Start: Sydney
Fly
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Beijing
— 4 nights
Fly
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Hohhot
— 3 nights
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Shanghai
— 4 nights
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Chengdu
— 1 night
Fly
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Lijiang
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Hong Kong
Tue, Dec 1 - Thu, Dec 17
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As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing stands at the heart of Chinese history, buzzing with the energy of its high population density and centuries of importance.Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Mutianyu Great Wall and Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang). Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) and Bell and Drum Towers. There's lots more to do: get engrossed in the history at The Palace Museum, contemplate the long history of Peking Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling (Song Qingling Guju), get a sense of history and politics at Temple of Heaven, and explore the activities along Back Lakes (Hou Hai).
For more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Beijing day trip website.
Sydney, Australia to Beijing is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time to China Standard Time, which is usually a -2 hour difference. Expect much colder temperatures when traveling from Sydney in December; daily highs in Beijing reach 5°C and lows reach -8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Hohhot.
Things to do in Beijing
Highlights from your trip
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Hohhot, abbreviated Hushi, formerly known as Kweisui, is the capital of Inner Mongolia in North China, serving as the region's administrative, economic and cultural centre. Neimenggu Bowuguan (Inner Mongolia Museum) and Xilitu Zhao Temple are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Your inner history buff will appreciate Dazhao Temple and Hohhot Five-Pagoda Temple (Wuta Si). There's still lots to do: try to win big at Inner Mongolia Racecourse and take in the spiritual surroundings of Hohhot Mosque (Great Mosque).
To see other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Hohhot online visit planner.
You can fly from Beijing to Hohhot in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In December, Hohhot is a bit cooler than Beijing - with highs of -3°C and lows of -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to travel to Shanghai.
To see other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Hohhot online visit planner.
You can fly from Beijing to Hohhot in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In December, Hohhot is a bit cooler than Beijing - with highs of -3°C and lows of -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) early enough to travel to Shanghai.
Things to do in Hohhot
Highlights from your trip
See timeline
4
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4
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Pearl of the Orient
With a nickname like the "Pearl of the Orient," it's not surprising Shanghai offers some of the most rewarding attractions and activities in the Far East.Get some cultural insight at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and Jade Buddha Temple. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Former French Concession and Tian Zi Fang. Step out of Shanghai with an excursion to Xitang Ancient Town in Jiashan County--about 1h 25 min away. The adventure continues: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, take in the exciting artwork at Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, take in nature's colorful creations at Yu Garden (Yuyuan), and admire the landmark architecture of Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu).
For maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Shanghai trip maker tool.
You can fly from Hohhot to Shanghai in 5.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Expect warmer temperatures when traveling from Hohhot in December; daily highs in Shanghai reach 13°C and lows reach 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Chengdu.
Things to do in Shanghai
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
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Hibiscus City
The home of giant pandas for more than two million years, Chengdu's vast human history cowers in comparison to the natural heritage of the area.Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sun): take in the views from Anshun Bridge (Dongmen Bridge), get to know the fascinating history of Jinli Pedestrian Street, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Kuanzhai Alley, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Wenshu Yuan Monastery, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Here are some ideas for day two: get engrossed in the history at Jinsha Site Museum and then look for all kinds of wild species at Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi).
To see traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Chengdu vacation app.
You can fly from Shanghai to Chengdu in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In December, daily temperatures in Chengdu can reach 14°C, while at night they dip to 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Lijiang.
Things to do in Chengdu
Highlights from your trip
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Suzhou on the Plateau
The cultural capital of the Naxi people, one of the 55 minority ethnic groups in the country, Lijang traces its history back over 800 years, with the city developing from a trading post on the ancient Southern Silk Road.Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Tue): make a trip to Yuhe Square, admire the local landmark of Black Dragon Pond Park, and then steep yourself in history at Shuhe Ancient Town.
For more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read Lijiang sightseeing planner.
You can fly from Chengdu to Lijiang in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.
Things to do in Lijiang
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
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China travel guide
With well over 1.3 billion residents, China represents the most populous country in the world, considered by many the cradle of civilization thanks to its history spanning many millennia. While a single trip to China rarely satisfies curious travelers, a well-organized tour reveals a land of awe-inspiring natural scenery, ancient monuments, and giant cities, where the diverse population includes almost 60 different ethnic groups speaking dozens of distinct languages. While many Westerners may know China mostly for its centuries-old tradition of martial arts, discerning travelers visit this vast nation for its outstanding cuisine, pristine landscapes, epic train journeys, and small towns of hardworking and genuinely hospitable people.
Inner Mongolia travel guide
Covering most of the northern edge of China beyond the Great Wall, Inner Mongolia has scenic grasslands dotted with natural lakes, deserts, and industrial cities. Tourist attractions in Inner Mongolia include a World Heritage-listed geopark with a granite forest, ethnic villages, and museums detailing the life of nomadic tribes. Numerous lamaist temples housing exquisite bodhisattva images give insight into this autonomous region's Buddhist heritage. Certain traditions of the vast grassland empire remain alive and well: an itinerary in Inner Mongolia can include horse races, camel rides, and sand sledging, plus visits to Mongolian yurts and plenty of samples of kumis (fermented horse milk).
