Ultimate China Itinerary: Best 7, 14, 21, 30-Day Guides (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!
Introduction 🐼
In this itinerary, you will discover:
➡️ four of China’s great ancient capitals +
➡️ four of its most futuristic cities +
➡️ three of its most beautiful scenic cities +
➡️ home of the Panda Research Base +
➡️ one of the most mind-bending cities in the world +
➡️ the true Avatar mountains +
➡️ an ancient town +
➡️ an iconic mountain village
(You DO NOT have to visit all of this! This is a FLEXIBLE itinerary containing 7-day to 30-day sections for you to customise)
This itinerary gives you the perfect balance of palaces, monuments, temples, city life, skyscrapers, natural scenery, local culture.
And of course many regional dishes from one of the world’s most delicious cuisines.
Including Sichuan and Cantonese!
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This itinerary is particularly suited for those with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore China in-depth.
The route follows roughly a big “N”, starting from Shanghai and ending in Hong Kong. Reasonably paced.
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There are ZERO domestic flights. I’ve deliberately planned it so high speed rail is feasible for all legs (kept within 6 hrs).
Being a transport designer helps!
In my opinion, this is the most comfortable + efficient way of travelling across most of China.
Feel free to remove or add cities, depending on your interests and time available.
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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 travel 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! It’s also possible to do this itinerary in reverse!
You can still book tours for individual attractions + activities like food tours separately.
NOTE: Most museums are closed on Mondays so plan your museum days for the days before or after.
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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
Shanghai (3 days) ➡️ Suzhou (1 days) ➡️ Hangzhou (2 days) ➡️ Nanjing (3 days)
➡️ Beijing (3 days) ➡️ Luoyang (2 days) ➡️ Xi’an (3 days) ➡️ Chengdu (3 days) ➡️ Chongqing (2 days)
➡️ Zhangjiajie (3 days) ➡️ Fenghuang Ancient Town (1 day) ➡️ Guilin (2 days) ➡️ Yangshuo (2 days)
➡️ Guangzhou (2 days) ➡️ Shenzhen (1 day) ➡️ Hong Kong (4 days)
More cities to consider at bottom of article, if you want to customise your itinerary.
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 7-day, 10-day, 12-day, 17-day, 20-day, 26-day, 30-day, 38-day sections.
You can lengthen or shorten your stay in each city.
Use this as your template + modify + delete to suit your length of stay & preferences
My suggested 7-DAY itinerary 👣
In one line: one of China’s most futuristic and cosmopolitan cities. The skyline never gets old!
Day 0 - Arrive in SHANGHAI
Day 1 - SHANGHAI
Why I find this day special: a futuristic skyline, tranquil places, and a very lively pedestrian street
AM - Jing’an Temple ➡️ Lujiazui skyline
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 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
🛏️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
Day 3 - 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 👉🏻 Take Metro Line 11 OR take a taxi
🛏️Sleep in Shanghai
❗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 4 - SUZHOU
🚅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 ➡️ Suzhou Museum 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Lion Grove Garden ➡️ Pingjiang Lu ➡️ Gate To The East ➡️ Jinji Lake ➡️ Qilishantang
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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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In one line: One of China’s most scenic cities! A strong tea and silk culture.
Day 5 - 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
⬇️(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 (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 6 - 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
❗For an expanded Hangzhou itinerary, check out my Hangzhou Ultimate Travel Guide
My suggested 10-DAY itinerary 👣
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 7 - HANGZHOU ➡️ NANJING
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Hangzhou East to Nanjing South station
⌚Travel Time - Around 1 hr
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
AM - Nanjing Museum
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 8 - NANJING
AM - Memorial Hall of Nanjing Massacre
PM - Presidential Palace ➡️ Porcelain Tower of Nanjing ➡️ Laomendong ➡️ Qinhuai River ➡️ Fuzimiao
🛏️Sleep in Nanjing
Day 9 - NANJING
All day - Zijin Mountain Scenic Area
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
❗For an expanded Nanjing itinerary, check out my Nanjing Ultimate Travel Guide
My suggested 12-DAY itinerary 👣
In one line: Beijing is truly one of the world’s grandest cities, with so many historic landmarks and unique neighbourhoods to admire.
