7-Day China Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day China itineraries

Compiled by

NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in China, incl. Beijing and Xi'an

  Three iconic cities shine in 7 action-filled days, featuring Beijing's Forbidden City, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, and Chengdu's Giant Panda Center. A 5km trek on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Muslim Quarter exploration, and People's Park visits are included for around $650.

  

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  • Day 1

    Beijing Arrival & Evening Exploration

    Land at Beijing Capital International Airport and take the Airport Express train to the city center for ¥25. It's a better option than taxis during rush hour. Spend your evening walking through the vibrant Dongcheng district. Important: Get WeChat and a VPN before you arrive since most Western apps don't work in China.

    
  • Day 2

    Beijing's Historic Heart

    Start your day at Tiananmen Square around 7:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Head to Jingshan Park for excellent views of the Forbidden City. Later, explore the traditional hutongs around Nanluoguxiang. Wear good walking shoes you'll walk 5-6 miles on uneven ground.

    
  • Day 3

    Great Wall & Overnight Train

    Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It's less busy than Badaling and the views are better. Take the early bus to get more time at the wall. Bring your own lunch to avoid the overpriced tourist restaurants. At night, take the overnight train to Xi'an. Book a top bunk if you want more privacy at a lower price.

    
  • Day 4

    Xi'an's Warriors & Muslim Quarter

    Go straight to the Terracotta Warriors when you arrive. Take bus 914 from the station for ¥7 instead of expensive transfers. In the evening, check out the food stalls in the Muslim Quarter. Try Yang Rou Pao Mo but ask them to go light on the oil if you're not used to rich food.

    
  • Day 5

    Xi'an to Chengdu

    Start with Xi'an's City Wall if you like. You can rent a bike for ¥45 to ride the 14km wall circuit. Take the afternoon bullet train to Chengdu. Get to the station 90 minutes early for passport checks. End your day with Sichuan hotpot but be ready for serious heat.

    
  • Day 6

    Chengdu's Pandas & Parks

    Get to the Giant Panda Breeding Center when it opens at 7:30 AM to see the pandas eat breakfast. Later, visit People's Park to watch locals play mahjong and practice tai chi. Finish your day in the Kuanzhai Xiangzi alleys where old meets new.

    
  • Day 7

    Final Morning & Departure

    Visit Tianfu Square to see modern Chengdu. Take metro line 1 directly to the airport for ¥4.

    

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• 7 Days in Xinjiang, incl. Urumqi and Kashgar

  Four distinct cities reveal their character over 7 days. Urumqi's Xinjiang Museum opens the journey, followed by Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains, Turpan's ancient cities, and Kashgar's historic old town and Id Ghar Mosque.

  

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  • Day 1

    Urumqi Arrival

    Land in Urumqi and take it slow to adjust to the 2,500-foot elevation. Stay in the Tianshan District near Hongshan Park for convenient access to food and transport. Get a local SIM card at the airport since many Western apps won't work in Xinjiang.

    
  • Day 2

    Heavenly Lake Day Trip

    Head to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) early in the morning. The one-hour drive and 8:30 AM bus will help you avoid crowds and afternoon winds. Pack extra layers since temperatures vary between the city and the 6,000-foot lake elevation. Take your time and drink plenty of water.

    
  • Day 3

    Urumqi City Exploration

    Start at Xinjiang Museum when it opens at 9:30 AM (closed Mondays). Visit the second-floor mummy exhibit first before tour groups arrive. Spend your afternoon at Erdaoqiao Bazaar. Skip the main tourist area and check out the local food stalls in the back alleys.

    
  • Day 4

    Urumqi to Turpan

    Take a morning bullet train (1 hour) or drive (3 hours) to Turpan. Bring sun protection for the ancient cities of Gaochang and Jiaohe. Cool off in the Karez underground irrigation tunnels. End your day watching the sunset at Emin Minaret when the bricks take on a golden glow.

    
  • Day 5

    Turpan to Kashgar

    Start with Turpan's grape valleys and local bazaar. Pack supplies for the 13-hour overnight train to Kashgar. Book a lower or middle berth in the 6-berth compartment for better comfort.

    
  • Day 6

    Kashgar's Old City

    Get a guide for Kashgar's maze-like old town. Visit Id Kah Mosque at dawn for morning prayers. The Sunday livestock market offers an authentic local experience. Browse the craft street for unique items like traditional Uyghur instruments.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Kashgar

    Use your final morning to visit Abakh Khoja Mausoleum. Plan about 2 hours here and catch the morning light for the best photos of the detailed tilework. Most flights leave in the afternoon.

    

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• 7 Days in Fujian, incl. Xiamen and Mount Wuyi

  Three UNESCO sites showcase their beauty: Gulangyu Island's colonial architecture, Hakka Tulou clusters including Chengqilou, and Mount Wuyi's natural wonders. Three-hour scenic drives and bullet trains connect Xiamen's coastal charm to Wuyishan's mountain landscapes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Xiamen Arrival

    Arrive in Xiamen in the afternoon to avoid the morning traffic. The airport transfer to downtown takes 30-45 minutes, covering about 20km. An afternoon arrival helps you skip the city's busy morning rush hour.

    
  • Day 2

    Gulangyu Island

    Take the quick 10-minute ferry from Dongdu Terminal early in the morning. Start at the Piano Museum right when it opens at 9am before the crowds arrive. You'll need good walking shoes since the island is car-free and quite hilly. After lunch, head back to Xiamen Island to visit South Putuo Temple and Hulishan Cannon Fort. Plan to return mid-afternoon to avoid the packed evening ferries.

    
  • Day 3

    Hakka Tulou Experience

    Drive 3 hours to see the Tianluokeng tulou cluster. Get there early for the best morning light photos from the viewing platform. These circular earthen buildings house entire clans, with some still home to 800 residents. Your afternoon takes you to Taxia Village where you'll spend the night in a tulou guesthouse. Bring something warm to wear as these buildings stay cool even in summer.

    
  • Day 4

    Yongding Tulou District

    Visit Chengqilou early when the morning sun lights up its four concentric rings, making it perfect for photos. Spend your afternoon at the Hakka Cultural Village learning about different tulou designs. The 4-hour drive back to Xiamen gives you time to rest before tomorrow's train trip.

    
  • Day 5

    Xiamen to Mount Wuyi

    Take the morning bullet train to Wuyishan. The journey takes 3 hours and the right-side seats offer the best mountain views. Once you arrive, it's a 30-minute trip to the scenic area. Use the afternoon to explore the town and get used to the mountain altitude.

    
  • Day 6

    Mount Wuyi Exploration

    Book the 8am bamboo raft ride on Nine Bend River for calm waters and clear photos. The 90-minute trip shows off the area's peaks and cliffs. In the afternoon, climb Tianyou Peak. It's a challenging climb but the views make it worthwhile. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip since the stone steps can get slippery.

    
  • Day 7

    Wuyishan Departure

    If time allows, walk through Ancient Song Street before leaving. The local tea shops sell quality Wuyi rock tea for better prices than tourist spots. The airport is just 20 minutes away, while the train station takes 40 minutes to reach.

    

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