BEST Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Chengdu Itinerary: 2-14 Days (2026)
Hi! This itinerary is based on my personal experiences.
Iâm 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 đŒ
In this itinerary, you will discover four of Chinaâs 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 worldâs 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.
Iâm not an agency. Iâve shared this itinerary to help you organise it independently like I did.
Thatâs part of the fun!
You can still book tours for individual attractions + activities like food tours separately.
Itâs possible to do this itinerary in reverse!
Planning Resources
đïž 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!
đ I recommend booking trains on Trip as it offers the best English language interface + you can reserve tickets further in advance.
đČ The Apps You Need đ Internet Access + Data đ§łBefore You Arrive Guide
Quick Summary
Shanghai (2 days) âĄïž Hangzhou (2 days) âĄïž Zhangjiajie (3 days) âĄïž Furong (1 day) âĄïž Fenghuang (1 day) âĄïž Chongqing (2 days) âĄïž Chengdu (3 days)
Popular add-on: Suzhou (1-2 days)
Note: This is my custom map is from Wanderlog. No.3 stop in Changsha is for routing purposes only. You donât have to visit Changsha.
SEE FULL ITINERARY FOR EACH DAY BELOW
đĄYou donât have to visit all cities. This is a flexible itinerary.
Youâll 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
Day 1 - SHANGHAI
Why I find this day special: a futuristic skyline, tranquil places, and a very lively pedestrian street
AM - Jingâan Temple
PM - Shanghai Tower/Oriental Pearl Tower observation deck âĄïž Yu Garden âĄïž Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street âĄïž The Bund promenade đđ» buy your tickets here
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đïžSleep in Shanghai (2 nights)
đđ» 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 Jingâan Temple and a combination of both local and international restaurants
This hotel and this one are fantastic for skyline views.
Activities to consider
đđ» 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 âĄïž Shanghai Museum/China Art Museum
PM - Tianzifang âĄïž Xintiandi âĄïž Shanghai Circus World đđ» buy your tickets here
đïžSleep in Shanghai
đMy suggested meals: xiÇo lĂłng bÄo ć°çŹŒć , shÄng jiÄn bÄo çç ć , yĂĄng chĆ«n miĂ n éłæ„éą
đ„ąMy suggested eating districts: Nanjing Lu, Wujiang Lu, Chenghuangmiao Laojie
đRecommended shopping areas for souvenirs/electronics: West Nanjing Lu, East Nanjing Lu, Tianzifang, Xintiandi
âFor an expanded Shanghai itinerary, check out my Ultimate Shanghai Travel Guide
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In one line: One of Chinaâs most scenic cities! A strong tea and silk culture.
Day 3 - HANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: exploring one of Chinaâs picturesque and culturally rich lakes. Sampling Longjing tea is the best!
đ Early morning - Take the train from Shanghai Hongqiao/South station to Hangzhou East station
đđ» book your train here
âTravel Time - Around 45-60 mins
âŹïž(leave luggage at hotel)
Late morning - arrive at West Lake đđ» buy your tickets here
PM - Lingyin Temple âĄïž Longjing tea plantations âĄïž National Tea Museum âĄïž Leifeng Pagoda âĄïž Boat Ride to Xiaoying Island âĄïž Hefang Jie
đïžSleep 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 4 - HANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: learning about the fascinating craft of silk + seeing ancient architecture + seeing one of Chinaâs most modern skylines
AM - Chenghuang Pavilion âĄïž National Silk Museum
PM - Liuhe Pagoda âĄïž Qiantang River Bridge âĄïž Qiantang New Town
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đïžSleep in Hangzhou
âCheck out my Hangzhou Ultimate Travel Guide
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My suggested 9-DAY itinerary đŁ
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 âĄïž FENGHUANG ANCIENT TOWN
Why I find this day special: this river town really gives me a feeling of ancient times. Its name literally means âPhoenix Ancient Townâ.
đ Early morning - Take the train from Hangzhou East station to Fenghuanggucheng station
đđ» book your train here
âTravel Time - Around 5.5hrs to 7hrs
âŹïžafter arriving, take maglev train to Fenghuang Lansheng ć€ć°æœèç« + walk to your hotel. Or you can take a taxi.
PM - Nanhuamen âĄïž Nanhuaqiao (Bridge) ććæĄ„ âĄïž Tuojiang Tiaoyan (stepping stones) æȱæ±è·łćČ© âĄïž Fenghuang Cultural Square ć€ć°æććčżćș âĄïž explore freely âĄïž Hongqiao (Bridge) èčæĄ„ âĄïž Wuqiao (Bridge) éŸæĄ„ âĄïž river cruise
đïžSleep in Fenghuang (1 night)
Day 6 - FENGHUANG ANCIENT TOWN âĄïž FURONG ANCIENT TOWN âĄïž ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: the walk behind the waterfall is simply magical! So many angles to view it.
đ Late Morning - Take the train from Fenghuanggucheng station to Furongzhen stationđđ» book your train here
âTravel Time - Around 30-45 mins
âŹïž(leave your luggage at the station)
PM - Furong Pubu (Waterfall) èèçćž âĄïž Tuwangqiao (Bridge) ćçæĄ„ âĄïž explore the cobbled streets âĄïž evening show at Yinan Guangchang çżŒććčżćș
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đ Take one of the 9pm trains from Furongzhen station to Zhangjiajiexi station đđ» book your train here
âTravel Time - Around 30 mins
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đTake a DiDi to your hotel in Wulingyuan.
đïžSleep in Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan district) (2 nights)
Day 7 - ZHANGJIAJIE
Why I find this day special: A surreal time to explore the world of Avatar! Itâs simply mind-blowing!
