15 Days of Culture, Nature, and Adventure Itinerary

Travel from Beijing to Qufu (approximately 2 hours by high-speed train). Begin your day with a visit to the Qufu Temple of Confucius (Kong Miao), one of China's most important cultural sites. The temple complex is vast and filled with ancient architecture and beautiful gardens. Have breakfast at Qufu Confucius Mansion Hotel Restaurant before exploring.

After lunch at Kong Family Mansion Restaurant, continue your exploration with a visit to the nearby Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin). This serene cemetery is where Confucius and his descendants are buried. It's a peaceful place for reflection amidst nature.

End your day with dinner at Qufu International Youth Hostel Restaurant before heading back to your hotel. If time permits, take an evening stroll around Qufu's historic streets.

Travel from Qufu to Tai'an (approximately 1 hour by train). Start your day early with a hike up Mt. Tai (Tai Shan), one of China's Five Great Mountains. The hike is challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking views from the summit. Have breakfast at one of the local eateries near the base before starting your ascent.

After descending Mt. Tai, enjoy lunch at Tai'an Fengshan Hotel Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Dai Temple located at the foot of Mt. Tai which is another significant cultural site that provides insights into ancient Chinese religious practices.

Conclude your day with dinner at Tai'an Lijing Xintiandi Hotel Restaurant. Relax and reflect on your adventurous day while enjoying some local specialties.

Begin your day in Shanghai with a visit to the iconic Jin Mao Tower. This towering skyscraper offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Enjoy breakfast at Grandma's Home, a popular spot for traditional Shanghainese breakfast dishes.

After lunch at Din Tai Fung, head to the Shanghai History Museum (Shanghai Lishi Bowuguan). This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Shanghai's rich history and cultural evolution. The exhibits are well-curated and offer insights into the city's past.

Conclude your day with a visit to the vibrant Shanghai City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao). This bustling area is filled with shops, eateries, and traditional architecture. Enjoy dinner at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, famous for its delicious xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Huanglong National Park (Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area) is known for its stunning natural beauty, including colorful pools, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Start your day early to fully explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Have breakfast at your hotel before heading out.

Huanglong Scenic Area Restaurant offers a convenient lunch option within the park. Spend your afternoon hiking through the park's scenic trails, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations.

After a day of exploring nature, enjoy dinner at Huanglong Hotel Restaurant. Relax and unwind while reflecting on the day's adventures.

Shuyuanmen Pedestrian Street is a great place to start your day in Xi'an. This pedestrian street is lined with shops selling traditional Chinese calligraphy supplies, antiques, and souvenirs. Enjoy breakfast at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant, known for its variety of delicious dumplings.

Guangren Temple is another must-visit attraction in Xi'an. This Tibetan Buddhist temple offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets. After visiting the temple, have lunch at Xi'an Restaurant, which serves authentic Shaanxi cuisine.

Conclude your day with a visit to the historic Lingyun Temple. This ancient temple complex is beautifully illuminated in the evening, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors. Enjoy dinner at Fan Ji La Zhi Rou Jia Mo, famous for its flavorful roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).

Start your day with a visit to the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace. This grand palace is a symbol of Korea's royal heritage and offers beautiful gardens and impressive architecture. Enjoy breakfast at Tosokchon Samgyetang, famous for its ginseng chicken soup.

After lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja, head to the bustling Gwangjang Market. This traditional market is known for its street food, textiles, and vintage clothing. It's a great place to immerse yourself in local culture and try some delicious Korean snacks.

Conclude your day with the Seoul Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour. This guided tour will take you through some of Seoul's lesser-known attractions, offering a unique perspective on the city. Enjoy dinner at Jin Ok Hwa Original Chicken Restaurant, known for its spicy braised chicken.

Begin your day on Jeju Island with a visit to the enchanting Jeju Glass Castle. This unique attraction features stunning glass sculptures and installations. Have breakfast at Jeju Haenyeo House, which offers fresh seafood dishes.

After lunch at Black Pork Street, head to the scenic Dongbaek Island (Dongbaekseom). This small island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and offers beautiful walking trails and views of the ocean.

