2 Weeks in China: Itinerary Guide with Top Cities, Recommended Routes & Budgets

2 weeks is a brilliant amount of time for first-time visitors to gain a comprehensive appreciation for China’s incredible diversity. We recommend visiting 4 to 6 destinations in this period so you can cover major highlights while also having room to linger in places that interest you most, enjoy immersive cultural experiences, and experience exciting outdoor adventures.

Beyond iconic destinations such as Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, your 2-week China itinerary can also include many other destinations that a shorter trip simply can’t fit in. Read on for itinerary ideas for different travel styles, along with estimated budgets for each itinerary.

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• Which Cities to Visit
• Classic China & Nature Discovery Itinerary
• Itinerary with Yangtze Cruise & Panda
• Itinerary with Silk Road
• China Travel Tips
• Travel with China Xian Tour

Which Cities to Visit in Your 2-Week Itinerary in China?

Before diving into the itinerary, let’s take a general look at the top recommended destinations in China for first-time visitors. While you can’t visit all of the country’s top destinations in just two weeks, you can easily mix and match your preferred places to customize an itinerary based on your interests.

• Typically, Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai are known as China’s Golden Triangle. Most first-time visitors include them in their trips.
• If you travel with kids, Chengdu—home to the beloved giant pandas—is a must.
• Nature lovers consider Zhangjiajie and Guilin to be paradise.
• The Yangtze River cruise is also popular among those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery at a more leisurely pace.
• The ancient Silk Road and Tibet remain favorites among cultural enthusiasts.
• For a perfect blend of ethnic culture and thrilling adventure, Yunnan is the top choice.

 

Destination	Core Themes & Travel Tags	Iconic Landmarks / Places	Suggested Duration
Beijing	Must-visit, imperial history & iconic landmarks	Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, hutongs	3-4 Days
Xi’an	Must-visit, cradle of Chinese civilization & Silk Road history	Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter	2-3 Days
Shanghai	Modern metropolis, futuristic skyline & colonial history	The Bund, Pudong skyline, Yu Garden, nearby water towns	2-3 Days
Chengdu	Leisure & culture, giant pandas & spicy Sichuan cuisine	Giant Panda Breeding Base, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street, Sichuan cuisine, tea houses,nearby Leshan Giant Buddha & Mt. Emei	2-3 Days
Guilin	Karst landscapes & peaceful rivers, idyllic countryside	Li River Cruise, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces	3-4 Days
Zhangjiajie	Natural wonder, Avatar-like sandstone pillars & thrilling activities	National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, Glass Bridge	3-4 Days
Yangtze River Cruise	Scenic river canyon cruising & engineering marvels	Cruise between Chongqing and Yichang, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai Pagoda	4 Days
Silk Road	Historical adventure, Gobi desert & Buddhist grottoes	Dunhuang, Kashgar, Zhangye	7-10 Days
Tibet	Spiritual journey, Himalayan landscapes & high-altitude adventure	Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp (Tibet), Namtso Lake	6-10 Days
Yunnan	Diverse culture, multi-ethnic heritage & ancient towns	Kunming Stone Forest, Lijiang Ancient Town, Shangri-La	6-8 Days

1. Classic 14-Day China Cultural and Natural Immersion Itinerary

• Beijing-Xi’an-Zhangjiajie-Guilin-Yangshuo-Shanghai
• Estimated budget: about CNY 11,200–21,700 (USD 1,680–3,240) per person. The final cost depends on your choice of hotel category, optional activities, dining preferences, travel dates, and the size of your group.
• Best for: First-time visitors, natural enthusiasts, cultural and history fans

Combining the Golden Triangle cities with top natural highlights, this 14-day China classic tour is for those who want a well-rounded impression of the country in one go. Get ready to encounter the top historical and cultural landmarks, like Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and the ancient City Wall, as well as futuristic skylines in Shanghai. You will also immerse yourself in awe-inspiring natural wonders, like Li River, Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain, etc.

