2-Week China Itinerary: A Detailed Plan to Explore the Land of the Dragon

China has become an increasingly popular choice for travellers, thanks to its rich culture, striking scenery, and endless things to do. But that same scale and diversity is also the catch; the country is simply too big to see properly without a plan.

So if you intend to travel here for around 14 days, then this 2-week China itinerary will definitely help make the most of your time. Here's a detailed route covering where to go, what to do, and everything you'll need to prepare before you land.

14 days is enough to soak in China’s major hits. Photo by gui yong nian - stock.adobe.com

2-Week China Itinerary: An Overview

This is the easiest first-time China route: fewer transfers, big-ticket landmarks, scenic Guilin/Yangshuo, and a simple Shanghai exit.

This is the classic route for first-timers. However, you could freely customise it to match your own preferences:

• If you want more nature, simply swap one day of Shanghai or  Guilin for Zhangjiajie

• If you are a foodies or pandas are your thing, replace Guilin with Chengdu

• If you travel with families, keep Shanghai Disneyland

• If you are culture-heavy travellers, spend more time in Xi’an and/or Beijing.

Is 2 Weeks Enough To Visit China?

Of course, you won’t be able to explore the entire massive country within this time. But two weeks is enough to cover a handful of signature destinations properly, spending 2-3 days in each.

If you have more time, extend this route into our 3-week China itinerary by adding Chengdu and Zhangjiajie between Xi’an and Guilin.

How to Travel Between Cities in China

Beijing to Xi'an

High-speed trains run frequently between Beijing West and Xi'an North, with the journey taking anywhere from four hours fifteen minutes to six hours. Book a G-series train if you can; the second class is comfortable enough. Flying covers the distance in around two to two and a half hours, but once you've factored in airport transfers on both ends, the train usually wins.

Xi'an to Guilin

The one leg where flying is the sensible choice. The high-speed train option takes around 10 hours 50 minutes to over 11 hours. The direct flight takes 2 to 2.5 hours, with several departures a day, and it slots neatly around a morning at the Terracotta Warriors.

Guilin to Shanghai

Back on the rails for the final stretch. The high-speed train from Guilin North to Shanghai Hongqiao takes about 9 to 9.5 hours. Flying takes roughly 2.5 hours, with multiple daily departures. It all depends on what you want: fly if you want the extra day, take the train if the journey is part of the trip for you.

Some More tips:

• Chinese stations are vast. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to clear security and find your platform, especially at Beijing West or Xi'an North.

• Book through the official 12306 app or Trip.com. Both accept foreign passports and international cards, and tickets open 15 days ahead of travel.

• China's domestic carriers cap carry-on at just 5kg, which is stricter than most travellers expect for international flights.  That’s where a proper lightweight cabin backpack comes in handy. You can tuck it into a narrow train luggage rack or overhead bin, and carry it comfortably through busy stations and city streets. Check out our range of cabin bags perfectly made for a trip like this.

2 Weeks To Explore China: Destinations To Visit

For those travelling to China for the first time, we recommend a 2-week itinerary that includes well-known cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai. With this route, you’ll experience the long history, diverse culture, stunning scenery, modern dynamics, and local flavours while saving time on your travels.

Day 1-4: Beijing

There’s no doubt that Beijing is one of the most iconic destinations to discover in the country. Having been the capital of China for more than 800 years, the city is prosperous with a harmony between historical heritage and modern diversity. Check out our travel guide on Beijing here.

What to do

Visit the Forbidden City

The imperial palace where emperors and other Chinese royals resided. Photo by SeanPavonePhoto on stock.adobe.com.

Also known as the Palace Museum, this was the largest palace complex in the world, serving 24 emperors for over 500 years. The place is located at the heart of Beijing, famous for its rich history that represents the country.

As it is a must-visit destination for every tourist, it’s best if you book a tour in advance. Besides saving your time, you can also learn more myths with a local tour guide.

Have a day trip to the Great Wall

Surely you have heard about the longest man-made structure in the world. Don’t think it’s just a wall. It’s a series of fortifications that took 2000 years to build. Nowadays, it has become a great place to go climbing and sightseeing.

