Interrailing through a country where no one speaks English: 3 week itinerary from Beijing to Hong Kong

June 22, 2025
China

After seeing breathtaking photos and videos of China flooding my social media feed, I couldn’t shake the idea: I had to visit China. That travel itch turned into a full-blown plan when my dad mentioned that exploring China had always been one of his biggest dreams. Without hesitation, I began organizing a 3-week trip across this vast and fascinating country.

Planning this trip to China took more research than any other journey I’ve ever prepared for. With the language barrier in mind — because what do you do in a country where hardly anyone speaks English?—I dove deep into travel blogs. Despite all these preparations, nothing could truly prepare us for what was to come.

From miscommunications with taxi drivers to unforgettable moments where locals used hand gestures and translation apps to help us understand each other, traveling through China was both challenging and heartwarming. If you’re considering a trip to China, know this: it won’t always be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it.

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For your information, all these pictures were taken in May 2025.

Best time to visit China?

China is a vast and geographically diverse country, so the best time to visit really depends on the region you’re exploring and the type of experience you’re looking for. While China can be visited year-round, it’s important to keep in mind that summers (especially in the south) can be extremely hot and humid, while winters in the north can be bitterly cold.

For most travelers, the ideal time to visit China is during the shoulder seasons, which are April to May and September to October. During these months, you’ll enjoy more comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and generally dry weather conditions.

We personally visited in May and early June, just before the summer crowds arrive in July and August. While it’s generally considered a good time to go, we did experience some rainy days due to the early onset of monsoon season in southern China. So, while these months are still a solid choice, it’s worth checking regional weather patterns depending on your exact itinerary.

How to get to China?

China is home to several major international airports, so your arrival and departure points will largely depend on your travel itinerary. We started our journey by flying into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and originally planned to fly out from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

However, due to Typhoon Wutip, our connecting flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) was canceled. As a result, we had to make a last-minute change and booked an 8-hour train ride to Shanghai, which was significantly longer than the 2-hour flight we had planned.

This experience highlighted how important it is to stay flexible when traveling through China, especially during typhoon or monsoon seasons.

How to book trains in China?

At first, navigating the train system in China felt a bit overwhelming, but once you understand the process, it’s actually quite manageable. For our trip, I used both Trip.com and Chinaticketonline.com to book train tickets. While Chinaticketonline charges a slightly higher commission, I found both platforms reliable and user-friendly. Especially compared to the official Chinese railway website, which can be difficult for non-Chinese speakers to navigate.

Here’s what’s important to know: train tickets in China go on sale 14 days in advance, and they can sell out quickly, especially during major Chinese holidays. However, platforms like Trip.com and Chinaticketonline allow you to view train schedules up to 60 days ahead, which makes planning much easier. You can select your preferred trains in advance, and once tickets are released, the platform will attempt to secure them for you and notify you of the results.

While it’s technically possible to book tickets in person at train stations in China, this option wasn’t realistic for us due to our tight schedule and the language barrier. For most international travelers, booking online in advance is the most efficient and stress-free option.

How to get around in China?

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to get around in China is by using the local ride-hailing app, Didi, China’s equivalent of Uber. It’s especially convenient when traveling between sights or navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods after arriving at your destination.

In larger cities, public transportation such as metros, buses, and trams is also a reliable and budget-friendly option. These systems are generally well-organized, though they may take a bit of time to get used to, especially if you don’t speak Mandarin.

To make your arrival smoother, it’s highly recommended to download and set up the Didi app before your trip. Having it installed and ready to go means you’ll be better prepared to move around confidently as soon as you land in China.

Overview

Beijing – 3 days
Pingyao – 2 days
Xi’an – 2 days
Chengdu – 2 days
Chongqing – 2 days
Zhangjiajie – 4 days
Guilin – 3 days
Hong Kong – 3 days

Stop 1: Beijing

We chose to begin our 3-week trip through China in Beijing, thinking the capital would offer an authentic introduction to the country. As China’s political and cultural heart, it seemed like a logical and safe first stop.

But within just 30 minutes of landing, our expectations were challenged. Our taxi driver got into a heated argument with another driver, right on the highway. Although we couldn’t understand the words being exchanged, the tone and gestures made it clear: this wasn’t exactly a warm welcome.

Still, moments like these are part of the unpredictable charm of travel. It might not have been the smoothest start, but it certainly made our arrival unforgettable and kicked off the adventure with a story to tell.

What to see in Beijing?

Don’t let our rocky start fool you as we just needed a little time to adjust. Once we shook off the jet lag and got a feel for how things work in China, we quickly fell in love with Beijing.

Of course, no visit to Beijing is complete without seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. But the city offers so much more. The large size of landmarks like the Forbidden City took our breath away and gave us our first real sense of how grand things are in China.

