Votre avis sur un itinéraire de quarante-cinq jours en Chine pour l'été 2010?
by Jocky972
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour à tous,
je prépare notre 1er voyage en couple en Chine et j'aimerais avoir vos avis sur un itinéraire possible cet été, du 13 juillet au 25 août, soit 7 semaines ou environ 45 jours. Je sais bien que ce n'est pas la meilleure période mais vacances obligent. Pour cette raison, j'ai prévu de ne rester que très peu de temps à Pekin, Shanghai et Hong-Kong et privilégier la campagne, les petites villes/villages, les montagnes. Je ne connais pas du tout la Chine et c'est en lisant vos posts que j'ai essayé d'élaborer cet itinéraire en sachant que nous arrivons à Pékin et repartons de Shanghai.
Arrivée en avion à Pekin.
Visite Pekin + muraille de Chine (3/4 jours).
Pekin > Jinan (en train, visite à une amie, 2j).
Jinan > Xi an (en train, et environs, 4j).
Xi'an > Jiuzhaigou (en train, 2j).
Jiuzhaigou > Wolong (reserve naturelle) (2j).
Wolong > Chengdu (et environs 4j).
Chengdu > Leshan (en bus, 2j).
Leshan > Changning (en bus, 2j).
Changning > Zhangjiajie (en train, 2j).
Zhangjiajie > Yuanyang (en train, 2j).
Yuanyang > Kunming (en bus, 2j).
Kunming > Yangshuo (en bus, 2j).
Yangshuo > Hong-Kong (en train, 3j).
HK > Hangzhou (en train, 2j).
Hangzhou > Huangshan (en train, 2j).
Huangshan > Suzhou (en bus, 2j).
Suzhou > Shanghai (en bus, 3j).
Un grand merci d'avance à ceux qui voudront bien me dire si c'est faisable ou non et me donner des conseils pour l'améliorer!
Peut-être que certaines étapes ne valent pas le détour...
bonjour,
c'est vraiment trop rapide ton circuit et ne rester 2/3 jours a pekin c'est vraiment dommage
et aussi les deplacements risquent d'etre long et pas si simple que cela vu les distances que tu prevois de faire
c'est vraiment trop rapide ton circuit et ne rester 2/3 jours a pekin c'est vraiment dommage
et aussi les deplacements risquent d'etre long et pas si simple que cela vu les distances que tu prevois de faire
merci pour ta réponse nemo, j'ai prévu peu de temps à Pékin car tout le monde me dit que c'est irrespirable à cette période, de même pour les autres Shanghai et HK.
si l'on remplace le train par l'avion pour les longues distances, est-ce jouable?
j'ai changé un peu la fin du parcours car je m'étais emmêlé les pinceaux :-(, je prévoyais ceci à la place:
Changning > Zhangjiajie Zhangjiajie > Luoping/Kunming Kunming > Yuanyang Yuanyang > Yangshuo/GUILIn Yangshuo > Guangzhou Guangzhou > Hong-Kong . HK > MEIZHOU Meizhou > huangshan Huangshan > Hangzhou . Hangzhou > Suzhou . Suzhou > Shanghai. vaut-il mieux prendre du temps pour le début du parcours (sichuan) et passer peu de temps dans le sud de la chine vu que ce sera chaud? toi qui connait visiblement bien la Chine qu'est-ce que tu supprimerais? merci beaucoup !!!
