Guide to the Next Adventure
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
China offers countless travel possibilities for all ages, whether as an independent journey or an organized tour. Traveling here is very different from trips in the West and provides a unique opportunity to go beyond the familiar tourist experience. To help you plan, here are two detailed itineraries with convenient accessibility, making it easier to organize your trip.
As of 2023, there are direct flights between Israel and China to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Beyond these routes, China is extremely well connected by air, with hundreds of airports across the country, meaning that almost any destination can be reached with a convenient connecting flight.
Two Suggested Itineraries
In this article, I will outline two possible travel routes in China. These itineraries are designed for easy orientation and movement, and each one highlights the central attractions worth visiting. Naturally, there are far more sites and experiences in every destination than can fit here, so the routes focus on the flow of travel. You can then adjust the number of days and specific attractions according to your personal preferences.
From North to South: Beijing – Xi’an – Yunnan Province – Guilin – Shanghai
Beijing
The capital city of China, Beijing, is a highly attractive destination and also a natural starting point. Here you can find an enormous variety of tourist attractions alongside authentic neighborhoods. It is a magnet for many Chinese from across the country, where you can clearly see the contrast between the historical and the modern.
The Great Wall of China is the symbol of China, and it is worth seeing it in one of the more accessible sections such as Mutianyu, where you can also take a cable car up and, if you wish for a slightly different experience, descend by toboggan. You can also try traveling to less accessible and less restored parts of the Wall, such as Gubeikou.
The charm of Beijing lies of course in its old residential areas, which remain of great interest and still preserved in the face of rapid development. These are the hutong neighborhoods—narrow alleys of small streets and private houses located in the city center, surrounding Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It’s worth getting lost in these neighborhoods, searching out the small alleys alongside the more touristy pedestrian streets. The city also has many parks, such as Beihai Park, and numerous art galleries, including the 798 Art District.
Don’t miss the Temple of Heaven and the nearby People’s Park. In addition, at the northern exit of the Forbidden City lies Jingshan Park (Coal Hill)—climb it to gain a different perspective over the city.
Additional attractions in Beijing: the Silk Market, the Flea Market, the Bird and Flower Market, the Olympic Stadium, and the famous Kung Fu Show.
Xi’an
From Beijing, you can continue on to the historic city that once served as the capital of China: Xi’an. Don’t be mistaken into thinking the city is only a gateway to the famous Terracotta Army—south of the city lies a magnificent mountain range with Hua Mountain (Huà Shān, 华山) at its heart. You can ascend by cable car to the summit, where beautiful temples and scenic trails await, offering breathtaking views over the towering red cliffs.
The center of Xi’an is its ancient city, surrounded by high walls. A walk atop the walls offers a unique experience—you can explore on foot or by bicycle. A recommended route is to enter from the East Gate and descend at the South Gate. Just outside the South Gate, you’ll find a lovely park, and nearby is Shuyuanmen Calligraphy Street, a pedestrian zone where you can discover everything about the art of traditional Chinese calligraphy.
Inside the walls, the city is a blend of old and new. The highlight is undoubtedly the Muslim Quarter, located in the northwestern part of the old city. Enter through the city center, where you won’t miss the impressive Bell Tower, and nearby, the Drum Tower—both especially beautiful at night when lit up. From the Drum Tower, walk into the main street of the Muslim Quarter. Don’t let the crowds fool you—once you’ve explored the busy main street, wander into the many side alleys where you’ll find quieter corners and see the original architecture of the neighborhoods. Be sure to visit the Great Mosque, which combines Islamic and Buddhist architectural styles, and the lively market that leads up to it.
Other notable sites in Xi’an include the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an important historic Buddhist site, and the People’s Park, where you can watch locals during their leisure hours for a more authentic, community-based experience.
And perhaps most importantly—food lovers will find the Muslim Quarter a culinary paradise. Don’t miss Xi’an’s specialties: the local “burger” known as Ròu Jiā Mó (肉夹馍), the wide Biangbiang noodles, and the countless dumpling stalls that attract visitors from across China.
Yunnan Province: Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La
From Xi’an, it is recommended to fly south to Yunnan Province, home to 25 different ethnic groups. You can land in the provincial capital Kunming, or if you’ve had your fill of big cities, fly directly to Dali. (Another option is to first fly to Chengdu in Sichuan and continue from there to Yunnan—this option is detailed in the second suggested itinerary later in the article).
Kunming is a special city with excellent weather and mostly blue skies. Though it is home to millions of residents, it feels calmer and more relaxed than China’s other mega-cities, largely thanks to the surrounding nature and the slower pace of life typical of the south.
