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 Quanzhou (Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Quanzhou Hermitage, &more), Qingshui Rock (in Anxi County) and Chongwu Ancient Town (in Hui'an County). The adventure continues: get a taste of the local shopping with Gulangyu, take in the spiritual surroundings of Quanzhou Longshan Temple, walk around Jiageng 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, explore the ancient world of Eastern Royal Tombs of the Qin Dynasty of Xi'an, make a trip to Dayan Pagoda Northern Square, and steep yourself in history at Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta).

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Xi'an using our trip planner.

Fly from Xiamen to Xi'an in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. While traveling from Xiamen, expect a bit cooler days and much colder nights in Xi'an, ranging from highs of 22°C to lows of 10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) to allow enough time to 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.