China Itinerary Guide: How Long to Spend in China and Top Places to Visit

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China offers endless travel possibilities, with diverse landscapes, historical relics, modern skylines, and ancient towns. Whether you're into cultural landmarks or outdoor adventures, China will never disappoint you. If you are planning a trip to China and don't know how to arrange your China itinerary, this guide will walk you through it.

How Long to Spend in China | Best China Itineraries

You may be wondering how long to stay in China. The answer depends on your travel pace and the kind of experiences you’re looking for. Usually, first-timers spend 10 to 20 days traveling in China.

One week in China is perfect for travelers who want to tour Shanghai, Xi’an, and Beijing — China’s “Golden Triangle.” With 10 days to 2 weeks, you can dive deeper into China’s culture and nature by visiting Chengdu’s pandas, exploring Guilin’s karst scenery, or admiring Zhangjiajie’s Avatar mountains. As for a 3 to 4 week China itinerary, it turns more flexible, allowing you to experience almost everything you want, from the Great Wall to the Silk Road, Tibetan temples, and ancient towns like Pingyao and Lijiang. 

Great of China tour itinerary

5 Days in China Itineraries: Quick Glance

Spending 5 days in China offers just enough time to see the country’s spirit come alive — from its imperial landmarks to its fast-changing cities, all are the best places to visit in China. Begin your China travel in Beijing's courtyards of the Forbidden City and start a Great Wall of China tour. Then head for a Xi’an tour to meet the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. Shanghai is also a must-visit, where old-world streets blend with futuristic skylines along the Bund. 

5-Day Beijing & Xi’an Classic Heritage Itinerary

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–2BeijingTian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China
Day 3–5Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Quarter
>> Recommended 5-day Beijing Xian highlights tour

5-Day Beijing & Shanghai China Must-See Itinerary

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3BeijingForbidden City, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Great Wall, Peking Duck dinner
Day 4–5ShanghaiThe Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Pudong’s skyline
Or if you have one more day, you can also embark on a 6-day Shanghai to Beijing tour with the Great Wall.
China travel itinerary to Terracotta Army

7-8 Days in China Itineraries: Well-Rounded Trip

One week in China allows you to explore more than just the highlights. Instead, you can include major cultural cities with unique experiences in nature or local life in your China itinerary. For first-time visitors who are seeking a more relaxed pace or families who want a balance of sightseeing and comfort, here is a one-week or 8-day itinerary in China to follow.

7 Days Itinerary: Beijing + Shanghai + Suzhou

If you decide to spend a 7-day holiday in China, you can thoroughly discover both Beijing and Shanghai, and even extend a side trip to Suzhou to admire its graceful gardens.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–4BeijingForbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, old hutongs
Day 5–7ShanghaiYu Garden, French Concession, Shanghai Museum, Huangpu River night cruise, an excursion to Suzhou
>> Check out the 7-day Beijing to Shanghai tour by high-speed train

8 Days China Golden Triangle Tour: Beijing Xi’an Shanghai

You’ll find that there are many things to do in China in 8 days when traveling in this beautiful country. Typically, explore the Golden Triangle cities, touring Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, which is popular among 8-day China tours for first-timers. Here is a suggested 8-day itinerary in China for an unforgettable trip.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3BeijingTian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Peking Duck dinner
Day 4–5Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, Bell and Drum Towers
Day 6–8ShanghaiOriental Pearl TV Tower, the Bund, Former French Concession, Nanjing Road

China itinerary to Forbidden City

10-12 Days in China Itineraries: In-Depth Exploration

With 10–12 days in China, you can truly broaden your journey beyond the capitals. Alongside must-visit places on a China travel for first-timers like Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, make sure to add a Chengdu tour in your China tours to meet its beloved giant pandas and Guilin to soak in its spectacular karst scenery and tranquil rivers. Use the following 10-12-day China itinerary as a flexible blueprint to create your own unforgettable adventure. 