Changning > Zhangjiajie Zhangjiajie > Luoping/Kunming Kunming > Yuanyang Yuanyang > Yangshuo/GUILIn Yangshuo > Guangzhou Guangzhou > Hong-Kong . HK > MEIZHOU Meizhou > huangshan Huangshan > Hangzhou . Hangzhou > Suzhou . Suzhou > Shanghai. vaut-il mieux prendre du temps pour le début du parcours (sichuan) et passer peu de temps dans le sud de la chine vu que ce sera chaud? toi qui connait visiblement bien la Chine qu'est-ce que tu supprimerais? merci beaucoup !!!
oui a pekin il fait tres chaud mais dans les autres villes aussi donc le fait de reduire la durée des visites a pekin ne va pas te permettre d'echapper a la chaleur
tu peux prendre l'avion pour aller plus vite mais ca ne sera possible qu'entre les grandes villes mais cela dit ton circuit est trop surchargé selon moi
par exemple, faire Zhangjiajie > Kunming c'est plus de 1200km par route et en traversant le guizhou ou encore Kunming> Yangshuo/GUILIn par la route c'est 1200km
Si tu veux faire ca en bus, il te faut le faire en plusieurs trajets
perso, je zapperais hong kong, Canton
tu peux prendre l'avion pour aller plus vite mais ca ne sera possible qu'entre les grandes villes mais cela dit ton circuit est trop surchargé selon moi
par exemple, faire Zhangjiajie > Kunming c'est plus de 1200km par route et en traversant le guizhou ou encore Kunming> Yangshuo/GUILIn par la route c'est 1200km
Si tu veux faire ca en bus, il te faut le faire en plusieurs trajets
perso, je zapperais hong kong, Canton
Bonjour,
Avez-vous déjà consulté un plan des liaisons ferroviaires ? Si ce n'est pas le cas, je vous mets un lien que je trouve très pratique:
http://www.johomaps.com/as/china/chinarail.html
Vous verrez que Kunming-Canton, en train, ça fait un sacré bout ! Personnellement, j'aime beaucoup utiliser ce moyen de transport en Chine et j'ai fait ainsi de nombreuses traversées. Mais j'ai l'avantage de très bien y dormir et quand j'arrive à destination je n'ai pas besoin de me reposer, je suis d'attaque. Cela n'est pas le cas de tout le monde et il vous faudra en tenir compte dans votre planning.
Danielle
Avez-vous déjà consulté un plan des liaisons ferroviaires ? Si ce n'est pas le cas, je vous mets un lien que je trouve très pratique:
http://www.johomaps.com/as/china/chinarail.html
Vous verrez que Kunming-Canton, en train, ça fait un sacré bout ! Personnellement, j'aime beaucoup utiliser ce moyen de transport en Chine et j'ai fait ainsi de nombreuses traversées. Mais j'ai l'avantage de très bien y dormir et quand j'arrive à destination je n'ai pas besoin de me reposer, je suis d'attaque. Cela n'est pas le cas de tout le monde et il vous faudra en tenir compte dans votre planning.
Danielle
A man, a plan, a canal, Panama - palindrome, auteur inconnu
merci à nemo et senior pour vos avis, en effet, cela fait un bout, l'ennui c'est qu'on veut vraiment aller voir Hong Kong
du coup il va falloir supprimer quelques étapes mais lesquelles, choix difficile surtout quand on ne connait pas
pour pekin si nous y restons 5j muraille de chine incluse et 3j à Shanghai puis 3j à HK, est-ce suffisant pour voir l'essentiel de ces villes?
Peut être supprimer Zhangjiajie et faire Changning - Kunming en direct, ne pas se rendre à Meizhou ni Suzhou.
