Fourteen days is the ideal length for a first China trip — long enough to see the essential cities and add one extraordinary natural destination, without the rushed feeling of a 7-day visit. This guide offers two complete routes: Option A (Beijing + Xi’an + Chengdu + Guilin + Shanghai) and Option B (Beijing + Shanghai + Guilin + Zhangjiajie). Both are day-by-day plans with transport times, booking tips and budget estimates.
Table of Contents
What is the best 14-day China itinerary?
Option A: History + Food + Nature (Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Guilin → Shanghai)
Days 1–3: Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutongs — same as 7-day plan)
Days 4–5: Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors, city wall, Muslim Quarter — same as 7-day plan) Transport: High-speed train Beijing → Xi’an, ~4.5 hours
Days 6–8: Chengdu
- Day 6: Arrive (high-speed train Xi’an → Chengdu, ~3.5 hours). Afternoon: Kuan Zhai Alley (宽窄巷子) for traditional Sichuan breakfast/lunch. Evening: Sichuan hotpot dinner — your first proper one.
- Day 7: Giant Panda Base (arrive at 8am opening). Afternoon: Jinli Ancient Street + Wuhou Shrine. Evening: more hotpot (this is expected in Chengdu).
- Day 8: Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha (1.5 hours by high-speed train). Return to Chengdu evening.
Days 9–11: Guilin + Yangshuo Transport: Fly Chengdu → Guilin, ~1.5–2 hours
- Day 9: Arrive Guilin. Afternoon: Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩) or Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山). Evening: Lijiang River area.
- Day 10: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (4–5 hours, ¥210–310). Arrive Yangshuo afternoon. Evening: West Street.
- Day 11: Yangshuo — cycle along the Yulong River (遇龙河), bamboo raft. Evening: high-speed train Yangshuo → Guilin (~30 min) then overnight train or early flight to Shanghai.
Days 12–14: Shanghai Transport: Fly or overnight train Guilin → Shanghai
- Day 12: Arrive. Rest and explore the Bund at night.
- Day 13: Yu Garden + Old Town (morning), French Concession (afternoon), rooftop bar (evening).
- Day 14: Shanghai Tower observation deck, last shopping/food, depart.
Option B: Cities + Dramatic Nature (Beijing → Shanghai → Guilin → Zhangjiajie)
Days 1–3: Beijing (same as above)
Days 4–6: Shanghai Transport: High-speed train Beijing → Shanghai, ~4.5 hours
- Day 4: Arrive. Bund at night.
- Day 5: Yu Garden, French Concession, Tianzifang.
- Day 6: Day trip — Zhujiajiao water town (45 min by metro) or Hangzhou West Lake (1 hour by HSR).
Days 7–9: Guilin + Yangshuo Transport: Fly Shanghai → Guilin, ~2.5 hours (Same as Option A Days 9–11)
Days 10–12: Zhangjiajie Transport: Fly Guilin → Zhangjiajie, ~1.5 hours
- Day 10: Arrive. Afternoon: Tianmen Mountain (天门山) cable car + glass skywalk.
- Day 11: National Forest Park — Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯) + Yuanjiajie Avatar mountain area + Golden Whip Stream (金鞭溪).
- Day 12: Second Forest Park day or Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge.
Days 13–14: Return + buffer Transport: Fly Zhangjiajie → home city, or Zhangjiajie → Changsha → onward
How much does a 14-day China trip cost?
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (13 nights) | USD $200–350 | USD $500–900 |
| Intercity transport | USD $150–250 | USD $200–350 |
| Local transport | USD $60–100 | USD $80–130 |
| Food | USD $150–250 | USD $280–500 |
| Attractions | USD $100–150 | USD $130–200 |
| Total (excl. international flights) | USD $660–1,100 | USD $1,190–2,080 |
What can I see in China in 2 weeks?
Two weeks allows Beijing + Xi’an + Chengdu (pandas + hotpot) + Guilin (Li River cruise) + Shanghai — covering ancient history, Silk Road culture, world-class food, extraordinary natural scenery and modern urban China. This is the most recommended first-time China route for 14 days.
Is 2 weeks enough for China?
Two weeks is the sweet spot — enough to see the highlights without constant rushing. You can explore each destination properly rather than ticking boxes. A return trip with 2+ weeks can then go deeper into Yunnan, Silk Road or Sichuan.