10 Days Itinerary: Beijing + Xi’an + Chengdu + Shanghai

For first-timers to China or families with kids, this is a well-suited classic China travel itinerary that covers imperial history, archaeological marvels, cute pandas, and modern city life. Never miss Chengdu, one of China’s top family tour destinations.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3BeijingTian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Peking Duck dinner
Day 4–6Xi’anTerracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Grand Tang Ever-bright City
Day 7-8ChengduChengdu Panda Base, Sanxingdui Site Museum, Jinli Old Street
Day 9-10ShanghaiYu Garden, The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Jade Buddha Temple
>>See the 18 best China travel tips for families with kids
>> Recommended 10-day Beijing Xian Chengdu Shanghai tour

11 Days Itinerary: Beijing + Xi’an + Guilin + Shanghai

Want to combine cultural heritage with the scenic landscapes of China? With 11 days in China, you can do it. In addition to Beijing and Xi’an’s historical relics as well as Shanghai’s modern skyscrapers, you can admire the picturesque scenery of Guilin, one of the top destinations in China for photographers. Here is a highlighted itinerary to plan a China tour for seniors.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3BeijingTian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace
Day 4–5Xi’anTerracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter
Day 6-8GuilinLi River cruise, Ling Canal, Reed Flute Cave, Yao Mountain
Day 9-11ShanghaiThe Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, Disneyland

China itinerary to Guilin Li River

12 Days Itinerary: Kunming + Dali + Lijiang + Shangri-La

Regarding a China tour for returning travelers who have already been to iconic cities or those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Yunnan is a great destination to be included in your China itinerary, with rich ethnic culture and stunning landscapes. It’s also one of the best places to visit in China in winter.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3KunmingStone Forest, Green Lake Park, Yuantong Temple
Day 4–5DaliErhai Lake, Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas
Day 6-8LijiangLijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Naxi music show
Day 9-12Shangri-LaSongzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Meili Snow Mountain, local market visits
>> Recommended 12-day wild west Yunnan tour

14-16 Days in China Itineraries: Complete Discovery

Wondering where to go with two weeks in China? 14-16 days is enough time to cover iconic cities, scenic landscapes, and unique experiences in your China itinerary. You'll have a comprehensive first-time China tour or a comfortable pace for family trips. From Great Wall hikes to bamboo rafting, Sichuan cuisine, and Tibetan Buddhism, you'll visit the top destinations in China and get to know different aspects of the country. 

14-Day Itinerary: Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Guilin – Shanghai

This two-week China itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a varied, well-paced trip in China. You’ll explore Beijing’s grand palaces, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, Chengdu’s pandas, Guilin’s beautiful rivers, and Shanghai’s modern attractions. If you are planning a China family tour for about two weeks, take this itinerary.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3BeijingForbidden City, Great Wall of China (Mutianyu), Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
Day 4–6Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum
Day 7–9ChengduPanda Breeding Center, People’s Park Tea House, Jinli Old Street, Mount Qingcheng
Day 10–12GuilinLi River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Daxu Ancient Town, Longji Race Terraces
Day 13–14ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Shanghai Tower, Hupu River night view

China itinerary with Chengdu panda visit

15-Day Itinerary: Beijing – Xi’an – Zhangjiajie – Guilin – Shanghai

15 days in China means you can go beyond the must-see attractions and explore the natural craftsmanship, including a tour of Zhangjiajie’s amazing mountains and Guilin’s stunning karst landscapes.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3BeijingGreat Wall (Jinshanling), Forbidden City, Hutong walking tour
Day 4–5Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Bell and Drum Towers, Muslim Street, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 6–9ZhangjiajieNational Forest Park, Grand Canyon, Tianmen Mountain
Day 10–12GuilinLi River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Yangshuo Countryside, Longji Race Terraces
Day 13–15ShanghaiThe Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum, Xintiandi
>> Recommended 15-day scenic & historic China tour

16-Day Itinerary: Beijing – Xi’an – Lhasa – Chengdu – Shanghai

Spend 16 days traveling across China to fully explore its imperial past, Tibetan culture, and modern urban life. On this China travel itinerary, you’ll be amazed by Beijing’s landmarks, the spiritual depth of Lhasa, and Chengdu’s panda reserves before finishing in Shanghai.

