China Itinerary 5 Days: How to Spend 5 Days in China?

5 Day in China with Multi Destinations

Beijing + Shanghai: Best for First Timers

It' s the best 5-day itinerary in China if you are new to China. You' re traveling to China' s most developed cities, where ancient landmarks stand alongside cutting-edge technology, towering skyscrapers, and serene hidden gardens.

China Five Day Itinerary Map - Beijing & Shanghai

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Beijing Shanghai Small Group Tour

In Beijing, the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China are two must-visit UNESCO Heritage Sites. To explore more ancient emperors’ daily life, head to the summer palace and Temple of Heaven. The former is a royal garden with lakes and mountains, and the latter is a place for the emperor to worship.

Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing

The Bund, Shanghai

In Shanghai, the Bund with its iconic skyline along Huangpu River always attracts all the attention. It' s the symbol of China' s prosperity and richness. Interested in its history? Visit the Yu Garden. For shopping enthusiasts, don’t miss Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise for all budgets.

Contact Asia Odyssey Travel, all our itineraries can be customized to suit your needs.

Chengdu + Xi' an: Explore Western China

If big, fast-paced cities aren't your thing, this 5-day itinerary is perfect for a laid-back yet culture-packed trip. You' re going to the home of giant pandas, incredible food, and fascinating ancient history.

China Five Day Itinerary Map - Chengdu & Xi'an

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Chengdu Xi'an Tour: Travel from Panda's Home to Ancient Capital

Start your trip in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China. Pandas are a major draw, and the Chengdu Panda Base is always bustling with visitors.

Besides pandas, spicy food is another highlight of Chengdu. You' ll find aromatic dishes at every corner, whether you' re strolling through streets or exploring spots in Jinli Street and Wenshu Monastery.

Don' t miss Heming Teahouse at People' s Park, a symbol of Chengdu' s laid-back lifestyle.

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Xian Terracotta Warriors

In Xi' an, a morning visit to the legendary Terracotta Warriors and a late afternoon cycle along the Ancient City Wall is a classic day tour. Interested in Tang Dynasty? Head to Big Wild Goose Pagoda and nearby Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City.

Be sure to try Xi' an' s famous roujiamo (Chinese burger) and biangbiang noodles in the lively Muslim Quarter.

For detailed information, contact Asia Odyssey Travel. We’re local travel agency dedicated to helping you make the most of your 5 days in Chengdu and Xi' an.

Shanghai + Hangzhou + Suzhou: Golden Yangtze Delta

If you want a beautiful, culture-packed trip without long travel times, this 5-day itinerary in the Yangtze Delta is perfect. You' re stepping into Shanghai' s modern skyline, Hangzhou' s scenic West Lake, and Suzhou' s classical gardens and water towns—all in the heart of China' s picturesque Jiangnan region.

China Five Day Itinerary Map - Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour: Experience Heavenly Charm by Bullet Train

In Shanghai, the Huangpu River takes center stage, with The Bund' s colonial buildings on one side and a stunning skyline of skyscrapers on the other.

Broken Bridge, West Lake

Picturesque canals and ancient bridges of Zhouzhuang

In Hangzhou, the charm of West Lake and its surrounding landscapes is unmissable. Spend half a day strolling around West Lake and discovering its history. Most importantly, immerse yourself in the culture of Longjing Tea, one of China' s most renowned varieties.

In Suzhou, you' ll be enchanted by its traditional Chinese-style gardens. Visit when the flowers are in bloom or when the light softens in the evening. The nearby water towns are a hidden gem—take a boat ride to explore these picturesque towns, where canals, stone bridges, and ancient architecture transport you back in time.

Follow the path of Asia Odyssey Travel, and this trip will give you the perfect blend of modern city life, historical charm, and natural beauty—a true Jiangnan experience you won' t forget!

Guilin + Yangtze River Cruise: Cruise Journey through Nature Beauty

Looking for something unique and breathtaking in China? This 5-day itinerary combines 2 river cruises through Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo and Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang—a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation.

