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China itineraries by trip length — 3 to 21 days.
Every itinerary tested by our editors, with day-by-day plans, costs, and what to skip. Pick the length that fits your visa window.
Browse by trip length
6 lengths · 71 itineraries
11 itineraries3-day trips
3-Day Beijing Itinerary 2026: Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Hutongs · 3-Day Chengdu Itinerary 2026: Pandas, Sichuan Food, and Tea Houses · 3-Day Guilin + Yangshuo Itinerary 2026: Karst Mountains and Li River
21 itineraries5-day trips
5-Day Beijing + Chengde Itinerary 2026: Imperial Capitals · 5-Day Beijing Family Itinerary 2026: With Kids and Teens · 5-Day Beijing + Xi'an Itinerary 2026: Two Ancient Capitals by HSR
9 itineraries7-day trips
7-Day China Family Trip 2026: Beijing + Shanghai with Kids · 7-Day Golden Triangle 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai · 7-Day China Honeymoon Itinerary 2026: Beijing + Guilin + Sanya
2 itineraries10-day trips
10-Day Classic China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai · 10-Day China Grand Loop Itinerary 2026: Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai
1 itineraries14-day trips
14-Day Grand China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai
1 itineraries21-day trips
21-Day Comprehensive China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yunnan, Guilin, Shanghai, Hong Kong
Most-tested itineraries
Jump to full list ↓3-Day Beijing Itinerary 2026: Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Hutongs
The classic first-timer's Beijing in three days. Forbidden City + Tiananmen, one Great Wall section, hutong walk, and Peking duck.
7-Day Golden Triangle 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
China's most popular one-week route. Beijing (3 days) → Xi'an (2 days) → Shanghai (2 days), all connected by fast HSR.
10-Day Classic China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai
The four-city China classic. Beijing + Xi'an for history, Guilin for karst scenery, Shanghai for modern China.
14-Day Grand China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai
Add Chengdu (pandas + Sichuan food) to the classic 10-day route. The most balanced 2-week China itinerary.
21-Day Comprehensive China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yunnan, Guilin, Shanghai, Hong Kong
The full three-week China deep-dive. Six regions including Yunnan and Hong Kong. For travelers who want to see everything.
7-Day Silk Road Itinerary 2026: Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan
Follow the ancient Silk Road across northwest China. Xi'an, then fly to Dunhuang (Mogao Caves) and Turpan (Uighur culture + Flaming Mountains).
5-Day Yunnan Itinerary 2026: Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang
Three Yunnan icons in 5 days. Kunming (Stone Forest), Dali (Erhai Lake + Old Town), Lijiang (Naxi culture + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain).
7-Day China Family Trip 2026: Beijing + Shanghai with Kids
A 7-day kid-friendly China route. Beijing (Forbidden City, pandas, water park) + Shanghai (Disney, aquarium, science museum). Optimized for ages 5-12.
All itineraries by length
3 days — 11
3-Day Beijing Itinerary 2026: Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Hutongs
The classic first-timer's Beijing in three days. Forbidden City + Tiananmen, one Great Wall section, hutong walk, and Peking duck.
3-Day Chengdu Itinerary 2026: Pandas, Sichuan Food, and Tea Houses
A focused 3-day plan for Chengdu covering the Giant Panda Base, Jinli Old Street, People's Park tea house, Wuhou Shrine, and Sichuan cuisine.
3-Day Guilin + Yangshuo Itinerary 2026: Karst Mountains and Li River
A 3-day itinerary covering Guilin (Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill) and Yangshuo (Li River cruise, countryside, West Street).
3-Day Hangzhou Itinerary 2026: West Lake, Tea, and Temples
A 3-day Hangzhou itinerary covering West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea, and the Hefang Ancient Street. Visa-free for most Western travelers.
3-Day Harbin Itinerary 2026: Ice City and Russian Architecture
A 3-day Harbin itinerary covering the Ice and Snow World, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Central Street, and Siberian Tiger Park.
3-Day Hong Kong Itinerary 2026: Victoria Peak, Markets, and Lantau
A focused 3-day Hong Kong itinerary covering Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Temple Street Market, and Lantau Island (Big Buddha).
