How to Plan a Trip to China and India 2026

China and India, two vibrant and culturally rich Asian countries, offer an array of experiences for the intrepid traveler.
In this guide, are going to look at how to plan a travel itinerary for a tour of China and India.
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· What to See in China and India
· How Many Days Are Needed
· Costs
· Best Times
· How to Travel Between China and India
· Visa Requirements
What to See in China and India
China and India offer incredibly rich cultural and natural experiences. Here, primarily provide references for first-time visitors to these two countries, covering the most iconic destinations and activities.
Top Things to Do in China
Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are the top three cities for first-timers.
the guests on the Great Wall
· In Beijing, hike on the Great Wall, learn about the stories of the emperors in the palace where they once lived, and discover authentic Beijing food in the hutongs (imperial-era neighborhoods).
· In Xi'an, visit China's first emperor's tomb and his burial pit with the Terracotta Army, and try to make a mini copy of a terracotta warrior to take home.
· In Shanghai, travel through time as you stroll along Shanghai's Bund amid bustling skyscrapers and old colonial buildings.
Top Things to Do in India
Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur are the top three cities for first-timers.
the guests celebrate Holi in India
· In Delhi, visit India's biggest mosque, Jama Masjid, and take a rickshaw ride through the famous Chandni Chowk market to see Old Delhi's lifestyle.
· In Agra, a visit to the Taj Mahal is a must. Then head to Agra Fort where you could see courtly buildings and get clear views of the Taj Mahal.
· In Jaipur, learn about the secret of the Hawa Mahal (why it is called the 'Palace of Winds'). Enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the whole city from Nahargarh Fort.
How Many Days Are Needed?
A classic itinerary covering must-sees in China and India would need about 2 weeks, with 1 week devoted to each country. This duration allows for a well-paced journey and covers the most iconic cities in both countries.
Both China and India are vast and diverse, so if you have a longer vacation of 3 or 4 weeks, consider delving into regions with unique local characteristics, such as Tibet in China (for 1 week) or Rajasthan in India (for 1 week).
Nepal and India are also a popular combination. If you want to add a trip to Nepal, See 20-Day China (including Tibet), Nepal, and India Tour.
the tours are customizable and would create an itinerary that aligns with your interests and available time.
A Classic 2-Week Itinerary
There is no big difference whether you fly to China or India first because there are many flight options for these two countries.
You could decide according to the most convenient flight times, ticket prices, and travel dates.
· Days 1–3: Beijing (the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, hutongs, Peking duck...)
· Days 4–6: Xi'an (the Terracotta Army, biking on Xi'an Ancient City Wall...)
· Day 7: Shanghai (a walking tour of the Bund, Shanghai Tower, some free time...)
· Day 8: Fly to India
· Days 9–10: Delhi (ancient forts, mosques, markets...)
· Days 11–12: Agra (the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort...)
· Days 13–14: Jaipur (ancient forts, palaces, a cooking class...)
India is also famous for tiger safaris. If you are interested in one, you could spend one more day there to go on a safari in Ranthambore National Park, which is between Delhi and Agra.
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