BEST Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, HK Itinerary: 3, 7, 10+ Days (2026)
Hi! This itinerary is based on my personal experiences.
I’m a native Chinese and the creator of this website, Yenkid In China.
With my all-in-one guide, you will find it much easier to plan your trip!
My take 🐼
In this itinerary, you will discover two of China’s ancient capitals, four of its most advanced cities, and two beautiful scenic cities.
I have personally visited them.
A great balance of historical sites, city life, nature, skyscrapers, local culture.
And of course many regional dishes from one of the world’s most delicious cuisines!
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I have provided a detailed day-by-day breakdown, my secret tips, and recommended links for you to book your trip.
You can organise this trip entirely by yourself. You do not have to book with a tour agency to organise this.
I’m not an agency. I’ve shared this itinerary to help you organise it independently like I did.
That’s part of the fun!
You can still book tours for individual attractions + activities like food tours separately.
It’s possible to do this itinerary in reverse!
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🛏️ I book hotels on Trip because it gives me the best prices ($26 cheaper for one booking!) + has way more hotels for China. What made it even cheaper was getting exclusive discounts as a new user. Register here!
🚅 I recommend booking trains on Trip as it offers the best English language interface + you can reserve tickets further in advance.
Quick Summary
Beijing (3 days) ➡️ Nanjing (3 days) ➡️ Shanghai (4 days) including day trip to Suzhou
➡️ Hangzhou (2 days) ➡️ Guangzhou (3 days) ➡️ Shenzhen (1 day) ➡️ Hong Kong (4 days)
More cities to add at bottom of article.
SEE FULL ITINERARY BELOW
💡You DO NOT have to visit all cities. This is a flexible itinerary. But I recommend it!
You’ll see the itinerary is split into separate 3-day, 10-day, 12-day, 15-day, 20-day sections.
Use this as your template + modify + delete to suit your length of stay & preferences
If you’re looking for an itinerary that covers Xi’an and Chengdu, check out my:
BEST Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing Itinerary: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10+ Days
My suggested 3-DAY itinerary 👣
3 days is great for visiting Beijing.
In one line: Beijing is truly one of the world’s grandest cities, with so many historic landmarks and unique neighbourhoods to admire.
Day 1 - BEIJING
Why I find this day special: taking in the gigantic scale of Beijing’s landmarks
AM - Tiananmen Square ➡️ Forbidden City ➡️ Jingshan Park 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Nanluoguxiang ➡️ Shichahai ➡️ Drum Tower + Bell Tower ➡️ Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
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🛏️Sleep in Beijing (3 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend New World Beijing for its central location, which is one of the best I’ve ever stayed in.
+ Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing for its skyline views
➡️ For further details about best districts, check out my Ultimate Beijing Travel Guide
Activities to consider
👉🏻 Food tour with a local guide
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Day 2 - BEIJING
Why I find this day special: the most famous wall in the world + one of the most majestic temples
AM - Great Wall 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Temple of Heaven
🛏️Sleep in Beijing
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Day 3 - BEIJING
Why I find this day special: beautiful gardens + magnificent lakes + modern architecture
AM - Summer Palace ➡️ Old Summer Palace ➡️ 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Bird’s Nest Stadium ➡️ Water Cube ➡️ 798 Art Zone ➡️ CCTV Headquarters ➡️ Sanlitun
🛏️Sleep in Beijing
🍜My suggested meals: Peking duck 北京烤鸭, zhajiangmian 炸酱面, pan fried crepe 煎饼
🥢My suggested eating districts: Wangfujing 王府井, Qianmen 前门大街, Guijie 簋街
❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Beijing Travel Guide for a detailed breakdown
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My suggested 10-DAY itinerary 👣
10 days is great for visiting 3-4 places.
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: one of China’s four ancient capitals, rich with history from multiple periods. A traditional-modern vibe.
Day 4 - BEIJING ➡️ NANJING
Why I find this day special: exploring the city’s most famous lake, its most iconic temple, and the Ming city wall.
