Reviewed 24 September 2026
Count nights and transfer days first
A seven-day trip normally has six hotel nights. International arrival and departure days are not full sightseeing days. Choose two bases for a week, three for ten days, and three or four for two weeks; spend longer in fewer places if you prefer a slower trip.
7 days · Beijing & Shanghai
6 nights · Beijing 4 + Shanghai 2
- 01
Days 1–4 · Beijing
Arrive and settle in. Use the following days for the Forbidden City, a dedicated Great Wall outing and a slower temple or hutong visit. Adjust the museum day around its opening calendar.
- 02
Days 5–7 · Shanghai
Travel to Shanghai on day 5, then enjoy the Bund and a neighborhood walk. Choose Yuyuan Garden or an architecture-focused day before departing on day 7. A theme park needs an extra day or a swap.
10 days · China’s classic first journey
9 nights · Beijing 4 + Xi’an 2 + Shanghai 3
- 01
Days 1–4 · Beijing
Begin with imperial landmarks and a Great Wall day, with recovery time after your international flight.
- 02
Days 5–6 · Xi’an
Transfer to Xi’an, explore the old city and reserve the following main outing for the Terracotta Army. Fit food or hanfu around, not into, the transfer rush.
- 03
Days 7–10 · Shanghai
Fly or take a suitable train to Shanghai after comparing total travel time. Enjoy the city, then choose either a Suzhou day trip or a theme park. Depart on day 10.
14 days · History, pandas & city life
13 nights · Beijing 4 + Xi’an 2 + Chengdu 3 + Shanghai 4
- 01
Days 1–6 · Beijing & Xi’an
Use four nights in Beijing, then two in Xi’an for imperial history, the Great Wall and archaeology. Keep a separate transfer block between the cities.
- 02
Days 7–9 · Chengdu
Travel to Chengdu, visit the pandas and leave another day for food, a teahouse or Sichuan opera. Choose a gentle afternoon after the transfer.
- 03
Days 10–14 · Shanghai & an optional extension
Continue to Shanghai for four nights. Balance city days with a Suzhou or Hangzhou day trip, or add a family park day. Day 14 is departure; reserve a buffer if your international airport differs from your arrival station.
Jiangnan · Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou
A focused 7-day alternative: two nights in each city. Combine architecture, gardens and tea, with less time spent on long-distance transfers. Choose departure flights that work with the final city.
Southwest cities · Chengdu → Chongqing
Seven days with three nights in each city leave room for pandas, Sichuan flavors and skyline evenings. Confirm train stations and do not schedule a major activity immediately after the transfer.
Southern flavors & landscapes · Guangzhou → Shenzhen → Guilin
For a 10-day southern route, consider three nights in Guangzhou, two in Shenzhen and four in Guilin/Yangshuo. Verify rail or flight connections before committing, and give the countryside several unhurried days.
Choose a season for your route
Spring and autumn are useful starting points for many city itineraries, with local weather checks still essential. Summer calls for heat breaks and rain alternatives. Winter can suit museums and southern cities; Harbin’s ice attractions require specific operating dates, warm clothing and a dedicated route. Check China’s holiday calendar before booking.
Build a transparent budget
Ask for separate lines for hotels and room type, guide language and hours, vehicle and transfers, rail or domestic flights, entrance tickets, meals and service charges. Compare the same dates and party size. Clarify single-room supplements, optional activities, insurance, tips and international flights; avoid comparing headline prices with different inclusions.
Book in the right order
First confirm entry eligibility and international flight options. Then align the main cities, accommodation and hard-to-book visits; coordinate these before making non-refundable commitments. Book transport within its sales window, verify issued tickets, and keep a weather alternative for outdoor days. Final supplier terms govern changes and refunds.
Keep planning your journey
Route inspirationThese are suggested journeys for inspiration. Routes, duration, hotels and activities are confirmed in your personal proposal.
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