Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie, Guilin Itinerary: China's Best Scenery (2026)
Hi! This itinerary is based on my personal experiences.
I’m a native Chinese and the creator of this website, Yenkid In China.
With my all-in-one guide, you will find it much easier to plan your trip!
Introduction 🐼
In this epic itinerary I’ve created, you will discover:
➡️ two of China’s water wonders
➡️ the true Avatar mountains
➡️ an ancient town
➡️ a scenic city
➡️ an iconic mountain village
➡️ home of the Panda Research Base
➡️ one of the most mind-bending cities in the world
Although this itinerary focuses on nature, I have included Chengdu and Chongqing as city stops as they are located along the route.
But I have reduced the days allowed for these cities, compared to a standard itinerary.
Guangzhou is also included as the final stop, as it has the nearest major airport to Yangshuo.
A great opportunity to prepare yourself for the next nature trip, eat some amazing food, and see some city sights.
(You DO NOT have to visit all of this! This is a FLEXIBLE self-guided itinerary for you to customise)
This itinerary brings you to 3 of China’s most highly rated natural sceneries, with a good dose of city life and local culture.
And of course many regional dishes from one of the world’s most delicious cuisines.
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This trip is particularly suited for those with a special interest in China’s natural scenery.
The route starts from Chengdu in the west and ends in Guangzhou in the south. Reasonably paced.
As an ex-transport designer, I am an expert in designing transport routes. You can be confident that these routes work, unlike much of the stuff you see from AI.
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There are ZERO domestic flights.
I specialise in itineraries made possible by high speed rail. High speed rail is feasible for all legs (vast majority of journeys are 1-4 hrs, with the longest journey within 6 hrs).
This is definitely the most comfortable + efficient way of travelling across most of China.
Feel free to remove or add cities, depending on your interests and time available.
I have provided a detailed day-by-day breakdown, my secret tips, and recommended links for you to book your trip.
You can organise this trip entirely by yourself. You do not have to book with a travel agency to organise this.
I’m not an agency. I’ve shared this itinerary to help you organise it independently like I did.
That’s part of the fun! It’s also possible to do this itinerary in reverse!
You can still book tours for individual attractions + activities like food tours separately.
NOTE: Most museums are closed on Mondays so plan your museum days for the days before or after.
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🛏️ I book hotels on Trip because it gives me the best prices ($26 cheaper for one booking!) + has way more hotels for China. What made it even cheaper was getting exclusive discounts as a new user. Register here!
🚅 I recommend booking trains on Trip as it offers the best English language interface + you can reserve tickets further in advance.
📲 The Apps You Need 🛜 Internet Access + Data 🧳Before You Arrive Guide
Quick Summary
➡️Chengdu (2 days)
➡️ Jiuzhaigou (2 days) ➡️ Huanglong (1 day)
➡️ Chongqing (2 days)
➡️ Zhangjiajie (3 days)
➡️ Fenghuang Ancient Town (1 day)
➡️ Guilin (2 days) ➡️ Yangshuo (1.5 days)
➡️ Guangzhou (1 day)
More cities to consider at bottom of article, if you want to customise your itinerary.
SEE FULL ITINERARY BELOW
💡You DON’T have to visit all places. This is a FLEXIBLE itinerary.
You’ll see the itinerary is split into separate 5-day, 7-day, 11-day, 15-day sections.
You can add or reduce your stay in each city.
Use this as your template + modify + delete to suit your length of stay & preferences
My suggested 5-DAY itinerary 👣
In one line: Chengdu is the heart of Sichuan cuisine and the panda capital! I find it so heartwarming!
Day 1 - CHENGDU
Why I find this day special: relaxing in one of China’s most laid-back cities +tasting the best of Sichuan cuisine
🚅Morning - Arrive in Chengdu + take metro or taxi to hotel
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PM - Wuhou Shrine ➡️ Tianfu Square ➡️ People’s Park ➡️ Jinli Ancient Street
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🛏️Sleep in Chengdu (2 nights)
👉🏻 Consider staying in a panda themed hotel (an example is this one)
➡️ For further details about best districts, check out my Ultimate Chengdu Travel Guide
Activities to consider
👉🏻 Food tour with a local guide
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Day 2 - CHENGDU
Why I find this day special: getting close up to so many pandas + visiting one of China’s most underrated museums
AM - Panda Base 👉🏻 book your ticket here
PM - Sanxingdui Museum ➡️ Chunxi Lu ➡️ Anshun Bridge ➡️ Jiuyanqiao Bar Street
🛏️Sleep in Chengdu
🍜My suggested meals: kung pao chicken 宫保鸡丁, mapo tofu 麻婆豆腐, Sichuan hotpot 四川火锅
🥢My suggested eating districts: Chunxi Lu + Taikoo Li (春熙路 + 太古里), Jinli Ancient Street 锦里古街
❗For an expanded itinerary, check out my Ultimate Chengdu Travel Guide
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Day 3 - TRAVEL TO JIUZHAIGOU
Why I find this day special: seeing the mountain scenery and villages on the way to Jiuzhaigou
🚅Take the high speed train from Chengdu East to Huanglong Jiuzhaigou station👉🏻 book your train here
➡️ take the bus to village near scenic area entrance (Pengfeng village)
Sleep in Jiuzhaigou (2 nights)
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Day 4 - JIUZHAIGOU
Why I find this day special: one of the water wonders of the world
All day - Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area 👉🏻 buy your ticket here
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Sleep in Jiuzhaigou
❗Check out my Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Ultimate Travel Guide
Day 5 - HUANGLONG ➡️ CHONGQING
Why I find this day special: thousands of gorgeous travertine pools with a mountain backdrop. Sublime.
