Sichuan Unveiled: Pandas, Peaks & Paradise
A Curated Exploration of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guilin
Introduction
This 11-day budget-friendly itinerary takes you through China's most iconic cities, showcasing UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient cultural treasures, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Travel efficiently between destinations using China's high-speed rail network while experiencing authentic local life, culinary delights, and world-famous landmarks at an accessible price point.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Frankfurt to Beijing
Germany is approximately a 10-hour flight from China. From Frankfurt Airport, consider booking non-stop flights such as CA966 (14:05/06:35+1) or CA932 (19:15/11:25+1) to Beijing.
Preparation Tip: For convenience during your travels in China's electronically-oriented society, download Alipay for daily payments and transportation, Didi applet for ride-hailing, and AMap for navigation from your mobile app store. These require linkage to your bank card.
Day 2: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to China's capital! Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), transfer independently to your pre-booked hotel.
Transportation Options: - Take the Airport Express to Beixinqiao Station, transfer to Line 5 to Puhuangyu Station (Exit D), then walk approximately 15 minutes to your hotel (1.5 hours, CNY 29/USD 4) - Use Didi or AMap to hail a direct car from airport to hotel (1.5 hours, CNY 120-160/USD 17-22)
Evening Exploration: After settling in, consider a 40-minute taxi ride (CNY 20-40/USD 3-6) to Jingshan Park, located on Beijing's traditional central axis. At sunset, enjoy panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing from the hilltop. Afterwards, sample Peking Roast Duck at a nearby restaurant (CNY 100-200/USD 14-28 per person).
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3-star)
Day 3: Beijing Imperial Treasures - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall
Join a small group tour (approximately 12 people) with hotel pickup between 7:00-8:00 AM. Your guide will confirm exact timing the previous day.
Preparation: Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunhat, and sunglasses as today involves extensive outdoor walking.
Morning: - Tiananmen Square: Explore China's monumental square featuring Tiananmen Tower and the Monument to the People's Heroes - Forbidden City: Discover this 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site, the world's largest preserved wooden palace complex. Highlights include the Meridian Gate, Hall of Supreme Harmony with its elaborate dragon throne, and insights into imperial life from 1420-1911 AD
Important Notes: - Carry only passport and water to utilize no-bag security lanes - Forbidden City tickets require 7-day advance reservation with real names
Afternoon: - Mutianyu Great Wall: Explore Beijing's longest Great Wall section featuring 22 distinctive watchtowers. Marvel at Zhengguan Terrace's strategic design. Optional cable car, chairlift, or toboggan available at additional cost (single trip: CNY 100/USD 14; round trip: CNY 140/USD 20)
Evening: Visit Shichahai Area featuring traditional Hutong lanes at Tobacco Pipe Lane and vibrant Houhai Bar Street. Explore independently or return directly to hotel with your guide.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven
Day 4: Beijing Cultural Immersion - Temple of Heaven, Hutongs, Lama Temple & Summer Palace
Another small group tour with pre-arranged hotel pickup.
Morning: - Temple of Heaven: Explore this 600-year-old imperial sacrificial site featuring the nail-free Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and experience acoustic wonders at the Circular Mound Altar's Heaven Heat Stone - Hutong Alley Rickshaw Tour: Journey through traditional alleyways while learning about local history and architecture from English-speaking carters
Afternoon: - Lama Temple (Yonghe Lamasery): Visit Beijing's largest Tibetan Buddhist shrine featuring the 18-meter sandalwood Maitreya Buddha in the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses - Summer Palace: Explore this imperial garden gifted by an emperor to his mother. Highlights include Longevity Hill, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Seventeen-Arched Bridge, and the painted Long Corridor
Note: When Temple of Heaven's main halls are closed on Mondays, alternative visits to Beihai Park are arranged.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven
Day 5: High-Speed Rail to Ancient Capital Xi'an
Travel independently to Beijing West Railway Station (30-minute taxi, CNY 30-50/USD 4-7) for your 4-hour high-speed train to Xi'an. Arrive at least one hour before departure.