All Day - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ćŒ ćź¶çćœćź¶æŁźæć Źć đđ» buy your tickets here
Tianzishan Cable Car âĄïž Tianzishan (Mountain) 怩ćć±±
âĄïž Bailong Elevator çŸéŸć€©æąŻ âĄïž Yuanjiajie Observation Platform èąćź¶ç
âĄïž Jinbianxi (Golden Whip Stream) ééæșȘ
âĄïž Shili hualang (Ten Mile Gallery) ćéç»ć»
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đïžSleep 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 ćŒ ćź¶çć€§ćłĄè°· đđ» buy your tickets here
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge ć€§ćłĄè°·ç»çæĄ„ âĄïž Zipline or Elevator or Hike
If you have time âĄïž Huanglongdong (Cave) é»éŸæŽ
âŹïž collect luggage from hotel + take DiDi to another hotel in Zhangjiajieâs central district
đïžSleep 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 Heavenâs Gate 怩éšć±±
đđ» buy your tickets here
Cableway âĄïž Glass Skywalk 怩éšć±±ç»çæ é âĄïž Tianmendong (Cave) 怩éšæŽ
âĄïž Tianmen Fox Fairy (Huxian) Show 怩éšçä» âĄïž 72 Wonder Tower äžćäșć„æ„Œ
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đïžSleep in Zhangjiajie City Central
đMy suggested meals: three in a pot (sÄn xiĂ guĆ) äžäžé , stewed chicken with rock tripe ćČ©èłç鞥, preserved pork (lĂ rĂČu) è è
đ„ąMy suggested eating districts: main streets of Wulingyuan, especially the east side near xÄ« bĂč jiÄ æșȘćžèĄ
area round nĂĄnmĂ©nkÇu ćéšćŁçŸéŁèĄ + dĂ yĆng fÇchĂ©ng 性ćșžćșć in Zhangjiajie City (north side of river)
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My suggested 11-DAY itinerary đŁ
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: Chongqing is known as 8D city. The most unique city Iâve ever been to!
Day 10 - ZHANGJIAJIE âĄïž CHONGQING
Why I find this day special: The most mind-blowing night-time views Iâve ever seen + some brain twisters!
đ Morning - Take the train from Zhangjiajiexi station to Chongqing stationđđ» book your train here
âTravel Time - Around 2-3 hrs
đïžCheck into hotel
âŹïž
PM - Liziba âĄïž Kuixinglou âĄïž Chaotianmen Square âĄïž Hongyadong âĄïž Jialing River Beach
âĄïž Daijiaxiang Cliff Path âĄïž Jiefangbei âĄïž Deyi Shijie
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đïžSleep in Chongqing (2 nights)
đđ» 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 âĄïž Chongqing Peopleâs Auditorium
PM - Shibati âĄïž Huguang Guild Hall âĄïž Longmenhao Old Street âĄïž Xiahaoli âĄïž Nanbin Road Promenade
đđ» buy your tickets here
đïžSleep in Chongqing
đMy suggested meals: Chongqing hotpot, Chongqing noodles (xiaomian), spicy chili chicken
đ„ąMy suggested eating districts: Go to Bayilu Food Street + Xiahaoli
âFor an expanded Chongqing itinerary, check out my Ultimate Chongqing Travel Guide
My suggested 14-DAY itinerary đŁ
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 âĄïž CHENGDU
Why I find this day special: relaxing in one of Chinaâs most laid-back cities + tasting the best of Sichuan cuisine
đ Morning - Take the train from Chongqing West/North station to Chengdu East station
đđ» book your train here
âTravel Time - Around 1-1.5 hrs
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PM - Wuhou Shrine âĄïž Tianfu Square âĄïž Peopleâs Park âĄïž Jinli Ancient Street đđ» buy your tickets here
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đïžSleep in Chengdu (3 nights)
đđ» Consider staying in a panda themed hotel (an example is this one)
âĄïž For further details about best districts, check out my Ultimate Chengdu Travel Guide
Activities to consider
đđ» Food tour with a local guide
âŹïž
Day 13 - CHENGDU
Why I find this day special: getting close up to so many pandas + visiting one of Chinaâs most underrated museums
AM - Panda Base đđ» book your ticket here
PM - Sanxingdui Museum âĄïž Chunxi Lu âĄïž Anshun Bridge đđ» buy your ticket here
đïžSleep 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 âĄïž New Century Global Center âĄïž Towers of Vitality âĄïž Panda Twin Towers
đđ» buy your tickets here
đïžSleep in Chengdu + depart for next destination/home in the morning
đMy suggested meals: kung pao chicken ćź«äżéžĄäž, mapo tofu éș»ć©è±è , Sichuan hotpot ćć·ç«é
đ„ąMy suggested eating districts: Chunxi Lu + Taikoo Li (æ„çè·Ż + ć€Șć€é), Jinli Ancient Street éŠéć€èĄ
âFor more details, check out my Ultimate Chengdu Travel Guide
SUMMARY NOTESđ
You donât have to do the full itinerary. Cut and swap depending on what interests you the most!
LENGTH OF STAY đ
If youâre 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 đŹ
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
If you want an even longer trip in this part of China, consider adding the following destinations:
âĄïž Suzhou
âĄïž Water towns like Tongli, Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Nanxun
âĄïž Huangshan
âĄïž Wulong Karst
âĄïž Changsha
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 Chengdu and Sichuan Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
Best Shanghai + East China Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
BEST Beijing, Xiâan, Chengdu, Chongqing Itinerary: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10+ Days
BEST Beijing, Xiâan, Nanjing, Shanghai Itinerary: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10+ Days
BEST Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, HK Itinerary: 3-10+ 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
