One Month Itinerary for China: An In-Depth Exploration

Week 1: Beijing and Surroundings

Day 1-3: Beijing

• The Forbidden City: Start your journey in Beijing with a visit to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace. Explore its vast courtyards, gardens, and stunning halls.
• Tiananmen Square: Nearby, Tiananmen Square is a significant historical site. Visit the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
• Temple of Heaven: Spend time at the Temple of Heaven, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful park.

Day 4: Great Wall of China

• Mutianyu Section: Take a day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This area is less crowded than Badaling and offers breathtaking views and a scenic cable car ride.

Day 5-6: Summer Palace and Hutongs

• Summer Palace: Visit the Summer Palace, renowned for its beautiful gardens and the Kunming Lake.
• Hutongs: Explore Beijing’s traditional alleyways, known as Hutongs, for a glimpse into local life and culture.

Day 7: Travel to Xi’an

• High-Speed Train: Board a high-speed train to Xi’an, a city rich in history.

Week 2: Xi’an and Chengdu

Day 8-9: Xi’an

• Terracotta Warriors: Spend a day visiting the Terracotta Army, one of China’s most famous archaeological discoveries.
• Xi’an City Wall: Walk or bike around the ancient city wall, one of the best-preserved city fortifications in China.

Day 10: Travel to Chengdu

• Flight to Chengdu: Take a flight to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.

Day 11-12: Chengdu

• Panda Base: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see pandas in their natural habitat.
• Jinli Ancient Street: Explore Jinli Ancient Street for a taste of traditional Sichuan architecture and street food.

Day 13-14: Leshan and Mount Emei

• Leshan Giant Buddha: Take a day trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue.
• Mount Emei: Visit Mount Emei, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. Hike or take a cable car to see the stunning temples and views.

Week 3: Guilin and Yangshuo

Day 15-17: Guilin

• Li River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Li River, known for its dramatic karst landscape.
• Reed Flute Cave: Explore the Reed Flute Cave, famous for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 18-19: Yangshuo

• Yulong River: Take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River for a serene experience amidst stunning landscapes.
• Moon Hill: Hike up to Moon Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Day 20: Travel to Shanghai

• Flight to Shanghai: Fly to Shanghai, a global metropolis with a mix of modern and traditional attractions.

Week 4: Shanghai and Surroundings

Day 21-23: Shanghai

• The Bund: Walk along the Bund to see the historic architecture and skyline.
• Yu Garden: Visit Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the old city.
• Shanghai Tower: Ascend the Shanghai Tower for breathtaking views of the city from the highest observation deck in the world.

Day 24-25: Suzhou

• Classical Gardens: Take a day trip to Suzhou, known for its classical Chinese gardens such as the Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden.

Day 26-27: Hangzhou

• West Lake: Spend time around West Lake, a scenic area with pagodas, temples, and beautiful gardens.
• Tea Plantations: Visit the Longjing tea plantations to learn about tea production and sample high-quality green tea.

Day 28-30: Return to Shanghai and Departure

• Shopping and Relaxation: Use your last days in Shanghai for shopping on Nanjing Road or relaxing in one of the city’s many parks.
• Departure: Prepare for departure, taking time to reflect on your experiences and gather any final souvenirs.

Additional Tips:

• Language: English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas. Learning some basic Mandarin phrases can be very helpful.
• Currency: The currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is useful for small purchases.
• Transportation: China’s high-speed rail network is extensive and efficient. For long distances, consider taking high-speed trains or flights.

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of China’s ancient history, modern advancements, and natural beauty. It is designed to give you a comprehensive experience of China’s diverse offerings over the course of a month. Enjoy your travels!