Dalian's beaches, Changchun's palaces, Changbai's crater lake and Harbin's squares
The northeast at its greenest: Dalian's pebble beaches and square scene, Shenyang's gardens, Changchun's puppet-palace history and forest lake, two days on Changbai's volcanic slopes and a summer-cool Harbin finish — temperatures ten degrees below the rest of China.
Fly into Zhoushuizi (DLC). Evening on the squares and seaside promenade.
Laohutan's ocean park and bird valley, afternoon among Golden Pebble Beach's sea stacks.
HSR north (2 h); afternoon at the Expo Garden's flower terraces, evening shopping street.
Short hop north; the puppet-palace museum of Puyi's Manchukuo court.
Jingyuetan's forest lake loops and the sculpture park's world collection.
Train-and-road east to the mountain; hot-spring soak and prep for the rim.
North slope shuttle and crater-rim boardwalks; waterfalls on the descent.
Transfer north; evening on Central Street's cobblestones.
Sun Island's lawns and the Songhua riverfront; Sophia's domes and tiger park option.
Morning market breakfast, fly from HRB.
Travel in China