Written by Veronica |
From the magnificent Silk Road in the Northwest to the graceful water towns in the Southeast, China offers an incredible amount things to see and experience. Its vast landscape, rich history of over 5,000 years, and diversity make it difficult to deeply and comprehensively feel the beauty of the country in a short trip. For international visitors, 14 days in China are just right like a golden key, which can not only cover classic landmarks but also delve into mysterious realms, satisfying diverse travel demands such as history, culture, nature, local life, and cuisine.
In this article, we offer practical tips to plan a two-week trip in China and provide diverse samples of two-week China itinerary tours for your inspiration. Whether you prefer natural landscapes, culinary delights, world heritage sites, distinctive cultural experiences, local life insights, or charming metropolises, you’ll get some ideas for your trip planning here.
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- How to Plan a 2 Week Trip to China?
- Top Destinations & Must-See Attractions for 14 Days in China
- Best 14-Day China Travel Itineraries ā 5 Perfect Options
- FAQs and Travel Tips for 14 Days in China
- Plan Your China Tour with Us
How to Plan a 2 Week Trip to China?
How to cover major highlights without rushing on a 14 day China tour? Modular regional segmentation, such as North China Cultural Circle (Beijing + Xiāan), Southwest Secret Zone (Sichuan + Yunnan), East China Modern Line (Shanghai + Suzhou/Hangzhou); Wise transportation choices including the high-speed train, vehicle chartering in remote areas, river cruise, airplane for long-distance travel, etc.
Attention should also be paid to the balance of culture, history and nature. Learn about splendid historical culture in Beijing, Xiāan, Dunhuang on the Silk Road, Lijiang in Yunnan, and other places, enjoy amazing natural wonders in Jiuzhaigou, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, and other places, and also go on city walk in Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing and other places. Traveling for two weeks in China, with plenty of time available, you can adopt a rhythm of in-depth sightseeing + flexible buffering. Each destination is allocated about 2-3 days to avoid frequent transitions.
China travel for first-timers: visit iconic attractions in major tourist cities such as Beijing, Xiāan, and Shanghai; Repeat travelers are suggested to integrate with local culture and enrich travel experiences with lesser-known attractions, such as Beijing hutongs and Yangshuo bamboo rafting. Or select a certain area for in-depth exploration according to your preference, such as the Silk Road, Yunnan, Tibet, etc., to understand China in two weeks.
Top Destinations & Must-See Attractions for 14 Days in China
As one of the āFour Great Ancient Civilizationsā in the world, China has famous cultural cities with profound historical heritage (such as Beijing, Xiāan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Pingyao), secret landscapes with dense natural wonders (such as Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou), bustling modern cities (such as Shanghai, Chengdu, Xiamen), and border areas integrating ethnic customs (such as Yunnan, the Silk Road, Tibet). With ādiverse experiences + high adaptabilityā, they become the best places to visit in China for first-time visitors. To experience the most stunning beauty during two weeks in China, you can include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, the Bund, Mogao Grottoes, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Li River, Shangri-La, and other must-see attractions into your two week China itinerary.
For History and Culture (Beijing, Xian, Pingyao, Suzhou, Hangzhou)
For history and culture fans, consider adding the following cities to your 2-week China itinerary. Each of them will offer a deep but exclusive cultural experience.
As the core of imperial power in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Beijing boasts magnificent Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven along the Central Axis. The Great Wall symbolizes the national spirit. It is the best place to experience Chinaās imperial history.
In Xiāan, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, the Terracotta Army shocks the world. The Ancient City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Muslim Quarter food are also not to be missed on 2 week China itinerary for first-timers.
Pingyao in Shanxi Province has the most complete existing Ming and Qing county town, where you can explore Shanxi merchant culture, ancient dwellings, and colorful sculptures.
Suzhou has world cultural heritage – classical gardens, Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street, Kunqu Opera, etc., which interpret the Jiangnan poetic aesthetics.
In Hangzhou, the natural and cultural integration of West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Southern Song culture, silk culture, and tea culture all shine brightly.