End your day with dinner at Myeongjin Jeonbok Abalone Restaurant before attending a performance at the Jeju NANTA Theatre. This high-energy show combines traditional Korean music with modern comedy and acrobatics.

Start your day in Gyeongju with a visit to the ancient Bulguksa Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. Enjoy breakfast at Hwangnam Bread Bakery, famous for its traditional pastries.

After lunch at Siwonhan Ddeokjip, explore the fascinating exhibits at the Gyeongju National Museum. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Korea's Silla Dynasty, providing deep insights into ancient Korean history.

Conclude your day with dinner at Domoon Restaurant before visiting the picturesque Anapji Pond. The pond is beautifully illuminated in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll.

Begin your day in Kyoto with a visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and reflects beautifully on the surrounding pond. Enjoy breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a local favorite known for its traditional Japanese breakfast sets.

After lunch at Omen Kodai-ji, head to the historic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine offers scenic hiking trails that lead up to Mount Inari. The walk through the torii gates is both serene and picturesque.

Conclude your day with a traditional tea ceremony experience at Tea Ceremony Koto. This activity provides a deep insight into Japanese culture and the art of tea making. Enjoy dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant, which offers an array of delicious kaiseki dishes.

Start your day in Tokyo with a visit to the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market. This market is famous for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast at one of the market's sushi stalls, such as Sushi Dai, where you can savor some of the freshest sushi in Tokyo.

After lunch at Tsukiji Sushiko Honten, head to the futuristic district of Odaiba. Visit the interactive exhibits at TeamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum that will captivate your senses. The museum's installations are both innovative and mesmerizing.

Conclude your day with a visit to the iconic Tokyo Tower. This landmark offers panoramic views of Tokyo's skyline, especially beautiful during sunset. Enjoy dinner at Robataya Roppongi, known for its traditional robatayaki (Japanese barbecue) dishes.

Start your final day in Tokyo with a visit to the historic Asakusa district. Explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and enjoy breakfast at Asakusa Kagetsudo, famous for its melonpan (sweet bread).

After lunch at Nakamise Dango Shop, head to Akihabara, Tokyo's electric town. Explore the numerous electronics shops, anime stores, and themed cafes that make this district unique. Don't miss visiting one of Akihabara's famous maid cafes for a quirky experience.

Conclude your trip with dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, known as the 'Kill Bill' restaurant due to its appearance in Quentin Tarantino's film. Reflect on your incredible journey through China, South Korea, and Japan as you enjoy your final meal.

Begin your day in Nara with a visit to the ancient Todai-ji Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site houses one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Enjoy breakfast at Nakatanidou, famous for its freshly made mochi.

After lunch at Kasuga Ninai Jaya, explore Nara Park, where you can interact with friendly deer that roam freely throughout the park. Visit the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine within the park, known for its hundreds of bronze lanterns.

Conclude your day with dinner at Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding Honpo before taking an evening stroll around Naramachi, Nara's historic merchant district. The area is filled with traditional wooden machiya houses and quaint shops.

Start your day in Osaka with a visit to the historic Osaka Castle. This iconic landmark offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck and houses a museum detailing the castle's history. Enjoy breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market, where you can sample a variety of fresh seafood and local delicacies.

After lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum, head to the vibrant district of Dotonbori. Explore the bustling streets filled with neon lights, street performers, and an array of shops. Don't miss the famous Glico Running Man sign, a symbol of Osaka.

Conclude your day with a visit to Umeda Sky Building. This architectural marvel offers panoramic views of Osaka's skyline from its Floating Garden Observatory. Enjoy dinner at Izakaya Toyo, known for its delicious izakaya-style dishes.

Begin your day in Hiroshima with a visit to the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing and includes the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome. Have breakfast at Mitchan Okonomiyaki, where you can try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

After lunch at Shukkeien Garden Tea House, head to Miyajima Island to visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. This shrine is famous for its floating torii gate, which appears to be floating on water during high tide. The island also offers scenic hiking trails and beautiful views.

Conclude your day with dinner at Anago Meshi Ueno, known for its delicious grilled eel dishes. Take an evening stroll along Hiroshima's waterfront before heading back to your accommodation.