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Beijing South station to Nanjing South station
⌚Travel Time - Around 3-4 hrs
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PM - Xuanwu Lake ➡️ Jiming Temple ➡️ City Wall, Jiefangmen ➡️ 1912 District
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🛏️Sleep in Nanjing (3 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend staying in Xuanwu district or Qinhuai district, the two most central districts near most of the classic attractions. Near Xinjiekou or Xuanwu Lake is best in my opinion.
This hotel is centrally located and has delivery robots.
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Day 5 - NANJING
Why I find this day special: A really unforgettable visit + learning about the history of China’s far and near past. Don’t miss it!
AM - Memorial Hall of Nanjing Massacre
PM - Presidential Palace ➡️ Porcelain Tower of Nanjing ➡️ Laomendong ➡️ Qinhuai River ➡️ Fuzimiao
🛏️Sleep in Nanjing
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Day 6 - NANJING
Why I find this day special: one of the China’s best museum collections + a scenic day full of history
AM - Nanjing Museum ➡️ Zijin Mountain Scenic Area
PM - Meilinggong ➡️ Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum ➡️ Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum ➡️ Yinyuetai (Music Hall) ➡️ Linggu Temple (all within the Zijin Mountain Scenic Area)
🛏️Sleep in Nanjing
🍜My suggested meals: Nanjing duck 南京烤鸭, salted duck 盐水鸭, tangbao (soup dumplings) 汤包
🥢My suggested eating districts: 1912 District, Fuzimiao 夫子庙, Laomendong 老门东
❗Check out my Nanjing Ultimate Travel Guide
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In one line: one of China’s most futuristic and cosmopolitan cities. The skyline never gets old!
Day 7 - NANJING ➡️ SHANGHAI
Why I find this day special: a futuristic skyline, tranquil places, and a very lively pedestrian street
🚅Morning - Take the train from Nanjing South station to Shanghai/Shanghai Hongqiao station
⌚Travel Time - Around 1 hr
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AM - Jing’an Temple
PM - Shanghai Tower/Oriental Pearl Tower observation deck ➡️ Yu Garden ➡️ Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ The Bund promenade 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
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🛏️Sleep in Shanghai (4 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend staying in the following districts:
Huangpu district - if you want quick access to majority of attractions. Some hotels will have views of the Huangpu River, the Bund, or the Pudong skyline
Jingan district - if you want to be close to Jing’an Temple and a combination of both local and international restaurants
This hotel and this one are fantastic for skyline views.
Activities to consider
👉🏻 Food tour with a local guide
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Day 8 - SHANGHAI
Why I find this day special: the serene neighbourhoods and classic landmarks
AM - Wukang Mansion ➡️ Shanghai Museum/China Art Museum
PM - Tianzifang ➡️ Xintiandi ➡️ Shanghai Circus World 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
🛏️Sleep in Shanghai
Day 9 - SHANGHAI
Why I find this day special: free exploration to have a personalised experience
All day - free day to explore, eat, shop
OR visit a theme park like Shanghai Disneyland
OR visit a water town like Zhujiajiao
🛏️Sleep in Shanghai
🍜My suggested meals: xiǎo lóng bāo 小笼包, shēng jiān bāo 生煎包, yáng chūn miàn 阳春面
🥢My suggested eating districts: Nanjing Lu, Wujiang Lu, Chenghuangmiao Laojie
❗For an expanded Shanghai itinerary, check out my Shanghai Ultimate Travel Guide
In one line: a city covered with canals and traditional gardens. A chill vibe.
Day 10 - SHANGHAI ➡️ SUZHOU
Why I find this day special: some of the most picturesque gardens I have visited + the canal scenery is just so relaxing
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Shanghai station to Suzhou station 👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 30 mins
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AM - Humble Administrator’s Garden👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Suzhou Museum ➡️ Lion Grove Garden ➡️ Pingjiang Lu ➡️ Qilishantang ➡️ Gate To The East ➡️ Jinji Lake
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🚅Late evening - Take the train back from Suzhou station to Shanghai station 👉🏻 book your train here
🛏️Sleep in Shanghai
🍜My suggested meals: sweet and sour squirrel fish 松鼠桂鱼, ào zào miàn 奥灶面, crab roe noodles 蟹黃面
🥢My suggested eating districts: Pingjiang Lu 平江路, Guanqianjie 观前街
❗For an expanded Suzhou itinerary, check out my Suzhou Ultimate Travel Guide
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My suggested 12-DAY itinerary 👣
12 days is great for visiting 4-5 places.