China Five Day Itinerary Map - Guilin & Yangtze River Cruise

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Guilin & Yangtze River Cruise Relaxing Scenic Tour

Guilin is home to China' s most iconic mountains and rivers. Whether you' re cruising the Li River or bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, it feels like you' re floating through an ancient Chinese painting. Cycling along the countryside paths is also a delightful experience, bringing you back to your childhood.

Li River Cruise

Yangtze River Cruise

Chongqing is the departure point for the Yangtze River Cruise. On this 3-night journey, you' ll sail through the stunning Three Gorges, explore narrower gorges on a smaller boat, and finally dock near the Three Gorges Dam.

Asia Odyssey Travel will arrange both your cruise tickets and accommodations. This relaxing yet adventurous itinerary lets you experience China' s most breathtaking river landscapes while immersing you in local culture and history.

5 Days in China with Single Destination

5-Day Imperial Beijing: Great Wall, Palaces & Hutong Culture

A 5-day trip to Beijing is absolutely worth it—there' s so much history, culture, and modern charm to take in! From imperial palaces to ancient hutongs and the Great Wall, you' ll never run out of things to see.

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Beijing Hutong Tour - From Ancient Beijing to Modern Beijing

You can fully explore Beijing' s ancient glory and modern prosperity in this 5-day itinerary. No one leaves Beijing without hiking the Great Wall—go for the Mutianyu section instead of the crowded Badaling.

View Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

Yandaixiejie Street, Beijing

If you' re curious about the life of past emperors, you should never miss Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Yonghe Temple. Their architecture tells the story—pay attention to the windows, roofs, and intricate decorations.

Want a glimpse of real local life? Wander through the Hutongs near the Forbidden City. And those elderly folks sitting by old wooden doors? Don' t be fooled—some of them are sitting on fortunes.

Beijing' s modern luxury is more understated than Shanghai' s glittering skyline. If you want a taste, check out Beijing' s CBD or Wangfujing for a more polished cityscape.

5 Days in Chengdu: Pandas, Sichuan Flavors & Relaxed Tea Culture

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, is more than Pandas and spicy food. In 5 days, you can travel to the UNESCO Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong Scenic Area from Chengdu, leaving a nice memories about the colourful waters and ponds in China.

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Bullet Train to Fairyland Tour

Jiuzhaigou, one of the most stunning destinations north of Chengdu, is like stepping into a fairyland. Thanks to the high-speed train between Chengdu and Jiuzhai Huanglong, getting there is now much easier.

Taoist Priest in Qingcheng Mountain

Beautiful waterfalls of Jiuzhai Valley

In Huanglong, the terraced Five-Colored Pool at the top is the real highlight. It takes about 30 minutes of hiking at 3,600m altitude, but trust me—it' s worth every step.

At Jiuzhaigou National Park, shuttle buses between viewpoints make exploring effortless. The water here is unreal—shimmering shades of blue, green, and emerald, changing with the sunlight and tree shadows.

For the ultimate experience, visit in late October—that' s when Jiuzhaigou turns into China' s most breathtaking autumn scene.

5-Day Guilin & Yangshuo Escape: Li River, Karst Landscapes & Rural Charm

Everything you've dreamed of about China's landscapes is in Guilin and Yangshuo—misty mountains, winding rivers, wooden houses, and bamboo boats. Spend 5 days in Guilin, and you' ll see your dream picture come to life.

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Guilin Yangshuo Longji Tour with Hiking in Longji Rice Terraces

Guilin is just a gateway to these floating limestone peaks and rice terraces fields. The 5-day Guilin Tour is definitely a lifetime memory.

Longji Rice Terrace

Bamboo raft on Yulong River

A Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is a must-do experience. This 4-hour cruise journey is totally an epic adventure if the weather cooperates. You' ll sail through a watercolor painting, that' s really cool!

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, you can spend 1-2 days to get up close to these peaks however you like—bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, cycling through the countryside, taking a cable car for a panoramic view, or even a helicopter ride to see it all from above.

Beyond the rivers and peaks, Longji Rice Terraces (80 km north of Guilin) are a must-see. Spend 1-2 days hiking through lush green fields in spring or golden waves in autumn—a breathtaking sight you won' t forget.

5 Days in Zhangjiajie: Avatar Mountains, Glass Bridge & Scenic Wonders

Zhangjiajie is definitely a destination worth spending five days exploring. You'll find the Hallelujah Mountains from the movie Avatar come to life here.

