China Spring Itinerary

Trip Overview

🛤️ Transport: Train-based journey
⏱️ Duration: 3 weeks
💲 Budget: $2,500-$4,000 total per person
🌡️ Best Time: March-May
🏃‍♂️ Pace: Moderate
🗺️ Route: Beijing → Wuhan → Chongqing → Kunming → Dali → Lijiang
🚂 Total Train Time: ~20 hours

This trip is a variation of an itinerary we did in February/March 2024 combined with elements of September 2024 trip.

It combines varied landscapes and is created to create a logical route with easy transit and a variety of regions that have optimal weather for spring and are often too hot to visit in the summer.

Itinerary Snapshot

Route Overview

Beijing: Days 1-4
- Key highlights: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutongs
- Train to next city: 4 hours to Wuhan

Wuhan: Days 5-6
- Key highlights: Cherry blossoms, East Lake, Yellow Crane Tower
- Train to next city: 5 hours to Chongqing

Chongqing: Days 7-9
- Key highlights: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum, hotpot dinner
- Train to next city: 5 hours to Kunming

Kunming: Days 10-11
- Key highlights: Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, Flower Market
- Train to next city: 2 hours to Dali
Dali: Days 12-14
- Key highlights: Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas
- Train to next city: 2 hours to Lijiang
Lijiang: Days 15-17
- Key highlights: Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Optional extension: train to Shangri-La (4 hours)

Is This Route Right for You?

✅ Perfect for travelers who:

Want to experience diverse landscapes and cultures in one trip
Enjoy a mix of urban exploration and natural scenery
Prefer train travel over multiple domestic flights
Want to experience spring blossoms and comfortable temperatures

❌ Consider a different route if you:

Have less than 2 weeks available (see our shorter variations below)
Prefer staying longer in fewer places
Want to focus solely on major cities or solely on natural attractions
Are traveling during peak summer or Chinese holidays

Best Time for This Route

Seasonal Route Considerations

Early Spring (March):
- Weather: Cool in Beijing (5-15°C), warming in Wuhan (10-18°C), pleasant in Yunnan (15-25°C)
- Highlights: Plum blossoms in Beijing, early cherry blossoms in Wuhan
- Train booking difficulty: Moderate (avoid Qingming Festival, usually early April)
Mid-Spring (April):
- Weather: Mild in Beijing (10-20°C), warm in Wuhan/Chongqing (15-25°C), ideal in Yunnan (15-25°C)
- Highlights: Peak cherry blossom season in Wuhan, wildflowers in Yunnan
- Train booking difficulty: Moderate to hard (tickets go on sale 15 days ahead — pre-book via Trip.com)
Late Spring (May):
- Weather: Warm throughout the route (20-30°C), some rain possible
- Highlights: Lush green landscapes, fewer crowds before summer
- Train booking difficulty: Easier (except Labor Day holiday, May 1-5)

🌟 Pro Tip: April is generally the sweet spot for this route, with optimal weather and flowers in bloom.

Getting Around China

If it is your first time in China, make sure to check out my posts about China travel essentials:

China Train Guide

Train Types

High-Speed (G trains)
- Speed: 300+ km/h
- Cost range: ¥300-900 ($20-100) depending on distance and class
- Best for: Long-distance travel between major cities
- 🎟️ Book high-speed trains
Fast Trains (D trains)
- Speed: 200-250 km/h
- Cost range: ¥200-700 ($10-80)
- Best for: Routes without G train service
Normal Trains (K, T, Z)
- Speed: 60-160 km/h
- Cost range: ¥100-500 ($15-70)
- Best for: Budget travel, overnight journeys with sleeper berths

Booking Train Tickets

How to book: Online via Trip.com (most convenient for foreigners) or at train station ticket offices
When to book: Tickets go on sale 15 days before departure — use Trip.com pre-booking so yours are bought the moment sales open
Seat classes:
- Second Class: Comfortable and affordable
- First Class: More spacious seating, worth the upgrade for longer journeys
- Business Class: Luxurious but expensive, rarely necessary

Visa Requirements

As of 2026, citizens of 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — check the current list before you book.

Visa options:

Standard Tourist Visa (L): Most common, valid for 30-90 days
30 days Visa Exemption: applicable for many European countries and beyond
240-hour (10-day) Transit Visa-Free: Available at designated ports if continuing to a third country
Group Visa: For organized tours

For families, note that each person (including children) needs their own visa. Plan to apply 1-2 months before your trip.

Total Costs

Complete Budget Breakdown

Trains: $400 per person
Accommodation: $700-$2,100 (budget to luxury)
Activities: $200-$500 per person
Food: $300-$700 per person
Total: $1,500-$3,650 per person (budget to luxury)

City-by-City Costs

Beijing: $80-$200 per day
Wuhan: $60-$120 per day
Chongqing: $70-$150 per day
Kunming: $50-$120 per day
Dali: $50-$140 per day
Lijiang: $60-$180 per day

Money-Saving Tips

Second-class train tickets are perfectly comfortable for most travelers
Many attractions offer discounted tickets for advance online booking
Consider accommodations slightly outside tourist centers
Opt for local restaurants over Western options (better food anyway!)

Ready to Book Your China Adventure?

✈️ Book your flights
🏨 Book your hotels
🎫 Get your visa
🚂 Book train tickets
🎟️ Book activities

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Last updated: September 2026