Days 1-4: Beijing

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, enjoy your free time

Day 2: Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, rickshaw ride through Hutongs

Day 3: Hike Jinshanling-Simatai or Mutianyu Great Wall section based on your interests (see the tips below to help you choose)

Day 4: Summer Palace, high-speed train to Xi’an

Insider Tips for Beijing Travel:

• The most recommended hutong areas in Beijing are: Shichahai (keep the most old Beijing buildings; home to 15 hutongs and Prince Gong’s Mansion), Nanluoguxiang (with best-preserved hutong and courtyard from the Yuan Dynasty), and Yandaixie Street (the oldest slanting street in Beijing, with rich antiques, painting and calligraphic works).
• Diverse cultural experiences available in hutongs: To enrich your experience in hutong, you can add some classes to learn Chinese calligraphy, making dumplings, or painting paint “Lord Rabbit” (a local clay sculpture toy originating from old Beijing).
• Jinshanling-Simatai or Mutianyu: Jinshanling to Simatai section is a better option for escaping crowds. Simatai offers a unique night tour opportunity, with occasional drone light shows and water dance shows. Mutianyu offers pristine restoration, easy paved paths, and well-developed facilities (cable car, toboggan), making it an ideal option for families and hassle-free sightseeing.

• Visit the Temple of Heaven in the early morning: You’ll not only avoid the large crowds and hot weather but also meet locals practicing Tai Chi, sword dancing, opera singing, etc.
• Beijing nightlife ideas: Enjoy an acrobatic performance at Chaoyang Theater or Red Theater, appreciate the Peking opera at Liyuan Theater, and have fun at bar streets in Sanlitun or Houhai bar streets.
• Dining tips: Beijing duck is a can’t miss. Recommended restaurants for authentic Beijing duck include Bianyifang (便宜坊), Dadong (大董), Ziguangyuan (紫光园), and Quanjude (全聚德). Making a reservation is essential.

For a unique dining experience, we recommend Yuxiandu Royal Cuisine Museum (‌御仙都皇家菜博物馆) and Gongyan Oriental Art Restaurant (北京宫宴). Visitors can dress in Hanfu, and enjoy an authentic imperial banquet while watching live performances.

Estimated Budget for Beijing

Item	Cost
Accommodation for 3 days （4-star hotel）	CNY 1200–2100 (USD 179–313)
Meals for 4 days	CNY 800–2000 (USD 120–299)
Subway in city area for 4 days	Around CNY 100 (USD 15)
Round trip to the Great Wall	CNY 80–500 (USD 12–75)
Mutianyu Great Wall (Entrance + Cable Car)	CNY 140 (USD 21)
Jinshanling Great Wall Entrance	CNY 30 (USD 5)
Simatai Great Wall Entrance	CNY 20 (USD 3)
Forbidden City Entrance	CNY 40–60 (USD 6–9)
Temple of Heaven Entrance	CNY 15–34 (USD 2–5)
Summer Palace Entrance	CNY 20–30 (USD 3–5)
Hutongs	Free (Rickshaw: Around CNY 150/hour / USD 23/hour)
Beijing – Xi’an high-speed train (2nd class seat)	CNY 480–593 (USD 72–89)
Taxi from Xi’an airport to hotel (city center)	CNY 65 (USD 10)

Note: The price may vary according to your visiting time and travel style.

Days 5-6: Xi’an

Day 5: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 6: Xi’an Museum, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, Muslim Quarter, fly to Zhangjiajie

Insider Tips for Xi’an Travel:

1. The City Wall is 13.74km in length. Walking the entire wall is challenging, so we recommend renting a bike or walking just part of the wall.
2. After visiting the City Wall, it’s highly recommended to spend some time in the Huancheng Park at its base. It is a good place to experience everyday local life by watching residents perform square dances, practice tai chi, sing Qin Opera, and play Chinese chess.
3. After visiting the Terracotta Army, it is highly recommended to visit a local workshop and learn to make a small pottery figurine under the guidance of a professional craftsman.
4. Trying on Tang Dynasty costumes and makeup when visiting Datang Everbright City is highly recommended to enhance the experience, making you feel as if you’ve traveled back to the Tang Dynasty.
5. The Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Banquet is a popular night entertainment experience featuring a unique combination of Tang-style dance and song performances, the imperial-style banquet and dumpling feast.

