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How Did You Determine the Timing/Order or These Cities?
Start with a Major Hub
Choose a city with many international flights for your arrival. Beijing and Shanghai are excellent starting points, and Hong Kong is another good option. These cities also work well as final destinations, making it easy to fly home or continue your journey.
Famous Cities in China: Top 10 Cities
Plan Your Route
If starting in Beijing, move south to your next destination. From Shanghai, you can visit nearby Guilin or Zhangjiajie first, then head north to Xi'an and Beijing. This helps you save time and travel costs.
Stay Length Guide
2 nights in each place is usually enough to see the main attractions. For major cities or special trips like honeymoons, consider staying 3-4 nights. This allows you to explore at a relaxed pace, though you may need to remove some destinations from your plan.
Remember: It's better to see fewer places well than to rush through many places quickly.
#1: Beijing-Xi'an-Zhangjiajie-Guilin-Shanghai (Best of China)
With 12 days, you can experience more than just Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Based on over 10 years of experience at Asia Odyssey, we've noticed a clear trend: more than 65% of our guests, especially first-time visitors, choose to add Zhangjiajie and Guilin to their China trip.
Why are these places so popular? Zhangjiajie's towering peaks inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Guilin showcases stunning karst mountains along the Li River. In nearby Yangshuo, you can enjoy peaceful countryside activities and bamboo rafting on the river.
These natural wonders provide a perfect contrast to China's historic cities and give you a more complete China experience.
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Day 2: Beijing City Tour (Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Old Hutongs)
Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour (Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest & Water Cube)
Day 4: Beijing to Xian by High Speed Train
Day 5: Xian City Tour (Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter)
Day 6: Xian to Zhangjiajie by Flight
Day 7: Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Tour (Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Gallery)
Day 8: Zhangjiajie Tour (Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake)
Day 9: Zhangjiajie to Guilin by High Speed Train
Day 10: Guilin to Yangshuo Tour (Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside, West Street)
Day 11: Guilin to Shanghai by Flight
Day 12: Shanghai City Tour (Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund)
Day 1-3: Beijing
Spend 3 days in Beijing, starting your exploration on Day 2. A good tip is to visit the Forbidden City and Great Wall on separate days—it's less tiring and lets you enjoy each site fully.
On Day 2, explore Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Old Hutongs for a mix of history and local life. Day 3 is for the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best sections, plus a quick stop at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Stay in downtown Beijing near Wangfujing or Qianmen—it's convenient for sightseeing. Don't miss Peking Duck—try Quanjude or Da Dong for a delicious experience.
10 Best Beijing Food: Must-Try Dishes, Snacks & Cuisines in Beijing
Where to Stay in Beijing: Top 7 Places & Areas to Stay in Beijing
Day 4-5: Xi'an
The train journey to Xi'an takes 4-5 hours, while flying is 2-2.5 hours. But when you add airport transfers and check-in time, trains become the smarter choice. Use Day 4 for travel, but start with a quick visit to Beijing's Summer Palace.
While some spend three days in Xi'an, one full day works for the highlights. Start Day 5 at the Terracotta Warriors, then bike the Ancient City Wall (2.5 hours for a full loop). Finish at the Muslim Quarter for authentic local food and atmosphere.
For something special, try on Han Dynasty costumes. Sure, it's touristy, but you'll love the photos.
Stay near the Muslim Quarter or South Gate for convenience. Must-tries: dumplings at De Fa Chang, hand-pulled noodles, and roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers) in the Muslim Quarter.
What to Eat in Xi’an: 11 Best Xi’an Food You Must Try in Xi’an
Xian Itineraries | How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Xian
Day 6-8: Zhangjiajie
Flying from Xi'an takes half a day, but squeeze in the Shaanxi History Museum before your flight - it's worth it for understanding Chinese history. Grab lunch near the museum, as airport food isn't great.
You'll need two full days here. Day 7 is all about Wulingyuan—these are the mountains that inspired Avatar. Then Tianzi Mountain for the best views. Take cable cars to save energy. End with Ten-mile Gallery's mini-train ride - it's more relaxing.
Day 8 brings two totally different experiences. The Glass Bridge is thrilling—yes, it's scary but totally safe. Skip it if you're afraid of heights. Baofeng Lake in the afternoon is peaceful and beautiful—the boat ride is a nice break from hiking.