Merci:-)
Salut
j'ai lu ton post et je trouve que tu veux vraiment trop en faire je connais un peu la Chine pour y être allé trois fois au début des années 2000 je suis d'autre part le webmestre de www.yunnan.fr que je te conseille de consulter, çà ne parle pas seulement du yunnan mais aussi de pékin, guilin et xi'an
je te conseille de cibler mieux ce que tu veux visiter la Chine est immense, les transports pas très rapides et il y a beaucoup de monde qui circule: ce n'est pas parce que tu veux prendre un train ou un avion que tu pourras le faire: il faudra assurer en réservant les trajets les plus importants personnellement je te conseillerais de te polariser sur Pékin et ses environs, Xi'an, Chengdu et environs, Kunming et le Yunnan, Guilin et Yangshuo, Canton et HongKong si tu veux aller dans des campagnes et des villages comme tu le dis, il faut viser des destinations générales puis sur place faire de petites visites en bus/taxi. Pour cela il faut être beaucoup plus souple dans le planning, voir large... si çà peux t'aider voici un lien googlemap que j'ai fait à partir de mes voyages en chine cordialement jm
j'ai lu ton post et je trouve que tu veux vraiment trop en faire je connais un peu la Chine pour y être allé trois fois au début des années 2000 je suis d'autre part le webmestre de www.yunnan.fr que je te conseille de consulter, çà ne parle pas seulement du yunnan mais aussi de pékin, guilin et xi'an
je te conseille de cibler mieux ce que tu veux visiter la Chine est immense, les transports pas très rapides et il y a beaucoup de monde qui circule: ce n'est pas parce que tu veux prendre un train ou un avion que tu pourras le faire: il faudra assurer en réservant les trajets les plus importants personnellement je te conseillerais de te polariser sur Pékin et ses environs, Xi'an, Chengdu et environs, Kunming et le Yunnan, Guilin et Yangshuo, Canton et HongKong si tu veux aller dans des campagnes et des villages comme tu le dis, il faut viser des destinations générales puis sur place faire de petites visites en bus/taxi. Pour cela il faut être beaucoup plus souple dans le planning, voir large... si çà peux t'aider voici un lien googlemap que j'ai fait à partir de mes voyages en chine cordialement jm
Salut
sorry, voici le lien googlemap sur mes itinéraires en chine:
http://maps.google.fr/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=fr&msa=0&msid=117950990177899622805.000001120abe219d1ec3a&ll=28.22697,115.048828&spn=23.033879,55.722656&z=4
cordialement
jm
jm
tu ne lui proposes que quasiment le yunnan
😏
non je lui propose surtout de revoir tout son planning, tu n'es pas d'accord? il ne pourra jamais faire tout çà en 45 jours, ou alors il ne descendra des trains que pour qqs heures...
revoir est une chose mais surponderer par le yunnan en est une autre car il serait plus judicieux de faire un circuit avec moins de saut sans vraiment decouvrir la chine
revoir est une chose mais surponderer par le yunnan en est une autre car il serait plus judicieux de faire un circuit avec moins de saut sans vraiment decouvrir la chine
merci pour vos idées
voilà mon itinéraire modifié:
Visite Pekin + muraille de Chine (5 jours).
Pekin > Jinan (en train, visite à une amie, 2j).
Jinan > Pingyao/Zhengzhou (en train de nuit, 2j)
Pingyao > Xi an (en train de nuit, 2j).
Xi'an > Jiuzhaigou (en train de nuit, 2j).
Jiuzhaigou > Wolong (reserve naturelle) (2j).
Wolong > Chengdu (bus, 2j).
Chengdu > Emeishan (bus, 2j)
Emeishan > Leshan (en bus, 2j).
Leshan > Lijiang (en train, 2j).
Lijiang > Kunming (en train de nuit, 3j)
Kunming > Yuanyang (en bus, 2j).
kunming > guilin (avion, 3j)
Guilin > Hong-Kong (en train de nuit, 3j).
