Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
3 Weeks Classic China Itinerary: Day-by-day Breakdown
Day 1-3: Beijing
Day 4-5: Xi'an
Day 6-8: Lhasa Tour
Day 9-10: Chengdu City Tour
Day 11-14: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 15-16: Zhangjiajie Tour
Day 17-19: Guilin & Yangshuo
Day 20-21: Shanghai
Day 1-3: Beijing
Highlights:
- Forbidden City: Explore 600 years of imperial history in the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 rooms.
- Beijing Hutongs: Ride a rickshaw or bike through narrow alleys to experience traditional courtyard life.
- Mutianyu Great Wall: Hike or take a cable car to the best-preserved section of the Great Wall.
- Summer Palace: Stroll through a royal garden with a huge lake, temples, and the world's longest painted corridor.
Beijing makes the perfect first stop in China. The city's efficient transport and English signage help you adjust to Chinese travel, while its mix of imperial sites and modern life gives you a perfect introduction to China.
You'll need 3 days here, including your arrival day. The city's main sites fit perfectly in one day - start at Tiananmen early, spend 3-4 hours exploring the Forbidden City, catch the city view from Jingshan Park, then experience old Beijing by rickshaw in the hutongs.
The Great Wall needs a full day. Choose Mutianyu section over Badaling - fewer crowds but equally impressive views. Take the cable car up for the best experience.
Stay near Wangfujing or Dongsi stations for easy access to everything. Don't miss Peking duck at Li Qun, breakfast dumplings at Qing-Feng, and local dishes in the hutongs.
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
Main Attractions:
- Terracotta Warriors: Discover 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers guarding China's first emperor.
- Ancient Wall: Bike or walk along the 14th-century city wall for panoramic views of Xi'an.
- Muslim Quarter: A vibrant cultural hub in Xi'an, famous for its Islamic heritage and food street.
It's recommended to spend 2 full days in Xi'an. As the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, it offers more than just the Terracotta Warriors. You'll need one day for the Warriors (they're outside the city), and explore the city's rich cultural heritage.
You'll arrive from Beijing by high-speed train - choose an afternoon departure to visit Summer Palace in Beijing first. The train journey takes 4.5 hours.
Start your full day early at the Terracotta Warriors - Always arrive at opening time to avoid tour groups. Afterward, visit the Ancient City Wall - cycling its entire length gives you the best views of both old and new Xi'an. End at the Muslim Quarter, where the food stalls come alive at night.
Stay near the Bell Tower - it's the city center with easy metro access to everywhere. To get roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) from the small shops away from the main tourist streets - they're more authentic.
What to Eat in Xi’an: 11 Best Xi’an Food You Must Try in Xi’an
Day 6-8: Lhasa Tour
Highlights:
- Potala Palace: Explore the former winter home of the Dalai Lama, a UNESCO site with 1,000 rooms and stunning views.
- Jokhang Temple: Visit Tibet's holiest site, filled with ancient statues and pilgrims prostrating.
- Barkhor Street: Walk around this lively pilgrim circuit, shop for Tibetan crafts, and try yak butter tea.
- Drepung Monastery: Discover one of Tibet's largest monasteries, known for its grand halls and peaceful courtyards.
- Sera Monastery: Watch monks debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard, a unique and fascinating experience.
Lhasa needs 3 days - two for exploring and one for altitude adjustment and arrive. At 3,656 meters high, you'll feel the thin air. That's why I plan easy activities for your arrival day, then gradually increase activity levels.
Take a flight from Xi'an to Lhasa, and arrive early on day one 6, but take it easy.
On day 7, visit Potala Palace early - they limit daily visitors and time inside. Book your entry time in advance. Later, explore Jokhang Temple and return to Barkhor Street - it's different and more lively in daytime.
On day 8, visit Drepung and Sera monasteries. Time your Sera visit for afternoon to watch monk debates - it's fascinating even if you don't understand the language.
Stay near Barkhor Street - it puts you in the heart of old Lhasa. For food, try yak butter tea and tsampa at Makye Ame restaurant. The sweet tea houses along Barkhor Street are perfect for breaks - sitting with locals gives you the real Tibetan experience.
Hotels in Lhasa: Where to Stay in Lhasa (Tibet)
Famous Tibetan Foods: 10 Best Tibet Dishes & Cuisines
Day 9-10: Chengdu City Tour
Highlights:
- Chengdu Panda Base: Home to over 80 pandas, this is the best place to see baby pandas and learn about panda breeding programs. Spend 2-3 hours here—it's a must for animal lovers.
- Wenshu Monastery: Built over 1,000 years ago, this temple has peaceful gardens, ancient relics, and a famous vegetarian restaurant. Spend 1-2 hours relaxing and exploring.