Within the city, you’ll find lovely lakes such as Cuihu Park (Green Lake), lively pedestrian streets, shopping malls, old quarters, and bustling markets. Just outside the city are natural highlights: the Stone Forest (Shilin), where giant karst pinnacles rise dramatically from the ground, and the Western Hills (Xishan), a scenic mountain ridge bordering the city from the west. Nature lovers can hike or take a cable car up to enjoy the trails and temples on the summit, along with beautiful views. Kunming also features the charming Yuantong Temple, an important Taoist site.
From Kunming, you can continue by train or flight to the old town of Dali, located near Xiaguan City, from where it’s about a 30-minute ride to the ancient town. Dali is full of colorful narrow alleys, small parks, markets, bars, and cafés. The old city walls are still partly intact, and walking them—especially from the South Gate in the late afternoon—is highly recommended.
Dali is home to the Bai ethnic minority and sits at an altitude of 2,000 meters, between the large Erhai Lake and the towering Cangshan Mountains. You can hike or take a cable car up the ridge and walk along the scenic trail, visiting temples and waterfalls. Renting a bicycle and cycling around Erhai Lake is a wonderful way to spend a day, offering encounters with fertile farmlands and hardworking local farmers.
In addition, Dali has a unique artistic and musical scene not often found elsewhere in China. Many artists gather here to sing, play, paint, and create, selling their work in the evenings along the streets, giving the town a vibrant and creative atmosphere.
From Dali, you can travel by train or bus to Lijiang, the town of the Naxi minority, often called the Venice of China. Sitting at 2,650 meters above sea level, the old town is laced with canals running between ancient houses. Lijiang is extremely popular among domestic tourists, so be prepared for crowds in the old city. It’s undoubtedly a beautiful place, but avoid visiting during Chinese holidays, and consider staying in quieter nearby villages such as Baisha or Shuhe.
North of Lijiang lies the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yùlóng Xuěshān, 玉龙雪山). On a clear day, the snowcapped ridge dominates the horizon. The scenic area is a tourist park where you can spend a full day—riding a cable car to the glacier, hiking through the scenic valley, and watching a traditional Naxi performance against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
For trekking enthusiasts, the Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hǔtiào Xiá, 虎跳峡), located about an hour and a half north of Lijiang, is one of China’s most famous hikes. The trail runs along villages perched above the mighty Jinsha River, offering routes from one to three days. If you don’t want to commit to the full trek, you can drive to one of the mid-route villages for a shorter hike and breathtaking views. At the canyon’s base, there is a site with hundreds of steps leading down almost to the river itself, where you can witness the raw power of the surging waters up close.
You can end your Yunnan journey in Lijiang, but for those who can handle higher altitudes (around 3,000 meters), it’s highly recommended to continue on to the enchanting Tibetan town of Shangri-La. This unique destination offers a glimpse into the Tibetan way of life, with wide grasslands, yak herds, and towering mountains surrounding the town. In the center, you’ll find the Giant Prayer Wheel and the main monastery, while Napahai Lake offers a scenic cycling route. Don’t miss the traditional Tibetan dances that take place every evening in the central square—an authentic and heartwarming way to end your day in this mystical highland town.
Guilin: Yangshuo and the Longsheng Rice Terraces
From Lijiang, you can fly directly to Guilin, while from Shangri-La you’ll need to connect through Kunming. Guilin completes the journey with its subtropical atmosphere and the dramatic karst landscapes—a scenery unlike anything else you’ve seen in China. The city itself is beautiful and worth one or two days, but the better base for exploring the region is the town of Yangshuo, a favorite for travelers in southern China, especially on weekends.
Yangshuo is famous for its iconic karst peaks and countryside charm. Exploring the surrounding villages is an unforgettable experience. There are also plenty of boat trips available—most famously between Guilin and Yangshuo—but for a quieter and more authentic experience, it’s recommended to choose the smaller rivers nearby. For hikers, Moon Hill is an excellent climb on a clear day, offering magical panoramic views. The area is also rich in caves, hiking trails, and diverse rural villages.
In the town center, you’ll find the bustling and lively West Street, where crowds gather every evening. It’s worth visiting, but for accommodation, it’s best to stay a little outside the center to avoid the noise.
North of Guilin lies the Longsheng (Longshan) region, home to the Zhuang minority (China’s largest ethnic group). Here you’ll encounter the stunning rice terraces carved into the mountainsides, a landscape that is both cultural and agricultural. There are various ways to explore: scenic drives between viewpoints, village-to-village hikes, or even multi-day treks lasting two to three days.
