Planning a trip to China? Buckle up—this is the kind of adventure that stays with you. From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise to slurping dumplings in a back-alley eatery in Shanghai, China delivers a sensory overload—in the best possible way.

Whether you’re chasing culture, chaos or calm, this two-week itinerary has it all. You’ll find essential local tips, epic things to do and—most importantly—exactly where to stay and what to book, so you can travel smarter, not harder.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify

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Days 1–3: Beijing – the historic heart

Touching down in Beijing hits you like a brick wall—possibly a very old, very famous one. The city’s energy is relentless in the best way. You’ll be swept up in the rhythm of street life, with early-morning tai chi in the parks, chaotic intersections full of honking e-bikes, and the smell of dumplings curling out of alleyway restaurants.

Beijing is the heart of ancient China, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in its history. From the imposing vastness of the Forbidden City to the once-in-a-lifetime moment of walking the Great Wall, these are the stories you’ll be telling years from now.

Where to stay in Beijing
Luxury: NUO Hotel Beijing – sleek, modern and central
Mid-range: The Orchid Hotel – hidden in a charming Hutong with loads of character
Budget: Peking Youth Hostel – social, affordable and walkable to top sights

Local tip: Download Google Translate with Mandarin offline and grab a local SIM at the airport.

Days 4–5: Xi’an – warriors and dumplings

After the chaos of Beijing, arriving in Xi’an feels like stepping back in time. This walled city has a slower pace, with a more intimate vibe that draws you in immediately. The smell of spices drifts down lantern-lit streets in the Muslim Quarter, while locals gather to sip tea or play mahjong in tucked-away courtyards.

The Terracotta Army is the headliner—and seeing it in person is unforgettable—but Xi’an’s charm is in the little things too: cycling the ancient city walls, hunting down perfect dumplings, and immersing yourself in layers of history.

Where to stay in Xi’an
Luxury: Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel – classic French elegance meets Chinese heritage
Mid-range: Eastern House Boutique Hotel – stylish, great location and value
Budget: See Tang Hostel – casual, comfy and close to the walls

Local tip: Taxis often prefer cash. Keep small notes handy or set up WeChat Pay in advance.

A captivating view of the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi'an, highlighting historical artistry.

Days 6–7: Chengdu – pandas and chill vibes

If there’s one city in China that knows how to chill, it’s Chengdu. The pace slows right down—people sip tea for hours, play cards in the park and seem to live in the moment. It’s a city that invites you to do the same.

Of course, you’re here for the pandas, and they don’t disappoint. Add in fiery hotpot, opera mask performances and streets full of food you’ve never heard of but absolutely need to try—Chengdu will win you over quickly.

Where to stay in Chengdu
Luxury: The Temple House – modern, moody and totally unique
Mid-range: Niccolo Chengdu – close to everything and seriously comfortable
Budget: Lazybones Hostel – laid-back backpacker favourite

Local tip: Grab a metro card. The Chengdu Metro is fast, clean and easy to navigate.

A giant panda lounges in a lush bamboo forest, surrounded by nature.

Days 8–9: Guilin and Yangshuo – nature’s playground

Leaving the big cities behind, the Guilin and Yangshuo region delivers a landscape so surreal it barely feels real. Towering karst peaks rise up from lush valleys, and rivers wind through sleepy villages. It’s peaceful, poetic and absolutely stunning.

Whether you’re cruising down the Li River or riding an e-bike between rice paddies, this is the slow, soulful part of the trip. Take your time—breathe, explore and savour every view.

Where to stay
Luxury: Banyan Tree Yangshuo – peaceful riverside villas with views to die for
Mid-range: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat – eco-chic escape with authentic local touches
Budget: Wada Hostel Guilin – fun, clean and reliable

Local tip: Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays—crowds can be intense.

Breathtaking karst mountains in misty Guilin, China with river scenery and lush greenery.

Days 10–11: Zhangjiajie – Avatar Mountains IRL

Just when you think China can’t get any more dramatic, Zhangjiajie enters the chat. This is nature turned up to eleven—epic cliffs, misty forest trails and peaks that seem to float in the clouds. It’s where fantasy meets reality.

These are the landscapes that inspired Avatar, and they’re just as jaw-dropping in person. Get ready for skywalks, glass bridges and thigh-burning hikes that reward you with insane views.

Where to stay in Zhangjiajie
Luxury: Pullman Zhangjiajie – modern rooms close to the park
Mid-range: Da Cheng Shanshui Hotel – big, comfy and convenient
Budget: Destination Youth Hostel – A friendly, clean and highly rated spot

Local tip: Book a local driver for early morning access—public transport starts late.

Explore the stunning rock formations of Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China at sunset, adding drama to the landscape.

Days 12–14: Shanghai – city lights and dumpling delights

Arriving in Shanghai feels like teleporting into the future. The skyline sparkles, the metro hums and everything moves at a pace that makes your head spin—in a good way. It’s big, bold and buzzing with life.

But look closer and you’ll find pockets of calm: old temples, leafy streets, dumpling shops passed down through generations. Shanghai is full of surprises, and it’s the perfect finale for your China adventure.

Where to stay in Shanghai
Luxury: The Peninsula Shanghai – timeless style on the Bund
Mid-range: Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel – affordable, clean and walkable to everything
Budget: Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel – cheap, cheerful and central

Local tip: Don’t miss the Maglev train to the airport—it’s a 430 km/h thrill ride.

Majestic view of Shanghai's illuminated skyline featuring iconic skyscrapers at night.

How to get around China

Getting around China is easier than most people expect. High-speed trains are sleek and fast—often beating flight times—and you can book them easily through Trip.com or 12Go Asia. Domestic flights are common for long distances, but keep an eye on delays.

In cities, the metro is your best friend: clean, reliable and surprisingly easy to use even if you don’t speak Mandarin. For everything else, DiDi (China’s Uber) is gold—just download the app and set up an international card before you arrive.

Misty mountain peaks of Huangshan, China enveloped in fog, creating a serene and dramatic landscape.

Final word

China is wild, massive, unforgettable—and completely worth it. This itinerary is designed to hit the highlights while giving you a real taste of the country’s incredible depth. Whether you’re a first-timer or a return traveller, it’s the kind of trip that changes you.


Best travel resources for your trip!

If you found this post useful, please use the affiliate links below. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use. Read the disclaimer for more information. Thanks for your support! – Matt.

Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Rideshare: DiDi
Tours: TourRadar
SIM Cards: Simify
VPN: Surfshark

Author: Matthew Turk

Matt is a Brisbane-based adventurer and content creator passionate about growth, fitness, creativity and travel. Matt loves crafting vibrant content that inspires and entertains.


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