- Renmin Park: Chengdu's most popular park, where you can watch locals dance, play mahjong, or sip tea by the lake. It's free and perfect for 1-2 hours of relaxation.
- Jinli Old Street: Over 1,800 years old, this street is filled with lantern-lit alleys, street food, and traditional performances.
2 days in Chengdu is perfect. This city moves slower than Beijing or Shanghai, matching its famous relaxed lifestyle. It's also China's spice and panda capital - both need proper time to appreciate.
On day 9, arriving from Lhasa. Perfect relaxed start after Lhasa's altitude.
On day 10, visit the Chengdu Panda Base early - pandas are most active before 10AM during feeding time. Later, visit People's Park - join locals drinking tea and playing mahjong. Afterward, explore Jinli Street for local snacks.
Stay in Chunxi Road area. The Niccolo or Temple House are excellent - both near metro stations and walking distance to main sites. The Temple House even occupies a restored temple.
Food is Chengdu's soul. Try:
- Chen Mapo Tofu (the original shop)
- Zhong dumplings near Chunxi Road
- Hot pot at Huangcheng Laoma (less touristy than the famous chains)
- Street food at Jinli (try 'sugar-blown' art)
Quick tip: Chengdu's subway now connects to most sites, often faster than taxis in traffic.
Top 15 Things to Do in Chengdu - Chengdu Attractions & Places to Visit
How to Plan A Chengdu Tour | Useful Chengdu Planning Guide
Day 11-14: Yangtze River Cruise
The Yangtze cruise needs 4 full days - it's one of China's most scenic journeys. Starting in Chongqing and ending in Yichang, showing China's most important river and the Three Gorges.
Day 11: Take an early train to Chongqing (2 hours). Before boarding at 6PM, visit Hongyadong - a cliff-side complex with amazing river views. Board at Chaotianmen Port - arrive 2 hours early as boarding can be chaotic.
Day 12: Fengdu Ghost City visit takes half day. Choose the morning tour. Watch rural life unfold along the riverbanks.
Day 13: Three Gorges day - the cruise's highlight. The spectacular Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu, and Xiling. Take the small boat up Shennv Stream for close-up views.
Day 14: The final morning features the massive Three Gorges Dam. And transfer to Zhangjiajie.
Choose a cruise ship carefully. The most recommended are Victoria Cruises or Century - they cater well to international travelers. Book a higher deck cabin for better views.
How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise Trip: 10 Steps (2025)
Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary: 4-12 Days Yangtze River Cruise Routes
Day 15-16: Zhangjiajie Tour
Main attractions:
- Yuanjiajie: Famous for the ‘Avatar Hallelujah Mountain', its towering quartzite peaks inspired the movie Avatar. A must-see for nature lovers.
- Tianzi Mountain: Stunning views of cloud-covered peaks and deep valleys. Known as the ‘Monarch of the Peaks' for its grandeur.
- Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: World's longest glass bridge, offering thrilling views of the canyon below. Perfect for adventure seekers.
- Baofeng Lake: Crystal-clear lake surrounded by karst peaks. Take a boat ride to enjoy the serene and picturesque scenery.
2 days in Zhangjiajie barely scratches the surface, but you can see the highlights that inspired Avatar's floating mountains. The key is starting early to beat both crowds and heat.
Day 15: Focuses on Wulingyuan's core attractions. Start with Yuanjiajie - home to the "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain." Take the Bailong Elevator up for the best morning light. Move to Tianzi Mountain after lunch when clouds often roll in, creating a mystical scene. End at Ten-mile Gallery when most tourists leave.
Day 16: Combines thrills and tranquility. The Glass Bridge opens early - arrive first to avoid lines and get clear photos of the canyon below. Afternoon at Baofeng Lake offers a peaceful boat ride through limestone caves, perfect after the morning's excitement.
Stay near the park entrance at Wulingyuan town. Pullman Hotel offers great views and easy park access. Local hotels like Wulingyuan Hotel work well too. The night market near Wulingyuan entrance serves excellent local dishes.
Zhangjiajie Itineraries: How to Spend 2,3,4,5 Days in Zhangjiajie
Day 17-19: Guilin & Yangshuo
Main Attractions:
- Li River Cruise: It's one of the most beautiful landscapes in China, perfect for relaxing and taking photos.
- Yangshuo: A small town surrounded by karst peaks and rice paddies. It's known for biking, hiking, and outdoor adventures in a relaxed setting.
- Elephant Trunk Hill: A natural rock formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the river. A must-see for first-time visitors to Guilin.
- Reed Flute Cave: A limestone cave filled with colorful stalactites and stalagmites, lit by vibrant lights.
Guilin and Yangshuo need 3 days. The limestone mountains here are China's most famous views - you see them on the 20-yuan note.