For Natural Scenic Wonders (Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou)
Guilin represents the top karst landforms with the picturesque Li River, the bamboo rafting on Yulong River in Yangshuo, and the magnificent Longji Terraced Fields. The mountains and waters here are unparalleled, combining unique peaks, beautiful waters, and pastoral scenery.
Zhangjiajie is the shooting location of Avatar āHallelujah Mountainā, with numerous peaks rising from the ground, Tianmen Mountain glass walkway breathtaking and exciting, and stream canyon quiet and mysterious. Donāt miss the unique quartz sandstone peak forest landform when traveling for 14 days in China.
Jiuzhaigou Valley, known as the fairy tale world, is composed of lush forests, 108 plateau lakes, cascading waterfalls and snow peaks. The Five Flower Lake is colorful, and the Nuorilang Waterfall is magnificent, which explain the ultimate beauty of water scenery.
Suggested Itinerary with Stunning Natural Landscapes:
- 14-Day China Tour with Zhangjiajie & Guilin Landscapes
- 14 Days Classic China Tour with Suzhou, Chongqing, Guilin
Modern Metropolises with Rich Culture (Shanghai, Xiamen)
If you want to explore metropolises during two weeks in China, Shanghai and Xiamen are great places.
Shanghai is a model of the blending of eastern and western cultures. The Bundās architectural complex is engraved with modern history. Yu Garden shows the essence of Jiangnan gardens. Lujiazui skyscrapers and Shikumen alleys form a unique urban charm.
In the sea garden city – Xiamen, the piano sound and exotic architecture on Gulangyu Island tell the overseas story, the incense of South Putuo Temple continues for thousands of years, and the Huandao Road connects maritime civilization and modern vitality.
Unique Culture and Natural Experience (Chengdu, Silk Road, Tibet, Yunnan)
Visiting Sichuan, Yunnan, Northwest and other distinctive regions are great things to do in China in 14 days.
Experience the most leisurely life in Chengdu, Sichuan. Let the giant pandas heal you. Eat a hot pot in Kuanzhai Alley or Jinli Street. Marvel at the ancient Chinese wisdom in Dujiangyan Scenic Area.
Traverse the Silk Road to feel the millennium legend of camel bells in the vast desert, the Buddhist murals in the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, the frontier fortress of Jiayuguan, Turpan Grape Valley, and so on.
Go to Tibet, the spiritual land nearest to the sky, where the Potala Palace sets off the light of faith, the holy lake of Namtso reflects the snow mountain, and the sound of prayer wheel in front of Jokhang Temple continues endlessly.
Where to go in the colorful fascinating Yunnan? Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Erhai Lake in Dali, mysterious Shangri-La, the tropical Xishuangbanna, Yuanyang terraces, to name a few.
Traveling in China with Kids
For your first-time China family tourĀ in 14 days /2 weeks, Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai are the best destinations.
There are a host of children-friendly attractions, such as Mutianyu Great Wall (with toboggan ride), the Forbidden City, the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the rural area of Yangshuo, Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, etc. Seeking unique family-friendly experiences? Both parents and kids will enjoy learning Beijing Hutong Peking Opera face painting / paper-cutting / making dumplings / learning Chinese in Beijing Hutong, the Beijing rickshaw tour, making mini Terracotta Army, exploring karst caves in Guilin, rafting or cycling on Yulong River in Yangshuo, etc.
Best 14-Day China Travel Itineraries ā 5 Perfect Options
1.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Beijing-Zhangjiajie-Xiāan-Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai 14-Day Itinerary – Classic 14 Days China Tour
Overview and Highlights: This classic two week China itinerary covers the six top destinations in China, suitable for first-timers to fully experience Chinaās diverse charm from culture to nature, from panda to urban.
- Day 1 – Day 4: Beijing arrival and highlights exploration (Tianāanmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, Beihai Park, Shichahai hutongs, Lama Temple). Fly to Zhangjiajie.
- Day 5 – 6: 2-day trip in Zhangjiajie, including Grand Canyon, Zhangjiejie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie (with Hallelujah Mountain, Bailong Elevator). Fly to Xian.