Travellers in Beijing usually choose between the Great Wall Mutianyu and Jinshanling. Both require around a 2-hour drive. If you go with your family and are ready to face the crowd, go to Mutianyu. This route has easy walking paths and cable cars. But if you prefer a peaceful vibe and a rugged experience, Jinshanling is recommended.

Immerse in the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, or the Garden of Clear Ripples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest imperial garden in China. Built in 1750, the palace has overcome many attacks throughout history and has been restored to preserve its tranquil scenery in the northwest of bustling Beijing.

With 30 yuan for a general admission ticket, travellers will get to visit one of the most iconic symbols of Chinese landscape design. You can visit many attractions in the Longevity Hill, ride a boat in the Kunming Lake, or admire the diverse plant species in the court area.

Admire the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is the largest surviving complex of imperial sacrificial architecture and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, this is not only a place that represents the religion, but also an exemplary historical architectural work.

The key attractions here are the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Mound Altar, and the Echo Wall. There are 1 to 4-hour routes to choose from. With the rich history of this place, it’s best to book a tour guide to listen to interesting stories. And remember to avoid Monday, as the main buildings will be closed.

Beijing Travel Tips:

• For your first time in Beijing, the Wangfujing or the Qianmen area are the best options to stay. Both are super central. While Wangfujing offers modern convenience and a walkable distance to most of the historical monuments, Qianmen is suitable for those who want to immerse themselves in the historical charm of the city.

• Save your time to experience the art of tea in Beijing. Famous for the Jasmine Pearl, this city has preserved the tea culture for thousands of years in traditional tea houses, tea markets, and centuries-old shops.

• Do not miss out on the signature dishes like Peking duck, mutton hot pot, or the famous fermented mung bean juice Douzhi. Beijing cuisine is known for bold flavours and delicate processing methods, with various dishes having lasted hundreds of years.

Days 5–6: Xi'an

Xi’an is a city rich in history with many monuments to visit. Photo by hassi1013 on stock.adobe.com.

Located in the central northwest of China, Xi’an is a historically significant city throughout the longevity of the country. Having existed for more than 1000 years, the city served as the capital of 13 dynasties and the beginning of the Silk Road. 

What to do

Observe the mighty Terracotta Warriors

The most famous symbol of Xi’an is surely the Terracotta Army created by Qin Shi Huang - the first emperor of China. Thousands of statues, including soldiers, horses, and chariots, were discovered in 1974 and quickly recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This army was buried alongside the emperor more than 2000 years ago, with the belief that they would protect him and prolong his dominion even in the afterlife.

Nowadays, visitors can explore 03 main excavation pits and take a closer look at these life-sized clay statues. Each pit is designed for a division, from common soldiers to high-ranking officers. Each statue has a different face, with no two looking the same.

Cycling in the Ancient City Wall

The Ancient City Wall of Xi’an is the most complete wall that has survived the historical upheavals in China. Built in the 14th century during the reign of the first Ming Emperor, the wall was designed as a defence mechanism to protect the city with arrow towers, command centres, ramparts, moats, etc. Cycling the full 13,74km wall and enjoying a panoramic view of the entire city is a must-try activity for tourists. 

Discover the religious breadth at the Giant Wild Goose Pagodas

The most famous pagoda in Xi’an is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 to house Buddhist texts brought to China by the monk Xuanzang. This has stood since the Tang Dynasty and is the highest wooden structure in China. Here, travellers will find signature architecture adorned with fine statues and artefacts, along with a stunning view of the city from the arch-shaped doors. 

Just a small note: When searching for Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, there is another one called the Small Wild Goose. Though it has some of the same features, the smaller one, as real as the name, is more humble and focuses more on spiritual activity than on being a tourist destination, so be careful not pick the wrong one.

Xi’an Travel Tips

• Don’t expect to do everything at once. With vast sites and a rich history, Xi’an is best explored by taking things slow. Spend your time fully immersed in the city's ancient vibe, listening to historical myths, or enjoying the aesthetics of people from previous eras.