Estimated Budget for Xi’an

Item	Cost
Accommodation for 2 days (4-star hotel)	CNY 600–1400 (USD 90–209)
Meals for 2 days (per person)	CNY 300–600 (USD 45–90)
Transportation for 2 days (subway in city area, taxi to airport and the Terracotta Army)	Around CNY 230 (USD 35)
Terracotta Army	CNY 120 (USD 18)
Xi’an City Wall (Entrance)	CNY 54 (USD 8)
Xi’an City Wall Bike Rental	CNY 45 / 3 hours (USD 7/ 3 hours)
Small Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi’an Museum	Free
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Cien Temple entrance & ascending)	CNY 35 (USD 5)
Muslim Quarter	Free
Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square	Free
Hanfu photography	CNY 300–600 (USD 45–90)
Xi’an – Zhangjiajie flight	CNY 400-530 (USD 60-79 )

Note: The price may vary according to your visiting time and travel style

Days 7-8: Zhangjiajie

Day 7: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie)

Day 8: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain

Insider Tips for Zhangjiajie Travel:

• For your convenience, it is recommended to stay near the east gate of Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
• The VIP access ticket is essential given the large crowds in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, especially when you are visiting in the peak season.
• Also, because of the large size and crowds of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, it is recommended to join a guided tour. Local guides will arrange your sightseeing route properly according to visitor numbers and crowd conditions on the day of your visit.

Estimated Budget for Zhangjiajie

Item	Cost
Accommodation for 2 days (4-star hotel)	CNY 600–1200 (USD 90–179)
Meals for 2 days	CNY 200–400 (USD 30–60)
Transportation for 2 days (Taxi)	Around CNY 250 (USD 37)
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Entrance & sightseeing bus)	CNY 236 (USD 35)
Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge	CNY 175 (USD 26)
Tianmen Mountain (Entrance, cable car, escalator, sightseeing bus)	CNY 285 (USD 43)
Bailong Elevator	CNY 65 (USD 10)
Tianzi Mountain Cable Car	CNY 72 (USD 11)

Note: The price may vary according to your visiting time and travel style

Days 9-12: Guilin & Yangshuo

Day 9: Zhangjiajie – Guilin high-speed train, enjoy your free time in Guilin

Day 10: Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Daxu Ancient Town

Day 11: Li River cruise to Yangshuo, West Street

Day 12: Yangshuo cycling, Yulong River bamboo rafting, fly to Shanghai

Insider Tips for Guilin Travel:

1. There is no direct flight from Zhangjiajie to Guilin. The high-speed train connecting the two cities takes about 7 hours. For more flexibility, you can fly from Zhangjiajie to Changsha, then switch to a high-speed train to Guilin.
2. Taking a Li River cruise is the best way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo. During the 4-hour trip, you can sit back and glide through the famous limestone karst mountains, crystal-clear river, bamboo groves, and picturesque countryside.
3. To explore the Yulong River, a traditional bamboo rafting is recommended. Alternatively, walking or biking along the riverbanks is also a delightful experience.
4. You can enrich your experience in Yangshuo by joining a local cooking class, farming in fields or rock climbing.

Estimated Budget for Guilin

Item	Cost
Zhangjiajie – Guilin high-speed train	Around CNY 344 (USD 51)
Accommodation for 3 nights (4-star hotel)	CNY 900–1350 (USD 134–201)
Transportation for 4 days	CNY 140–300 (USD 21–45)
Meals for 4 days	CNY 400–600 (USD 60–90)
Li River cruise	CNY 215–360 (USD 32–54)
Bicycle rental in Yangshuo	Around CNY 20–30 / day (USD 3–4 / day)
Reed Flute Cave	CNY 90 (USD 13)
Elephant Trunk Hill	Free
Daxu Ancient Town	Free
Guilin – Shanghai flight	CNY 550–1100 (USD 82–164)

Note: The price may vary according to your visiting time and travel style

Days 13-14: Shanghai

Day 13: The Bund, Wukang Road, Shanghai Tower, free time in the afternoon

Day 14: Departure

Insider Tips for Shanghai Travel:

• Recommended night activities: Take the Huangpu River cruise to admire the striking contrast between Shanghai’s rich heritage and futuristic skyline. Or watch the “ERA 2” Multimedia Dream Show which has received the prestigious Golden Clown Award.
• Free time ideas: You can go shopping on the Nanjing Road, or spend a half day to visit the Zhujiajiao Water Town.