DayDestinationsHighlights
Day 1–3BeijingMutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
Day 4–6Xi’anTerracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum, Mt.Hushan
Day 7–10LhasaPotala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Barkhor Street
Day 11–13ChengduPanda Base, Dujiangyan, Wuhouci, People’s Park, Jinsha Museum
Day 14–16ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Huangpu River cruise
>> Recommended 16-day China discovery tour

Besides, with 2 weeks in China, you can also embark on Silk Road tours and visit places like Dunhuang, Turpan, and Urumqi on this ancient trade route.

  • 15-Day China Silk Road In-depth Discovery Tour

    • China itinerary with Zhangjiajie

    21 Days in China Itinerary: Grand Exploration

    For a tour of about three weeks in China, you can see all its glory — from the snow-capped peaks of Tibet to the misty mountains of Zhangjiajie, the serene rivers of Guilin, and the ancient cities of Xi’an and Beijing. It's not just about China’s unique landscapes but also cultures and beliefs, and you’ll take a China Tibet tour. Below is a three-week China itinerary with off-the-beaten-path routes.

    DayDestinationsHighlights
    Day 1–3BeijingForbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Great Wall
    Day 4–5Xi’anTerracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
    Day 6–8LhasaPotala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Namtso Lake
    Day 9–10ChengduPanda Base, Jinli Old Street, Leshan Giant Buddha
    Day 11–12LijiangLijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Village
    Day 13–15Guilin & YangshuoLi River Cruise, Longji Rice Terraces, Moon Hill, West Street, Impression Sister Liu San-jie Show
    Day 16–18ZhangjiajieWulingyuan National Park, Tianmen Mountain, Yellow Dragon Cave
    Day 19-21ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road shopping
    >> Recommended 21-day China panorama tour

    30 Days in China Itinerary: Ultimate Experience

    A 1-month China itinerary is the ultimate journey for those who wish to explore the whole of China—from its ancient capitals to modern cities, from misty mountains to saint grottoes. With 4 weeks or 30 days in China, you’ll discover the country’s diversity in geography, culture, religion, and cuisine, which gives you the most comprehensive experience possible. 

    DayDestinationsHighlights
    Day 1–3BeijingForbidden City, Great Wall, Hutong walk, Temple of Heaven, Peking duck dinner
    Day 4–5DatongYungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery
    Day 6–7PingyaoAncient City, Rishengchang Bank, Shuanglin Temple
    Day 8–10Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum
    Day 11-13Dunhuang & ZhangyeMogao Grottoes, Rainbow Mountains
    Day 14-16LhasaPotala Palace, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Yamdrok Lake
    Day 17-18ChengduPanda Base, Jinli Old Street, Wuhouci, Sanxingdui Museum
    Day 19-21Lijiang & KunmingLijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shuhe Ancient Town, Stone Forest
    Day 22-24Guilin & YangshuoLi River, Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, Silver Cave, Xingping Town
    Day 25–27ZhangjiajieNational Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Glass Bridge
    Day 28–30ShanghaiThe Bund, Shanghai Tower, French Concession, Disneyland
    >> Recommended 27-day fantastic China tour 

    China itinerary to Shanghai by Easy Tour China

    Embark on a China Tour with Easy Tour China

    Planning a China itinerary on your own may sound overwhelming. Why not let Easy Tour China craft a perfect trip for you? We specialize in tailor-made private tours for individuals, families, and groups. No matter how long you’ll spend in China, we can customize your tour to China based on your needs. Take a look at our highly rated China tour packages for inspiration.

  • 7-Day Beijing to Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train
  • 16-Day China Impression Tour with Yangtze Cruise
  • 26-Day China Adventure including Tibet

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