• Save your stomach for the Muslim Quarter food tour. Being the starting point of the famous Silk Road, Xi’an has a blend of Hui Muslim heritage. Here you can find a variety of traditional dishes, from stews and noodles to snacks and sweet treats. 

• Save your energy to visit Datang Everbright City at night. This is a 2km road simulated after the Tang Dynasty. The road will take you back in time with an ancient setting, traditional performances, and cosplay experiences.

Days 7–10: Guilin

Different from Beijing and Xi’an, the beauty of Guilin is not created by human hands but by nature itself. That doesn't mean the city lacks cultural depth; it's just that the scenery tends to steal the show. This city is perfect for taking a break and immersing yourself in nature.

The poetic beauty of Guilin has inspired in various Chinese classic works. Photo by zhouyilu on stock.adobe.com.

What to do

Enjoy the Li River cruise

The Li River is basically the foundation that shaped Guilin, turning this city into a vital logistics hub throughout history. Running directly through the city, the riverbank connects the city with a signature canal system, Two Rivers and Four Lakes.

Travellers can either choose a 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, or go simple with a 1-hour return route to save time. The journey will lead you through unique karst landscapes, a glimpse of Chinese countryside life, and the poetic vibe that has inspired numerous masterpieces.

Besides the cruise, you can also try riding a bamboo raft if you prefer a more peaceful and flexible, customised trip. However, the experience might not be as comfortable, as those are quite primitive, lack utilities, and mostly don’t have English instructors.

See the Longji Rice Terraces

Located on the outskirts of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the "Dragon's Backbone”, were created more than 600 years ago to provide crops for the surrounding area.

This destination is perfect for those who love photography or hiking. Expect trekking activities, rustic local culture, and, most special of all, the stunning view that changes with the seasons.

Depending on the time, you can see it reflecting the turquoise blue of the sky, the lush green of the growing crops, or the bright yellow of ripe rice. Just avoid the winter months from December to February, as the weather is usually foggy. 

Explore the karst mountains

Shaped over 40 million years, the karst mountains in Guilin are UNESCO-protected landscapes with unique formations and vast cave complexes. Some of the most popular ones in Guilin are the Elephant Trunk Hill, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, or the Reed Flute Cave.

Besides admiring these natural wonders by going on a cruise, you can also cycle, go rock climbing, or join underground tours to get a closer look. Be prepared to exercise a little and to find the interesting coincidences shaped by nature.

Guilin Travel Tips

• Stay in the Guilin City Centre for the first few days to explore nearby attractions and take advantage of convenient transportation. Once you're ready, staying overnight in a more localised area like Yangshuo or Ping An Village will be a memorable experience.

• Watch the famous Liu Sanjie directed by Zhang Yimou. This is a theatrical show performed by locals, with the Li River and the karst mountains as a natural backdrop.

Days 11–14: Shanghai

People usually say that to see what China was like 100 years ago, go to Shanghai. As one of the economic pillar cities, Shanghai is modernised while still preserving the classic look of the last century. 

Shanghai has been a perfect blend of Chinese and European cultures over the last century. Photo by 孤飞的鹤 on stock.adobe.com

What to do

Stroll along The Bund

The Bund can be considered the icon of Shanghai. It will take you around 2-3 hours to complete the 1,5km road. Some buildings are open to visit; each tells a story about what shapes Shanghai is like nowadays. Going in the afternoon will allow you to see both the daily life and the luxurious appearance when the lights are on. 

Have fun in Disneyland

Though not categorised as a typical Chinese experience, missing out on Shanghai Disneyland would be a waste, especially for family travellers. Because, after all, this place still offers experiences available nowhere else, like Zootopia Land, the largest Enchanted Storybook Castle with all the princesses, or the Gardens of Imagination with Chinese Zodiac design.

However, the park is on the outskirts of the city, and the wait time will be very long due to the number of visitors. So plan carefully on how much time you can spend here, or whether you would prefer to save your time for a more localised experience.

Be Entertained in Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China, and the third in the world. This structure is a symbol of the city's prosperity with many records: the fastest high-speed elevators, a twisted facade design, a vertical neighbourhood, etc.

Tourists usually come to Shanghai Tower to visit the Observatory on the 118th floor. From here, you can have an open view of the city below.