HK, depart avion
que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? j'ai supprimé Shanghai et environs, mon compagnon préférant aller voir HK à cette dernière, est-ce un choix judicieux? De ce fait, J'ai quelques jours de marge... Est-ce jouable d'y ajouter Zhangjiajie? le problème c'est que cela fait faire un détour. Merci pour vos lumières ;-)
que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? j'ai supprimé Shanghai et environs, mon compagnon préférant aller voir HK à cette dernière, est-ce un choix judicieux? De ce fait, J'ai quelques jours de marge... Est-ce jouable d'y ajouter Zhangjiajie? le problème c'est que cela fait faire un détour. Merci pour vos lumières ;-)
Bonjour
Pour le Jiuzhaigou, êtes-vous vraiment sûre de pouvoir y aller en train de nuit depuis Xi'an ? Pour moi, il faut d'abord aller à Chengdu (1 nuit de train) puis prendre la route (1 journée) ou l'avion pour gagner le Jiuzhaigou. Je me souviens qu'une voie ferrée était en construction en 2005 entre Chengdu et le Jiuzhaigou mais je ne sais pas ce que c'est devenu depuis le tremblement de terre de 2006. Il y a sans doute d'autres itinéraires possibles mais je préfère vous mettre en garde. Dans tous les cas, prévoyez 2 bonnes journées sur place pour profiter du parc. J'ai entendu dire aussi que le centre de traitement des pandas de Wolong avait été fermé suite au tremblement de terre. Ce serait peut-être à vérifier. Notre carnet de voyage en Chine (Pékin, Xian, Sichuan et Yunnan) : chine.nettementmieux.com
Bon voyage !
Pour le Jiuzhaigou, êtes-vous vraiment sûre de pouvoir y aller en train de nuit depuis Xi'an ? Pour moi, il faut d'abord aller à Chengdu (1 nuit de train) puis prendre la route (1 journée) ou l'avion pour gagner le Jiuzhaigou. Je me souviens qu'une voie ferrée était en construction en 2005 entre Chengdu et le Jiuzhaigou mais je ne sais pas ce que c'est devenu depuis le tremblement de terre de 2006. Il y a sans doute d'autres itinéraires possibles mais je préfère vous mettre en garde. Dans tous les cas, prévoyez 2 bonnes journées sur place pour profiter du parc. J'ai entendu dire aussi que le centre de traitement des pandas de Wolong avait été fermé suite au tremblement de terre. Ce serait peut-être à vérifier. Notre carnet de voyage en Chine (Pékin, Xian, Sichuan et Yunnan) : chine.nettementmieux.com
Bon voyage !
Louis-Michel
https://voyagesautourdumonde.fr
Bravo pour votre site, vos explications et vos très belles photos...
Nous allons étudier d'un peu plus près votre parcours et nous en inspirer!
merci d'avoir mis à notre disposition votre site
N'arrête jamais d'explorer.
Le bonheur, ce n'est pas le bout du chemin, c'est le chemin.
bonsoir,
si je comprends bien il vaudrait mieux faire Xian Chengdu en train, partir avec un bus ou une voiture chauffeur pour Jiuzhaigou de Chengdu et revenir ensuite à Chengdu pr y passer un peu de temps et repartir de là pour la destination suivante.
Merci pour votre site, c'est sympa de pouvoir lire l'expérience des autres sur un voyage 😉
J'ai encore un peu de temps pr peaufiner mon itinéraire!
par contre, est-il prudent de ne pas réserver d'hôtel avant d'arriver dans les "petites" villes ou villages?
J'ai prévu de réserver la 1ère nuit à Beijing et la dernière nuit à Hong-Kong, pour le reste, je pensais réserver au coup par coup ou pas du tout (si jamais on veut finalement rester dans un coin plus longtemps que prévu)...
si je comprends bien il vaudrait mieux faire Xian Chengdu en train, partir avec un bus ou une voiture chauffeur pour Jiuzhaigou de Chengdu et revenir ensuite à Chengdu
En 2005, il n'existait pas de liaison directe entre Xian et le Jiuzhaigou. Les choses changent vite en Chine et cette liaison existe peut-être maintenant... Par contre, il y a beaucoup de trains entre Xian et Chengdu et le voyage se fait en une nuit. Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou : 1 journée de route, mais à vérifier car la route principale traverse des régions qui ont été durement touchées par le tremblement de terre de 2006.
J'ai prévu de réserver la 1ère nuit à Beijing et la dernière nuit à Hong-Kong, pour le reste, je pensais réserver au coup par coup ou pas du tout (si jamais on veut finalement rester dans un coin plus longtemps que prévu)...