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: One of China’s most scenic cities! A strong tea and silk culture.
Day 11 - SHANGHAI ➡️ HANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: exploring one of China’s picturesque and culturally rich lakes. Sampling Longjing tea is the best!
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Shanghai Hongqiao/South station to Hangzhou East station
⌚Travel Time - Around 45-60 mins
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Late morning - arrive at West Lake 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Lingyin Temple ➡️ Longjing tea plantations ➡️ National Tea Museum ➡️ Leifeng Pagoda ➡️ Boat Ride to Xiaoying Island ➡️ Hefang Jie
🛏️Sleep in Hangzhou (2 nights)
I recommend you stay near the West Lake area, at least near the eastern side of the lake.
This hotel is near West Lake, offering spectacular surroundings.
Day 12 - HANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: learning about the fascinating craft of silk + seeing ancient architecture + seeing one of China’s most modern skylines
AM - Chenghuang Pavilion ➡️ National Silk Museum
PM - Liuhe Pagoda ➡️ Qiantang River Bridge ➡️ Qiantang New Town
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🛏️Sleep in Hangzhou
❗Check out my Hangzhou Ultimate Travel Guide
My suggested 15-DAY itinerary 👣
15 days is great for visiting 5-6 places.
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: I love Guangzhou for its Cantonese food paradise, an underrated skyline, and superb temples.
Day 13 - HANGZHOU ➡️ GUANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: world’s 2nd tallest TV tower + one of the world’s best skylines
🚅Morning - Take the train from Hangzhou East station to Guangzhou South/East station👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 6 hrs
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PM - Beijing Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ Dafo Temple ➡️ Pearl River Cruise (Tianzi Pier)
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🛏️Sleep in Guangzhou (3 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend staying in Tianhe district around Huacheng Square or Tiyu Xilu.
Four Seasons Guangzhou and Rosewood Guangzhou have skyline views.
Day 14 - GUANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: the old city of Guangzhou - packed with temples, diverse architecture, and food heaven
AM - Canton Tower (including observation deck or Bubble Tram) ➡️ Canton Tower Plaza👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Haixinqiao Bridge ➡️ Haixinsha Park ➡️ Huacheng Square ➡️ Tiyu Xilu commercial district 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
🛏️Sleep in Guangzhou
Day 15 - GUANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: the old city of Guangzhou - packed with temples, diverse architecture, and food heaven
AM - Guangxiao Temple ➡️ Liurong Temple ➡️ Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
PM - Nanyue King Museum ➡️ Yongqingfang ➡️ Shangxiajiu 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
🛏️Sleep in Guangzhou
🍜My suggested meals: dim sum, roast goose, chang fen
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Beijing Lu (specifically south of Dafo Temple) + Xihua Lu
❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Guangzhou Travel Guide
My suggested 20-DAY itinerary 👣
20 days is great for visiting 7-8 places.
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: Shenzhen is China’s leading tech city. A lot of mindblowing skyscrapers and novel tech to see.
Day 16 - GUANGZHOU ➡️ SHENZHEN
Why I find this day special: a panorama of tech city + world’s 5th tallest + drone delivery + one of the world’s greatest metro stations + underground malls
🚅Morning - Take the train from Guangzhou South/East station to Shenzhen North station 👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 30 mins
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
AM - Lianhuashan Park skyline platform ➡️ Ping An IFC 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Coco Park ➡️ Link Street ➡️ Talent Park ➡️ Gangxia North Station ➡️ Dongmen Pedestrian Street
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🛏️Sleep in Shenzhen (1 night)
👉🏻 I recommend staying in Futian district which is central to most attractions.
Mandarin Oriental Shenzhen has skyline views.