3-Day Shanghai Itinerary 2026: Bund, Pudong, and Water Town
A compact Shanghai plan covering the Bund, Yu Garden, Pudong skyscrapers, the French Concession, and a half-day water town side trip.
3-Day Shenzhen Itinerary 2026: Tech City and Theme Parks
A 3-day Shenzhen itinerary covering Window of the World, Splendid China, Shenzhen Bay, and the OCT Loft creative district.
3-Day Tianjin Itinerary 2026: Italian Quarter and Five Great Avenues
A 3-day Tianjin itinerary covering the Italian Quarter, Five Great Avenues mansion district, Tianjin Eye, and Goubuli baozi.
3-Day Xiamen + Gulangyu Itinerary 2026: Coastal City and Piano Island
A 3-day Xiamen itinerary covering Gulangyu Island (car-free, piano museum, colonial architecture), Nanputuo Temple, and Xiamen University.
3-Day Xi'an Itinerary 2026: Terracotta Army, City Wall, and Tang Dynasty
A focused 3-day Xi'an itinerary covering the Terracotta Army, the 14th-century City Wall, the Muslim Quarter food street, and Tang Dynasty historical sites.
4 days — 14
4-Day Beijing + Day Trips Itinerary 2026: Tianjin, Chengde, and Huanghuacheng
A 4-day Beijing itinerary with three day trip options: Tianjin Italian Quarter (30 min), Chengde Mountain Resort (1h 20m), or Huanghuacheng Great Wall.
4-Day Beijing + Xi'an Itinerary 2026: Two Ancient Capitals
A focused 4-day plan covering Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall, hutongs) and Xi'an (Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter). HSR connects the two cities in 4.5 hours.
4-Day Beijing Itinerary 2026: Imperial Beijing, Great Wall, and Beyond
A 4-day deep Beijing itinerary adding the Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, and a Beijing opera show to the 3-day essentials.
4-Day Chengdu + Mt. Emei Itinerary 2026: Pandas and Buddhist Mountain
A 4-day itinerary combining Chengdu (pandas, Sichuan food) with Mt. Emei (UNESCO Buddhist mountain with Golden Summit sunrise).
4-Day Chongqing Itinerary 2026: Mountain City and Hot Pot
A 4-day Chongqing itinerary covering the mountain-city skyline, the Three Gorges cruise start, Ciqikou Old Town, and Sichuan-Chongqing hotpot.
4-Day Great Wall Hike Itinerary 2026: Jinshanling to Simatai
A focused 4-day hiking itinerary covering the most scenic Great Wall sections: Mutianyu (full day), Gubeikou-Jinshanling trek, and Jinshanling-Simatai wild wall trek.
4-Day Lijiang + Shangri-La Itinerary 2026: Naxi and Tibetan Cultures
A 4-day northwestern Yunnan itinerary combining Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO) with Shangri-La's Tibetan Songzanlin Monastery.
4-Day Shanghai + Suzhou Itinerary 2026: Skyscrapers and Classical Gardens
A focused 4-day plan split between Shanghai (3 days) and the UNESCO gardens of Suzhou (1 day). 25-minute HSR connects the two cities.
4-Day Shanghai Itinerary 2026: Skyscrapers, Gardens, and Day Trip
A 4-day Shanghai itinerary adding a Tongli water town day trip and a deeper museum experience to the classic 3-day plan.
4-Day Suzhou + Hangzhou Itinerary 2026: Gardens and West Lake
A 4-day Jiangnan itinerary focusing on two UNESCO-listed garden cities: Suzhou (classical gardens) and Hangzhou (West Lake cultural landscape).
4-Day Suzhou + Wuzhen + Xitang Itinerary 2026: Gardens and Water Towns
A 4-day itinerary combining Suzhou (UNESCO classical gardens) with two of China's most atmospheric water towns: Wuzhen and Xitang.
4-Day Xi'an + Luoyang Itinerary 2026: Tang Capitals and Longmen Caves
A 4-day itinerary covering Xi'an (Tang capital) and Luoyang (Eastern Han/Tang/Song capital), with the UNESCO Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple.