Upon arrival at Xi'an North Railway Station, transfer to your hotel: - Metro Line 2 to Beidajie Station (Exit C), 30 minutes, CNY 4/USD 0.6 - Taxi/online car: 40 minutes, CNY 40-50/USD 5-7
Evening Exploration: Visit the 600-year-old Bell Tower, particularly magnificent when illuminated at night. Then explore the adjacent Muslim Quarter for local specialties like Chinese hamburgers, Biang Biang Noodles, and Crumbled Bread in Beef Stew (CNY 15-30/USD 2-4 per person).
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an (3-star)
Day 6: Xi'an Historical Wonders - Terracotta Army, City Wall & Muslim Quarter
Hotel pickup around 8:00 AM for small group tour (note: pickup times may be earlier during Chinese holidays).
Morning: - Terracotta Army Museum: Discover Emperor Qin Shi Huang's underground army, accidentally uncovered in 1974. Marvel at over 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures arranged in battle formations. Visit the Exhibition Hall featuring unique artifacts like green-faced figurines and bronze waterfowls - Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Learn about Monk Xuanzang's pilgrimage and Buddhist translation history at this iconic landmark
Afternoon: - Xi'an City Wall: Ascend this 600-year-old military fortification built with 26 million bricks. Enjoy panoramic city views and optional bicycle rental for wall exploration
Evening: Optional independent exploration and dinner in the Muslim Quarter before returning to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an
Day 7: High-Speed Rail to Panda Capital Chengdu
Take metro Line 2 from Beidajie Station to Xi'an North Railway Station for your 3.5-hour high-speed train to Chengdu.
Upon arrival at Chengdu East Railway Station, transfer to your hotel: - Metro Line 2 to Chunxi Road Station, transfer to Line 3 to Hongpailou Station (Exit B), CNY 5/USD 0.7 - Taxi: 40 minutes, CNY 40-50/USD 5-7
Evening Exploration: Visit Wuhou Memorial Temple (CNY 50/USD 7), China's only temple honoring both monarch and subjects. Then explore adjacent Jinli Ancient Street for local snacks like Wonton in Chili Oil and Dan Dan Noodles (CNY 15-30/USD 2-4). Evening lantern illumination creates particularly atmospheric surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Wuhou (3-star)
Day 8: Chengdu Panda Encounter & Leshan Giant Buddha
Morning hotel pickup for guided tour.
Morning: - Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Observe China's national treasures during their active morning feeding hours. Learn about international panda conservation efforts
Afternoon: - Leshan Giant Buddha: Journey outside Chengdu to witness the world's largest stone-carved sitting Buddha, constructed between 713-803 AD. View from observation decks and approach the massive feet for unique photo opportunities
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Wuhou
Day 9: High-Speed Rail to Scenic Guilin
Travel independently to the railway station for your 6-hour high-speed train to Guilin.
Upon arrival at Guilin West Railway Station, take a taxi to your hotel (30 minutes, CNY 30-40/USD 4-5).
Evening Exploration: Walk approximately 10 minutes from your hotel to Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's city emblem. Consider an evening cruise from Elephant Hill Yuren Dock (CNY 210/USD 30, 70 minutes) to experience the illuminated Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenery, including Sun and Moon Pagodas, international-inspired bridges, and folk performances.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center (3-star)
Day 10: Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Countryside Cycling
Private guide with hotel pickup for today's activities.
Morning: - Li River Cruise: Journey 83 kilometers to Yangshuo through stunning karst landscape. Highlights include Yellow Cloth Shoal (featured on RMB 20 note) with its crystal-clear reflections and traditional bamboo rafts
Lunch: Included onboard cruise
Afternoon: - Yangshuo Countryside Cycling: Explore rural paths through farmland and peak forests at your preferred pace. Alternative air-conditioned vehicle touring available
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center
Day 11: Departure from Guilin
Check out by 12:00. If departing later, consider exploring East and West Street (10-minute walk from hotel), Guilin's oldest historical block featuring city wall ruins and time-honored brands. Sample authentic sour and spicy rice noodles (CNY 15-25/USD 2-3.5).
Return Travel Note: For Frankfurt return, first take high-speed trains to Guangzhou (2.5 hours) or Hong Kong (3.5 hours) for international flights. Assistance available for additional bookings.
Meals: Breakfast