AM - Huanglong Scenic Area 👉🏻 buy your ticket here
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🚅Afternoon - Take the bus back to Huanglongjiuzhai station 🚅
➡️ Take the train from Huanglongjiuzhai station to Chengdu East station
➡️ transfer to another train to Chongqing West/North station
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⌚Travel Time - Around 3-4 hrs
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🛏️Sleep in Chongqing (2 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend Regent Chongqing and Intercontinental Chongqing for its incredible skyline views.
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My suggested 11-DAY itinerary 👣
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: Chongqing is known as 8D city. The most unique city I’ve ever been to!
Day 6 - CHONGQING
Why I find this day special: The most mind-blowing night-time views I’ve ever seen + some brain twisters!
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AM - Liziba ➡️ Kuixinglou ➡️ Chaotianmen Square
PM - Hongyadong ➡️ Jialing River Beach ➡️ Jiefangbei ➡️ Deyi Shijie ➡️ Xiahaoli
🛏️Sleep in Chongqing
🍜My suggested meals: Chongqing hotpot, Chongqing noodles (xiaomian), spicy chili chicken
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Bayilu Food Street + Xiahaoli
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Day 7 - CHONGQING
Why I find this day special: Serious history stuff!
AM - Three Gorges Museum ➡️ Chongqing People’s Auditorium
❗For an expanded Chongqing itinerary, check out my Ultimate Chongqing Travel Guide
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🚅Afternoon - Take the train from Chongqing East station to Zhangjiajiexi station 👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 2-3 hrs
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🚕Take a DiDi to your hotel in Wulingyuan.
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Explore the town, prepare for next day, and rest well
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🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan district) (2 nights)
Day 8 - ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: A surreal time to explore the world of Avatar! It’s simply mind-blowing!
All Day - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park 张家界国家森林公园 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
Tianzishan Cable Car ➡️ Tianzishan (Mountain) 天子山
➡️ Bailong Elevator 百龙天梯 ➡️ Yuanjiajie Observation Platform 袁家界
➡️ Jinbianxi (Golden Whip Stream) 金鞭溪
➡️ Shili hualang (Ten Mile Gallery) 十里画廊
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🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan district)
Day 9 - ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: one of the most heart-dropping experiences of my life!
All Day - Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon 张家界大峡谷 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge 大峡谷玻璃桥 ➡️ Zipline or Elevator or Hike
If you have time ➡️ Huanglongdong (Cave) 黄龙洞
⬇️ collect luggage from hotel + take DiDi to another hotel in Zhangjiajie’s central district
🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie City Central (2 nights)
Day 10 - ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: really made me feel like being in another world.
All Day - Tianmenshan (Mountain) - literally Mountain of Heaven’s Gate 天门山
Cableway ➡️ Glass Skywalk 天门山玻璃栈道 ➡️ Tianmendong (Cave) 天门洞
➡️ Tianmen Fox Fairy (Huxian) Show 天门狐仙 ➡️ 72 Wonder Tower 七十二奇楼
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🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie City Central
🍜My suggested meals: three in a pot (sān xià guō) 三下锅, stewed chicken with rock tripe 岩耳炖鸡, preserved pork (là ròu) 腊肉
🥢My suggested eating districts: main streets of Wulingyuan, especially the east side near xī bù jiē 溪布街
area round nánménkǒu 南门口美食街 + dàyōng fǔchéng 大庸府城 in Zhangjiajie City (north side of river)
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Day 11 - ZHANGJIAJIE ➡️ FENGHUANG ANCIENT TOWN
Why I find this day special: this river town really gives me a feeling of ancient times. Its name literally means “Phoenix Ancient Town”.
🚅Morning - Take the train from Zhangjiajiexi station to Fenghuanggucheng station
⌚Travel Time - Around 1 hr
⬇️after arriving, take maglev train to Fenghuang Lansheng 凤凰揽胜站 + walk to your hotel. Or you can take a taxi.
PM - Nanhuamen ➡️ Nanhuaqiao (Bridge) 南华桥 ➡️ Tuojiang Tiaoyan (stepping stones) 沱江跳岩 ➡️ Fenghuang Cultural Square 凤凰文化广场 ➡️ explore freely ➡️ Hongqiao (Bridge) 虹桥 ➡️ Wuqiao (Bridge) 雾桥 ➡️ river cruise
🛏️Sleep in Fenghuang (1 night)
Note: You can also consider Furong Ancient Town if you have time
My suggested 15-DAY itinerary 👣
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: The areas around Guilin and Yangshuo are one of the most magical landscapes in China. It’s on the 20 yuan banknote!
