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Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Start in vibrant Hong Kong — explore Kowloon's night markets, ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, and feast on dim sum in Mong Kok. Take the MTR or a direct high-speed rail to cross into mainland China. Don't miss the neon-lit Temple Street Night Market before you leave.
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Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou is the capital of Cantonese cuisine — try authentic yum cha and roast goose in the Xiguan district. Stroll along the Pearl River at night and visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall for stunning traditional architecture. High-speed rail connects Hong Kong to Guangzhou in under an hour.
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Yichang, China
Yichang is the gateway to the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam — guided day tours from the city are easy to arrange. Take a Yangtze River cruise or boat trip through the dramatic Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges for breathtaking scenery. The city itself is a relaxed stopover with riverside walks and local Hubei cuisine to enjoy.
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Chongqing, China
Chongqing is a dramatic hillside megacity at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers — the cable car across the river offers stunning views. It's the home of fiery Sichuan hot pot, so brave a traditional hot pot dinner in the Jiefangbei district. Many Three Gorges cruises also depart from Chongqing, making it a great hub for the river journey.
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Xi'an, China
Xi'an is one of China's greatest ancient cities and the unmissable home of the Terracotta Warriors — arrive early to beat the crowds at the Museum of the First Qin Emperor. The city's well-preserved Ming Dynasty walls are perfect to cycle around, and the Muslim Quarter is a vibrant labyrinth of street food including lamb skewers and biang biang noodles. Xi'an was also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, so visit the Shaanxi History Museum for a deep dive into that legendary trade route.
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Beijing, China
Beijing delivers the iconic highlights — spend a full day at the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and dedicate another day to hiking the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections of the Great Wall. The Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and the hutong alleyways of Nanluoguxiang are all essential experiences. For Inner Mongolia, a day trip or overnight to Zhangjiakou or further to Hohhot offers grasslands, yurt stays, and a taste of nomadic culture.
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Dunhuang, China
Dunhuang is a legendary Silk Road oasis town in the Gobi Desert — the Mogao Caves contain over 400 Buddhist grottoes filled with ancient murals and sculptures spanning 1,000 years. Ride a camel over the towering Crescent Moon Spring sand dunes at sunset for an unforgettable experience. This is the most evocative stop on the ancient Silk Road and well worth the journey out west.