Rough Itinerary
March 12 – March 22
“Consider visiting China in the off-season, late October to March, for less crowds and cooler temperatures.”
Weather
- Beijing 55/32
- Hong Kong 70/62
Plan in Advance for a Visa
China requires visitors from most countries to have an entry visa. It’s best to prepare your application at least two months prior to your trip. Americans must submit an application, a $130 fee, your passport and your flight itinerary to the nearest embassy or Consulate General. It’s best to go through a travel agency or visa service that can guarantee prompt delivery.
Visa referral – I emailed 9/16/18
Hotel Options
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Flights
ATL-Beijing
Hong Kong – ATL
Beijing
3 days
10 THINGS TO DO IN BEIJING FOR FIRST TIMERS
Nostalgia Hotel Temple of Heaven $50/night
The Great Wall (mutianyu) –The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China is the longest fully-restored section of the wall
Public transport from Beijing to Mutianyu: ¥12 + ¥3
Entry ticket for the wall (ticket + shuttle): ¥60
Public transport from Mutianyu to Beijing: ¥12 + ¥3
Total: ¥90 / £10.55 / $14USD
forbidden city
temple of heaven/pearl market
summer palace
hutong stay or at least tour
798 Arts district
night out In sanlitun and workers stadium area
The overnight train from Beijing to Xian is amazing and you will save a ton of money over flying plus it is one night of accommodations. Xian night market is wonderful. China Highlights – China Tour Operator can do all of your in country reservations for you and organize guides and hotel transfers. They were wonderful to work with and their rates were better than I found on my own.
- Train Schedule – Duration: about 4.5 -6 hours
Xi’an
2 days
Terra-cotta soldiers
bike or walk the walls (ancient walls survived)
mount hushanan
- Depending on the train, the journey is between 6 and 7 hours. Read more about high-speed trains here.
- Train info
Hangzhou
This is the city that was once described by Marco Polo as the finest and most luxurious city in the world.
10 Days In China: A Beijing To Shanghai
Shanghai
2 days
French concession,
boat the river, an observation deck in pudong,
go have sunset cocktails at “M” on the Bund,
M50 galleries
- flight to 2h 45m duration
Hong Kong
2 days
Blonde Abroad Blog post and best food in Hong Kong
Junk Boat cruise (get with a group it’s easier)
bar street (it opens at 10pm 
) ride subways and trams, lots of temples 
PARTY and have fun
- fly home
Useful Apps in China: WeChat
It is safe to assume that you won’t be able to access your favorite sites, or even email at some times. If this is a big issue for you (like it was for me!) make sure to get a VPN on your phone and computer before leaving—just make sure that the service provider is not blocked in China.
I used ExpressVPN on both my computer and iPhone, and had internet throughout my trip!
Swoon Worthy Travels 