Day 17 to Guilin: Take a High Speed Train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin. Take it easy after your train. Night markets in Guilin have the best local food.
Day 18 is the highlight: Li River cruise(4.5 h) in the morning gives the best mountain views. Arrive Yangshuo for countryside biking. The small villages are more interesting than tourist spots. West Street comes alive at night.
Day 19: Early visit to Elephant Trunk Hill - the symbol of Guilin. Then Reed Flute Cave shows amazing limestone formations. Then head to Shanghai.
Must eat: Guilin rice noodles for breakfast. Small restaurants away from West Street have better food at half the price.
How to Plan A Guilin Tour | Useful Guilin Planning Guide
Top 10 Guilin Tourist Attractions - Things to Do & Places to Visit
Day 20-21: Shanghai
Highlights of Shanghai:
- Shanghai Museum: China's top art and history museum, with ancient artifacts and cultural treasures. It's free and perfect for history lovers.
- Yu Garden: Built in 1559, this classical garden features pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. It's a peaceful escape in bustling Shanghai.
- Nanjing Road: Over 5 km long, it's one of the world's busiest shopping streets, with luxury brands and local shops.
- The Bund: 5 km waterfront lined with 52 historic buildings and stunning views of the Pudong skyline.
2 days fits Shanghai's east-west contrast: historic Puxi and modern Pudong. Morning and evening visits catch the best city views.
1 day can cover Shanghai's highlights smartly. Start at Shanghai Museum in the morning - it's less crowded and shows China's history. Yu Garden is best for lunch and early afternoon - you'll see traditional architecture and try local snacks. Save The Bund & Pudong for evening - the Shanghai Tower observation deck gives you both sunset and night views of the city.
Stay near The Bund at the Peninsula or Waldorf Astoria for river views and easy walks. Mid-range travelers should pick hotels near Nanjing Road - perfect for shopping and metro access.
Shanghai food is all about breakfast. Try xiaolongbao soup dumplings at Jia Jia Tang Bao, shengjianbao fried dumplings from local stands. The best local food hides in side streets away from tourist spots.
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
How Much Does 3 Weeks in China Cost?
China daily costs vary widely between simple comfort and luxury travel. Let me break it down by spending level per day:
Budget travel costs $50-70 daily. This means clean hostels or basic hotels ($25-30), local street food and simple restaurants ($15), public transport ($3), and entrance tickets ($15). This works well in places like Xi'an or Guilin, but feels tight in Shanghai.
Mid-range comfort needs $100-150 daily. This gets you good 3-star hotels ($80), mix of local and Western food ($30), occasional taxis ($10), and all entrance fees ($20). This level works well across all Chinese cities and lets you eat and sleep comfortably.
Luxury travel starts at $250 daily. This means top hotels like Marriott ($150), any restaurant you want ($50), private drivers when needed ($30), and shopping or extras ($50). This suits Shanghai and Beijing where high-end choices are everywhere.
These costs change by city. Beijing and Shanghai cost 30% more than smaller cities. Places like Yangshuo or Chengdu help balance your budget because good hotels and meals cost much less.
China Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to China
How to Travel Between China Cities?
Getting between cities in China mixes speed and comfort with cost. High-speed trains work best for distances under 5 hours - Beijing to Xi'an takes 4.5 hours and beats flying because trains leave from city centers.
For longer trips like Shanghai to Guilin, flights save time and often cost just a bit more than trains. Book trains through Trip.com or your hotel - you need to show your passport. Buy tickets a week early for popular routes like Beijing-Shanghai.
Overnight trains save hotel costs and work well on routes like Xi'an to Chengdu. The soft sleeper class gives you a comfortable bed and often costs less than flying. Buses work only for short trips between nearby cities because trains are faster and more comfortable.
Best Time to Visit China
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) work best for most China trips. Clear skies and mild temperatures make exploring comfortable, whether you're walking city streets or climbing mountains.
Winter divides China clearly. The north gets cold but offers great skiing near Beijing, Harbin and winter scenes at the Great Wall. Southern cities like Hong Kong and Sanya stay warm, making them perfect winter escapes.
Two times to avoid: Early May (Labor Day holiday) and early October (National Week). During these weeks, Chinese tourists fill every train, hotel, and tourist site. Prices go up, and famous spots get too crowded to enjoy.
59 China World Heritage Sites | China UNESCO List (Updated 2025)
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!
Popular China trip length: 5 Days, 7 Days, 8 Days, 10 Days, 12 Days, 14 Days, 3 Weeks, 1 Month
Useful travel Guide: China Safety Tips, Best Time to Visit, How to Plan, Itinerary, Cost, Destinations…
Start Planning: All China Tours, China Group Tours, Best China Tours
Data in submission...