Want to truly grasp the size of the Forbidden City? Head to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view, as it’s one of the best photo spots in Beijing. You’ll also find beauty in other famous parks like Beihai Park and the Summer Palace.

Even though we’d only been in China for a few days, we knew we had to dive into its cultural heritage. We visited temples like the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple, and the Temple of Confucius. Each one offered a different insight into Chinese religion and philosophy. These are better learnt when travelling than from some books at home, right?

Stop 2: Pingyao

After exploring the capital, it was time for a change of pace with a visit to a more traditional village. Crossing the ancient city walls, I felt as though I had stepped back in time or into the set of a historical film. The atmosphere was especially striking because no vehicles are allowed inside the city. Only electric shuttle carts are permitted to transport tourists around Pingyao, and for good reason: the place is huge!

What to see in Pingyao?

Pingyao turned out to be much larger than I had expected, especially when I discovered that you could purchase a ‘Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area’ ticket, granting access to 22 different tourist sites scattered throughout the city. Exploring them all took us two full days, and I genuinely enjoyed each one, though of course, some stood out more than others.

One of my favorite things about Pingyao was seeing so many women dressed in beautiful traditional clothing as they strolled through the ancient streets. When a local offered me the chance to wear one myself, I simply couldn’t say no. And it ended up being the highlight of my entire trip!

Stop 3: Xi'an

I originally came to Xi’an for one reason and one reason only: to see the Terracotta Army. But as it turned out, the city had so much more to offer. Unfortunately, Xi’an was also where we first experienced China’s sudden and heavy rain showers. Still, the rain did little to dampen the city’s beauty.

What to see in Xi'an?

The Terracotta Army is still an absolute must-see! Witnessing it in person is truly awe-inspiring, and I can hardly believe it remained hidden until 1974, when local farmers stumbled upon it. It’s undoubtedly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

But Xi’an is far more than just the Terracotta Army. One of the city’s most iconic experiences is climbing the ancient city wall and biking along its top. It’s a fantastic way to get a panoramic view of Xi’an and take in its vastness from above.

The city also features several temples worth visiting, including the Bell and Drum Towers and the impressive Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Still, what I’ve come to enjoy most in larger cities is wandering through local markets. In Xi’an, there’s no better place for that than the vibrant Muslim Quarter Night Market, home to the Great Mosque and an endless array of street food.

Stop 4: Chengdu

Welcome to the city of pandas — or at least that’s how Chengdu wants its visitors to feel. Everywhere you look, you’re reminded of these adorable animals; it’s impossible to miss their presence.

What to see in Chengdu?

That’s exactly why we couldn’t miss the chance to see these incredible animals in real life at the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The park is enormous, as we got lost more than once, but it’s an absolute must-visit if you want to see pandas in their original habitat.

But pandas are just the beginning of what Chengdu has to offer. We also explored some of the city’s beautiful parks, like Du Fu Thatched Cottage and Wangjiang Pavilion Park, both offering a glimpse into local culture and history. For a livelier experience, Jinli Ancient Street is the place to be. With its mix of souvenir shops and street food stalls — yes, even pig brain if you’re feeling adventurous — it’s a fun and colorful spot to wander. Conveniently, Wuhou Shrine is nearby, and it’s well worth a quick detour.

China definitely knows how to surprise its guests, and nowhere was that clearer than at the Sichuan Opera. It’s nothing like the opera I had imagined, especially the mesmerizing Face Changing Show. Without giving too much away, I’m still wondering how they pulled it off. Huge credit to the performers, it was unforgettable!

Stop 5: Chongqing

Chongqing wasn’t originally part of the plan as we simply didn’t think there’d be enough time to explore it. But when I found out there was no direct train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie, I decided to make a quick stop in Chongqing. And wow, I’m so glad I did.

If your Instagram or TikTok ‘For You Page’ is anything like mine, chances are you’ve already seen glimpses of this city. But let me tell you, it’s even more impressive in person. Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Chongqing proved me completely wrong… in the best possible way.

What to see in Chongqing?

One moment you’re on the ground floor, and the next you’re suddenly on the 22nd; that’s the magic of the Kuixinglou Building. Or take Liziba Station, where a train literally runs through an apartment building. Chongqing knows how to impress like no other city.

But it’s not just a futuristic city: Chongqing also holds onto its history. You’ll find peaceful, authentic spots just outside the city, like Hong’ensi Forest Park, or right in the heart of it, such as the Luohan Temple, offering a striking contrast between ancient tradition and modern life.

And if that’s not enough to convince you that Chongqing is one of the most jaw-dropping cities out there, just take a walk through Hongyadong. It’s charming by day, but by night, it transforms into something truly spectacular. Between the glowing lights of the old town, the towering skyscrapers flashing animated messages, and the drone shows dancing across the sky, I didn’t know where to look first. Chongqing knows how to entertain!

