To get the most out of your trip you need to have an itinerary based on your interests. You need to consider where you want to go, and what you want to do there.
Beijing is an excellent vibrant mix of history and modernity. Beijing is a must-see destination as one of the world’s great ancient capitals alongside being the modern era capital of China. It is home to many of the finest icons of China’s imperial and recent past.
The Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City are musts on anyone’s itinerary. Ensuring you sample Roast Peking Duck at one of the many local restaurants. If you have a little more time on your hands, visit the Temple of Heaven and its park which will allow you to experience Chinese culture at its best. Also check out a tour of the Hutongs and the Summer Palace.
As part of your trip you should discover where the nation of China really began. Visit Xi’an, where First Emperor Qin (pronounced Chin, hence China) ruled from the first capital of a united China. Here is where you’ll see the mesmerizing Terracotta Army. There is a multitude of history at Xi’an and you can experience some of the pre-Beijing dynasties. Here you can see towers, temples and mosques, some of which date back over 1,000 years old.
A visit to Shanghai is a must! It is China’s largest city, and plenty of people suggest visiting it for its significance alone. However, Shanghai can be toured in a day. Be sure to catch a glimpse of Shanghai’s skyline from the Bund.
For those of you wanting spectacular picture postcard scenery, consider a visit to Guilin. It hosts the Karst peaks and the Li River. If you’re feeling more energetic you can cycle around the beautiful countryside in Yangshuo and visit Longsheng and see the rice terraces.
Chengdu’s giant pandas are a must for any China itinerary. In this relaxed and laid back city, you can see cultural landmarks, volunteer in a giant panda volunteer program and try spicy Sichuan hotpot.
The Yangtze River may have been flooded a few years ago, but the Three Gorges is still a trip worth taking. The Three Gorges Dam was the largest hydro-electric project in the world and was meant to power 10% of China. Sadly, since China continues to grow so rapidly the project only ended up powering 3% of the population, but it is an amazing site to visit. Take a relaxing cruise here and the scenery speaks for itself.
West Lake is worth a visit for the romantics of you out there. It is known as the romance capital of China and a lot of Chinese newlyweds spend their honeymoons right here.
If art and religion are up your street then the Mògāo Grottoes are worth a visit. They are considered one of the most important collections of Buddhist art in the world. At its peak during the Tang dynasty (618–907), the site housed 18 monasteries, more than 1400 monks and nuns, and countless artists, translators and calligraphers. You can now experience a tour here to discover the collections.
These are just some of the wonders that China has to offer you. A recommended time frame for a trip to China is at least a week if you want to visit the top three cities. 6-8 days: Beijing (3-4 days), Xi’an (2 days) and then Shanghai (1-2 days). If you are hoping to discover more of China including the giant pandas and the delightful Guilin you will certainly need a few more days. Thankfully China’s historical and cultural attractions are great to visit all year round so it won’t matter when you choose to visit.
Private tours are really recommended in China to maximise your enjoyment and minimise your disappoint when visiting key tourist hot spots. With a private guide and your own private transport you will be able to have a lot more time at your chosen location and you will be able to avoid long queues and crowded areas.
The Golden Triangle (8 days): Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
— the most popular destinations for a first trip
Classic Wonders (11 days): Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai
— classic architecture, culture, and scenery
For years China have been developing their travel infrastructure so travelling around the country is easy. High-speed rail is a popular way to travel in China. The major options for intercity transport are high speed trains or flights. The incredible bullet train that travels at 300 km/hour is often on many tourists to-do list.
China has many different accommodation types for you to choose from based on your preference, need and budget. Accommodation ranges from hotel chains, 5 star resorts to the local lodging experience. The choice is yours. Approximate costs for reference:
Boutique hotels and top resorts: 250+ USD/night
Chain hotels: 100–250 USD/night
Local-experience hotels: 50–100 USD/night
Click here to view our breaks to China