14 days in Xiamen, Xi'an & Lijiang Itinerary

Known for centuries as a gateway to China, the port city of Xiamen has become a destination in itself, first to domestic visitors and now to a growing number of people from across the world.

Explore Xiamen's surroundings by going to Qingshui Rock (in Anxi County), Chongwu Ancient Town (in Hui'an County) and Quanzhou (Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Quanzhou Hermitage, & more). Next up on the itinerary: shop like a local with Gulangyu, take in the awesome beauty at Xiamen Lvtang Xiangshan Mountain, walk around Xianyue Park, and examine the collection at Xiamen Piano Museum.

To see more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Xiamen trip itinerary site .

Sydney, Australia to Xiamen is an approximately 10-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Sydney to Xiamen. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Sydney in October, with highs in Xiamen at 34°C and lows at 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Sun) early enough to travel to Xi'an.

Historians often describe Xi'an, capital city for over a dozen dynasties, as the birthplace of Chinese civilization.

Xi'an is known for museums, historic sites, nightlife, nature, and theme parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take an in-depth tour of The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, take in panoramic vistas at Xi'an Bell Tower, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, and contemplate the long history of Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta).

To find more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Xi'an trip app .

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Xiamen to Xi'an takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Xiamen in October, you will find days in Xi'an are slightly colder (22°C), and nights are colder (10°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) so you can travel to Lijiang.

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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Lijiang: Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) (in Shangri-La County) and Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain (in Yulong County). Spend the 11th (Fri) exploring nature at Three Parallel Rivers National Park. Spend the 13th (Sun) exploring nature at Mt. Laojun Mountain National Geological Park ,Yulong Liming. There's still lots to do: get to know the fascinating history of Old Town of Lijiang - China, ponder the design of Black Dragon Pond Park, make a trip to HuaMa Jie, and steep yourself in history at Shuhe Ancient Town.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Lijiang day trip app .

Traveling by flight from Xi'an to Lijiang takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.