Day 12 - FENGHUANG ANCIENT TOWN ➡️ GUILIN
Why I find this day special: the karst formations are out of this world + Guilin has this mysterious atmosphere.
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Fenghuanggucheng station to Guilin/Guilin North station.
⌚Travel Time - Around 6 hrs 👉🏻 book your train here
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PM - Reed Flute Cave ➡️ Two Rivers and Four Lakes ➡️ Elephant Trunk Hill ➡️ Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas
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🛏️Sleep in Guilin (2 nights)
👉🏻 I personally recommend Gangshe Rooftop View Hotel or SYYF Family-Friendly Hotel for their epic rooftop views and central location.
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Day 13 - GUILIN
Why I find this day special: A picturesque, satisfying landscape with chill vibes. I’ve always wanted to visit this!
Full day - Longsheng Rice Terraces👉🏻 book transport + tickets here
⌚Travel Time - Around 2hrs
🛏️Sleep in Guilin
🍜My suggested meals: Guilin rice noodles, Luosifen (river snail noodles)
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Shangshui Meishijie 尚水美食街 + Zhengyang Pedestrian Street 正阳步行街 + Dongxi Xiang 东西巷
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Day 14 - GUILIN ➡️ YANGSHUO
Why I find this day special: The most scenic river cruise I’ve ever been on. You must experience it!
AM - Take Li River Cruise to Yangshuo 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
⌚Travel Time - Around 4hrs
Note: there is no river cruise going from Yangshuo to Guilin. It only goes in one direction from Guilin to Yangshuo
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PM - Xijie Pedestrian Street ➡️ explore freely ➡️ Impression Liu Sanjie show 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
OR you can go to the Yulong River and try bamboo rafting! It’s great fun!
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🛏️Sleep in Yangshuo (1 night)
👉🏻 I personally recommend
Yangshuo Percent for its incredible scenic views or
Yangshuo Wubuyashu for its serene location
If you’re looking for the hotel that went viral with panoramic views from your room, one of them is LS Hotel.
🍜My suggested meals: Yangshuo beer fish 阳朔啤酒鱼, Stuffed Li River Snails 桂林螺蛳酿
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Xijie in the centre of Yangshuo + the pedestrian streets in Xingping
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Day 15 - XINGPING VILLAGE ➡️ GUANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: Exploring the location of the famous 20 yuan banknote!
🚅Morning - Take a taxi or bus to Xingping Village. You’ll see luggage storage shops where you can store your luggage for a fee.
⌚Travel Time - Around 45 minutes
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All day - Explore this tranquil village at a leisurely pace
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🚅Late afternoon - Take the train from Yangshuo station to Guangzhou South station
⌚Travel Time - Around 2hrs
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Evening - Beijing Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ Dafo Temple ➡️ Pearl River Cruise (Tianzi Pier)
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🛏️Sleep in Guangzhou (1 night)
👉🏻 I recommend staying in Tianhe district around Huacheng Square or Tiyu Xilu.
Four Seasons Guangzhou and Rosewood Guangzhou have skyline views.
❗For an expanded itinerary, check out my Ultimate Guangzhou Travel Guide
📲 Save this itinerary to your homescreen so you have it handy when you’re in China!
MY SUMMARY NOTES📝
You don’t have to do the full itinerary. Cut and swap depending on what interests you the most!
LENGTH OF STAY 📅
If you only have limited time and only want to explore natural scenery, I recommend at least 10-12 days.
If you visit cities too, I recommend at least 15-17 days.
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MY ADVICE FOR ARRIVAL CITY 🛬
I recommend you fly directly into Chengdu for this itinerary.
It’s also possible to do this itinerary in reverse, landing in Guangzhou.
Check out my article The 9 Best Airports To Fly Into China
If you want an even longer trip, consider adding the following destinations:
➡️ Leshan Giant Buddha + Emeishan
➡️ Wulong Karst
➡️ Huangshan - another top 5 scenic wonder
➡️ Furong Ancient Town
➡️ Guiyang
➡️ Guangzhou
➡️ Shenzhen
➡️ Hong Kong
For ticket prices, see ultimate guide for each city!
These articles are particularly relevant for planning your trip:
By the way, check if you can save money on your China trip by:
For more itinerary ideas, see:
Best Chengdu and Sichuan Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
My selected China itineraries for 2026
Ultimate China Itinerary: Best 7, 14, 21, 30-Day Guides
BEST Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing, Shanghai Itinerary: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10+ Days
BEST Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, HK Itinerary: 3-10+ Days
BEST Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing Itinerary: 3, 7, 10+ Days
BEST Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Chengdu Itinerary: 2-14 Days
Best Shanghai + East China Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
BEST Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Guilin Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
To work out how much time to spend in China, check out:
How Long Should I Spend In China On My First Trip? Example Itineraries