From Guilin, you can conclude your trip in one of two major cities: Shanghai or Hong Kong. To reach Hong Kong, take a train via Shenzhen (more details on Hong Kong are included in the second suggested itinerary). To Shanghai, the easiest option is a direct flight from Guilin.
Shanghai
Shanghai offers a glimpse of a China you haven’t yet seen—not even in Beijing. It’s not just another big city but rather a vast, modern metropolis, an international hub on three dimensions. Here, futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside narrow, historic alleyways, and the city’s architecture is impressive in both directions. Shanghai truly has a bit of everything, but unlike much of China, it also has a more Western atmosphere: people are more likely to speak English, and the number of foreigners is noticeably higher.
Despite its modern development, stepping just a little outside the polished areas reveals Shanghai’s traditional side—like the old buildings along Yuyuan Street (Yuyuanjie) or the authentic food stalls along Urumqi Road. Still, if you’re in Shanghai, do it in style: don’t miss The Bund with its sweeping riverside promenade, the charming Tianzifang old market district, and Xintiandi, the chic pedestrian quarter often called the “Paris of the East.” For breathtaking views, head up one of the soaring towers in Pudong, and if the weather is good, an evening cruise on the Huangpu River offers a magical perspective of the brilliantly lit skyline.
For history lovers, Shanghai has two unique highlights: the Propaganda Poster Museum, unusual in conservative China, and the city’s fascinating Jewish history from World War II. At the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, once the heart of the Jewish ghetto under Japanese rule, you can explore the story of Jewish refugees who found safety here alongside the occupied Chinese population.
Other attractions include numerous art galleries, theaters, and outstanding acrobatic shows. For families with children, Shanghai even boasts its own Disneyland.
If you have more time, take a day trip to the stunning nearby city of Suzhou, famous for its classical gardens and canals. You can also explore the traditional water towns, sometimes called the “Venices of China,” where narrow canals weave between old houses. Among the less crowded but equally enchanting options are Nanxun, Tongli, and Xitang.
For those who wish to venture further afield, a high-speed train can take you south to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for a one- or two-day excursion into some of China’s most iconic natural scenery.
From South to North: Hong Kong – Shenzhen – Guilin – Zhangjiajie – Chengdu – Shanghai
Hong Kong & Macau
Starting your journey in the south of China, arriving through Hong Kong or Shenzhen, allows you to experience both urban and rural China in one trip. Spend the first few days in Hong Kong and Macau, where you’ll discover that Hong Kong is far more than shopping and skyscrapers.
On Hong Kong Island, scenic hiking trails abound, the most famous leading up to Victoria Peak, with sweeping views over the city and the ocean bays that are part of it. Around the island are charming towns and fishing villages where traditional lifestyles still thrive. Many places are easily reached by metro or short ferry rides.
On Lantau Island, surrounded by lush green hills and blue beaches, stands the Giant Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha). The island also offers several excellent hiking trails. In mainland Hong Kong, connected to the Chinese mainland, you’ll find the Tai Mo Shan Country Park, a vast nature area with diverse walking paths.
In the city itself, don’t miss the Symphony of Lights, the spectacular evening light show viewed best from the Kowloon waterfront, as well as Hong Kong Park—a peaceful green oasis next to the city’s iconic skyscrapers.
A side trip to Macau (reachable by train or ferry) is highly recommended. Known as the Las Vegas of the East, Macau combines glittering casinos with Portuguese heritage and architecture, offering a fascinating cultural contrast.
Shenzhen & Guangzhou
From Hong Kong, you can continue to Shenzhen or Guangzhou, depending on your interests. Shenzhen, a high-tech powerhouse just across the border, is a hub of modern architecture, theme parks, and business activity. Guangzhou, on the other hand, offers a more historic urban experience, with vibrant markets, Cantonese cuisine, and cultural landmarks.
Shenzhen
Nearly half of the legendary Silk Road runs from China’s western borders with Central Asia all the way to Xi’an. At the far western edge lies Xinjiang Province, home to the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority with a distinct culture, cuisine, and appearance that stand out within the Chinese landscape. The region’s climate is extreme, dominated by the vast Taklamakan Desert, where summers are scorching and winters freezing.
The city of Kashgar, with its lively bazaars and ancient caravanserai spirit, is one of the Silk Road’s jewels. Here, you can still visit the Sunday livestock market, where trade is carried out much as it was centuries ago. Kashgar also serves as a gateway for travelers entering China from Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan, making it a key cultural and historical hub.