Stop 6: Zhangjiajie

After spending what felt like ages in the city, it was time to escape the urban life and reconnect with nature, or so we thought. In a country that’s home to one-seventh of the world’s population, being completely alone is hard to come by. But that didn’t stop us from taking in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying every moment of it.

What to see in Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie has gained fame over the years, especially after the Avatar movie drew inspiration from its surreal landscapes. And that fame is well deserved. The towering pillars of Yuanjiajie and Yangjiajie look like the real-life version of Pandora’s floating mountains. But the park offers so much more: from the misty peaks of Tianzi Mountain to the dramatic Three Sisters Peak and the peaceful Golden Whip Stream, every corner is breathtaking.

After a full day of hiking and racking up 30,000 steps, we were ready for a slower pace. So we hopped on a train from Zhangjiajie City to explore some of the nearby ancient towns, like Furong and Fenghuang. These smaller, riverside cities completely stole my heart.

Oh, and I can’t forget one last highlight: Tianmen Mountain, home to the famous “stairway to heaven“, which is a 130-meter-high natural arch with 999 steps leading up to it (yes, 999 — why not 1,000?). We played it smart and started at the top, making our way down instead. A good call, considering our legs were still recovering from Zhangjiajie’s epic hikes!

Stop 7: Guilin

We arrived in Guilin to a downpour: not exactly the welcome I had hoped for, especially since this was the part of the trip I had looked forward to the most. Still, we didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits or our plans. Despite the frequent showers, we managed to see and do everything I had hoped for, so I really can’t complain.

That said, I do hope to return someday, but hopefully under clearer skies and when the river runs its usual blue-green instead of muddy brown from the stirred-up sand.

What to see in Guilin?

Aside from Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun & Moon Pagodas, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Guilin itself, but it makes an excellent base for exploring the region.

One of the highlights was a full-day trip to the Longji Rice Terraces, where we learned about traditional rice farming and visited the Red Yao village, famous for its women with incredibly long hair.

But the real reason I came to Guilin was for its dramatic karst cliffs. The views from Xianggong Mountain, Laozhai Mountain, and the spot featured on the 20 Yuan note were absolutely breathtaking: we couldn’t believe our eyes.

Another unforgettable way to see these landscapes is from the water, and bamboo rafting is hands down the best way to do it. I was so happy we managed to fit it in on our last morning, just before heading to Hong Kong. Especially since it had been canceled the day before due to bad weather.

Stop 8: Hong Kong

Hong Kong was nothing like we expected, especially with a typhoon warning greeting us on arrival. But even without the storm, it felt like we’d stepped into an entirely different trip. Everything we had grown used to in China no longer applied: from how people paid, to their social customs, even to which side of the road they drove on.

At first, it was disorienting. But the more we thought about it, the more it made sense. Hong Kong’s long history as a British colony has left a lasting imprint. You can see it everywhere: a unique blend of East and West, where British and Chinese influences coexist in the most fascinating ways.

What to see in Hong Kong?

With a skyline as iconic as Hong Kong’s, our first stop had to be Victoria Peak. Riding up on the oldest tram line in Asia made the experience even more memorable. For more panoramic views, we also explored nearby hikes like Braemar Hill Rock and Elephant Hill: both offering incredible perspectives over the city.

Despite being a bustling metropolis, Hong Kong is still home to many peaceful, historic temples right in the heart of the city. We visited Man Mo Temple, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and the serene Nan Lian Garden, each offering a quiet contrast to the city’s fast pace.

What also makes Hong Kong truly unique are its many surrounding islands, each with its own charm. On Lantau Island, we took the scenic cable car ride up to the famous Tian Tan Buddha.

Wanting to end our adventure on a high note, we spontaneously added Disneyland to our plans. I’d been to the one in Paris before, and it was fun to see how different, yet equally magical, this one was. It turned out to be the perfect finale to our trip.

Unfortunately, Typhoon Wutip had other plans. The storm caused our flight back to Shanghai to be canceled, so we quickly adapted and took a train instead. Just in time to catch our flight home to Brussels. It did mean losing a day we had hoped to spend exploring more of Hong Kong, but I guess that just gives us a reason to come back.

Even though I thought I was prepared for my trip to China, nothing could have truly prepared me for the adventure that unfolded. Sure, there were a few bumps along the way, like a canceled flight, some frustrating taxi experiences, but those moments were just small parts of a much bigger, unforgettable journey.

One thing is certain: I hope to return to China someday. If you’re considering a trip yourself, don’t let the language barrier hold you back. China has so much to offer, and I truly believe you’ll fall in love with it just as much as I did.

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Travel blogger

Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!

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