China Travel Guide: 7 Days and 14 Days of Great Walls, Giant Pandas, and Dumplings
China is massive, so whether you have a week or two, you’ll want a plan to see the best of the best—think Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and of course, the pandas. Let’s dive into the must-dos for a 7-day taste of China and an extended 14-day adventure if you have the time!
7-Day China Itinerary
In a week, focus on Beijing, Xi’an, and a little taste of Shanghai to hit China’s biggest bucket-list spots. Ready?
Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
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Day 1 | Arrive in Beijing | Start with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then wander through Jingshan Park for amazing views. | Forbidden City is huge; pace yourself and wear comfy shoes! |
Day 2 | Beijing – Great Wall of China & Summer Palace | Head out to the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling) and explore the Summer Palace after. | Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is less crowded, and there’s a fun toboggan ride! |
Day 3 | Beijing – Temple of Heaven & Hutongs | Visit the Temple of Heaven and then get lost in Beijing’s historic hutongs (alleys). | Try local snacks in the hutongs—super affordable and tasty! |
Day 4 | Train to Xi’an – Muslim Quarter & City Walls | Take a bullet train to Xi’an, explore the Muslim Quarter for street food, and walk the City Walls. | Night market in the Muslim Quarter has great vibes and amazing eats. |
Day 5 | Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors | Head to the Terracotta Warriors museum and get up close with this ancient army—it’s stunning! | Go early! This place is a hot spot, and morning crowds are smaller. |
Day 6 | Fly to Shanghai – Bund & Nanjing Road | Fly to Shanghai and stroll the Bund for skyline views. Shop on Nanjing Road or relax by the waterfront. | The Bund is gorgeous at night when the skyline lights up—must-see! |
Day 7 | Shanghai – Yu Garden & Shanghai Tower | Visit Yu Garden for classic Chinese garden vibes, then head to Shanghai Tower for amazing city views. | Yu Garden is so photogenic; try to go during weekdays to avoid crowds. |
14-Day China Itinerary
If you’ve got two weeks, you can add Chengdu for pandas, Guilin for stunning scenery, and a more relaxed pace through the big cities.
Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
---|---|---|---|
Days 1-3 | Beijing – Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace | Follow Days 1-3 of the 7-day plan but add an extra day to explore more of Beijing’s parks and palaces. | Check out Beihai Park—it’s a quieter gem with beautiful lake views. |
Days 4-5 | Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda | Same as the 7-day plan, but with an extra day to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi’an museum. | The pagoda is stunning, especially around sunset for that golden hour glow. |
Days 6-8 | Chengdu – Panda Breeding Center & Jinli Ancient Street | Fly to Chengdu to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and enjoy the lively Jinli Ancient Street. | Try spicy hot pot in Chengdu—it’s a regional must and super fun to eat! |
Days 9-10 | Guilin – Li River Cruise & Reed Flute Cave | Head to Guilin for a Li River Cruise (stunning karst mountain views) and explore Reed Flute Cave. | Guilin’s scenery is unreal—this part of China is so peaceful and unique. |
Days 11-12 | Shanghai – Yu Garden, French Concession, & Bund | Follow the last two days of the 7-day itinerary but add time to wander the French Concession for cafes. | The French Concession is super charming, great for a slower day in the city. |
Days 13-14 | Day Trip to Suzhou or Hangzhou | Use Shanghai as a base to visit Suzhou (famous for its gardens) or Hangzhou (beautiful West Lake). | West Lake in Hangzhou has boat rides and gardens—totally serene! |
Top Tips for Traveling China
- Popular Attractions: Big spots like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund can be crowded. Mornings are often the best for fewer crowds.
- Food & Dining: Chinese cuisine varies a ton by region! Beijing is all about Peking duck, Chengdu is famous for spicy hot pot, and Xi’an has killer street food.
- Transportation: High-speed trains are amazing here—grab a China Rail Pass if you’re taking multiple trains to save on cost and time.
From ancient wonders to adorable pandas, China’s biggest attractions are unforgettable! Whether you’re looking for history, city lights, or landscapes, you’ll find it here.