2-Week China Itinerary Starting in Chengdu

Day 1: Arrival & Chengdu Introduction

Morning: Arrive in Chengdu and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely walk around Tianfu Square to get a feel for the city.

Afternoon: Visit the Wuhou Shrine to learn about the Three Kingdoms history. Enjoy lunch at a local Sichuan restaurant sampling Mapo Tofu.

Evening: Explore the lively Kuan Zhai Alley for traditional shops and street snacks. Consider a tea house visit to experience local tea culture.

Day 2: Giant Pandas & Jinli Ancient Street

Morning: Spend the morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see pandas up close during their most active time.

Afternoon: Head to Jinli Ancient Street for lunch and explore traditional architecture and handicrafts.

Evening: Attend a Sichuan Opera performance featuring the famous Face Changing show.

Day 3: Leshan Giant Buddha

Morning: Take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world.

Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride to view the Buddha from the river or hike around the area for closer views.

Evening: Return to Chengdu and relax with a local hotpot dinner.

Day 4: Mount Emei Exploration

Morning: Travel to Mount Emei, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains.

Afternoon: Explore scenic spots such as Baoguo Temple and take a cable car up for panoramic views.

Evening: Overnight near Mount Emei to experience sunset and the tranquil mountain atmosphere.

Day 5: Mount Emei Hiking

Morning: Hike to the golden Bronze Statue of Samantabhadra and visit the Wannian Temple.

Afternoon: Descend the mountain via cable car or trail, then return to Chengdu.

Evening: Have a quiet evening exploring a local market or rest at your hotel.

Day 6: Chengdu to Xi’an - Ancient Capital

Morning: Take a morning flight or high-speed train from Chengdu to Xi’an.

Afternoon: Visit the well-preserved Xi’an City Wall and rent a bike to cycle part of it.

Evening: Explore the bustling Muslim Quarter for dinner and street food.

Day 7: Terracotta Warriors

Morning: Spend the morning at the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum.

Afternoon: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for cultural insight and photo opportunities.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.

Day 8: Xi’an to Beijing

Morning: Travel by high-speed train or flight to Beijing.

Afternoon: Explore the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Evening: Stroll around Wangfujing Street and sample exotic street food.

Day 9: The Great Wall

Morning: Take a day trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall section for stunning views and fewer crowds.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the Wall and surrounding hiking trails.

Evening: Return to Beijing and enjoy Peking duck for dinner at a famous local restaurant.

Day 10: Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven

Morning: Visit the expansive Summer Palace gardens and lake.

Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Heaven Park and watch locals practicing Tai Chi.

Evening: Relax with a walk around Houhai Lakes, enjoying cafes and bars.

Day 11: Beijing to Shanghai

Morning: Take the high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai.

Afternoon: Visit the The Bund for iconic skyline views and a stroll along the waterfront.

Evening: Experience the nightlife in the Xintiandi area with trendy bars and restaurants.

Day 12: Shanghai Museums and Gardens

Morning: Explore the Shanghai Museum showcasing ancient Chinese art and history.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Yu Garden and nearby Old City bazaar.

Evening: Take a Huangpu River cruise to admire the illuminated cityscape.

Day 13: Zhujiajiao Water Town Day Trip

Morning: Travel to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, known for canals, bridges, and traditional architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the town’s local shops, temples, and sample regional snacks.

Evening: Return to Shanghai and enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel.

Day 14: Departure from Shanghai

Morning: Last-minute shopping at Nanjing Road or visit the Jade Buddha Temple.

Afternoon: Prepare for departure and head to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Evening: Fly back home or onward to your next destination.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: 3 hours, approx. $15
• Jinli Ancient Street: 2 hours, free entry, food/snacks approx. $10
• Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show: 1.5 hours, approx. $30
• Leshan Giant Buddha: Full day, approx. 8 hours, $25 (entry + boat ride)
• Mount Emei: 2 days, approx. 12 hours total, $40 (entry + cable car)
• Xi’an City Wall bike rental: 2 hours, $8
• Muslim Quarter street food: 2 hours, approx. $15
• Terracotta Army Museum: 4 hours, approx. $25
• Tang Dynasty Show: 2 hours, approx. $40
• Beijing Forbidden City: 4 hours, approx. $15
• Tiananmen Square: 1 hour, free
• Mutianyu Great Wall: Full day, 6-8 hours, approx. $35
• Summer Palace: 3 hours, approx. $10
• Temple of Heaven: 2 hours, approx. $8
• Huangpu River Cruise: 1 hour, approx. $20
• Shanghai Museum: 2 hours, free
• Yu Garden: 2 hours, approx. $10
• Zhujiajiao Water Town: Full day, approx. 6 hours, $10 (entry + transport)

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $346

Tips

If you prefer a longer trip, consider extending your stay in Mount Emei or adding a visit to the nearby Jiuzhaigou Valley for spectacular natural scenery. For a shorter trip, focus on Chengdu, Xi’an, and Beijing only, and skip Shanghai to reduce travel time and costs while still experiencing the highlights of China’s culture and history.