C'est effectivement la façon la plus agréable de voyager. De mon côté, nous étions 4 et j'avais préféré réserver la plupart des hébergements à l'avance. Je pense que vous trouverez toujours à vous loger mais je n'en ai pas l'expérience, que ce soit pour la disponibilité ou la négociation. Je peux donc difficilement vous conseiller. Je suis sûr que d'autres voyageurs, sur le forum pourront partager ce type d'expérience avec vous !
En 2005, il n'existait pas de liaison directe entre Xian et le Jiuzhaigou. Les choses changent vite en Chine et cette liaison existe peut-être maintenant... Par contre, il y a beaucoup de trains entre Xian et Chengdu et le voyage se fait en une nuit. Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou : 1 journée de route, mais à vérifier car la route principale traverse des régions qui ont été durement touchées par le tremblement de terre de 2006.
J'ai prévu de réserver la 1ère nuit à Beijing et la dernière nuit à Hong-Kong, pour le reste, je pensais réserver au coup par coup ou pas du tout (si jamais on veut finalement rester dans un coin plus longtemps que prévu)...
C'est effectivement la façon la plus agréable de voyager. De mon côté, nous étions 4 et j'avais préféré réserver la plupart des hébergements à l'avance. Je pense que vous trouverez toujours à vous loger mais je n'en ai pas l'expérience, que ce soit pour la disponibilité ou la négociation. Je peux donc difficilement vous conseiller. Je suis sûr que d'autres voyageurs, sur le forum pourront partager ce type d'expérience avec vous !
Louis-Michel
https://voyagesautourdumonde.fr
Bonjour,
es-tu allé à Wolong et si oui, était-ce ouvert?
merci titi
merci titi
Re
quel hebergement à Emeishan? SVP Merci
@+
quel hebergement à Emeishan? SVP Merci
@+
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Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara) Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Takayama: 3 days Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport) Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo) Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kawaguchiko: 1 night Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Koya-san: 1 night Kumano Kodo: 3 nights Takayama: 3 nights Kanazawa: 3 nights Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points: I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets. I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted. I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara) Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Takayama: 3 days Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport) Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo) Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kawaguchiko: 1 night Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Koya-san: 1 night Kumano Kodo: 3 nights Takayama: 3 nights Kanazawa: 3 nights Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points: I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets. I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted. I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Hello everyone,
Like Cedric13600, I’ve booked a flight ticket for 30 days / 29 nights in September 2026, from Beijing to Shanghai. We’re a couple in our sixties who love independent road trips.
I’d like to draw inspiration from the following private itinerary suggested by a travel agency:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing Day 2 to 4: Beijing Day 5: Datong Day 6 & 7: Pingyao Day 8 to 10: Xi'an Day 11: Luoyang Day 12: Dengfeng flight Day 13 & 14: Chongqing flight Day 15 & 16: Lijiang Day 17: Dali Day 18: Kunming Day 19: Jianshui Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang Day 22: Travel via Guilin Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo Day 25: Guilin Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie flight Day 28 & 29: Shanghai Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently: 1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think? 2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority? Thanks so much in advance for your help.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing Day 2 to 4: Beijing Day 5: Datong Day 6 & 7: Pingyao Day 8 to 10: Xi'an Day 11: Luoyang Day 12: Dengfeng flight Day 13 & 14: Chongqing flight Day 15 & 16: Lijiang Day 17: Dali Day 18: Kunming Day 19: Jianshui Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang Day 22: Travel via Guilin Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo Day 25: Guilin Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie flight Day 28 & 29: Shanghai Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently: 1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think? 2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority? Thanks so much in advance for your help.
Hello everyone,
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026: Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris). This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome. Thanks so much!
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026: Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris). This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome. Thanks so much!
