China: A Two-Week Itinerary

To say the People’s Republic of China is huge is an understatement. The country covers 3.7 sq miles, is bordered by 14 countries and contains 20% of the world’s population. There are eight distinct climate zones (yet inexplicably one time zone), thriving metropolises and tiny villages, and the 3915 mile-long Yangtze River is the third longest river on the planet. Blessed with staggering natural beauty, archaeological treasures, remarkable architecture (both old and new), vibrant cosmopolitan cities and a plethora of arts from ancient cave paintings, fine porcelain, and sumptuous silks to landscape paintings, exquisite jade carvings and delicate calligraphy, China is one of the most culturally-rich destinations in the world. Oh and can’t forget the pandas!

When To Go

Weather

A massive country with extreme weather conditions ranging from bitter cold in the winter to debilitating heat and humidity in the summer, China is best visited in the spring and autumn for the most comfortable temperatures and relatively low rainfall in all regions. April and September-October are ideal.

2008 Summer Olympics

With the Olympics in August 2008 in Beijing (primarily), Hong Kong and other venues throughout the country, China is abuzz. Combine this global event with a booming economy (despite environmental and humanitarian concerns) and you can see why the time to visit China is now. If you are able to afford (and find accommodation) during the Olympics you will be guaranteed the visit of a lifetime.

• While Opening Ceremony tickets are already ranging from $2000-$5000 per person and Beijing hotels waitlisted, you can still get packages through reputable brokers such as On Point Events and Sports Traveler

• These packages can be tailored with different hotel levels and sporting events, and additional tickets can be purchased a la carte

• Most airlines can only book 11 months in advance and will be opening up reservations in the next few weeks

• Beijing and other tourist destination hotels have raised their rates significantly and require hefty deposits and pre-payment

Getting There

From the US

There are numerous direct flights from both coasts to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, with new routes opening up before the Olympics.

• I recommend flying into Beijing and out of Shanghai or Hong Kong to avoid backtracking, but some mileage programs only allow tickets flying in and out of the same city

As I’m sure I’ve imparted, China is massive and with only two weeks it’s not possible to experience the entire country. Perhaps with two months, a good pair of hiking boots for trekking in Tibet and a little black dress for dining in Hong Kong…

I have focused on the main highlights of China with a cruise down the Yangtze, which can be left off if you have less time, but is a wonderful chance to see the dramatic Chinese landscape and magnificent Three Gorges before the dam project changes the topography forever.

This itinerary flows counter-clockwise in a roughly circular pattern

• Starting with Beijing & Xian in the North

• Continue to Chengdu in Central China to see the beloved pandas

• Embark on the Yangtze River cruise in nearby Chongqing

• Disembark in Yiching 4 days later and head to Guilin in the Southwest

• Finish in Shanghai on the coast of Central China