2-Week China Itineraries: Where to Go & Suggested Routes

China is huge, but if it's your first time, two weeks is actually a pretty good amount of time. You can visit 4–5 major cities and enjoy a nice mix of culture, history, nature, and some outdoor fun.
It's also a relaxed pace that suits families well, without feeling too rushed.
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· Where to Go
· The Classic Itinerary
· Itinerary with Pandas
· Itinerary with Tibet
· Costs
· How to Travel Around China
Where to Go for a 2-Week Itinerary in China
Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai: The Must-See Cities
Based on the guests' choices and insights from the local experts, believe Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai should be included in your first-time trip to China.
These three cities are renowned for their iconic and well-known landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund.
They provide a perfect introduction to both China's ancient civilization and its modern development.
You'll need about one week to explore these core cities.
What Else to Add to Your 2-Week China Itinerary
Besides these three cities, you could choose one or two more cities based on your interests:
· If you love nature, choose Zhangjiajie and Guilin. They bring dramatic natural beauty to your itinerary, balancing out the culture and history.
· If you are traveling with seniors and prefer greater comfort, and like food and leisurely urban life, recommend Chengdu and a Yangtze River Cruise.
· If you like culture and want to explore China's spiritual side, recommend Tibet. You could also see the awe-inspiring plateau landscapes.
Of course, there are many other incredible places to explore, such as Yunnan, Northeast China (Harbin and Changbai Mountain), or Xinjiang. These can also be excellent additions to a two-week itinerary.
Just let us know your interests and preferences, and we'll help you craft a personalized route, organize transportation and hotels, and recommend the activities to suit your family's needs.
1. The Classic 2-Week Itinerary for First-Timers
· Beijing – Xi'an – Zhangjiajie – Guilin – Shanghai
This itinerary suits most travelers, keeping a good balance between China's classic cultural attractions and iconic natural landscapes.
Days 1–4: Beijing
You'll need at least 3–4 days to cover Beijing's iconic sights
Days
Activities
Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Day 2
Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City
Day 3
Great Wall
Day 4
Summer Palace & Bullet Train to Xi'an
Itinerary Tips:
1. For visiting the Great Wall, if you're more active and enjoy hiking, recommend a full-day hike from Jinshanling to Simatai. This section is wilder, less crowded, and offers breathtaking views, with many original watchtowers still preserved.
If you're traveling with kids or elderly family members and prefer a more relaxed half-day experience, recommend the Mutianyu section, which is fully restored with cable cars, gentler walking paths, and even a fun toboggan ride.
the guests tried a toboggan ride in Mutianyu.
2. If you're more into culture and local life, you could spend half a day exploring Beijing's hutongs. You can try local snacks, discover hidden restaurants, or shop in boutique stores tucked away in the lanes.
Visit the Hutong to catch the old Beijing lifestyle
3. For dinner, consider reserving a table at one of the city's authentic roast duck restaurants, such as Quanjude or Sijiminfu.
If you enjoy traditional culture and performances, highly recommend the Imperial Banquet (gong yan) experience, where you can dress in Hanfu, dine like royalty, and enjoy live performances during the meal.
Pecking duck
4. For evening entertainment, you can watch a Peking Opera show at Liyuan Theater or catch an exciting kung fu performance (especially great for kids).
If you'd rather stroll around and shop, check out Sanlitun for a trendy vibe or Qianmen Street for a more historical atmosphere.
5. As for accommodation, suggest staying near Wangfujing. It's centrally located, convenient for getting around, and surrounded by plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions. See more on Where to Stay in Beijing.
Days 5–6: Xi'an
Two days can basically cover all the essential scenic spots in Xi'an.
Days
Activities
Day 5
The Terracotta Army & Ancient City Wall
Day 6
Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an History Museum, Muslim Quarter, evening flight to Zhangjiajie
Itinerary Tips:
1. The Terracotta Army is undoubtedly the top highlight in Xi'an.
If you're passionate about history and want a deeper, hands-on experience, can arrange a visit to a restoration lab. You'll get up close to real Qin Dynasty relics and even try your hand at artifact restoration.
Warrior Restoration Experience (the guest)
2. The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most popular museums in China, often fully booked and crowded. If you're unable to secure a reservation or prefer a quieter museum experience, recommend the Xi'an Museum.
It offers an equally rich journey through Xi'an's 3,000-year history and is conveniently located near the Little Wild Goose Pagoda.
3. For evening activities, head to the Great Tang All Day Mall — a lively pedestrian area full of lights, cultural performances, and street food.
4. If you're into photography, consider trying on traditional Hanfu clothing for a photo session. Xi'an's historical buildings make the perfect backdrop for elegant, classical portraits, especially at places like the City Wall and Tang Paradise.
the guest is taking a photo at the Ancient City Wall.
5. recommend staying near the Bell and Drum Towers, where you'll be centrally located with easy access to attractions, restaurants, and public transport.
Days 7–9: Zhangjiajie
Days
Activities
Day 7
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Day 8
Tianmen Mountain & Glass Bridge
Day 9
Zhangjiajie to Changsha to Guilin by bullet train
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Itinerary Tips:
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is vast and requires at least a full day to explore.
The park can get quite crowded, and queues, especially for popular spots li