China Itinerary 2026: 7, 10, 14 & 21-Day Routes
The right China itinerary is a route that flows — no backtracking, the right cities in the right order, and high-speed rail connecting it all. Here are four proven itineraries from 7 to 21 days, with what each costs, from a licensed agency that runs them every week.
For a first China trip, the 10-day classic route is best: Beijing (3) → Xi’an (2) → Guilin & Yangshuo (2) → Shanghai (2), by high-speed rail — from $1,650 per person privately. Short on time? 7 days covers Beijing–Xi’an. Have two weeks? Add Chengdu or the Yangtze.
Four proven itineraries
How the most popular route fits together
| Days | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Beijing | Great Wall (Mutianyu), Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutongs |
| 4–5 | Xi’an | Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter — high-speed rail from Beijing |
| 6–7 | Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River cruise, Yulong River, countryside cycling — rail from Xi’an |
| 8–9 | Shanghai | The Bund, Yu Garden, Lujiazui skyline — rail from Guilin |
| 10 | Depart | Airport transfer, farewell |
All legs by high-speed rail · 4-star hotels with breakfast · private car and licensed guide · entrance tickets included · zero shopping stops.
Match the route to your time
Days
Beijing + Xi’an only — the two icons. Ideal for short vacations.
Days
The classic four-city route — the best first-timer balance.
Days
Add Chengdu (pandas) or the Yangtze cruise — deeper China.
Days
Grand tour with Yunnan or the Silk Road — the complete country.
Frequently asked questions
How many days should I spend in China?
7 days for Beijing–Xi’an, 10 days for the classic four-city route (Beijing–Xi’an–Shanghai–Guilin), 14 days to add Chengdu or the Yangtze, and 21 days for a grand tour including Yunnan or the Silk Road.
What is the best China itinerary for first-timers?
The 10-day classic: Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City) → Xi’an (Terracotta Army) → Guilin (Li River, Yangshuo) → Shanghai (Bund), connected by high-speed rail. From $1,650 per person privately.
How much does a 2-week China trip cost?
A 14-day private tour typically runs $2,300–$3,500 per person with 4-star hotels, private car and licensed guide, excluding international flights and most meals.
Can you customize an itinerary?
Yes — every itinerary is tailored: add Chengdu pandas, the Yangtze cruise, Yunnan, Tibet or Xinjiang; adjust pacing for families or seniors.
What is the best time for a multi-city trip?
April–June and September–November — comfortable weather across Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guilin and Chengdu.
Get your China itinerary in 24 hours
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