4-Week China Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 4-week China tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar

• 26 Days in China, incl. Hong Kong and Beijing

  The extensive 26-day route covers 8 major Chinese cities across 4 distinct regions. The tour features 3 days in Yangshuo's karst mountains, 2 days exploring Xi'an's ancient walls, and 3 nights in Shanghai's modern skyline and historic Bund.

  

  View itineraryCompare 26 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Hong Kong & Journey to Yangshuo

    Start at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong for stunning sunset views. "Watching the sunset paint the skyline from Victoria Peak was an unforgettable introduction to Hong Kong." Take the bullet train to Guilin the next day (6 hours), then transfer to Yangshuo. Book morning trains to avoid the Hong Kong rush hour.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Yangshuo Adventures

    Use Yangshuo as your base for outdoor activities around the karst mountains. Go kayaking on the Li River ($25), join a cooking class, or try rock climbing. "The bike ride through the local landscape followed by bamboo rafting on the Yulong River was a highlight - just remember to bring a waterproof case for your camera!" Make time for Moon Hill and the local mud baths.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Chengdu & Panda Experience

    Take an early train to Chengdu (6-7 hours). Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center right when it opens to see the pandas at their most active. You can take a side trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha UNESCO site. If you like spicy food, try the famous Sichuan hot pot.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Xi'an Culture

    Visit the Muslim Quarter and bike around the ancient city walls. Rent bikes near the South Gate. See the Terracotta Warriors early before the crowds arrive. "The Muslim Quarter is best experienced at dusk when food stalls are bustling. Try the hand-pulled noodles near the Drum Tower."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Beijing & Great Wall

    Plan your Beijing visits carefully. Start with Tiananmen Square early, then go to the Forbidden City (closed Mondays). You can camp at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Bring warm clothes for cold nights. "Watching sunrise from our Great Wall campsite was humbling, despite the basic camping conditions. Bring a good sleeping bag."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Hangzhou's Natural Beauty

    Take a morning high-speed train to Hangzhou. Go boating on West Lake in the early morning light. Walk through Nine Creeks Misty Forest but wear good shoes on the slippery paths. Visit the National Tea Museum to learn about Chinese tea culture.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Shanghai Exploration

    Finish your trip in Shanghai. Walk along the Bund after dark when it's lit up. Get to Yu Gardens early to avoid crowds. "Take the ferry across Huangpu River at dusk for the best skyline views - it's cheaper and more authentic than expensive observation decks."

    

  View itinerary

• 26 Day China Itinerary, incl. Hong Kong and Beijing

  The comprehensive 26-day route covers 6 major Chinese cities, with 23 nights in hostels and 1 night camping on the Great Wall. Highlights include Chengdu's Panda Center, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, and a Yulong River cruise. Local guides accompany scheduled sightseeing.

  

  View itineraryCompare 27 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Hong Kong & Transfer to Yangshuo

    Start at Victoria Peak around 5 PM for sunset views without the crowds. Watch the Symphony of Lights from Tsim Sha Tsui at 8 PM and explore Temple Street Night Market. On Day 2 take a bullet train to Guilin. Get to West Kowloon Station 45 minutes early for security checks before heading to Yangshuo.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Yangshuo's Karst Mountains

    Take three days to explore this beautiful area. Go biking through rural villages in the morning but watch for muddy paths after rain. Try bamboo rafting on the Yulong River in the afternoon when it's quieter. If you're interested in rock climbing, book with licensed operators only. Stop by West Street to try the local beer fish specialty.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Chengdu & Pandas

    The train to Chengdu takes 7 hours so bring some snacks and things to do. Visit the Panda Research Base at 8 AM to see the pandas at their most active before the tour buses arrive. Check out the Tibetan Quarter and learn to cook real Sichuan food in a local class. You can visit the Leshan Giant Buddha but plan for 4 hours round trip.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Xi'an History

    Night time in the Muslim Quarter is perfect for street food. Try the yang rou pao mo mutton soup with bread. Get a guide at the Terracotta Warriors entrance for better insight. The city wall bike ride takes about 2 hours and is best in late afternoon when it's cooler.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Shaolin Temple Experience

    Stay at the nearby guesthouse. It's basic but clean. Get to Dharma Cave early before it gets hot. You can take kung fu lessons but book ahead since they fill up fast.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Great Wall & Beijing

    Between May and September you can camp on the unrestored section for amazing sunrise views. Pack warm clothes since nights get cold. In Beijing visit Tiananmen Square before 9 AM to avoid crowds. The Nanluo hutongs are great for walking but wear good shoes.

    
  • Days 17-22

    Eastern China Circuit

    Travel from Hangzhou's West Lake to Shanghai. Take the overnight train from Beijing to Hangzhou but bring toilet paper. Explore Shanghai's French Concession early to see locals doing tai chi. Visit Yu Garden first thing to avoid the crowds.

    
  • Days 23-26

    Fujian Province & Return

    Wear good shoes for hiking to the Hakka roundhouses and bring water. The tea plantations look best in morning light. The train back to Hong Kong is about 4 hours. Book first class for a more comfortable ride.

    

  View itinerary

• 25 Day Tibet Itinerary, incl. Lhasa and Mount Kailash

  An immersive 25-day tour through China's Tibet, visiting 6 major destinations including Lhasa's Potala Palace and Mount Kailash. Participants trek the 51km sacred kora, visit Guge Kingdom ruins, and watch Everest sunrise from Rongbuk at 5,000m. Features 7 hotel nights, 9 guesthouse stays, and camping experiences.

  

  View itineraryCompare 25 days itineraries
  • Days 1-5

    Lhasa Acclimatization & Cultural Immersion

    Start in Lhasa (3,600m) and take time to adjust to the altitude while exploring key sites. Visit the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang Temple early in the morning to see local pilgrims at their most active. Plan your Potala Palace visit for the afternoon when the altitude makes climbing stairs more manageable. Take a day trip to Drak Yerpa monastery (4,400m) to help your body prepare for higher elevations.

    
  • Days 6-9

    Journey to Everest Region

    Travel along the Friendship Highway and stop at Yamdrok-Tso (Scorpion Lake) for stunning views. The road to Everest Base Camp goes up to 5,000m. Pack plenty of warm layers since temperatures can drop below freezing even during summer months. As one traveler shared: "The sunrise view of Everest from Rongbuk Monastery was worth the cold night in the tent camp. Bring a serious sleeping bag!"

    
  • Days 10-14

    Western Tibet Exploration

    Cross the Tibetan plateau to Lake Manasarovar and visit the ancient kingdoms of Guge and Shangshung. Be prepared for rough roads and 6-7 hour drives each day. Take time to relax in the Tirthapuri hot springs. The clear high-altitude air makes camping nights perfect for stargazing.

    
  • Days 15-20

    Mount Kailash Kora Trek

    The 3-day kora around Mount Kailash reaches 5,636m at Drolma La pass. This is the most challenging part of the trip and you should have previous high-altitude trekking experience. Day two involves 9-10 hours of hiking. Make sure to bring hiking poles and comfortable broken-in boots.

    
  • Days 21-25

    Return Journey

    Head back via Sakya Monastery and Shigatse. The gradual descent gives you time to reflect on your journey. Book afternoon flights from Lhasa to minimize altitude-related discomfort.

    

  View itinerary