China Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks: 4 Expert-Designed Routes for Perfect Tours

China is a huge and diverse country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. With so many places to see and things to do, planning a two-week trip can be overwhelming.

A classic two-week tour to China should include three must-visit cities: Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. These cities offer the best insights into China’s ancient heritage, modern development, and traditional culture. You can also add one or two more destinations based on your interests, such as Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Guilin, Xinjiang, Tibet, etc.

To help you make the most of your time, we have designed four perfect 2-week China travel itineraries in the article. If you don’t like them, just let us know your preferences and requests, and we will create a customized trip just for you.

Where to Go for China Travel Itinerary 2 Weeks?

If it's your first trip to China, the classics never disappoint. On a two-week tour, you can visit the big three stops, Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, and then choose from one or two other incredible places to visit in China to round out your tour with other wonders.

China's capital, Beijing, wows travelers with some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace are all must-visit places on any China Tour. Xi'an is a short ride away on the high-speed train. In the ancient capital, you can see the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and marvel at the ancient city walls. Shanghai is a blend of the modern and traditional. The futuristic skyline of Pudong is across the river from traditional colonial architecture along the Bund waterfront.

The Bund in Shanghai.

Other destinations to choose from offer unique experiences. See the rich ethnic diversity and unique geography of remote regions, or discover the natural beauty of the mountains and waterways. Here are some of the top choices:

Guilin: A nature lover’s paradise with stunning limestone mountains and scenic rice terrace.
Zhangjiajie: The site that inspired the movie Avatar with its stone forest of pillar-like rock formations.
Chengdu: Home to the giant pandas and the best place for authentic Sichuan food.
Tibet: The 'roof of the world' with rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and the towering Himalayan Mountains.
Jiuzhaigou Valley: A stunning nature reserve with jagged alpine mountains and otherworldly multi-colored lakes.
Yangtze River Cruise: Travel the most important waterway in China with picturesque scenery, and artificial marvels like the Three Gorges Dam.
Dunhuang: A historic oasis along the ancient Silk Road with a rich history and desert adventures.

Three Gorges Cruise.

Route 1: Classic China for First-Timers (History & Culture)

The class China tour route for first-timers takes you to the historical and cultural highlights around the country. Start in Beijing to see some of the most famous landmarks in the world, then travel south through Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, and Guilin, and end in Shanghai.

Day 1-3: Highlights of Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and spend three days touring the highlights of China's Capital. Walk along the Great Wall and marvel at the vastness of the Forbidden City. The city's rich cultural legacy can be seen at sites like the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. Enjoy iconic food like Peking Duck and see the famous Beijing Opera.

Day 4-6: Explore Xi'an
In Xi'an, you can visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors and marvel at the unique array of thousands of lifelike statues. See incredible panoramas of the city from the ancient city walls, and visit the Muslim quarter for delicious street food.

Day 7-9: The Wonders of Zhangjiajie
The surreal landscapes of Zhangjiajie are a natural wonder. Towering sandstone pillars in National Forest Park seem to float in the air as they rise out of the mist. Soar over the cliffs and valleys of Tianman Mountain on the cableway to the massive archway of Heaven's Gate and trek beautiful nature trails.

Day 10-12: Discover Guilin
Guilin is the China you often see in postcards. It's a beautiful land of bamboo forests and terraced rice fields. Explore Reed Flute Cave to see the stunning stalactites and enjoy the peaceful setting of winding rivers and karst mountains.

Day 13-14: See Shanghai
Shanghai is a city that blends tradition with innovation. Visit the traditional Yu Gardens and stroll through the tree-lined streets of the French Quarter. Enjoy the city skylines on an evening cruise of the Huangpu River.

10 Days China Tour to Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai

Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai

Route 2: Family-Friendly Yangtze River & Panda Adventure

China is a great place for families to visit. Special wonders await young travelers, and family activities can be found around the country.

