BEST Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Chengdu Itinerary: 2-14 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 four of China’s most advanced cities + the true Avatar mountains + two ancient towns.
A great balance of skyscrapers, lakes, city life, nature, villages, history, and 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!

🛏️ 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

Shanghai (2 days) ➡️ Hangzhou (2 days) ➡️ Zhangjiajie (3 days) ➡️ Furong (1 day) ➡️ Fenghuang (1 day) ➡️ Chongqing (2 days) ➡️ Chengdu (3 days)
Popular add-on: Suzhou (1-2 days)
SEE FULL ITINERARY BELOW
💡You don’t have to visit all cities. This is a flexible itinerary.
You’ll see the itinerary is split into separate 4-day, 9-day, 11-day, 14-day sections.
Use this as your template + modify + delete to suit your length of stay & preferences

My suggested 4-DAY itinerary 👣

4 days is perfect for visiting Shanghai and Hangzhou.

In one line: one of China’s most futuristic and cosmopolitan cities. The skyline never gets old!

Day 1 - SHANGHAI
Why I find this day special: a futuristic skyline, tranquil places, and a very lively pedestrian street
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 (2 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 2 - 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
🍜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
🎁Recommended shopping areas for souvenirs/electronics: West Nanjing Lu, East Nanjing Lu, Tianzifang, Xintiandi
❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Shanghai Travel Guide
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In one line: One of China’s most scenic cities! A strong tea and silk culture.

Day 3 - 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
👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 45-60 mins
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
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
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 4 - 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
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My suggested 9-DAY itinerary 👣

9 days is great for visiting 4-5 places across different parts of China.

This itinerary follows on from the previous section:

Day 5 - HANGZHOU ➡️ FENGHUANG ANCIENT TOWN
Why I find this day special: this river town really gives me a feeling of ancient times. Its name literally means “Phoenix Ancient Town”.
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Hangzhou East station to Fenghuanggucheng station
👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 5.5hrs to 7hrs
⬇️after arriving, take maglev train to Fenghuang Lansheng 凤凰揽胜站 + walk to your hotel. Or you can take a taxi.
PM - Nanhuamen ➡️ Nanhuaqiao (Bridge) 南华桥 ➡️ Tuojiang Tiaoyan (stepping stones) 沱江跳岩 ➡️ Fenghuang Cultural Square 凤凰文化广场 ➡️ explore freely ➡️ Hongqiao (Bridge) 虹桥 ➡️ Wuqiao (Bridge) 雾桥 ➡️ river cruise
🛏️Sleep in Fenghuang (1 night)

Day 6 - FENGHUANG ANCIENT TOWN ➡️ FURONG ANCIENT TOWN ➡️ ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: the walk behind the waterfall is simply magical! So many angles to view it.
🚅Late Morning - Take the train from Fenghuanggucheng station to Furongzhen station👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 30-45 mins
⬇️(leave your luggage at the station)
PM - Furong Pubu (Waterfall) 芙蓉瀑布 ➡️ Tuwangqiao (Bridge) 土王桥 ➡️ explore the cobbled streets ➡️ evening show at Yinan Guangchang 翼南广场
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🚅Take one of the 9pm trains from Furongzhen station to Zhangjiajiexi station 👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 30 mins
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🚕Take a DiDi to your hotel in Wulingyuan.
🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan district) (2 nights)

Day 7 - ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: A surreal time to explore the world of Avatar! It’s simply mind-blowing!
All Day - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park 张家界国家森林公园 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
Tianzishan Cable Car ➡️ Tianzishan (Mountain) 天子山
➡️ Bailong Elevator 百龙天梯 ➡️ Yuanjiajie Observation Platform 袁家界
➡️ Jinbianxi (Golden Whip Stream) 金鞭溪
➡️ Shili hualang (Ten Mile Gallery) 十里画廊
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🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan district)
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Day 8 - ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: one of the most heart-dropping experiences of my life!
All Day - Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon 张家界大峡谷 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge 大峡谷玻璃桥 ➡️ Zipline or Elevator or Hike
If you have time ➡️ Huanglongdong (Cave) 黄龙洞
⬇️ collect luggage from hotel + take DiDi to another hotel in Zhangjiajie’s central district
🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie City Central (2 nights)
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Day 9 - ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: really made me feel like being in another world.
All Day - Tianmenshan (Mountain) - literally Mountain of Heaven’s Gate 天门山
👉🏻 buy your tickets here
Cableway ➡️ Glass Skywalk 天门山玻璃栈道 ➡️ Tianmendong (Cave) 天门洞
➡️ Tianmen Fox Fairy (Huxian) Show 天门狐仙 ➡️ 72 Wonder Tower 七十二奇楼
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🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie City Central
🍜My suggested meals: three in a pot (sān xià guō) 三下锅, stewed chicken with rock tripe 岩耳炖鸡, preserved pork (là ròu) 腊肉
🥢My suggested eating districts: main streets of Wulingyuan, especially the east side near xī bù jiē 溪布街
area round nánménkǒu 南门口美食街 + dàyōng fǔchéng 大庸府城 in Zhangjiajie City (north side of river)
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My suggested 11-DAY itinerary 👣

This itinerary follows on from the previous section:

In one line: Chongqing is known as 8D city. The most unique city I’ve ever been to!