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Panorama Zhangjiajie Tour with Fenghuang Ancient Town

What to expect in Zhangjiajie in 5 days? Wulingyuan  Scenic Area is the star attraction famous for its floating mountains (the inspiration for Avatar) and Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift.

Enjoy Panoramic View of Tianmen Cave, Zhangjiajie

Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan

For an adrenaline rush, head to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon—it’s more than just the Glass Bridge. Try bungee jumping, sliding, zip lining, and boating through the canyon while passing stunning waterfalls.

Tianmen Mountain, connected to downtown Zhangjiajie by Asia’s longest cable car, is another must-visit. The Heaven’s Gate, with 999 steep stairs, makes for a thrilling climb—watch your step!

Interested in minority culture? Visit Fenghuang Ancient Town, a 1,300-year-old water town known for Miao ethnic traditions, stilted wooden houses, and romantic riverside views.

5-Day Yunnan Discovery: Ancient Towns, Ethnic Culture & Stunning Landscapes

Yunnan is a hidden gem for nature beauty and culture variety. With 5 days, you can explore some of Yunnan’s best destinations, such as Dali and Lijiang.

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Dali Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Ancient Town - Timeless Yunnan

If you're tired of skyscrapers and city crowds, Dali is the perfect getaway for you and your family! With mild weather, blue skies, clear waters, and colorful farmland, Dali is home to the Bai ethnic minority and a laid-back lifestyle.

Shaxi Ancient Town

Reflections of the Three Pagodas

Spend 2-3 days on the western bank of Erhai Lake, exploring Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. Or simply cycle along the lakeside, soaking in the slow, peaceful rhythm of life.

Further north, Lijiang sits under the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain, quietly waiting for you. Over 800 years old, Lijiang Old Town is a beautifully preserved gem of Naxi-style architecture. Wander through its stone-paved alleys, canals, and wooden bridges, and let its old-world charm transport you back in time.

Asia Odyssey Travel offers affordable Yunnan Group Tour package to help you make the most of your relaxing Yunnan vacation.

5 Days in Lhasa: Spiritual Journey Through Tibet’s Holy Land

Tibet, stands on the western border of China, on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is known as the "Roof of the World." 5 days in Tibet is short but worthwhile, allowing you to visit the sacred Lhasa and its breathtaking surroundings.

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Private Tour

There are certain barriers to traveling to Tibet, not only its high altitude and language, but also the need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit.

Lhasa Potala Palace

Lhasa Jokhang Temple

As a local travel agency, Asia Odyssey Travel will help clear the way to Tibet and make your cultural experience hassle-free.

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you should spend some time acclimatizing to the altitude. With 1-3 nights, you'll adjust and start to enjoy life here. During your stay in Lhasa, explore the golden-roof Buddhist monasteries and temples, stroll along traditional streets and alleys to connect with Tibetan locals.

Once acclimatized, it’s time to venture out of the city and experience something vast and wild.

Yamdrok Lake, just a 2-hour drive away, is the perfect destination. This lake, resembling a section of a winding river, is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, known for its unbelievable turquoise waters, stunning mountain backdrop, and spiritual significance.

Be cautious of the altitude—it reaches 4,790m at Gampa La Pass, the summit viewpoint for a panoramic view of the lake.

Tibet Yamdrok Lake

Gyawu La Pass in Tibet to View Mount Everest

Discover China in Just 5 Days with Asia Odyssey Travel!

Short on time but still want to experience the best of China? Our classic 5-day itineraries are designed to give you an unforgettable taste of China’s history, culture, and stunning landscapes—all in a well-organized, hassle-free trip.

At Asia Odyssey Travel, we offer affordable, expertly planned routes with experienced guides, ensuring you make the most of your journey. Whether you’re looking for ancient wonders, modern cities, or breathtaking nature, we have the perfect itinerary for you.

For those who have longer holidays, we also offer plenty itineraries: including 7-day, 8-day, 10-day, 12-day, 14-day, 15-day , 3-week tours and even one-month tour—so you can explore China at your own pace.

Don’t wait—start planning your ideal 5-day China adventure with us today!