Day 1-5: Highlights of Beijing and Xi'an
It doesn't take a boring lecture to appreciate the landmarks of Beijing and Xi'an. The vastness of the Great Wall and Forbidden City speak for themselves, impressing visitors of all ages. The Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, with row upon row of lifelike statues, fascinate children and adults alike. Depending on your children's age, you can take a family cycling tour of the hutong neighborhoods in Beijing and atop the ancient city walls of Xi'an.

Day 6-7: Discover Chengdu
Laid-back Chengdu's relaxed pace makes it an easy place for families to visit. The highlight for kids will definitely be the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding where you can have an up-close experience with the beloved animals.

Day 8: Visit Chongqing
Chongqing is a dazzling city with cultural sites like Ciqikou Old Town and the Dazu Grottoes—Marvel at the hilly terrain and delight in the delicious local cuisine.

Day 9-12: Yangtze River Cruise
A Yangtze River cruise is a great family activity. Cruises set out from Chongqing, traveling for four days and three nights, seeing the beautiful sights along the river. There are onboard activities for adults and children like Tai Chi lessons and KTV rooms. Disembark to explore ancient temples and tour artificial wonders like the Three Gorges Dam.

Day 13-14: See Shanghai
Shanghai is a playground for adults and children. Marvel at the view of the city from the 632-meter-high Shanghai Tower, and enjoy a day of fun at Shanghai Disney Resort.

Dujiangyan Panda Base volunteer activities.

Route 3: Silk Road Odyssey for History Buffs

This 14-day journey takes you through the rich history and diverse landscapes of China, following the ancient Silk Road. From Chengdu’s panda sanctuaries to Kashgar’s bustling markets, Turpan’s desert wonders, and Dunhuang’s ancient caves, each stop offers a glimpse into China’s past. End your trip in Xi’an, home of the famous Terracotta Warriors.

Day 1-3: Discover Chengdu
Chengdu is a great place to start a history tour of China. The city's historical position at the intersection of the Northern and Southern Silk Road has left a mark on the city. Jinli Ancient Street is lined with teahouses and traditional architecture. Explore the natural scenery of the Qingcheng Mountains and visit the pandas at the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Day 4-5: Tour the Ancient Markets of Kashgar
Kashgar is a historic trading city located at the foot of the Pamirs Mountain Range and surrounded by desert. Visit the Id Kah Mosque in the Old City and see natural sites like the pristine Karakul Lake.

Day 6-7: Desert Adventure in Turpan
Turpan is one of the best places for desert adventure—the dramatic, oasis-dotted landscapes, Flaming Mountains, and breathtaking natural sights. Experience Uyghur culture and see the ancient Buddhist artwork in the Bezeklik Caves dating from the 6th to 14th centuries.

Day 8-9: Visit the Oasis of Dunhuang
Dunhuang has an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. Tour the Mogao Caves and venture into the desert to see the Singing Sands Dune.

Day 10-11: Experience the Culture of Lanzhou
Lanzhou is renowned for its ancient towns and traditional culture. See the Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves and hike the White Pagoda Mountain. The history of the region is preserved at the Gansu Provincial Museum, which houses over 350,000 artifacts and details the history of the Silk Road.

Day 12-14: Explore Xi'an, the Ancient Capital
Xi'an is one of the 'Four Great Ancient Capitals of China.' Its grand history can be seen in the ancient city walls and legendary Terracotta Warriors. As the easternmost point of the Silk Road, it was an important part of ancient cultural exchange, which can still be seen in the city's Muslim Quarter.

Silk Road desert scenery.

Route 4: Nature & Adventure for Thrill Seekers

Choose from top nature spots to create a thrilling two-week itinerary. Unique adventures await around China's diverse geography.