Hi,
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns. A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns. A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
I'm 69 years old and heading to China, where most tourist sites are free or discounted for me. However, trip.com either refuses to let me book because the sites are free or doesn’t apply the discount. Does WeChat apply this discount if I book through them? How can I just reserve without paying and pay on-site? Is that possible?
How do I upload my passport to WeChat?
Thanks for your tips. Elisabeth
How do I upload my passport to WeChat?
Thanks for your tips. Elisabeth
Hi there,
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old). Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there. We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!! Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights Forbidden City Great Wall of China Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights Terracotta Army Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Wenshu Yuan Temple
Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) - 3 nights "Avatar Mountains"
Zhangjiajie - 2 nights Tianmen Mountain
Furong Town - 2 nights
Fenghuang - 2 nights
Guilin - 2 nights Chuanshan Park Guilin Yaoshan Scenic Attraction Reed Flute Cave
Yangshuo - 4 nights Biking along the Yulong River Moon Hill Ruyi Peak Xianggong Hill
Shanghai - 4 nights Shanghai Disneyland Yu Garden / Yuyuan Garden Yuyuan Bazaar
Thanks! Cédric
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old). Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there. We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!! Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights Forbidden City Great Wall of China Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights Terracotta Army Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Wenshu Yuan Temple
Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) - 3 nights "Avatar Mountains"
Zhangjiajie - 2 nights Tianmen Mountain
Furong Town - 2 nights
Fenghuang - 2 nights
Guilin - 2 nights Chuanshan Park Guilin Yaoshan Scenic Attraction Reed Flute Cave
Yangshuo - 4 nights Biking along the Yulong River Moon Hill Ruyi Peak Xianggong Hill
Shanghai - 4 nights Shanghai Disneyland Yu Garden / Yuyuan Garden Yuyuan Bazaar
Thanks! Cédric
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to China as a couple, and before we left, the budget was the hardest thing to picture concretely. We found plenty of info on visas, apps, transport, and itineraries, but way fewer detailed breakdowns of what you *actually* spend on the ground.
So, we took the time to share our real budget for 14 days. In our case, we spent around 1,800 € per person, with a big chunk of that going toward round-trip flights at about 600 € per person. We were also pretty surprised by how affordable China can be once you’re there—transport is often cheap, and a lot of everyday expenses stay reasonable.
The trickiest part, in the end, was figuring out how to pay while you’re there, since it’s not always obvious if you’re not prepared. But once everything’s set up and you get the hang of it, it’s really smooth.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea before they go, we’ve broken it all down here:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-2-semaines-de-voyage-en-chine/
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure! Hélia
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure! Hélia
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
---
Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
---
Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
---
Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
---
Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
---
Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
---
Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
hi! Is it easy to use for paying for all the small purchases at the markets? INSTALLATION AND USE WITHOUT ISSUES—do you also need a VPN for China?
Secondly, for using phone and internet, I have Orange—is it reliable, or should I go with Airalo instead?
Hi there,
The info I found on the forum is a bit outdated, so I’m asking again!
1) What budget should I plan for 15 days, given that hotels with breakfast, transfers, and transport are already paid for? I know it depends on the person, but I’d love a rough idea. For meals, we’re thinking simple street food or small local restaurants.
2) I’ve heard that credit cards (we each have a Revolut + 1 Visa Premier) aren’t widely used and that it’s better to have cash. Can you confirm?
3) Are foreign credit cards still not accepted at bank ATMs? Still 7-Eleven or the Post Office? And what about American Express?
Thanks in advance, Best regards
The info I found on the forum is a bit outdated, so I’m asking again!
1) What budget should I plan for 15 days, given that hotels with breakfast, transfers, and transport are already paid for? I know it depends on the person, but I’d love a rough idea. For meals, we’re thinking simple street food or small local restaurants.
2) I’ve heard that credit cards (we each have a Revolut + 1 Visa Premier) aren’t widely used and that it’s better to have cash. Can you confirm?