  

Estimated Budget for Shanghai

Item	Cost
Accommodation for 2 nights	CNY 1000-2000 (USD 150-300)
Transportation for 2 days (Subway / Taxi)	CNY 30–150 (USD 4–22)
Meals for 2 days	CNY 300–500 (USD 45–75)
Huangpu River cruise	CNY 150–400 (USD 22–60)
Shanghai Tower	CNY 180 (USD 27)
Zhujiajiao Water Town	CNY 60 (USD 9)

Note: The price may vary according to your visiting time and travel style

Feeling overwhelmed by planning and handling all the details? Don’t worry. Our private tour will be the perfect solution for you. With 20 years of expertise, we will take care of you every step of the way—from a one-on-one travel consultant to a private local guide and vehicle. Every detail can be customized to suit your interests and preferences.

2. 13-Day China Tour with Yangtze Cruise and Panda

• Beijing-Xi’an-Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtze River-Shanghai
• Estimated budget: around CNY 11,000 – 24,000 (USD 1,642–3,582) per person. The final cost depends on your choice of hotel category, optional activities, dining preferences, travel dates, and the size of your group.
• Best for: First-timers, nature lovers, leisure-travelers, families with kids

If you want to explore China’s iconic landmarks in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, enjoy some leisure sightseeing and outdoor activities, and have an encounter with pandas, this 13-day China itinerary is the perfect option.

We consider it an ideal option for first-time visitors who travel with little kids or elders. The adorable giant panda is a highlight for most children. And the Yangtze River cruise allows travelers of all ages to take in some of China’s most spectacular natural wonders and engineering marvels at a relaxed pace.

• Days 1-4: Explore Beijing’s iconic sites including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Hutongs. High-speed train to Xi’an.
• Days 5-6: Historical and cultural discovery in Xi’an, including Terracotta Army, City Wall, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter. High-speed train to Chengdu.
• Day 7: Close encounter with pandas in Chengdu, and experience locals’ laid-back lifestyle.
• Days 8-11: High-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing. Chongqing at a glance. Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, with stunning scenery and fascinating shore excursions. Fly to Shanghai.
• Days 12-13: Take in Shanghai’s modern skyscrapers and historical and cultural essence.

Insider Tips for Chengdu Travel

1. It is recommended to go to the Panda Research Base on a weekday and get there in the early morning. The base opens at 7:30 am.
2. If you want to try real authentic Chengdu flavor, it is a good idea to look for restaurants with “老火锅” (Lao Huoguo) in the name.
3. The People’s Park is a great spot to look into local’s real daily life.
4. If you are a panda enthusiast, joining a panda volunteer program offers a better panda experience.

Helpful Tips and Information for a Yangtze River Cruise

1. The cabins on most cruises have a compact balcony. The room is similar to a hotel room, just slightly smaller.
2. Typically, cabins closer to the bow are quieter.
3. Most cruises arrange a Tai Chi class on the sun deck in the early morning. Remember to get up early if you want to take part.
4. The sun deck offers great panoramic views of the gorges. Head up to the sun deck and get a good seat when the boat passes through the gorges.
5. Most cruises include 3-4 shore excursions. If you want to take part in the optional shore excursions, book it from the reception desk on the cruise in advance.

Estimated Budget for Chengdu & Yangtze River Cruise

Item	Cost
Transportation in Chengdu	CNY 23–99 (USD 3–15)
Meals in Chengdu (4 meals)	CNY 120–250 (USD 18–37)
Accommodation in Chengdu (2 days, 4-star hotel)	CNY 700–1100 (USD 104–164)
Chengdu Panda Research Base	CNY 55 (USD 8)
Yangtze River cruise (Varies by ship)	CNY 2000–5800 / person (USD 299–866 / person)
Meals in Chongqing (1 day)	CNY 100–150 (USD 15–22)
Chengdu – Chongqing high-speed train (2nd class seat)	Around CNY 85–210 (USD 13–31)
Yichang – Shanghai flight	CNY 580–650 (USD 87–97)

Note: The price may vary according to your visiting time and travel style

Join our 13-day China tour for a hassle-free trip. We will handle all the details for you and take care of you throughout the journey. Feel free to contact us to customize the trip if you want it to be arranged based on your schedule and preferences.

3. 14-Day China Silk Road Tour with Beijing and Shanghai

• Beijing – Urumqi – Kashgar – Turpan – Dunhuang – Xi’an – Shanghai
• Estimated budget: around CNY 14,000–33,000 (USD 2,090–4,925) per person. The final cost depends on your choice of hotel category, optional activities, dining preferences, travel dates, and the size of your group.
• Best for: History buffs, people who want a classic China exploration with in-depth cultural discovery.

