14-Day China Travel Itinerary - The Ultimate Adventure
14-day China itinerary covering Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City), Xi’an (Terracotta Army), Chengdu (pandas, Sichuan food), Guilin & Yangshuo (Li River, Cuiping Hill Village), and Shanghai (Bund skyline), with day-by-day plans, transport tips, and must-try eats.
From the Great Wall of China to giant pandas in Chengdu, this 14-day China travel itinerary is your guide to experiencing some of the country’s most unforgettable cities and landmarks. We’ll break down what to do each day, where to go, and what to expect — with travel tips to make your adventure in China smooth and a trip you will talk about the rest of your life.
Beijing Days 1–3
Beijing is a beautiful introduction to China — home to iconic landmarks, imperial palaces, and local cuisine that’s as flavorful as the city is energetic. Walking through this city is like flipping through pages of both ancient dynasties and modern ambition. With grand squares, tight alleyways, and peaceful temples, it offers a memorable mix of scale and detail.
You’ll feel the weight of history at every turn, especially when standing in the vast Forbidden City or hiking the Great Wall of China. Evenings here are filled with food stalls, lively teahouses, and old hutong neighborhoods that still feel authentic despite the city’s growth.
Day 1 – Arrival and Forbidden City
- Morning: Arrive in Beijing, check into your hotel and rest after your flight.
- Afternoon: Explore Tiananmen Square and head into the Forbidden City for a few hours of exploration.
- Evening: Dinner at a local spot to try Peking Duck — Quanjude is a famous option.
Day 2 – The Great Wall
- Morning to Afternoon: Take a day trip to the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling section). Pack good shoes — it’s a beautiful but hilly walk.
- Evening: Return to Beijing and stroll around Wangfujing Street, known for its snacks and night market.
Day 3 – Temple of Heaven and Hutongs
- Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven early when locals gather for tai chi.
- Afternoon: Take a rickshaw tour or walk through Beijing's hutongs, stopping by Nanluoguxiang for shopping.
- Evening: Optional: Watch a Peking Opera show at the Liyuan Theatre.
Substitute your itinerary by visiting one of China's most beautiful national parks!
Xi’an Days 4–5
Xi’an is where you’ll find the powerful history of China’s first dynasties. Known for the Terracotta Army and ancient city walls, this city brings you face-to-face with the start of China’s empire. But beyond its heritage, there’s a lot of color here — from local Muslim Quarter food stalls to lively calligraphy markets.
It’s easy to spend a day lost in history, and another discovering small shops, trying spicy noodles, and watching local life unfold inside the city’s ancient walls.
Day 4 – Travel and Terracotta Warriors
- Morning: Take a high-speed train or flight from Beijing to Xi’an.
- Afternoon: Visit the Terracotta Army — give yourself 2–3 hours.
- Evening: Walk around the Muslim Quarter for street food and souvenirs.
Day 5 – City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Morning: Rent a bike and ride along the Xi’an City Wall — it’s a great way to see the city from above.
- Afternoon: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and nearby park.
- Evening: Optional: Watch the Tang Dynasty music and dance show.
Chengdu Days 6–7
Chengdu is laid-back and known as the land of spicy food and sleepy pandas. The capital of Sichuan Province, it’s a city that runs on tea, hotpot, and conversation. You’ll find tea houses in every corner, locals playing mahjong in parks, and the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
It’s also a perfect place to slow down and enjoy daily life — a welcome pause in the middle of your adventure.
Day 6 – Pandas and People’s Park
- Morning: Visit the Panda Research Base early in the day when pandas are most active.
- Afternoon: Relax at People’s Park and have tea at a traditional tea house.
- Evening: Try Sichuan hotpot — popular places include Shujiuxiang or Huangcheng Laoma.
Day 7 – Optional Day Trip to Leshan
- All day: Take a trip to see the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world.
- Evening: Return to Chengdu and enjoy a local show or relaxing evening.
Guilin & Yangshuo Days 8–10
Guilin and nearby Yangshuo are known for some of China’s most beautiful landscapes. Karst mountains rise above rivers and rice paddies, creating postcard-perfect views. A river cruise along the Li River is the best way to take it all in.
The region is peaceful, with small villages, caves, and hiking trails. Yangshuo especially offers a great chance to relax, bike through the countryside, or take in a performance under the stars.
Day 8 – Travel to Guilin
- Morning: Fly or train from Chengdu to Guilin.
- Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and explore the city’s lakes and parks.
- Evening: Local dinner and rest.
Day 9 – Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
- Morning to Afternoon: Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo along the Li River. Bring your camera — this is one of the most beautiful river trips in the country.
- Evening: Optional: Watch Impression Liu Sanjie outdoor show in Yangshuo.
Day 10 – Countryside Day
- Day 10 – Cuiping Hill Village + Sunset Views
- Morning: Start easy in Yangshuo with a café breakfast, then do a short ride/walk along the Yulong River paths or browse shops on West Street (keep it light before the afternoon outing).
- Afternoon: Head to Cuiping Hill / Cuiping Village (Putao Town area) for countryside scenery—rice fields, small lanes, and classic karst peaks around the village.
- Evening: Walk up Cuiping Hill (also called Wuzhi Hill) for late-day views (many people time this for sunset), then return to Yangshuo for dinner and a relaxed night.
Shanghai Days 11–14
Shanghai is modern, fast-paced, and packed with style. From colonial buildings on The Bund to futuristic towers in Pudong, it’s a city that blends past and future. You’ll find some of the best shopping, art, and skyline views here.
It’s also a food lover’s dream with everything from soup dumplings to high-end global cuisine.
Day 11 – Travel to Shanghai + The Bund
- Morning: Travel from Guilin or Yangshuo to Shanghai (flight or high-speed train).
- Afternoon: Walk along The Bund and admire views of the skyline.
- Evening: Dinner in Xintiandi and optional night cruise on the Huangpu River.
Day 12 – Yu Garden and Nanjing Road
- Morning: Visit Yu Garden and the nearby old town.
- Afternoon: Walk down Nanjing Road for shopping.
- Evening: Optional: Visit Shanghai Tower’s observation deck.
Day 13 – Optional Day Trip to Suzhou
- All day: Take a high-speed train to Suzhou — known for canals and classic gardens like the Humble Administrator’s Garden.
- Evening: Return to Shanghai.
Day 14 – Departure
- Depending on your flight, enjoy a slow morning and some last-minute shopping or food before heading to the airport.
Additional Tips for China
Transportation:
China’s high-speed rail network is reliable and fast. Apps like Trip.com or China Train Booking can help with tickets. In cities, subways are the best way to get around — they’re cheap and well-marked in English.
Dress Code:
Temples and religious sites often expect modest dress (covered shoulders and knees). Bring good walking shoes for full days.
Local Cuisine:
- Beijing: Try Peking Duck and Jianbing (savory breakfast crepes).
- Xi’an: Roujiamo (Chinese-style burger) and hand-pulled noodles.
- Chengdu: Sichuan hotpot and mapo tofu.
- Guilin: Rice noodles and river fish dishes.
- Shanghai: Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and crab dishes.
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