How many days do you need in China?

This itinerary covers 7 days in China, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for China?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to China. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

City Experiences in China

Day 1: Historic Beijing

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Tiananmen Square

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the world's largest public square, with historical significance.

Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Forbidden City

Explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial palace that showcases traditional Chinese palatial architecture.

CNY 60, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Indulge in Beijing's famous Peking duck at Quanjude, known for its succulent roast duck and traditional ambiance.

CNY 150, 1 hour

3:30PM

Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece and a place of worship for the Ming and Qing emperors.

CNY 35, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

Experience the vibrant nightlife and enjoy a variety of local cuisines at Ghost Street, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious street food.

CNY 100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Cultural Shanghai

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai Museum

Begin your day at the Shanghai Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, including bronze, ceramics, and calligraphy.

CNY 50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Yuyuan Garden

Stroll through the serene Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries that date back to the Ming Dynasty.

CNY 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy a delightful meal at Din Tai Fung, renowned for its delectable xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese dishes.

CNY 120, 1 hour

3:00PM

The Bund

Take a leisurely walk along The Bund, a waterfront promenade with iconic colonial buildings and stunning views of the Pudong skyline.

Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Savor the flavors of Yunnan cuisine at Lost Heaven, a restaurant known for its eclectic menu and enchanting ambiance inspired by the ancient Tea Horse Road.

CNY 200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 3: Historical Xi'an

Xi'an, China

8:30AM

Terracotta Army

Embark on a journey to see the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a collection of life-sized terracotta sculptures that depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.

CNY 120, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant

Treat yourself to a delightful dumpling feast at Defachang, where you can savor a variety of savory and sweet dumplings.

CNY 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

City Wall

Walk or rent a bike to explore the ancient City Wall, a well-preserved fortification that offers panoramic views of Xi'an's old and new city.

CNY 54, 2 hours

4:00PM

Muslim Quarter

Immerse yourself in the bustling Muslim Quarter, known for its vibrant street markets, delicious street food, and historic mosques.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Jiasan Guantang Baozi

Sample the local specialty, guantang baozi (soup-filled steamed buns), at Jiasan Guantang Baozi, a popular eatery in the Muslim Quarter.

CNY 60, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 4: Charming Chengdu

Chengdu, China

9:00AM

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Spend your morning admiring the adorable giant pandas and learning about conservation efforts at the Chengdu Research Base.

CNY 58, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Satisfy your taste buds with a spicy and flavorful Sichuan specialty, mapo tofu, at the renowned Chen Mapo Tofu restaurant.

CNY 90, 1 hour

2:00PM

Jinli Ancient Street

Explore the charming Jinli Ancient Street, lined with traditional Sichuan-style buildings, artisan shops, and teahouses offering authentic local experiences.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Hot Pot Dinner at Huangcheng Laoma

Indulge in a traditional Sichuan hot pot experience at Huangcheng Laoma, where you can savor a variety of fresh ingredients in a flavorful broth.

CNY 150, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 5: Scenic Guilin

Guilin, China

9:00AM

Li River Cruise

Embark on a picturesque Li River cruise, surrounded by stunning karst landscapes, lush greenery, and traditional fishing villages.

CNY 350, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Secret Garden Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing and scenic lunch at the Secret Garden Cafe, offering a tranquil retreat amidst Guilin's natural beauty.

CNY 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Reed Flute Cave

Explore the mesmerizing Reed Flute Cave, adorned with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that create a captivating underground world.

CNY 120, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at McFound Restaurant

Treat yourself to a delightful fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine at McFound Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and delectable dishes.

CNY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 6: Relaxing Day in Guilin

Guilin, China

9:00AM

Yangshuo Countryside Cycling

Embark on a leisurely cycling tour through the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo, surrounded by karst peaks, rice paddies, and local villages.

CNY 80, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cloud 9 Restaurant

Savor a delicious meal with panoramic river views at Cloud 9 Restaurant, offering a diverse menu of international and local dishes.

CNY 150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

West Street (Xi Jie)

Explore the bustling West Street, lined with vibrant shops, cafes, and street vendors, offering a mix of local crafts and international souvenirs.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Minority's Taste Restaurant

Experience the flavors of ethnic minority cuisine at Minority's Taste Restaurant, known for its authentic dishes and cultural performances.

CNY 200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 7: Return to Beijing

Beijing, China

10:00AM

Flight to Beijing

Board your return flight to Beijing and enjoy the scenic views as you head back to the capital city.

CNY 800, 2 hours (flight duration)

2:00PM

Lunch at Capital Airport International Food Court

Savor a variety of international cuisines at the food court in Capital Airport before your departure.

CNY 100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Wangfujing Street

Explore the bustling Wangfujing Street and indulge in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs, local snacks, and traditional Chinese goods.

Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

Conclude your trip with a farewell dinner at Dadong, where you can savor Beijing's famous roast duck prepared with a modern twist.

CNY 180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Beijing

Step 1 Outline Preview:

City Experiences in China

Day 1: Historic Beijing

8:00AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Shanghai

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Historical Xi'an

8:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Charming Chengdu

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Scenic Guilin

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Relaxing Day in Guilin

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Return to Beijing

10:00AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

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