4-Day Beijing + Xi'an Itinerary 2026: Two Ancient Capitals
A focused 4-day plan covering Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall, hutongs) and Xi'an (Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter). HSR connects the two cities in 4.5 hours.
4-Day Great Wall Hike Itinerary 2026: Jinshanling to Simatai
A focused 4-day hiking itinerary covering the most scenic Great Wall sections: Mutianyu (full day), Gubeikou-Jinshanling trek, and Jinshanling-Simatai wild wall trek.
5 days — 21
5-Day Beijing + Chengde Itinerary 2026: Imperial Capitals
A 5-day itinerary combining Beijing (imperial core) with Chengde (Qing summer capital, UNESCO Mountain Resort). 1h 20m HSR connects them.
5-Day Beijing Family Itinerary 2026: With Kids and Teens
A 5-day Beijing itinerary designed for families with kids and teens. Includes Great Wall toboggan, Beijing Aquarium, Olympic Park, and Peking duck.
5-Day Beijing + Xi'an Itinerary 2026: Two Ancient Capitals by HSR
Beijing for 3 days, fast HSR to Xi'an (4.5h, $80 second class), 2 days in Xi'an for the Terracotta Army and city wall. The classic China first-timer route.
5-Day Beijing Itinerary 2026: Deep Dive with Day Trips
A 5-day Beijing itinerary adding 798 Art District, Olympic Park, and a Chengde (Ming-era Mountain Resort) day trip to the 4-day deep visit.
5-Day Chengdu & Panda Itinerary 2026: Pandas, Hotpot, and Leshan
Five days in and around Chengdu: the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Sichuan cuisine, Leshan Giant Buddha, and Mount Qingcheng.
5-Day Dalian + Qingdao Itinerary 2026: Northern Beach Cities
A 5-day coastal itinerary covering Dalian (Russian/Japanese colonial port, beaches) and Qingdao (German colonial port, Tsingtao beer).
5-Day Guilin & Yangshuo Itinerary 2026: Li River, Karst Peaks, and Longji Rice Terraces
Five days through Guilin and Yangshuo: Li River cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, and the karst mountain bike loop.
5-Day Hainan Beach Itinerary 2026: Sanya and the South Coast
China's Hawaii. Sanya on the south coast has year-round 25-28°C water, 5-star beach resorts, and visa-free entry for 38+ countries.
5-Day Hangzhou + Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Itinerary 2026
A 5-day Jiangnan + Anhui itinerary combining Hangzhou's West Lake (UNESCO) with the legendary Yellow Mountain (Huangshan, UNESCO).
5-Day Hangzhou + Wuzhen Itinerary 2026: West Lake and Water Town
A 5-day Jiangnan itinerary covering Hangzhou's West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea, and an overnight Wuzhen water town stay.
5-Day Lhasa + Tibet Itinerary 2026: Potala Palace and Himalayan Culture
A 5-day Lhasa itinerary covering the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor circuit, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. Tibet permits required.
5-Day Sanya + Hainan Itinerary 2026: Beach Resort and Tropical Island
A 5-day Hainan itinerary covering Sanya (China's Hawaii), Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island, and the Yanoda rainforest.
5-Day Shanghai + Hangzhou Itinerary 2026: Skyscrapers and West Lake
Five days split between Shanghai (3 days) and Hangzhou (2 days) via 45-minute HSR. Covers the Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, West Lake, and a water town side trip.
5-Day Shanghai + Wuzhen + Hangzhou Itinerary 2026
A 5-day Jiangnan itinerary combining Shanghai (2 days), Wuzhen water town (1 day), and Hangzhou (2 days).
5-Day Wuhan + Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise Itinerary 2026
A 5-day itinerary combining Wuhan (Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum) with a 4-day Yangtze Three Gorges cruise to Yichang.
5-Day Xi'an + Chongqing Itinerary 2026: Tang Capitals and Mountain City
A 5-day itinerary combining Xi'an (Tang capital, Terracotta Army) with Chongqing (mountain city, hotpot, Yangtze Three Gorges start).