The northern part of Xinjiang is mountainous, bordering Russia and Kazakhstan, where the stunning Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) rise with snowy peaks above the desert plains. At their foothills lie the Narat and Kalajun Grasslands, known for alpine meadows and nomadic pastures. Close to Urumqi, the provincial capital, is the picturesque Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), framed by snowcapped peaks—a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.
Nearby, in sharp contrast, sits Turpan, one of the lowest points in China, with a hot desert climate almost year-round. Yet thanks to ancient irrigation systems, the area is filled with lush vineyards, creating a surreal landscape of green vines amid the yellow sands.
A journey through Northwest China is more than just sightseeing—it feels like stepping back in time along the historic Silk Road, where trade routes once connected East and West.
Guilin & Yangshuo
If you decide to leave the big cities, you can go up north to the Guilin area and the Longshan rice terraces. You can spend several days to a week in the area, surrounded by the impressive karst mountains and winding rivers (details in the first route).
Zhangjiajie – The “Avatar Reserve”
From Guilin, you can continue by flight or train to Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, famously known as the “Avatar Reserve” due to its resemblance to the floating mountains in the film. Its official name is Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源), and you should allow at least two full days here.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The core section, where you’ll find surreal forested landscapes dotted with towering sandstone pillars and deep green valleys. Tickets are valid for three days, giving plenty of time to explore.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge: Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, this record-breaking structure spans 430 meters across a canyon at 300 meters height—one of the area’s most thrilling attractions.
Tianmen Mountain & Heaven’s Gate: From Zhangjiajie city, take a cable car up to Tianmen Mountain and walk the cliffside trails (including glass-bottom sections if you dare). The route leads to the dramatic Heaven’s Gate, a giant natural rock arch reached via a long, steep staircase—or by escalators and elevators if you prefer.
Zhangjiajie can be reached both by flight and high-speed train, making it accessible from major Chinese cities.
Sichuan Province
Whoever is short on time can continue from here to Shanghai (details in the route above), but if you have a few days left, try Sichuan Province, located not far to the west.
The city of Chengdu is at a distance of train or flight from the reserve, and in recent years it has become a very developed and significant city in the center of China. Many young people study in the city, among them also foreigners, and it is considered the favorite city for party lovers and spicy food enthusiasts. The cloudy city is full of beautiful parks, the highlight among them being the famous Panda Park, where you can see the cute animal wandering on the trees, playing, and mostly sleeping. Check their waking hours, usually in the mornings.
In addition, there are many shopping centers, pedestrian streets, cafés, and beautiful shows such as the face-changing performance. People’s Park is an excellent opportunity for local culture, where you can drink tea and experience the controversial matchmaking culture of China’s older generation—those who publicly match their children and grandchildren in the park.
This is a very culinary city, with many markets, and its hallmark is the hot pot restaurants (a hot and spicy pot that will make you sweat).
For those who still have a few extra days, it is possible to fly or take a bus to one of the most beautiful nature reserves in China—if not the most beautiful. Far in the north of the province, in the highlands that are part of the Tibetan Plateau, lies Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve (Jiǔzhàigōu, 九寨沟). This mountainous and fertile park is dotted with turquoise lakes and stunning streams, drawing countless visitors from across China.
A visit to the reserve takes at least a full day, and if you’ve already come all the way to the area and your schedule is flexible, you can also explore the nearby Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Scenic Area.
⚠️ Altitude warning: The local airport is located at 3,200 meters above sea level. For those sensitive to rapid altitude gain, it’s recommended to first spend a night in the town of Songpan (2,800 meters). Always consult a doctor before ascending to high altitudes.
From the reserve, you can conveniently fly back to one of the major cities such as Beijing or Shanghai to wrap up your trip.
In Summary – Just the Beginning
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possible routes in China, and the options are almost endless. You can combine between the suggested itineraries, and for those with less time it’s recommended to focus on fewer regions and plan a trip around a smaller geographical area. For those who wish to go further, there are many additional fascinating areas, such as the Chinese Silk Road, Guizhou Province, the Tibetan Plateau, the city of Xiamen, and more.
Remember that China is very different from what we are used to—the culture is different, and the customs are different. Try to find the beauty in this, and despite the challenges of traveling, see the journey in China as a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
Good to Know: Discounts for seniors and students are offered in many parks and attractions across China. For seniors, the process is usually simple: just present your passport and age (discounts often start from age 60, depending on each site’s policy). For students, it depends on how strict the site is—some require an official and valid student ID.
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