Day 1-3: Beijing
Trekking the Great Wall is a perfect way to experience history and nature at the same time. The Mutianyu and Jiankou sections are long stretches of well-preserved wall that can be visited on half or full-day excursions. Experience the peaceful side of Beijing's nature at Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan Park), where you can hike trails through the beautiful autumn foliage.

Day 4-5: Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is a dreamy landscape of turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and stunning mountain scenery. The area is home to Nuorilang Waterfall, one of the most beautiful in China, and you can hike off-the-beaten-path trails in the Zharu Valley.

Day 6-7: Chengdu
Qingcheng Mountain is a Taoist retreat with scenic hiking routes and ancient temples. In the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area you can combine a river cruise with a climb for a close-up view of the Buddha carved into the cliff face.

Day 8-10: Lhasa
Visit the capital of Tibet on the 'Roof of the World.' A trip to Lhasa will let you see the unique landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, take an overland tour to spend the night at Everest Base Camp and see the peak of the world's highest mountain.

Day 11-12: Guilin & Yangshuo
Hiking Guilin's Longji Rice Terraces and Xingping Ancient Town will let you understand why the beautiful area has inspired poets for centuries. See karst hills, caves, and lush gardens. In Yangshuo, you can take a cruise on the Li River to see the famous karst peaks and misty landscapes. Trek Moon Hill for panoramic views of the region and go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River.

Day 13-14: Shanghai
Shanghai's modern city center is only a short distance from natural sites like Sheshan National Forest Park, one of the best hiking spots in the area. Visit Chongming Island's wetlands to see migratory birds and explore the cycling trails, or explore the canals of Zhujiajiao Water Town.

15 Days Best of China Tour with Chengdu and Tibet Discovery

Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai

What's the Cost of a 14-day China tour?

You can have a great experience on a 14-day China tour at any budget level. China's modern tourism infrastructure offers everything from affordable, authentic experiences to world-class luxury.

Budget Travel: $1,200-2000
Budget travel in China will put you up close with local culture. Stay in clean and centrally located hostels where you can meet other like-minded travelers. You'll enjoy unique and delicious street food for authentic dining experiences, and travel by public transporting within and between cities. Many Chinese cities boast well-developed subway and bus systems, and travel by high-speed train is both affordable and convenient.

Mid-Range Travel: $3,000-5,000
Mid-range travel allows you to benefit from private guides who will keep you informed on all the background historical and cultural information. Stay at unique boutique hotels that combine modern amenities with expressions of local culture. You'll enjoy a mix of authentic street food and more formal dining experiences.

Luxury Travel: $6,000
The sky is the limit for luxury travel in China. Exquisite luxury can be found almost everywhere in the country in world-class 5-star hotels and unique fine dining experiences. Chartered transfers will whisk you between landmarks and top attractions while your private guide provides the context for understanding the significance of famous sites.

Deluxe five-star hotel rooms in Beijing.

Insider Tips for 2 Weeks in China: Avoid Tourist Traps & Save Time

- Check to see if you're eligible for China visa-free travel. Citizens from 59 countries can tour China for up to 30 days without a visa. If you need a visa, travel visas can be obtained in 3-4 business days from the nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Service Center.
- Download and install a VPN before you travel to be able to access popular Western websites like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
- April-May and September-October have the best travel weather in most parts of the country, but avoid the National Day Holiday golden week from October 1st to 7th when crowds can get very large.
- Avoid common tourist traps by using common sense and checking reviews before choosing restaurants and shops.
- Set up Alipay International and link your credit card to use mobile payment while traveling.

15 Days Best of China Tour with Chengdu and Tibet Discovery

Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai

Conclusion

China is not only an exotic destination with 5,000 years of history and culture to explore, but it's also one of the largest countries in the world and worth visiting on an extended trip. Two weeks is a great length for a China tour with an expert-designed route to ensure you get the most out of your time there.

Our expert China travel specialists can help craft a fully personalized itinerary so you can have a dream tour at any budget level. Contact us for more information and start planning your two-week China tour today.