3) Are foreign credit cards still not accepted at bank ATMs? Still 7-Eleven or the Post Office? And what about American Express?
Thanks in advance, Best regards
I'm planning a 19-day itinerary in Japan this summer.
For a first trip, Kyoto seems like a must. For the rest, I'm torn between:
- Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa for 5 to 6 days
- Kyoto 4 days
- Nara 2 days
- Koyasan 1 day
- Hakone/Mount Fuji 2 to 3 days
- Tokyo 3 days
Or dedicating the first 6 days to Kyushu.
Maybe there’s less traditional Japan in Kyushu compared to the Japanese Alps? Maybe Kyushu is less crowded? Thanks for your thoughts!
Or dedicating the first 6 days to Kyushu.
Maybe there’s less traditional Japan in Kyushu compared to the Japanese Alps? Maybe Kyushu is less crowded? Thanks for your thoughts!
Hi there!
I’ll be in Hong Kong from December 31 to January 3, 2027.
Any recommendations for things to see or do?
I’ll be staying in the Kowloon district.
I’d love to visit Lantau Island—what’s the best way to get there? And would you recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket for the cable car? Also, is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
I’ll be in Hong Kong from December 31 to January 3, 2027.
Any recommendations for things to see or do?
I’ll be staying in the Kowloon district.
I’d love to visit Lantau Island—what’s the best way to get there? And would you recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket for the cable car? Also, is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
Hi everyone who’s reading this!
I’m heading to Taiwan soon and would love some up-to-date info on Wi-Fi. From what I’ve gathered, Taiwan offers it for free, but I’ve heard it’s not secure since it’s not protected by a "password." Since I’ve been traveling outside the EU for years without a local SIM card, I only use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For me, that’s more than enough. So, my question is: Do these places secure their Wi-Fi with a "password"? If not, does buying a SIM card or eSIM seem like the only alternative?
Also, if any of you have recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in the main "cities," I’d love to hear them!
Thanks in advance for your replies! !
I’m heading to Taiwan soon and would love some up-to-date info on Wi-Fi. From what I’ve gathered, Taiwan offers it for free, but I’ve heard it’s not secure since it’s not protected by a "password." Since I’ve been traveling outside the EU for years without a local SIM card, I only use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For me, that’s more than enough. So, my question is: Do these places secure their Wi-Fi with a "password"? If not, does buying a SIM card or eSIM seem like the only alternative?
Also, if any of you have recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in the main "cities," I’d love to hear them!
Thanks in advance for your replies! !
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?
Thanks in advance! !
We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?
Thanks in advance! !
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies, Catherine
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies, Catherine
Hi everyone,
I’m planning our trip to Japan from March 21 to April 11, 2026. We’re planning to travel by plane for long distances (Okinawa) and by train for the rest. I’d like to know if renting a car is easy and, most importantly, if driving with road signs written in Japanese isn’t too complicated. For trains, are there any tips to save money?
Thanks for your advice!
I’m planning our trip to Japan from March 21 to April 11, 2026. We’re planning to travel by plane for long distances (Okinawa) and by train for the rest. I’d like to know if renting a car is easy and, most importantly, if driving with road signs written in Japanese isn’t too complicated. For trains, are there any tips to save money?
Thanks for your advice!
hi everyone, and first of all, I wish you all a happy new year and good health!
This coming October or November, we’re planning our first trip to Japan. The only downside is we’ll only have two weeks off.
For this first visit, I’m thinking of sticking to the Kyoto and Osaka area… saving Tokyo for another trip. Do you think that’s a good choice for a first-time visit?
I’ve put together a little itinerary below to get some feedback from those in the know. I’m only counting the days we’re actually there, not travel days.