5-Day Xi'an + Shaanxi Province Itinerary 2026
A 5-day itinerary covering Xi'an (capital) and Shaanxi province sites: Hua Shan mountain, Famen Temple, Hukou Waterfall.
5-Day Yunnan Itinerary 2026: Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang
Three Yunnan icons in 5 days. Kunming (Stone Forest), Dali (Erhai Lake + Old Town), Lijiang (Naxi culture + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain).
5-Day Zhangjiajie + Chongqing Itinerary 2026: Avatar Mountains + Mountain City
A 5-day itinerary combining Zhangjiajie (inspiration for Avatar's Pandora mountains) with Chongqing (mountain city, hotpot).
5-Day Zhangjiajie + Fenghuang Itinerary 2026: Avatar Mountains and Ancient Town
A 5-day itinerary through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (inspiration for Avatar's Pandora), Tianmen Mountain, and the ancient Miao minority town of Fenghuang.
5-Day Beijing Family Itinerary 2026: With Kids and Teens
A 5-day Beijing itinerary designed for families with kids and teens. Includes Great Wall toboggan, Beijing Aquarium, Olympic Park, and Peking duck.
6 days — 9
6-Day Beijing + Chengde + Tianjin Itinerary 2026
A 6-day itinerary covering Beijing (3 days), Chengde Mountain Resort (1.5 days), and Tianjin Italian Quarter (1.5 days).
6-Day Chengdu + Jiuzhaigou Itinerary 2026: Pandas and Fairy-Tale Lakes
A 6-day itinerary combining Chengdu (pandas, Sichuan food) with the UNESCO Jiuzhaigou Valley (turquoise lakes and Tibetan villages).
6-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai Itinerary 2026: The Golden Triangle
The classic first-timer's 6-day route covering China's three most-visited cities: Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall), Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Shanghai (Bund, Yu Garden).
6-Day Guilin-Yangshuo-Longji Itinerary 2026: Karst Scenery and Rice Terraces
A 6-day itinerary through Guilin's karst landscape: Li River cruise, Yangshuo countryside, Longji (Dragon's Backbone) rice terraces, and Reed Flute Cave.
6-Day Shanghai + Zhangjiajie Itinerary 2026: Skyscrapers and Avatar Mountains
A 6-day itinerary pairing Shanghai (modern China, 3 days) with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Avatar mountains, 3 days).
6-Day Xi'an-Dunhuang Silk Road Itinerary 2026: Mogao Caves
A 6-day Silk Road route from Xi'an (Tang capital) to Dunhuang (Mogao Caves), with stops in Lanzhou and Jiayuguan (western terminus of the Great Wall).
6-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai Itinerary 2026: The Golden Triangle
The classic first-timer's 6-day route covering China's three most-visited cities: Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall), Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Shanghai (Bund, Yu Garden).
6-Day Guilin-Yangshuo-Longji Itinerary 2026: Karst Scenery and Rice Terraces
A 6-day itinerary through Guilin's karst landscape: Li River cruise, Yangshuo countryside, Longji (Dragon's Backbone) rice terraces, and Reed Flute Cave.
6-Day Xi'an-Dunhuang Silk Road Itinerary 2026: Mogao Caves
A 6-day Silk Road route from Xi'an (Tang capital) to Dunhuang (Mogao Caves), with stops in Lanzhou and Jiayuguan (western terminus of the Great Wall).
7 days — 9
7-Day China Family Trip 2026: Beijing + Shanghai with Kids
A 7-day kid-friendly China route. Beijing (Forbidden City, pandas, water park) + Shanghai (Disney, aquarium, science museum). Optimized for ages 5-12.
7-Day Golden Triangle 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
China's most popular one-week route. Beijing (3 days) → Xi'an (2 days) → Shanghai (2 days), all connected by fast HSR.
7-Day China Honeymoon Itinerary 2026: Beijing + Guilin + Sanya
A romantic 7-day honeymoon itinerary combining imperial Beijing, the karst landscapes of Guilin/Yangshuo, and the tropical beaches of Sanya.