- Day 7-8: Explore historical highlights in Xian in 2 days (Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall). High-speed train to Chengdu.
- Day 9: Chengdu tour (Giant Panda Base, Kuanzhai Alley); Fly to Guilin
- Day 10 – Day 12: Guilin tour (Longji Rice Terraces, Liver River Cruise, Yangshuo, Elephant Trunk Hill); Fly to Shanghai
- Day 13 – Day 14: Shanghai tour (Yu Garden, World Financial Center, the Bund) and departure
Our Beijing Xiāan Shanghai 2 Week Itinerary
2.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise 14-Day Itinerary
Overview and Highlights: Touring Chinaās popular destinations – Shanghai, Chongqing, Guilin, Xiāan, Beijing – mainly through river cruise. Enjoy great natural beauty and cultural landscape in a relaxed way.
- Day 1 – Day 3: Shanghai arrival and highlights exploration (Yu Garden, the Bund, Huangpu River Night Cruise, Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang); Head to Yichang
- Day 4 – Day 6: Yangtze River Cruise (Three Gorges, Shibaozhai Pagoda) to Chongqing
- Day 7: Chongqing tour (Three Gorges Museum, Ciqikou Ancient Town); Fly to Guilin
- Day 8 – Day 9: Guilin tour (Li River Cruise, Yangshuo, Elephant Trunk Hill); Fly to Xiāan
- Day 10 – Day 11: Xiāan tour (Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum); High-speed train to Beijing
- Day 12 – Day 14: Beijing tour (Tianāanmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, Temple of Heaven, rickshaw ride in hutongs) and departure
Our Best Two Week China Itinerary with Cruise
3.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Panda Volunteer Experience and Tibet Two Weeks China Itinerary
Overview and Highlights: During these two weeks in China, you will visit Shanghai, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xiāan, Beijing to come into contact with the adorable giant pandas and explore diverse Chinese culture.
- Day 1 – Day 3: Shanghai arrival and highlights exploration (Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the Bund, Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang); Fly to Chengdu
- Day 4 – Day 5: Chengdu tour (Jinsha Site Museum, Wenshu Temple, Jinli Street, Dujiangyan Panda Base); Fly to Lhasa
- Day 6 – Day 8: Lhasa tour (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery); Fly to Xiāan
- Day 9 – Day 11: Xiāan tour (Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum); High-speed train to Beijing
- Day 12 – Day 14: Beijing tour (Tianāanmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, Temple of Heaven, rickshaw ride in hutongs) and departure
Our Best 2 Week China Itinerary with Sichuan and Tibet
4.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā China Silk Road Tour 14-Day Itinerary
Overview and Highlights: This 14 day ancient China tour starts from Beijing and ends at Shanghai, featuring the legendary Silk Road (Xinjiang, Dunhuang, Xiāan). Really a seamless fusion of history, culture, and natural wonders.
- Day 1 – Day 4: Beijing arrival and highlights exploration (Tianāanmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Badaling Great Wall, Summer Palace); Fly to Urumqi
- Day 5 – Day 7: Xinjiang tour (International Grand Bazaar); Fly to Kashgar (Livestock Market, Kashgar Old Town); Turpan (Tuyoq Valley, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountains, Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well)-; High-speed train to Dunhuang
- Day 8 – Day 9: Dunhuang tour (Shazhou Night Market, Mogao Grottoes, Echoing-sand Mountain and Crescent Lake); Fly to Xiāan
- Day 10 – Day 11: Xiāan tour (Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terracotta Army, Xiāan Museum); Fly to Shanghai
- Day 12 – Day 14: Shanghai tour (Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the Bund) and departure
Our Best China 14 Day Itinerary with Silk Road
5.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā China Guizhou and Yunnan 14-Day Itinerary
Overview and Highlights: Discovering the magnificent landscapes and colorful ethnic customs during two weeks in Chinaās Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, suitable for travelers who pursue in-depth experiences.