Look no further if you are keen on in-depth cultural discovery in China. Beyond the classic Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, this itinerary takes you to Dunhuang, Kashgar, and Turpan where you can immerse yourself in the splendid culture and ancient heritage along the ancient Silk Road and marvel at rugged landscapes in Northwest China.

• Days 1-4: See the best Beijing has to offer, with visits to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Ming Tombs, and Summer Palace. Fly to Urumqi
• Days 5-6: Fly to Kashgar. Glimpse into Kashgar’s exotic culture by visiting Kashgar Old Town, Sunday Bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, and Abakh Khoja Tomb. On day 6, fly back to Urumqi, then drive to Turpan.
• Days 7-8: Visit all the essential parts of Turpan, including Tuyoq Valley, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountains, Karez Well and ancient ruins. Take a high-speed train to Dunhuang.
• Day 9: Witness the brilliant Mogao Caves and enjoy thrilling desert activities at Echoing-sand Mountain and Crescent Lake.
• Days 10-11: Fly to Xi’an for an immersive history and culture experience. The ancient capital is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army, City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, and Xi’an Museum.
• Days 12-14: Fly to Shanghai. Enjoy your time in Shanghai which offers the most magnificent skylines in China but also showcases splendid culture at the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, Tianzifang, etc.

Insider tips for China Silk Road Discovery

1. Many iconic attractions are not in the city center but scattered along major roads. Thus, it is highly recommended to rent a car or book a guided tour with a vehicle and driver included.
2. Though Alipay and WeChat pays are widely accepted, it is still essential to bring some CNY cash as the signal in some areas may not be good.
3. When shopping on bazaars, please only negotiate prices when you genuinely intend to purchase the item.
4. In Xinjiang, the working hours are generally 2 hours later than other cities in China.
5. For most travelers, April to June and September to October are the best times to take a China Silk Road tour. Many places are extremely cold in winter and hot in summer.
6. Please note that hotels in remote areas may not offer the same level of facilities and service as those in major cities.
7. Sun protection and staying hydrated are essential, as most cities in Northwest China have a dry climate and strong UV radiation.

Estimated Budget for Cities along the Silk Road

Item	Cost
Accommodation per night (most cities)	CNY 300–850 (USD 45–127)
Meals per day	Around CNY 80–180 (USD 12–27)
Transportation per day (cost shared by 2 people)	CNY 260–300 (USD 39–45)
Beijing – Urumqi flight	CNY 1000–3000 (USD 149–448)
Urumqi – Kashgar flight	CNY 390–1200 (USD 58–179)
Turpan – Dunhuang high-speed train	CNY 280–320 (USD 42–48)
Dunhuang – Xi’an flight	CNY 900–1800 (USD 134–269)
Kashgar Old Town	Free
Id Kah Mosque	CNY 30 (USD 4)
Abakh Khoja Tomb	CNY 30 (USD 4)
Tuyoq Valley	CNY 30–45 (USD 4–7)
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves	CNY 40 (USD 6)
Flaming Mountains	CNY 40 (USD 6)
Karez Well	CNY 40 (USD 6)
Jiaohe Ruins (Admission & sightseeing bus)	CNY 85 (USD 13)
Mogao Caves	CNY 238 (USD 36)
Echoing-sand Mountain & Crescent Lake	CNY 110 (USD 16)

Essential Travel Tips for a China Tour

• Top gateway cities: Beijing and Shanghai. Each of them has two international airports operating frequent international flights from Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia. They are also top travel destinations in China.
• How to pay in China: Alipay and WeChat.
• Stay connected in China: Don’t forget to install a VPN service in advance to access WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram.
• Best time to visit China: March to May and September to November are the best times for most regions of the country. Given its huge size, the best time to visit varies by destination.
• How to get around China: High-speed rail is the best choice for short and medium-distance travel, while flights are recommended for longer journeys. Most Chinese cities have convenient metro systems, buses, and taxis, and taxi fares are generally inexpensive.

See more essentials to know before visiting China.

Exploring China with China Xian Tour

If you want to combine other destinations in your 2-week China itinerary, please feel free to contact China Xian Tour about your travel ideas. Our expert travel consultants will customize a trip based on your enquiry and offer more insider tips. With 20 years’ expertise in crafting memorable China tours for our travelers from around the world, we always carefully take care of every detail of your trip.