Day 10 - NANJING ➡️ BEIJING
Why I find this day special: exploring the Hutongs + the iconic towers + Beijing’s main pedestrian street
🚅Morning - Take the train from Nanjing South station to Beijing South station
⌚Travel Time - Around 3-4 hrs
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
PM - Nanluoguxiang ➡️ Shichahai ➡️ Drum Tower + Bell Tower ➡️ Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
🛏️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 11 - BEIJING
Why I find this day special: taking in the gigantic scale of Beijing’s landmarks + modern architecture
AM - Tiananmen Square ➡️ Forbidden City ➡️ Jingshan Park 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Temple of Heaven ➡️ Bird’s Nest Stadium ➡️ Water Cube ➡️ 798 Art Zone ➡️ CCTV Headquarters ➡️ Sanlitun
🛏️Sleep in Beijing
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Day 12 - BEIJING
Why I find this day special: the most famous wall in the world + beautiful gardens + magnificent lakes
AM - Great Wall 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Summer Palace ➡️ Old Summer Palace 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
🛏️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 17-DAY itinerary 👣
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: Luoyang was China’s capital for over 13 dynasties, older than Xi’an! Many incredible historical sites to see.
Day 13 - BEIJING ➡️ LUOYANG
Why I find this day special: visiting the cradle of Buddhism in China + seeing one of the best ancient skylines
🚅Early morning - I recommend taking the train from Beijing West station to Luoyang Longmen station
⌚Travel Time - Around 3-4 hrs
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
PM - White Horse Temple ➡️ Luoyi Ancient Town ➡️ Shizi Night Market ➡️ Mingtang Tiantang ➡️ Yingtianmen
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🛏️Sleep in Luoyang (2 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend staying in Xigong district or Laocheng district which are on either side of Yingtianmen.
I stayed in this hotel which is close to the centre of the city and has great night views.
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Day 14 - LUOYANG
Why I find this day special: seeing the mind-blowing grottoes + visiting one of China’s most famous temples
AM - Longmen Grottoes 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Shaolin Temple 👉🏻 you can combine a tour with the Longmen Grottoes here
🛏️Sleep in Luoyang
🍜My suggested meals: Luoyang beef soup 洛阳牛肉汤, pan fried dumpling 锅贴, braised mutton noodles 烩面🥢My suggested eating districts: Luoyi Ancient Town 洛邑古城, Shizi Night Market 十字街夜市
❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Luoyang Travel Guide
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In one line: Xi’an is one of the world’s most famous ancient capitals, with many historical sites.
Day 15 - LUOYANG ➡️ XI’AN
Why I find this day special: visiting the heart of the ancient capital +tasting some of Xi’an best cuisine
🚅Morning - Take the train from Luoyang Longmen station to Xi’an North station
⌚Travel Time - Around 1-2 hrs
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
PM - Bell Tower ➡️ Drum Tower ➡️ Huimin Jie
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🛏️Sleep in Xi’an (3 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend staying inside the city walls. Areas around the Bell and Drum Towers are a great choice.