Day 1: Kyoto Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path with stops at a few shrines temples Eikan-dō and Nanzen-ji visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum in the late afternoon
Day 2: Kyoto Fushimi Inari (allow 4 hours for the hike through the park) visit to Sanjūsangen-dō temple Shōseien garden participate in a tea ceremony
Day 3: Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera temple stroll through the historic district up to Kennin-ji temple visit Kennin-ji temple Yasaka-jinja shrine and Gion district in the late afternoon return to the hotel via Pontochō Street
Day 4: Kyoto visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijō Castle visit the Imperial Palace gardens end the day in the shopping streets (Shibkyogoku and Teramachi, among others)
Day 5: Kyoto Arashiyama area Togetsukyo Bridge, walk along the river, visit the Bamboo Forest explore the area up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple
Day 6: Kyoto hike from Kibune to Kurama
Day 7: Kyoto day trip to Nara (full day)
Day 8: stroll around Kyoto before heading to Osaka
Day 9: Osaka Katsuo-ji temple, then head to Minoh Falls and hike back via the Minoh Trail end the day in the Osaka Castle area
Day 10: Osaka Himeji Castle and an afternoon in Osaka
Day 11: Osaka Osaka and return to the airport in the late afternoon for the flight home
Do you think this itinerary is doable? Are some days too relaxed or too packed? I was thinking of adding a trip to Lake Biwa and Uji, but in that case, I’d have to cut some things. Are those places worth dropping some of the planned spots? And if so, which ones would you recommend cutting or shortening?
Thanks in advance—I’m all ears for both positive and negative feedback! stephane
This coming October or November, we’re planning our first trip to Japan. The only downside is we’ll only have two weeks off.
For this first visit, I’m thinking of sticking to the Kyoto and Osaka area… saving Tokyo for another trip. Do you think that’s a good choice for a first-time visit?
I’ve put together a little itinerary below to get some feedback from those in the know. I’m only counting the days we’re actually there, not travel days.
Day 1: Kyoto Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path with stops at a few shrines temples Eikan-dō and Nanzen-ji visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum in the late afternoon
Day 2: Kyoto Fushimi Inari (allow 4 hours for the hike through the park) visit to Sanjūsangen-dō temple Shōseien garden participate in a tea ceremony
Day 3: Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera temple stroll through the historic district up to Kennin-ji temple visit Kennin-ji temple Yasaka-jinja shrine and Gion district in the late afternoon return to the hotel via Pontochō Street
Day 4: Kyoto visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijō Castle visit the Imperial Palace gardens end the day in the shopping streets (Shibkyogoku and Teramachi, among others)
Day 5: Kyoto Arashiyama area Togetsukyo Bridge, walk along the river, visit the Bamboo Forest explore the area up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple
Day 6: Kyoto hike from Kibune to Kurama
Day 7: Kyoto day trip to Nara (full day)
Day 8: stroll around Kyoto before heading to Osaka
Day 9: Osaka Katsuo-ji temple, then head to Minoh Falls and hike back via the Minoh Trail end the day in the Osaka Castle area
Day 10: Osaka Himeji Castle and an afternoon in Osaka
Day 11: Osaka Osaka and return to the airport in the late afternoon for the flight home
Do you think this itinerary is doable? Are some days too relaxed or too packed? I was thinking of adding a trip to Lake Biwa and Uji, but in that case, I’d have to cut some things. Are those places worth dropping some of the planned spots? And if so, which ones would you recommend cutting or shortening?
Thanks in advance—I’m all ears for both positive and negative feedback! stephane
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Japan in April/May.
I’ll start my journey in Tokyo for 3 to 4 days.
I’d love your advice on accommodation, transportation, an itinerary, and whether a guide would be useful.
I’m traveling solo and could use a little reassurance.
Before I forget... how do payments work?
Thanks for your help, Petra
Thanks for your help, Petra
Hi there,
I’m looking for someone who could help me organize a trip to Japan for my niece and her son. I’ve seen that French-speaking guides are expensive, and the same goes for going through a tour operator.
Airline, local transportation, hotels, etc.
Thanks for your replies!
Betsyl