15 days in China Itinerary

Witness the vibrant skyline of Hong Kong, an impressive urban territory on the southern coast of China.

Lantau island and Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Pack the 17th (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Hong Kong Disneyland. Spend the 21st (Thu) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Ocean Park. And it doesn't end there: take in panoramic vistas at Victoria Peak (The Peak), get curious at Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Po Lin Monastery, and stroll around Nan Lian Garden.

To see photos, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Hong Kong travel itinerary planner.

Washington DC, USA to Hong Kong is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington DC to Hong Kong is 13 hours. Prepare for much hotter weather when traveling from Washington DC in January: high temperatures in Hong Kong hover around 68°F and lows are around 59°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) so you can fly to Shanghai.

With a nickname like the "Pearl of the Orient," it's not surprising Shanghai offers some of the most rewarding attractions and activities in the Far East.

Get some cultural insight at The Bund (Wai Tan) and Shanghai Development Exhibition Hall. The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), shop like a local with Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road), admire the natural beauty at Yu Garden (Yuyuan), and take in the spiritual surroundings of Longhua Temple.

For more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Shanghai trip planning site.

You can fly from Hong Kong to Shanghai in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. When traveling from Hong Kong in January, plan for slightly colder days in Shanghai, with highs around 49°F, while nights are colder with lows around 37°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Harbin.

The influence of neighboring Russia remains visible throughout much of Harbin, with the country's northernmost metropolis possessing an intoxicating eclecticism in its architecture, food, and art.

On the 25th (Mon), don't miss a visit to Zhongyang Pedestrian Street, then find something for the whole family at Harbin Ice and Snow World, and then stroll around Zhaolin Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Tue): examine the collection at Saint Sophia Cathedral, examine the collection at Unit 731 Museum, and then get a new perspective on nature at Harbin Forest Museum.

For ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Harbin trip planning website.

Fly from Shanghai to Harbin in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Shanghai in January, things will get colder in Harbin: highs are around 11°F and lows about -10°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can fly to Beijing.

As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing stands at the heart of Chinese history, buzzing with the energy of its high population density and centuries of importance.

Get some cultural insight at Mutianyu Great Wall and Lama Temple (Yonghegong). There's lots more to do: get engrossed in the history at The Palace Museum, appreciate the history behind Bell and Drum Towers, contemplate the long history of Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Maozhuxi Jiniantang), and admire the landmark architecture of Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang).

To see maps, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read Beijing tour itinerary tool.

You can fly from Harbin to Beijing in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Harbin in January, expect Beijing to be much warmer, temps between 38°F and 16°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly back home.