However, there is more to experience. The tower also has a Guanfu Museum on the 37th floor with many Chinese artefacts, the highest bookstore in China, Duoyun Books, on the 52nd floor, Michelin-starred restaurants, an exhibition hall, and much more.

Walk around the French Concession

The French Concession is a lovely neighbourhood that blends European and Chinese culture. Built as a colonial enclave in the 19th century, the area is filled with European-style villas and buildings that are now cafes, shops, and restaurants. The area is also popular for its romantic setting of French plane-tree lines imported in the early 1900s.

Visitors can come here to take pictures, walk around to explore the architecture and atmosphere, shop at aesthetic stores, or sample a variety of fusion restaurants.

Shanghai Travel Tips

• If you are a feudal history lover, take your spare time to visit the Yu Garden, a private classical garden from the Ming Dynasty. Built in the 16th century, the place follows signature Jiangnan architecture with Dragon walls, jade rock, and a teahouse in the middle of a pond.

• Besides the monuments, Shanghai is also popular for its delicate cuisine, with many worldwide popular dishes like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), hairy crab, scallion oil noodles, braised pork belly, etc. Save your stomach to experience a harmony of traditional food and high-class cuisine.

• Shanghai is one of the most expensive cities in China, so costs will be extremely high. Be prepared to avoid being overwhelmed.

Tips & Tricks For Your China Trip

Not all apps can be used in China. Photo by InfiniteFlow - stock.adobe.com

2 weeks in China seem inviting with many things to explore. But to ensure the best experience, preparation is a must, as the country has a unique way of operating. Below are some useful tips that we collected. Take note and let's make your trip memorable!

Budget

Budgeting is one of the most important steps to secure a long 2-week trip like this.

How expensive is 2 weeks in China? According to many travellers, the average budget is around $2,000 USD per person. Of course, it depends on which city you visit and your spending level.

To estimate the budget as accurately as possible, try using a travel expenses template. Instead of trying to figure everything out yourself and potentially missing details, this spreadsheet will help you cover every category and divide them into segments for better allocation.

The accommodation budget might not vary much because you already book everything. However, the cost of food and experiences might increase a lot due to the travel mindset. Therefore, it’s best to set aside a contingency fund or an acceptable cost for the incurred costs.

People say they spend about $10- $30 USD per day on food in China. But of course, in expensive cities like Beijing or Shanghai, expect around $20-$40 USD.

Public transportation costs $0.15-$1.50 per trip, and most of the destinations are walkable, so you might save quite a bit. If you prefer to use local taxis or bikes, try the Didi app (China’s Uber) for standard rates.

Must-Have Apps To Save The Day

As you might already know, China uses a whole different app ecosystem compared to other places around the world. Most of them are developed domestically, and some external apps are even unable to access within the country. So to travel for 2 weeks in China, you should download some apps:

• VPN: Some VPN might not work in China, so it’s best to check the reviews before subscribing long-term. And expect a bit of fluctuation in the connection. The best VPN for China 2026 is said to be Let’s VPN and Astrill.

• Payment apps: The most common ones in China are Alipay and WeChat Pay. Setting up Alipay for foreigners might be easier, as it doesn’t require a domestic account. However, you should download both, because WeChat Pay is more common among the locals. 

• Maps: For travelling on your own, a digital map app is highly recommended. Due to the differences in data retrieval, if Baidu Maps vs Apple Maps in China, a local app will surely have more advantages.

Download Our Spreadsheet To Make Your Trip Easier

Too many things to plan? Our spreadsheet is here to help! We have listed every category you need, from timelines to destinations to visit. No need for separate files when you have all-in-one. Save the default options and customise easily to have your 2-week China itinerary in detail.

Savour Your Time For The Best Trip

The plus side of planning your own 2-week China itinerary is that you can take your time to experience, rather than rushing to locations like on tours. What is the prettiest city in China? There is no definitive answer, as every destination holds its own unique charm. The above are only some suggestions to start. Don’t worry if your plan can be imperfect. Take it as a reason to return and continue to explore this amazing country.

Thuc Huong