Stay in Wulingyuan town, not Zhangjiajie city. I recommend the Pullman or Crowne Plaza—they're close to the park entrance. For food, try tujia family restaurants for local dishes.
How to Plan a Trip to Zhangjiajie: Where to Go, Cost & Plans
Zhangjiajie Itineraries: How to Spend 2,3,4,5 Days in Zhangjiajie
Day 9-11: Guilin
Three days are perfect for this leg of your trip. Take the train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin, then spend one day in each city. Focus more on Yangshuo and Li River cruise.
Day 10 is the highlight - the Li River cruise to Yangshuo (4.5 h). Book a morning cruise for the best light and fewer crowds. The scenery is incredible - those karst mountains on the 20-yuan note? This is where they're from! Once in Yangshuo, bike through the countryside and end at West Street.
Day 11: Before your Shanghai flight, hit Guilin's highlights. Reed Flute Cave opens at 7:30 AM - go early to avoid tour groups. Elephant Trunk Hill is a quick photo stop after.
Food musts: Guilin rice noodles for breakfast (Huang Lao Sao's are famous), Skip the fancy restaurants - local places do these dishes best.
How to Plan A Guilin Tour | Useful Guilin Planning Guide
Top 10 Guilin Tourist Attractions - Things to Do & Places to Visit
Day 12: Shanghai
Downtown Shanghai's highlights fit perfectly in one day. Shanghai Museum showcases China's best art collections - get the audio guide, it's worth it. Yu Garden's Ming architecture shines in its side courtyards.
Nanjing Road to The Bund is a natural flow - this stretch tells Shanghai's story from local life to colonial grandeur. Time your Bund visit for when city lights come on - that's peak Shanghai magic.
Base yourself near People's Square. Metro Line 2 links all spots perfectly.
15 Best Things to Do in Shanghai, Top, Unusual & Things to Do in Shanghai
How to Plan a Trip to Shanghai 2025: Shanghai Planning for First Timers
#2: China 12 Day Itinerary with Golden Triangle, Chengdu & Guilin
If this is your first family trip to China, this route is your perfect choice. It covers China's most iconic cities - Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. But there's more: in Chengdu, your kids can meet over 100 pandas in their homeland, way more than the one or two you'd see in a regular zoo.
Guilin's surreal karst mountains and Yangshuo's outdoor activities offer something for every family member. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the whole family will find what they love here.
Each city offers unique family experiences:
- Beijing has family-friendly hiking on the Great Wall and kite flying in Temple of Heaven. Xi'an lets kids try archaeological digs and dumpling making classes.
- Shanghai's Science Museum and Disneyland are perfect for children.
- In Chengdu, besides pandas, families can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and spicy (or non-spicy) hotpot.
- Guilin and Yangshuo offer gentle bamboo rafting, family bike rides, and cooking classes in stunning settings.
Day 1-3: Beijing Explore (Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall)
Day 4-5: Xi'an City Tour (Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum)
Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu High Speed Train
Day 7: Chengdu Highlights Tour (Chengdu Panda Base, Jinli Old Street)
Day 8-10: Guilin & Yangshuo (Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside, West Street, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave)
Day 11-12: Shanghai (Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund)
How to Plan A Chengdu Tour | Useful Chengdu Planning Guide
Chengdu Itineraries | How to Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Chengdu
#3: 12 Days China Itinerary with Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise
It's perfectly paced for international travelers flying into Shanghai, with a relaxing Yangtze cruise in the middle.
Shanghai's city highlights fit in 2 days, then you'll take a quick flight to Yichang to board your Yangtze cruise. I recommend Century or Victoria Cruises - they're the most reliable for international guests.
The 4-day upstream cruise is pure relaxation: you'll float past dramatic gorges, watch ancient river towns drift by, and see the massive Three Gorges Dam up close. It's the perfect break between bustling cities.
After disembarking in Chongqing, catch a flight to Xi'an for 2 days with the Terracotta Warriors, then finish with 3 full days in Beijing.