Day 10 - ZHANGJIAJIE ➡️ CHONGQING
Why I find this day special: The most mind-blowing night-time views I’ve ever seen + some brain twisters!
🚅Morning - Take the train from Zhangjiajiexi station to Chongqing station👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 2-3 hrs
🛏️Check into hotel
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PM - Liziba ➡️ Kuixinglou ➡️ Chaotianmen Square ➡️ Hongyadong ➡️ Jialing River Beach
➡️ Daijiaxiang Cliff Path ➡️ Jiefangbei ➡️ Deyi Shijie
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🛏️Sleep in Chongqing (2 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend Regent Chongqing and Intercontinental Chongqing for its incredible skyline views.
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Day 11 - CHONGQING
Why I find this day special: Serious history stuff + lots of fancy staircase districts!
AM - Three Gorges Museum ➡️ Chongqing People’s Auditorium
PM - Shibati ➡️ Huguang Guild Hall ➡️ Longmenhao Old Street ➡️ Xiahaoli ➡️ Nanbin Road Promenade
👉🏻 buy your tickets here
🛏️Sleep in Chongqing
🍜My suggested meals: Chongqing hotpot, Chongqing noodles (xiaomian), spicy chili chicken
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Bayilu Food Street + Xiahaoli

❗For an expanded Chongqing itinerary, check out my Ultimate Chongqing Travel Guide

My suggested 14-DAY itinerary 👣

This itinerary follows on from the previous section:

In one line: Chengdu is the heart of Sichuan cuisine and the panda capital! I find it so heartwarming!

Day 12 - CHONGQING ➡️ CHENGDU
Why I find this day special: relaxing in one of China’s most laid-back cities + tasting the best of Sichuan cuisine
🚅Morning - Take the train from Chongqing West/North station to Chengdu East station
👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 1-1.5 hrs
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PM - Wuhou Shrine ➡️ Tianfu Square ➡️ People’s Park ➡️ Jinli Ancient Street 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
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🛏️Sleep in Chengdu (3 nights)
👉🏻 Consider staying in a panda themed hotel (an example is this one)
➡️ For further details about best districts, check out my Ultimate Chengdu Travel Guide
Activities to consider
👉🏻 Food tour with a local guide
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Day 13 - CHENGDU
Why I find this day special: getting close up to so many pandas + visiting one of China’s most underrated museums
AM - Panda Base 👉🏻 book your ticket here
PM - Sanxingdui Museum ➡️ Chunxi Lu ➡️ Anshun Bridge 👉🏻 buy your ticket here
🛏️Sleep in Chengdu

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Day 14 - CHENGDU
Why I find this day special: lots of relaxing vibes + seeing futuristic architecture
AM - Wenshu Monastery
PM - Dufu Thatched Cottage ➡️ New Century Global Center ➡️ Towers of Vitality ➡️ Panda Twin Towers
👉🏻 buy your tickets here
🛏️Sleep in Chengdu + depart for next destination/home in the morning

🍜My suggested meals: kung pao chicken 宫保鸡丁, mapo tofu 麻婆豆腐, Sichuan hotpot 四川火锅

🥢My suggested eating districts: Chunxi Lu + Taikoo Li (春熙路 + 太古里), Jinli Ancient Street 锦里古街

❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Chengdu Travel Guide

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’re mainly here for Shanghai and Hangzhou, I recommend at least 4-5 days.
If you mainly want to explore cities, I recommend at least 9-10 days.
If you want a more full-on experience covering Zhangjiajie and ancient villages, I recommend at least 14 days.
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MY ADVICE FOR ARRIVAL CITY 🛬
I recommend you fly directly into Shanghai for this itinerary.
You can also do this itinerary in reverse by flying into Chengdu.
Check out my article The 9 Best Airports To Fly Into China
✈️Check if you can get the cheapest flights here
If you want an even longer trip in this part of China, consider adding the following destinations:
➡️ Suzhou
➡️ Water towns like Tongli, Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Nanxun
➡️ Huangshan
➡️ Wulong Karst
➡️ Changsha
For ticket prices, see ultimate guide for each city!
These articles are particularly relevant for planning your trip:
What You Need To Know Before You Arrive In China
Payments
Internet Access
By the way, check if you can save money on your China trip by:
👉 Comparing flight prices to China HERE
👉 Comparing hotel rates in China HERE
For more itinerary ideas, see:
My selected China itineraries for 2026
Best Chengdu and Sichuan Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
Best Shanghai + East China Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
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 Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Guilin Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
Where to Visit page
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