🍜My suggested meals: coconut chicken, claypot rice, roast meats🥢My suggested eating districts: Eat at Dongmen Pedestrian Street + Coco Park + Link Street + Seaworld
❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Shenzhen Travel Guide
In one line: Hong Kong’s harbour skyline, islands, and local cuisine are absolutely mind-blowing, even after so many years.
Day 17 - SHENZHEN ➡️ HONG KONG
Why I find this day special: seeing Hong Kong from the water + the Peak on the same day!
🚅Morning - Take the train from Futian station in Shenzhen to Hong Kong West Kowloon station 👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 15 mins
⬇️leave luggage at hotel
AM - Avenue of Stars ➡️ Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour ➡️ Peak Tram ➡️ Victoria Peak 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Central Mid-Levels ➡️ Lan Kwai Fong ➡️ Hong Kong Observation Wheel ➡️ Hong Kong Tramways (to Wan Chai) ➡️ Wan Chai ➡️ Causeway Bay
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🛏️Sleep in Hong Kong (4 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend Royal Plaza in Mong Kok for its central location
+ The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong for its skyline views
➡️ For further details about best districts in my Ultimate Hong Kong Travel Guide
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Day 18 - HONG KONG
Why I find this day special: culturally rich + experiencing one of the most populated districts in the world
AM - West Kowloon Cultural District ➡️ Palace Museum / M+ Museum 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Tsim Sha Tsui ➡️ Mong Kok street walk ➡️ Temple Street Night Market
🛏️Sleep in Hong Kong
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Day 19 - HONG KONG
Why I find this day special: the nature side of Hong Kong. So many people overlook it.
AM - Ngong Ping 360 ➡️ Ngong Ping village ➡️ Tian Tan Buddha 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Tai O ➡️ Tung Chung
🛏️Sleep in Hong Kong
Day 20 - HONG KONG
Why I find this day special: free choice
All day - free day to explore, eat, shop
OR visit a theme park like Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park
OR visit one of the outer islands like Lamma Island or Cheung Chau
OR hike one of the nature trails like the MacLehose Trail
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🛏️Sleep in Hong Kong + depart for next destination/home in the morning
🍜My suggested meals: dim sum, roast meats, won ton noodles
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Mong Kok + Tsim Sha Tsui districts in Kowloon. Wellington Street in Central + area around Queen’s Road East in Wan Chai
🎁Recommended shopping areas for souvenirs/electronics: Golden Computer Arcade in Sham Shui Po + Kowloon Souvenir Shop in Tsim Sha Tsui
❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Hong Kong Travel Guide for a detailed breakdown
SUMMARY NOTES📝
You don’t have to do the full itinerary. Cut and swap depending on what interests you the most!
LENGTH OF STAY 📅
If you can only choose the three most important cities, I recommend at least 8-9 days.
If you want to visit all cities with decent time for exploration, I recommend at least 17-18 days.
If you want a more full-on experience covering day trips away from the cities, I recommend at least 25-26 days.
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MY ADVICE FOR ARRIVAL CITY 🛬
I recommend you fly directly into Beijing for this itinerary. You can also do this itinerary in reverse by landing in Hong Kong.
Check out my article The 9 Best Airports To Fly Into China
If you want an even longer trip in this part of China, consider adding the following destinations:
➡️ Water towns like Tongli, Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Nanxun
➡️ Huangshan and Huangling village
➡️ Wuxi
➡️ Wangxiangu
➡️ Jingdezhen - the porcelain capital
➡️ Macau
For ticket prices, see ultimate guide for each city!
These articles are particularly relevant for planning your trip:
By the way, check if you can save money on your China trip by:
For more itinerary ideas, see:
My selected China itineraries for 2026
BEST Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing Itinerary: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10+ Days
BEST Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing, Shanghai Itinerary: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10+ Days
BEST Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Chengdu Itinerary: 2-14 Days
Best Shanghai + East China Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
Best Chengdu and Sichuan Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
BEST Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Guilin Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
To work out how much time to spend in China, check out:
How Long Should I Spend In China On My First Trip? Example Itineraries
