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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Chongwu Ancient Town (in Hui'an County), Quanzhou (Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Quanzhou Hermitage, &more) and Qingshui Rock (in Anxi County). The adventure continues: get a taste of the local shopping with Gulangyu, take in the spiritual surroundings of Quanzhou Longshan Temple, walk around Xianyue Park, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Xiamen Lvtang Xiangshan Mountain.

To see maps, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Xiamen day trip tool.

Sydney, Australia to Xiamen is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to China Standard Time (CST) is minus 2 hours. Traveling from Sydney in October, things will get somewhat warmer in Xiamen: highs are around 34°C and lows about 25°C. Cap off 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, and wildlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get engrossed in the history at The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, delve into the distant past at Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qin Dynasty of Xi'an, make a trip to Dayan Pagoda Northern Square, and take in panoramic vistas at Xi'an Bell Tower.

To find reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Xi'an trip itinerary builder.

Getting from Xiamen to Xi'an by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. When traveling from Xiamen in October, plan for a bit cooler days in Xi'an, with highs around 22°C, while nights are colder with lows around 10°C. Finish up 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. The adventure continues: get to know the fascinating history of Old Town of Lijiang - China, stroll through Black Dragon Pond Park, make a trip to HuaMa Jie, and contemplate the long history of Shuhe Ancient Town.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Lijiang trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Xi'an to Lijiang takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. On the 13th (Sun), you'll travel back home.