📅 June 29, 2026
⏱️ 18 min read
🏷️ Itinerary
📋 Quick Overview
- Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
- Destinations: Beijing (4 nights), Xi'an (2 nights), Chengdu (2 nights), Guilin (2 nights), Shanghai (3 nights)
- Best Time: April-May or September-October
- Estimated Budget: $1,800-2,500 per person (mid-range)
- Pace: Moderate with some travel days
📍 Why This Route?
China is massive — 3.7 million square miles of ancient wonders, futuristic cities, and diverse landscapes. Two weeks gives you enough time to experience the highlights without rushing. This itinerary balances must-see landmarks with authentic experiences.
Starting in Beijing, you'll explore imperial China, then move west to Xi'an for ancient history. Chengdu adds panda encounters and Sichuan spice. Guilin's karst mountains offer natural beauty, ending with Shanghai's modern skyline. It's a perfect introduction to China's diversity.
📅 Complete Itinerary
Days 1-4: Beijing — Imperial Capital
Day 1: Arrival & Tiananmen Square
- Afternoon:
- Arrive at Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) Airport
- Check into hotel (recommended area: Wangfujing or Qianmen)
- Walk Tiananmen Square — world's largest public square
- Visit National Museum of China (free, ID required)
- Dinner: Peking Duck at Da Dong (¥300-400/person)
Day 2: Great Wall Adventure
- Morning:
- Early departure to Mutianyu Great Wall (1.5 hours from city)
- Cable car up, walk east section (less crowded, better views)
- Toboggan ride down (optional, ¥80 extra)
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at local farmhouse restaurant (¥50-80/person)
- Return to Beijing, relax at hotel
- Evening: Acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theatre (¥180-380)
Day 3: Forbidden City & Hutongs
- Morning:
- Forbidden City (book online 7 days ahead, ¥60)
- Jingshan Park for panoramic view of palace
- Afternoon:
- Lunch in hutong alleyways
- Take rickshaw tour of Nanluoguxiang
- Visit Temple of Heaven (¥35)
- Evening: Hot pot dinner (Haidilao, ¥100-150/person)
Day 4: Summer Palace & Departure
- Morning:
- Summer Palace (¥30) — largest imperial garden
- Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, Marble Boat
- Afternoon:
- 798 Art District for modern Chinese art
- Last-minute shopping at Yashow Market
- Evening: High-speed train to Xi'an (4.5 hours, ¥600-800)
Days 5-6: Xi'an — Ancient Capital
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
- Morning:
- Arrive Xi'an, check into hotel (near Bell Tower)
- Breakfast: Yangrou Paomo (mutton soup with bread)
- Terracotta Warriors (¥120, 1.5 hours from city)
- Afternoon:
- Huaqing Palace (optional, ¥120)
- Return to Xi'an, Muslim Quarter exploration
- Evening: Night food tour in Muslim Quarter (¥50-80/person)
Day 6: Ancient City & Departure
- Morning:
- Ancient City Wall bike ride (¥54, 1-2 hours)
- Bell & Drum Towers
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda (¥50)
- Afternoon:
- Small Wild Goose Pagoda
- Flight to Chengdu (2 hours, ¥800-1,200)
- Evening: Hot pot dinner in Chengdu
Days 7-8: Chengdu — Pandas & Spice
Day 7: Pandas & Old Streets
- Morning (7am!):
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (¥58)
- See pandas feeding, nursery area
- Afternoon:
- Jinli Ancient Street for snacks and crafts
- Wuhou Shrine (¥60)
- Evening: Face-changing opera show (¥200-500)
Day 8: Leshan Buddha & Departure
- Morning:
- Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha (¥90, 2 hours from Chengdu)
- Take boat or hike down to see the 71-meter statue
- Afternoon:
- Return to Chengdu, People's Park tea house
- Flight to Guilin via Kunming or direct (¥600-900)
Days 9-10: Guilin — Karst Mountains
Day 9: Li River Cruise
- Morning:
- Arrive Guilin, transfer to Yangshuo
- Li River cruise to Yangshuo (¥280-400, 4 hours)
- See 20 RMB note scenery
- Afternoon:
- Check into Yangshuo hotel
- Bike ride through rice paddies
- Evening: West Street market and night food
Day 10: Bamboo Rafting & Flight
- Morning:
- Bamboo rafting on Yulong River (¥180)
- Visit Moon Hill and Silver Cave
- Afternoon:
- Return to Guilin city
- Elephant Trunk Hill (¥75)
- Flight to Shanghai (2.5 hours, ¥700-1,000)
Days 11-13: Shanghai — Modern Metropolis
Day 11: The Bund & Yu Garden
- Morning:
- Arrive Shanghai, check into hotel (Jing'an or Huangpu)
- Yu Garden (¥40) and Old City bazaar
- Afternoon:
- Walk along The Bund
- Shanghai Tower observation deck (¥220)
- Evening: Huangpu River cruise (¥100-180)
Day 12: French Concession & Museums
- Morning:
- Shanghai Museum (free)
- People's Square and Nanjing Road
- Afternoon:
- Explore Former French Concession
- Tianzifang art district
- Xintiandi shopping area
- Evening: Dinner on The Bund
Day 13: Day Trip & Farewell
- Morning:
- Day trip to Suzhou (optional, ¥50-100 train)
- Classic gardens: Humble Administrator's Garden (¥90)
- Or relax in Shanghai, last shopping
- Afternoon:
- Maglev train to Pudong Airport (¥50)
- Departure
💰 Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
💵 Mid-Range
Total: $1,800-2,500
Hotels: $700-900 ($80-110/night)
Transport: $500-700
Food: $400-500
Activities: $200-400
💰 Budget
Total: $1,200-1,700
Hotels: $400-600 ($50-80/night)
Transport: $400-500
Food: $250-350
Activities: $150-250
💎 Luxury
Total: $3,500-5,000+
Hotels: $2,000-3,000+
Transport: $700-1,000
Food: $500-800
Activities: $300-600
📝 Practical Tips
🎒 Booking Advice
- Forbidden City: Book 7 days in advance on official website
- Great Wall: Arrive before 8am to avoid crowds
- Terracotta Warriors: Hire official guide (¥300) for full experience
- High-speed trains: Book 30 days ahead on Trip.com
- Hotels: Book 2-3 months in advance for peak season
🚄 Train Travel
- Classes: Second class (¥) is comfortable, First class (¥¥) for extra space
- Booking: Use Trip.com app, accept international cards
- Pickup: Bring passport to station, collect tickets or use ID scan
- Luggage: 20kg limit, security takes 30-60 minutes
🍜 Food Recommendations
- Beijing: Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian, Tanghulu
- Xi'an: Yangrou Paomo, Roujiamo, Biangbiang noodles
- Chengdu: Mapo tofu, Hot pot, Kung Pao chicken
- Guilin: Guilin noodles, Beer fish, Lipu taro
- Shanghai: Xiaolongbao, Shengjianbao, Hairy crab
🌤️ Best Time to Go
April-May: Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms, moderate crowds
September-October: Ideal temperatures, fall foliage, peak season
June-August: Hot and humid, summer crowds, green landscapes
November-March: Cold in north, cheaper rates, indoor attractions
⚠️ Important Notes
- Check visa requirements before booking
- Download VPN and essential apps before arrival
- Bring copies of passport and visa
- China is on UTC+8, single time zone
- Tipping is not expected except at high-end hotels
- Carry hotel card in Chinese for taxi directions
- English is limited outside tourist areas