China Itineraries

Use these sample routes as a starting point. Add rest time between long travel days, especially if you are crossing several regions by train or flight.

3 Days: Beijing Starter

• Day 1: Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, hutong walk.
• Day 2: Great Wall day trip, evening roast duck.
• Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, local market or teahouse.

7 Days: Classic First China Trip

• Days 1-3: Beijing for imperial history and the Great Wall.
• Days 4-5: Xi’an for Terracotta Warriors, city wall, noodles, and night markets.
• Days 6-7: Shanghai for skyline views, neighborhoods, museums, and food.

10 Days: Culture, Food & Modern Cities

• Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Shanghai.
• Best for travelers who want history, pandas, Sichuan food, and a strong city contrast.
• Use high-speed rail for Beijing to Xi’an and flights or rail depending on your schedule.

14 Days: Slower China With Scenery

• Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai.
• Best for a first visit with iconic sights plus river landscapes and relaxed countryside time.
• Keep at least two nights in Yangshuo if you want cycling, cooking classes, or river views.

Planning Rule

Two nights in a city usually gives you one full sightseeing day. Three nights feels much better for major stops like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guilin/Yangshuo.