Traveling for a month in China is enough to put together a tour that allows you to get a fairly complete picture of the country and, above all, a desire to return.
We can hardly see everything we'd like, but if you plan well, taking into account the excellent transport system they have, you'll be able to visit many of the iconic places.
In this post I'm going to tell you about my one-month itinerary in China, the cities I chose, how I connected them, and what I left out.
Table of Contents
Top tourist destinations in China
China has so many iconic places that making a short list is almost unfair, but these are some of the most representative and visited destinations in the country:
Beijing (Pekin)
The capital city is home to some of the country's most important symbols, such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, to name just a few.
It is the best place to understand the imperial history and political dimension of China.
Shanghai
The most modern and futuristic face of the country. The contrast between the skyscrapers of Pudong and the historic Bund promenade perfectly encapsulates the duality between tradition and innovation that defines contemporary China.
Xi’an
A former imperial capital and the historic starting point of the Silk Road, it is home to the Terracotta Army, one of the world's most impressive archaeological finds.
Chongqing
Chongqing is a megacity built between mountains and crossed by rivers.
Its vertical urbanism, giant bridges, and famous hot pot make it a completely different urban experience from Beijing or Shanghai.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is famous for its vertical rock pillars that inspired the landscapes of Avatar.
It is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the country and the world.
Guilin and Yangshuo
The karst mountains surrounding the Li River form one of China's most iconic landscapes.
It's an ideal area to escape from mega cities, slow down and enjoy nature.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong blends skyscrapers, nature, traditional markets and mountain trails.
It is a city with many immigrants, an active and organized life, and its own identity within the Chinese world.
Yunnan
Yunnan province is one of the most diverse regions in the country, both culturally and scenically.
Ancient villages like Lijiang and Dali, rice terraces and mountains that touch the Himalayas make it one of the most complete areas for those seeking nature and ethnic minorities.
Sichuan
Sichuan combines gastronomy, vibrant cities, and spectacular landscapes. Its capital, Chengdu, is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, and the imposing Leshan Giant Buddha is located nearby. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent gateway to less-explored mountainous regions.
Tíbet
The Tibet Autonomous Region offers a completely different experience from the rest of the country, both culturally and spiritually.
Lhasa is home to the Potala Palace, one of Asia's most impressive architectural icons. However, visiting it requires special permits and careful planning.
My favorite places during my month in China
It's difficult for me to choose my favorite places in China, because I honestly liked almost everything. But some I liked a little more because of the context or because they were unexpected.
Hong Kong
After spending more than three months in India, arriving in Hong Kong was a radical change… and a necessary one.
I came from chaos, dirt, shouting, constant noise…and suddenly I found myself in a modern, clean, comparatively quiet, organized city.
The contrast couldn't have been better. It was like pressing a mental "reset" button that gave me the strength to continue my long journey.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo seemed like a dream to me. Literally. A small town surrounded by surreal karst landscapes, rivers snaking between jagged mountains, and endless country roads.
I rented a bike and motorbike every day and got lost on country roads with no fixed destination, but in the good company of local friends. A dream come true.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen. I've never been anywhere like it.
Walking down below between those giant rock pillars and then climbing up to the viewpoints and seeing that landscape from above... it really feels like you're in the movie Avatar.
You won't find another place like this in the world.
Chongqing
I didn't know what to expect from Chongqing, and that made my surprise even greater.
It's a city built on levels, with elevated highways, buildings that seem to emerge from the mountain, and one of the most beautiful skylines I've ever seen.
Chaotic yet futuristic, intense yet visually spectacular.
Beijing (Pekin)
Beijing didn't strike me as the most beautiful city in China, but it's so big and so steeped in history that it ends up being a must-see.
Between its vast parks, imperial palaces, traditional neighborhoods, and the city walls just a few kilometers away, it's a world unto itself. You can spend entire days exploring and there's always something left to discover.
Map with a one-month itinerary in China
Details of my one-month itinerary in China
Now then, let's get into the details of the trip I took to China for a month.
Hong Kong – 5 days
My trip began in Hong Kong, arriving on a flight from New Delhi. I spent five days exploring the city, and I really enjoyed it. Not only for what it has to offer, but also because after several months in India, it was a refreshing change of pace.
Things to do in Hong Kong in 5 days
It was also a perfect transition before fully entering mainland China, as you don't need a VPN, English is widely spoken, and everything is simpler to find your way around.
Yangshuo – 5 days
From there I took a couple of high-speed trains to Yangshuo, where I stayed for another 5 days. It was one of my favorite places in the country.
How to visit Yangshuo and see China's dreamlike scenery
I rented a bike and motorbike almost every day and got lost among karst mountains, rivers and rural roads.
Fenghuang – 4 days
Then I took two more trains to Fenghuang, where I spent four days. It's an extremely picturesque and very photogenic town, with traditional houses along the river.
Fenghuang, the most photogenic city in China
But I felt it was too touristy, quite geared towards visitors and not very authentic. Although it's appreciated differently at night or early in the morning.
Zhangjiajie – 3 days
After that, I traveled on two more trains to Wulingyuan, the base for visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
How to visit Zhangjiajie Park
I spent three days exploring the park. The place is incredible, truly one of the most breathtaking landscapes I've ever seen.
Chongqing – 3 days
From there I took a train to Chongqing, a city that seems like it's from another planet.
Chongqing, what it's like to visit China's craziest city
I stayed for three days, although I would have liked to stay longer. Its tiered design, the bridges, the skyline… everything is stunning and unlike any other city I've ever visited.
Xi’an – 4 days
The next destination was Xi'an, the former imperial capital. I spent four days there.
Xian, the ancient capital of the Chinese empire
It's a city steeped in history, and it's where I saw the famous Terracotta Army, among other important sites. However, it wasn't one of my favorite places.
Pingyao – 2 days
After that, I traveled by train to Pingyao, where I stayed for two days. The city itself didn't strike me as particularly beautiful, but its historic center maintains a very well-preserved medieval feel.
Is visiting the medieval city of Pingyao worth it?
Even so, I felt it was quite touristy and lacked authenticity.
Beijing (Pekin) – 5 days
Then I took a train to Beijing, where I spent five days. I liked it. I didn't think it was the most beautiful city in China, but there's so much to see beyond the Great Wall, with palaces, huge parks, traditional neighborhoods… it's a world unto itself.
Things to do in Beijing, the capital of China
Heading to Mongolia
Finally, I wrapped up the trip by taking a couple of trains to Mongolia, leaving China behind after a month that left me amazed by what I found, a country full of contrasts.
What would I like to see on a future trip to China?
If there's one thing this month in China has taught me, it's that I'll be back. There are regions I missed due to time constraints or logistics, and they pique my curiosity immensely.
One of those places is Shanghai. I was left wanting to see that more futuristic side of the country and feel that financial and cosmopolitan energy that many describe as the most modern in China.
I also plan to explore Yunnan further. It's a province that blends mountainous landscapes, rice terraces, ancient villages, and a huge ethnic diversity. I feel it's a more rural and culturally diverse part of China.
I would also like to visit Sichuan. Beyond Chengdu, I'm drawn to its mountains, national parks, and Tibetan areas within the province.
China is so vast that a month is barely enough for a first glimpse. The good thing is, there are always excuses to return.
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