7-Day Hong Kong + Macau + Shenzhen Itinerary 2026
A 7-day Greater Bay Area itinerary covering Hong Kong (4 days), Macau (2 days), and Shenzhen (1 day). Combines colonial heritage, Chinese modernity, and Portuguese-influenced culture.
7-Day Jiangnan Itinerary 2026: Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou
Seven days through Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze): Shanghai's skyline and Bund, Hangzhou's West Lake, and Suzhou's classical gardens.
7-Day Shanghai + Suzhou + Hangzhou + Huangshan Itinerary 2026
A 7-day Jiangnan + Anhui itinerary covering Shanghai, Suzhou (UNESCO gardens), Hangzhou (West Lake), and Huangshan (UNESCO Yellow Mountain).
7-Day Silk Road Itinerary 2026: Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan
Follow the ancient Silk Road across northwest China. Xi'an, then fly to Dunhuang (Mogao Caves) and Turpan (Uighur culture + Flaming Mountains).
7-Day Chongqing + Chengdu Itinerary 2026: Mountain Cities and Pandas
A 7-day southwestern itinerary combining Chongqing (mountain city, hot pot, Three Gorges cruise start) with Chengdu (pandas, Sichuan food).
7-Day Yunnan Minority Villages Itinerary 2026: Dali-Lijiang-Shaxi
A 7-day deep Yunnan itinerary covering Dali Bai villages, Lijiang Naxi culture, and the off-the-beaten-path Shaxi Ancient Town (Bai minority).
8 days — 2
8-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Shanghai Itinerary 2026
An 8-day grand tour adding Chengdu (pandas) to the classic Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai route. Includes the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and Sichuan cuisine.
8-Day Yunnan Grand Tour: Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La
A comprehensive 8-day Yunnan itinerary covering Kunming (Stone Forest), Dali (Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain), Lijiang (Old Town), and Shangri-La (Songzanlin Monastery).
10 days — 2
10-Day Classic China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai
The four-city China classic. Beijing + Xi'an for history, Guilin for karst scenery, Shanghai for modern China.
10-Day China Grand Loop Itinerary 2026: Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai
A 10-day circular grand tour of China's five worth visiting cities: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai. HSR and one flight connect them all.
Before you pick an itinerary
Do I need a visa for China?
38 countries go visa-free · 240h transit · L-visa guide
How to pay in China
Alipay + WeChat Pay setup for foreign cards
China high-speed rail
Routes, seat classes, booking in English
Internet & VPN
What's blocked · 4 VPNs tested · eSIM guide
Is China safe?
Crime, scams, health, women traveling alone
When to go
Best months by region · holidays to avoid
FAQ
Which China itinerary is best for first-timers?
The 7-day Golden Triangle (Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai) or the 10-day classic China loop are the most tested first-timer routes. They cover the headline sights without backtracking and use the high-speed rail network.
Are these itineraries updated for 2026?
Yes. Every route is re-priced and re-verified against 2026 opening hours, train schedules, and visa-free entry rules. Last updated August 2026.
How do I book the trains and hotels inside each itinerary?
Each itinerary page links to live booking partners for hotels, domestic flights, HSR tickets, and attraction passes. We only show partners we have tested and that accept foreign cards or passports.
Can I shorten or extend an itinerary?
Yes. Each route is built as a modular loop, and every itinerary page lists shorter and longer alternatives. Pick the duration that matches your visa window and travel pace.
When is the best time for each trip length?
April–May and September–October work for every length and every region. Harbin itineraries are best December–February for the Ice Festival. Sanya/Hainan itineraries are year-round. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) and Spring Festival — prices triple, sites are mobbed.
Can I combine two itineraries to make a longer trip?
Yes — concatenate by shared end/start city. The 7-Day Golden Triangle (ending Shanghai) + the 5-Day Jiangnan (starting Shanghai) becomes a 12-day trip sharing one hotel night. The 21-Day Comprehensive is built the same way (5 + 7 + 5 + 4). We mark "joins well with" on every itinerary detail page.