Which China Itinerary Is Right for You?

China is not a destination you can really “finish” in one trip.

The better question is:

What kind of China do you want to see?

Ancient capitals?
Pandas and Sichuan culture?
Dramatic mountains?
Karst landscapes?
A Yangtze River cruise?
Or a deeper journey through several regions?

Here is a simple way to choose the China itinerary that suits you best.

14 Days — Classic China with Landscapes

Beijing → Xi’an → Guilin → Shanghai

Choose this route if it is your first trip to China and you want a balanced introduction.

You’ll experience:

• Beijing’s imperial history
• The Great Wall
• Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors
• Guilin’s landscapes
• Shanghai’s modern city life
• Side trips around the Jiangnan region

This route combines China's classic cultural landmarks with southern landscapes and modern cities.

Best for:

First-time visitors
Couples
Culture + scenery lovers

15 Days — China with a Yangtze River Cruise

Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Chongqing → Yangtze River Cruise → Shanghai

Choose this itinerary if you prefer a slower and more varied journey.

You still get Beijing and Xi’an, but the route adds:

• Chengdu pandas
• Sichuan culture
• Chongqing
• A Yangtze River cruise
• Shanghai and Hangzhou

The itinerary includes a multi-day cruise between Chongqing and Yichang before continuing to Shanghai.

Best for:

Mature travelers
Couples
Travelers who prefer slower pacing
Culture + cruise lovers

15 Days — China’s Icons + Zhangjiajie

Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie → Shanghai

This is one of your strongest products for international travelers.

You get:

🏯 Beijing
⚔️ Xi’an
🐼 Chengdu
⛰️ Zhangjiajie
🌃 Shanghai

The route includes panda experiences and Sanxingdui in Chengdu, then several days exploring Zhangjiajie’s sandstone peaks, Tianmen Mountain and national forest landscapes before finishing in Shanghai.

Best for:

First-time visitors who want nature

Families

Photography lovers

Active travelers

If someone says:

“I want the Great Wall, pandas and Avatar mountains.”

This is probably the easiest product to recommend.

15 Days — Classic China + Guilin & Yangshuo

Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Guilin → Yangshuo → Shanghai

Choose this itinerary if you prefer softer landscapes and slower travel over mountain hiking.

The Guilin section includes:

• Elephant Trunk Hill
• Li River cruise
• Yulong River bamboo rafting
• Yangshuo
• Xianggong Mountain
• Cooking class
• Local craft experiences

Best for:

Couples

Food lovers

Photography

Slow travel

Travelers who prefer scenery without intensive hiking

Zhangjiajie or Guilin?

This can become the key comparison section.

Choose Zhangjiajie if you want:

• Dramatic mountains
• Hiking
• High viewpoints
• Avatar-style scenery
• A more adventurous trip

Choose Guilin if you want:

• Rivers
• Countryside
• Karst landscapes
• Bamboo rafting
• A slower atmosphere

So:

Zhangjiajie = dramatic

Guilin = peaceful

21 Days — See More Sides of China

Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Shanghai

If you have around three weeks, this is where China starts to feel much more diverse.

The itinerary includes:

• Imperial Beijing
• Ancient Xi’an
• Chengdu culture and pandas
• Chongqing city life
• Dazu Rock Carvings
• Wulong
• Zhangjiajie
• Guilin and Yangshuo
• Shanghai

Instead of choosing between Zhangjiajie and Guilin, you get both.

Best for:

Long-haul travelers

First-time visitors who may not return soon

Travelers who want culture + food + nature

25 Days — The Panoramic China Journey

Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Guangzhou → Shenzhen → Shanghai

This is the most complete route in your current product range.

The trip continues south after Guilin into Guangzhou and Shenzhen, adding:

• Cantonese food
• Lingnan culture
• Guangzhou’s historic neighborhoods
• Shenzhen’s contemporary creative districts
• Autonomous driving experiences
• Coastal scenery

before finishing in Shanghai. 产品.docxDOCX

Best for:

Travelers with 3–4 weeks

Repeat Asia travelers

People curious about both traditional and modern China

Travelers who want a true cross-country journey

Still not sure which China itinerary is right for you?
Tell us your travel dates, number of days and what you’d most like to experience. We’ll match you with the best route — or customize one around you.