Elegant Hotel Xi'an Bell Tower for Tang dynasty themed rooms
Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel for superb service and interiors
Activities to consider
👉🏻 Food tour with a local guide
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Day 16 - XI’AN
Why I find this day special: Qin Shi Huang’s most famous army + gardens + theatre
AM - Terracotta Warriors ➡️ Lishanyuan 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
PM - Huaqing Palace ➡️ Romantic Show of Xi’an or The Great Qin
🛏️Sleep in Xi’an
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Day 17 - XI’AN
Why I find this day special: some of China’s most precious relics + ancient architecture
AM - Shaanxi History Museum
PM - Xi’an City Wall ➡️ Giant Wild Goose Pagoda ➡️ Grand Everbright City ➡️ Tang Paradise 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
🛏️Sleep in Xi’an
🍜My suggested meals: ròu jiā mó 肉夹馍, biáng biáng miàn 𰻞𰻞面/油泼面, yáng ròu pào mó 羊肉泡馍
🥢My suggested eating districts: huí mín jiē (Muslim Quarter) 回民街, yǒng xīng fāng 永兴坊, sǎ jīn qiáo 洒金桥
❗For more details, check out my Ultimate Xi’an Travel Guide
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My suggested 20-DAY itinerary 👣
11 days is perfect for visiting at least 4-5 places.
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 18 - XI’AN ➡️ 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 Xian North station to Chengdu East station
⌚Travel Time - Around 2.5 hrs
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
PM - Wuhou Shrine ➡️ Tianfu Square ➡️ People’s Park ➡️ Jinli Ancient Street
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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 19 - 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 20 - 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
🛏️Sleep in Chengdu
🍜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
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My suggested 27-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 21 - CHENGDU ➡️ CHONGQING
Why I find this day special: The most mind-blowing night-time views I’ve ever seen + some brain twisters!
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Chengdu East station to Chongqing West/North station
⌚Travel Time - Around 1-1.5 hrs
⬇️(leave luggage at hotel)
AM - Liziba ➡️ Kuixinglou ➡️ Chaotianmen Square
PM - Hongyadong ➡️ Jialing River Beach ➡️ Daijiaxiang Cliff Path ➡️ Jiefangbei ➡️ Deyi Shijie
🛏️Sleep in Chongqing (2 nights)
👉🏻 I recommend Regent Chongqing and Intercontinental Chongqing for its incredible skyline views.
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Day 22 - 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
🛏️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
Day 23 - CHONGQING ➡️ ZHANGJIAJIE
AM - free choice to explore Chongqing
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🚅Afternoon - Take the train from Chongqing East station to Zhangjiajiexi station 👉🏻 book your train here
⌚Travel Time - Around 2-3 hrs
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🚕Take a DiDi to your hotel in Wulingyuan.
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Explore the town, prepare for next day, and rest well
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🛏️Sleep in Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan district) (2 nights)
Day 24 - 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)
Day 25 - 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)
Day 26 - 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
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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Day 27 - ZHANGJIAJIE ➡️ 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”.
🚅Morning - Take the train from Zhangjiajiexi station to Fenghuanggucheng station
⌚Travel Time - Around 1 hr
⬇️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)
My suggested 30-DAY itinerary 👣
This itinerary follows on from the previous section:
In one line: The areas around Guilin and Yangshuo are one of the most magical landscapes in China. It’s on the 20 yuan banknote!
Day 28 - FENGHUANG ANCIENT TOWN ➡️ GUILIN
Why I find this day special: the karst formations are out of this world + Guilin has this mysterious atmosphere.
🚅Early morning - Take the train from Fenghuanggucheng station to Guilin/Guilin North station.
⌚Travel Time - Around 6 hrs 👉🏻 book your train here
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PM - Reed Flute Cave ➡️ Two Rivers and Four Lakes ➡️ Elephant Trunk Hill ➡️ Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas
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🛏️Sleep in Guilin (2 nights)
👉🏻 I personally recommend Gangshe Rooftop View Hotel or SYYF Family-Friendly Hotel for their epic rooftop views and central location.
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Day 29 - GUILIN
Why I find this day special: A picturesque, satisfying landscape with chill vibes. I’ve always wanted to visit this!