- Day 1 – Day 2: Guiyang arrival and tour (Jiaxiu Tower, Qingyan Ancient Town); Anshun (Huangguoshu Waterfall)
- Day 3 – Day 4: Kaili tour (Langde Miao Village, Qianhu Miao Village)
- Day 5 – Day 6: Libo tour (Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, Daqikong Scenic Area)
- Day 7 – Day 9: Fly to Lijiang, Yunnan for a tour (Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley)
- Day 10 – Day 11: Go to Dali for a tour (Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery, Dali Old Town, Xizhou Ancient Town)
- Day 12 – Day 14: High-speed train to Kunming for a tour (Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest, Jiuxiang Caves) and departure
Our Best Two Week China Tour with Guizhou and Yunnan
FAQs and Travel Tips for 14 Days in China
Besides the above two week China travel guide, there are also some practical travel planning tips.
Do I Need a Visa?
If you come from a country that has 30-day mutual/unilateral visa-free agreements with China and your itinerary meets the requirements, you do not need a visa for two weeks in China tours. Also, China has implemented a number of visa-free transit policies and many other policies to encourage international visitors to travel to China without visa.
Youāll need to apply for a China visa one month in advance if donāt meet these visa-free requirements. For the latest visa policies, please consult the official website of the National Immigration Administration or the consulate.
Whatās the Best Way to Travel Between Chinese Cities?
China has a well-developed transportation network composed of airlines, high-speed trains, expressways, etc. During your 14 days tour in China, the preferred choice is high-speed train that balances speed and comfort, such as Beijing to Xiāan/Shanghai, Xiāan to Chengdu, etc. While the best way for long-distance travel is by plane, such as Beijing to Zhangjiajie/Urumqi, Shanghai to Chengdu/Xiāan, etc. As to traveling between remote scenic spots in Guizhou, Yunnan, Xinjiang, vehicle chartering is more suitable. River cruise and sightseeing vehicles enhance your China travel experience, too.
How Much Does a 14-Day China Trip Cost?
According to itinerary arrangements and consumption levels, the cost of an ultimate 2 week China trip can be divided into three categories, covering core expenses such as transportation, accommodation, catering, and tickets:
- Economic type (about RMB 8000-12000 per person), suitable for travelers with limited budgets and a preference for cost-effectiveness
- Comfort type (about RMB 12000-25000 per person), suitable for travelers who pursue comfortable experiences and want to explore in depth
- Luxury type (about RMB 25000-50000+ per person), suitable for people who pursue ultimate experience, high-end or family travelers.
Related reading: Guide to Traveling China on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Travel
Note: During peak seasons (such as National Day and Chinese New Year), hotel and air ticket prices will increase, being a major factor affecting travel expenses.
Our Best 14 Day China Itinerary
Group Tours or Private Tours?
Choose group tours or private tours based on the purpose of your two week China travel, budget, language competence, and other factors.
Group tours are more suitable for first-time visitors with limited budgets who prefer a hassle-free experience.
Private tours offer more flexibility. They are more suitable for travelers (families/friends) who seek a personalized itinerary and in-depth experiences. The travel paces, activities and transportation options can all be arranged based on your requirements and preferences.
How to Pay While Traveling in China?
Mobile payment in China is ubiquitous. Bind your overseas bank card (Visa/Mastercard) with Alipay/WeChat, covering 90% of merchants. In addition, there are foreign currency exchange counters at the airport/railway station where you can exchange a suitable amount of cash for use in special situations or when there is no internet connection.
What About Internet Access and Staying Connected?
During a travel for 14 days in China, the first choice for network access is eSIM package (convenient and worry-free) or local SIM card (with sufficient traffic), supplemented by public WiFi. The international roaming charge is relatively high and the signal is unstable, but it can be used as a backup option.
Recommended Two Weeks in China Tours
- 14 Days Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang Tour
- 14 Days Essential Silk Road Group Tour from Xian to Urumqi
- 14 Days Best Xinjiang Silk Road Tour of Ethnic Experience
Plan Your China Tour with Us
Join our tour packages for getting around China in 2 weeks, then you can enjoy sincere and professional service, deep cultural experience, efficient and worry-free itinerary, and safety guarantee with best prices!