Day 1-2: Shanghai (Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund)
Day 3-7: Yangtze River Cruise (Three Gorges Dam, Three Gorges, Shennv Stream, Ghost City of Fengdu)
Day 8-9: Xi'an City Tour (Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter)
Day 10-12: Beijing Highlights Tour (Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall)
Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary: 4-12 Days Yangtze River Cruise Routes
How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise Trip: 10 Steps (2025)
#4: 12 Days China Itinerary: Beijing-Xi'an-Lhasa-Shanghai
This route is perfect for anyone who loves to explore different cultures. From ancient history in Beijing and Xi'an to the spiritual heart of Tibet in Lhasa, and finally, the modernity of Shanghai. It's also great for travelers who love unique experiences, like exploring Tibetan Buddhism or walking on the Great Wall.
Time-wise, you'll spend 3 days in Beijing (don't miss the early morning at the Mutianyu Great Wall - fewer crowds!), 3 in Xi'an (the Muslim Quarter is incredible at sunset), 3 in Lhasa (take it slow here - the altitude is real), and 2 in Shanghai.
Pro tips: You need to apply for your Tibet permit at least one month before your trip. This is required even if you have a Chinese visa or are entering China visa-free. Contact a registered Tibet travel agency right away to start your permit application!
Day 1-3: Beijing City Tour (Forbidden City, Old Hutongs, Mutianyu Great Wall)
Day 4-6: Xi'an Highlights Tour (Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall)
Day 7-9: Lhasa City Tour (Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery)
Day 10-12: Shanghai Tour (Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund)
What to Do in Lhasa? Unlock 15 Lhasa Attractions (2025)
#5: 12 Days China Itinerary: Beijing-Xi'an-Dali-Lijiang-Shanghai
It's perfect if you want to mix China's must-sees with the peaceful charm of Yunnan province. It's great for photography lovers, foodies, and anyone interested in ethnic minority cultures. You'll love watching sunrise over Lijiang's snow mountains after experiencing Beijing's urban energy!
You'll start with 3 days in Beijing (the classic stuff - Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutongs), then hop to Xi'an for 2 days (Terracotta Warriors and that incredible Muslim Quarter food scene!).
But here's where it gets really special - you'll head south to Yunnan province, where Dali and Lijiang will show you a completely different side of China. Then 4 days split between Dali and Lijiang (don't rush these towns - they're meant for slow exploration), and finish with a day in Shanghai to see The Bund and Yu Garden.
Pro tips: Book a guesthouse in Lijiang's quieter Shuhe Ancient Town instead of busy Lijiang Old Town. Try to catch the morning market in Dali - it's where local Bai people gather
Day 1-3: Beijing (Forbidden City, Old Hutongs, Mutianyu Great Wall)
Day 4-5: Xi'an City Tour (Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall)
Day 6: Xi'an to Dali
Day 7: Dali (Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, Dali Old Town)
Day 8: Dali & Lijiang (Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng, Lijiang Ancient Town)
Day 9: Lijiang Classic Tour (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Ancient Town)
Day 10: Lijiang to Shanghai
Day 11-12: Shanghai City Tour (Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund)
How to Plan a Trip to Lijiang Yunnan (2025)?
How to Plan a Trip to Dali, Yunnan (2025/2026)
How Much Dose It Cost for 12 Days in China
Planning a 12-day trip to China? Here's a rough estimate of costs to help you budget.
Accommodation: Hotels range from budget ($30-$50/night) to mid-range ($80-$150/night) or luxury ($200+). Hostels are cheaper, around $10-$20/night.
Food: Street food and local meals cost $3-$10 per person. Mid-range restaurants are $10-$20 per meal, while fancy dining can be $30+.
Activities: Entrance fees for major sites like the Great Wall or Terracotta Warriors are $10-$30 each. Guided tours or special experiences (e.g., Li River cruise) can add $50-$100 per activity.
Transportation: Domestic flights or high-speed trains between cities can cost $50-$200 per trip. Public transport is cheap—$0.50-$2 per ride. Taxis or ride-sharing apps cost $5-$20 for short trips.
Total: For a mid-range trip, expect to spend $1,500-$3,000 per person, depending on your choices.
China Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to China
Let Asia Odyssey Travel Plan Your Perfect-Length China Tour
Since 2010, we help 10,000+ travelers explore China. Whether you want a quick week tour or a grand 15-day adventure, we have the perfect package for you. Choose from our value group tours or let us design your ideal trip length. Our local guides speak your language. We handle everything - hotels, transport, and timing. Safe, simple, and fun!
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