Full day - Longsheng Rice Terraces👉🏻 book transport + tickets here
⌚Travel Time - Around 2hrs
🛏️Sleep in Guilin
🍜My suggested meals: Guilin rice noodles, Luosifen (river snail noodles)
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Shangshui Meishijie 尚水美食街 + Zhengyang Pedestrian Street 正阳步行街 + Dongxi Xiang 东西巷
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Day 30 - GUILIN ➡️ YANGSHUO
Why I find this day special: The most scenic river cruise I’ve ever been on. You must experience it!
AM - Take Li River Cruise to Yangshuo 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
⌚Travel Time - Around 4hrs
Note: there is no river cruise going from Yangshuo to Guilin. It only goes in one direction from Guilin to Yangshuo
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PM - Xijie Pedestrian Street ➡️ explore freely ➡️ Impression Liu Sanjie show 👉🏻 buy your tickets here
OR you can go to the Yulong River and try bamboo rafting! It’s great fun!
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🛏️Sleep in Yangshuo (1 night)
👉🏻 I personally recommend
Yangshuo Percent for its incredible scenic views or
Yangshuo Wubuyashu for its serene location
If you’re looking for the hotel that went viral with panoramic views from your room, one of them is LS Hotel.
🍜My suggested meals: Yangshuo beer fish 阳朔啤酒鱼, Stuffed Li River Snails 桂林螺蛳酿
🥢My suggested eating districts: Go to Xijie in the centre of Yangshuo + the pedestrian streets in Xingping
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Day 31 - XINGPING VILLAGE ➡️ GUANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: Exploring the location of the famous 20 yuan banknote!
🚅Morning - Take a taxi or bus to Xingping Village. You’ll see luggage storage shops where you can store your luggage for a fee.
⌚Travel Time - Around 45 minutes
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All day - Explore this tranquil village at a leisurely pace
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🚅Late afternoon - Take the train from Yangshuo station to Guangzhou South station
⌚Travel Time - Around 2hrs
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Evening - 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.
My suggested 38-DAY itinerary 👣
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 32 - GUANGZHOU
Why I find this day special: world’s 2nd tallest TV tower + one of the world’s best skylines
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
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Day 33 - 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
In one line: Shenzhen is China’s leading tech city. A lot of mindblowing skyscrapers and novel tech to see.
Day 34 - 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 35 - 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 (3 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 36 - 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 37 - 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 + depart for home
Day 38 - 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!
IMPORTANT: Most countries only have 30 days visa-free entry into mainland China.
Visiting Hong Kong or Macau is counted separately, due to different immigration rules.
You can include these two cities, even if you’ve reached the 30 day limit.
Entering Hong Kong or Macau should reset your visa period. I have friends who re-entered mainland China again in 2026, and they received a new 30 day period. Always check the latest visa policy, as they are always subject to change.
Otherwise, cut out 3-4 cities to make the trip under 30 days.
LENGTH OF STAY 📅
If you’re mainly here for ancient historical sites in Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang, I recommend at least 8-10 days.
If you’re here to explore modern cities like Shanghai, Chongqing, Hong Kong, I recommend at least 12-15 days.
If you want to focus on natural scenery and villages, I recommend at least 11-14 days.
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MY ADVICE FOR ARRIVAL CITY 🛬
I recommend you fly directly into Shanghai for this itinerary.
It’s also possible to do this itinerary in reverse, starting in Hong Kong.
Check out my article The 9 Best Airports To Fly Into China
If you want an even longer trip, consider adding the following destinations:
➡️ Pingyao
➡️ Jiuzhaigou + Huanglong National Parks in Sichuan province
➡️ Leshan Giant Buddha + Emeishan
➡️ Wulong Karst
➡️ Furong Ancient Town
➡️ Guiyang
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, Nanjing, Shanghai Itinerary: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10+ Days
BEST Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, HK Itinerary: 3-10+ Days
BEST Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing Itinerary: 3, 7, 10+ Days
BEST Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Chengdu Itinerary: 2-14 Days
Best Chengdu and Sichuan Itineraries: 3 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days
Best Shanghai + East China 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
