2-Week China Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week China tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Day China Itinerary, incl. Beijing and Shanghai

  The comprehensive 14-day route through 6 cities features 3 nights in Beijing, 2 in Xi'an, 2 in Chengdu, 3 nights on Yangtze cruise, and 2 in Shanghai. Visits include UNESCO sites, traditional shows, and local family encounters.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Beijing

    Begin your China journey in the capital. Plan to arrive a day early since Beijing is usually 12-13 hours ahead of EST. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City around 8 AM on day 2 to avoid tour groups. In the late afternoon check out the Temple of Heaven where local seniors gather for tai chi and mahjong. Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall on day 3. Take an early morning cable car to beat the crowds and midday heat. Pack sturdy walking shoes for the uneven steps.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Xi'an

    Fly to historic Xi'an. Visit the Terracotta Warriors at 8:30 AM before tour buses arrive. You can walk or rent bikes to explore the city walls then visit the Muslim Quarter when food stalls open in late afternoon. A visitor shared: "The guides treated us like their best friends. They were all knowledgeable and proud of amazing China."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Chengdu

    Take the 4-hour high-speed train to Chengdu. Get to the Giant Panda Breeding Center by 8 AM when the pandas are most active. Visit People's Park later to experience authentic tea culture. Try the local Sichuan food but be ready for intense spice.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Yangtze River Cruise

    Start your 3-day cruise from Chongqing through the Three Gorges. The ship serves both western and Chinese breakfast. Bring non-slip shoes for shore excursions as gangways can be steep. Note: "The cruise came with a barrage of hard selling - from room upgrades to optional tours" so be ready to decline extra offers.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Shanghai

    Finish your trip in modern Shanghai. Watch the sunset light up buildings along the Bund. Visit Yu Garden right when it opens at 8:30 AM to avoid crowds. Take the faster Maglev train to Pudong airport instead of a rush hour taxi.

    

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• 14 Day China Itinerary, incl. Beijing and Shanghai

  A grand Chinese circuit through 8 cities costs around $3,400. Highlights include 3 nights Beijing, 2 nights Xi'an exploring Terracotta Army, Li River cruise to Yangshuo, and 3-day Yangtze River voyage, ending with 2 nights Shanghai.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Beijing

    Start with three full days to adjust and explore the capital. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City before 8:30 AM to avoid tour groups, then move on to the Temple of Heaven. When visiting the Great Wall at Mutianyu use the cable car up since the walk can be tough in hot weather. A useful tip: wear shoes with good grip as parts of the wall can get slippery. End your day with an evening rickshaw tour through Beijing's hutongs to see local life up close.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Xi'an

    Fly to Xi'an in the morning (2 hours). Visit the Terracotta Warriors early to beat the crowds. Make sure to try the local food in the Muslim Quarter, especially the hand-pulled noodles. You'll get to learn Tai Chi in the City Wall Park and bike along the ancient walls. Just check the weather first since there's no shelter from sun or rain.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Guilin & Yangshuo

    The Li River cruise to Yangshuo takes 4.5 hours. Pack some food since the boat lunch is basic and try to get morning photos when the light is best. Drive through the Yangshuo countryside to see rural China. One visitor noted: "Meeting local villagers gave us authentic insights into daily life away from tourist areas."

    
  • Days 9-11

    Yangtze River Cruise

    Take a 5-hour bullet train to Chongqing to start your cruise. The Three Gorges section offers the best views. Try to get a balcony cabin and bring warm clothes for chilly mornings. From the final stop in Yichang take a 7.5-hour fast train to Shanghai.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Shanghai

    Finish your trip in modern Shanghai. Visit the Shanghai Museum early then explore Yu Garden and its bazaar. See the Bund both in daylight and after dark for two different experiences. Book your airport taxi a day early since morning traffic to Pudong can be slow.

    

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• 14 Day on China's Silk Road Itinerary, incl. Xi'an and Kashgar

  An adventurous route through China spans 9 cities from Xi'an to Kashgar. UNESCO sites include Terracotta Warriors, Mogao Caves, and Jiayuguan Fortress. Travel via bullet train and private vehicle, with 13 breakfasts and 12 lunches for around $3,500.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Xi'an

    Start your journey in Xi'an, China's ancient capital. Get to the Terracotta Warriors before 9 AM to avoid the crowds. The Muslim Quarter is best in the evening. As one traveler said: "The Muslim Quarter comes alive at dusk. Try the local yangrou paomo (lamb soup) from any busy stall." You can bike the City Wall in about 2 hours. Get your bike at the South Gate where the rentals are in better shape.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Lanzhou & Xiahe

    The bullet train to Lanzhou takes 3 hours. When visiting the Bingling Caves, wear good shoes since the paths get slippery after the ferry ride. If you're staying in Xiahe, pick a spot near Labrang Monastery to catch the 6 AM prayers. Remember you'll be at 2,900m altitude, so take it slow.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Zhangye & Jiayuguan

    See the Rainbow Mountains at sunrise or sunset for the best colors. Start at the highest viewing platform for great photos. The drive to Jiayuguan Fortress is about 2.5 hours through the desert. Bring something warm since the fortress gets windy.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Dunhuang & Turpan

    Visit the Mingsha Sand Dunes early in summer before it gets too hot. You'll need to book the English tour at Mogao Caves ahead of time. The fast train to Turpan takes 3.5 hours through the desert.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Turpan & Urumqi

    Turpan is one of China's hottest spots at 154m below sea level. Plan indoor activities during peak heat from 2-4 PM. Check out the Karez water system to see how people survived in the desert. The Grand Bazaar in Urumqi is better to visit later in the day when temperatures drop.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Kashgar & surrounds

    The Sunday Animal Market is busy but worth seeing. One traveler noted: "The Old Town feels like stepping back in time. Go early to watch local bakers make naan bread in traditional ovens." If you're heading to Karakul Lake, take it easy since it's at 3,600m altitude.

    

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