One weekis too short a time to fully explore China's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. However, with some time-smart arrangements, you can cover China's highlights in around three cities in one week.
See our suggestions for 4time-efficient, 1-week itineraries in China for some ideas on how to make themost of your travel time.
1) The Classic China 1-Week Itinerary for Families, Couples...
This is the most typical tour plan for one week's travel in China. Following this itinerary, you would discover the top highlights of China, including the Great Wall in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, and the Bund in Shanghai.
- Days 1-3: Beijing
- Days 4-5: Xian
- Days 6-7: Shanghai
Beijing: The capital of the exotic 'Middle Kingdom' is full of unique flavors. Discover the main features that China is known for around the world in Beijing.
Explore theGreat Wall, and let its immensity wow your heart. Every brick could tell you a story of its history (our guide would tell you about Great Wall bricks and their inscriptions). For a special experience, visit the SimataiGreat Wall section at night. The scenery is truly enchanting, with the illuminated restored wall snaking through the rugged mountains under the starry sky. Or if you want to have an authentic experience of the most beautiful remaining watchtowers, have a hike on the unrestored wall from Jinshanling to Simatai.
If you are traveling as afamily, you might like to take part in some interesting tai chi exercises with a master. Your kids would really enjoy it!
In Xi'an, Discover the intricate facial details of theTerracotta Warriorsin the first emperor's mausoleum, and learn the history behind them. Make a terracotta warrior of your own with a local artisan's guidance, and take it home as a souvenir. Stroll onXi'an City Walland immerse yourself in the atmosphere of how the city was in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Shanghai: Stroll around theBundand discover Shanghai's interesting 20th-century history. Take a "secret" route that travelers seldom see, and step into an old building there to learn about the history of the Bund in the 1920s.
The rest of your time in Shanghai isflexibleto finish the tour on an individual note: just relax, or experience Chinese fashion, go shopping, visit a street market, or take a visit to one of Shanghai's impressive skyscrapers.
2). A Relaxing 1-Week China Itinerary in Beijing and Shanghai
If you want to have a more relaxing China trip using 7 days, this itinerary may be best for you. You would have the opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and modernization of two of China's most important and influential cities at a more relaxed pace.
- Days 1-3: Beijing
- Days 4-5: Shanghai
- Days 6-7: side trip to Suzhou
Beijing: Discover the main features that China is famous for around the world in Beijing. Explore theGreat Wall at Mutianyu, its most authentically-restored section. For a special experience, visit the Great Wall at night and view the sweeping Milky Way and the Wall by starlight.
Discover theForbidden Citywhere the last 24 Chinese emperors lived. We would help you avoid the crowds, and take you to visit some hidden halls. With us, you would see more features of the palace, which is the largest in the world. Discover its impressive buildings and rooftops.
Shanghai: Experience a blend of old and new in Shanghai. Stroll along theBundand marvel at its architectural styles with a harmonious blend of East and West. Learn the interesting stories behind them.
Have a panoramic view of Shanghai's ambitiousskylinefrom Shanghai Tower, the tallest building outside Dubai.
Side Trip to Suzhou
Take a side trip to Suzhou. Wander around the beautifulLingering Garden.
Explore tranquilTongli Water Townnear Suzhou. Relax in a rowing boat on the canal, admire well-preserved buildings, and experience local life along the waterways.
We can tailor-make the following tour to meet your requirements:6-day Beijing and Shanghai Tour
3). 1-Week Itinerary in Bustling-Yet-Tranquil East China
If you would like tofocus your travel time around Shanghai, East China, this one-week itinerary could be the best option for you. It features an enticing mix of the best bustling city life, breathtaking natural wonders, historical water towns, and serene landscapes in East China.
- Days 1-2: Shanghai
- Days 3-5: Huangshan
- Day 6: Wuzhen
- Day 7: Hangzhou
Shanghai: Visit ShanghaiUrban Planning Exhibition Hallto get an overview of Shanghai's development, including its history, present, and future. Walk on theBundto marvel at its unique architectural vista, and learn about 1920s Shanghai in the French Concession.
Huangshan: Huangshan has long been called 'the most beautiful mountain in China'. Take in its breathtaking natural scenery of imaginatively-named pines, oddly-shaped rocks, and seas of clouds. Don't miss a sunrise over the mountains.
Visit one of the most beautiful old villages in China —Hongcun. Enjoy a relaxing stroll in the village, and explore its old mansions, water channels, and ancestral hall. Take some memorable photos at its serenely scenic village pond.
Wuzhen: Uncover the charm of Wuzhen, a captivating water town. Discover its stone bridges, walk on the century-old pathways along the canal, and explore the traditional wooden buildings of this pretty water town. To fully appreciate the picturesque scenery and unwind in this serene environment, stay overnight there for beautifully-lit nighttime scenery and a relaxing vibe.
In Hangzhou, take a small boat on the stunningWest Lake, and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery around the lake: lush hills, ancient temples, and picturesque gardens.
VisitMeijiawu Tea Village, explore a Chinese tea farm, savor its renowned Hangzhou Dragon Well Tea (Longjing Tea), and pick some yourself. Drive uphill to wander amidst the verdant tea plantations, the very birthplace of authentic Longjing Tea.
Recommended tour: Hangzhou and Its Neighbors —7-day Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou and Wuzhen tour
4) 1-Week China Itinerary with Scenic Guilin
If you want to seeChina's natural scenery and serene rural lifein your first 1-week China tour, this itinerary would be a perfect option to you.
This carefully-planned itinerary would take you through China's diverse landscapes and rich history: the imperial majesty of Beijing, the breathtaking beauty of Guilin's karst mountains, and the dynamic urban life of Shanghai.
- Days 1-3: Beijing
- Days 4-5: Guilin
- Days 6-7: Shanghai
In Beijing游览长城,慕田峪。看到awesome scene of the wall snaking along the mountain tops. Explore the grand Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world.
In Guilin,Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Guilin for two days. Enjoy a half-day Li River cruise, giving you time to relax and take in the stunning views around you. Marvel at the striking limestone peaks and take in the quaint countryside scenes, including farmers working in the fields and water buffalos grazing on the lush meadows.
Have a tranquil walk along the picturesque lakes in Guilin City. Soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this history-themed manmade park scape with traditional Chinese bridges, pavilions, and pagodas.
In Shanghai, visit the Bund and learn about the city in the 1920s. Have a bird-eye's views of its impressive skyline and take in the vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere of Shanghai.
Recommended tour: we can customize this tour to meet your requirements: Family Happiness — 11-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin/Yangshuo–Shanghai Private Tour
How to Travel Around China
Traveling around China can be an enriching experience, with various transportation options to suit your needs. Major cities are connected by an extensive high-speed rail network that offers comfort and convenience, allowing you to traverse the country quickly and efficiently.
For longer distances, domestic flights provide time-saving connectivity.
When booking with us, let us know your travel preferences, and we will arrange the best travel routes for you, seamlessly booking the flight/train tickets you need.
Creating Your Ideal 1-Week China Itinerary
We are here to create a special tour itinerary just for you. Just tell us your ideas, and our traveler advisor will work 1:1 with you to helpcreate your dream China trip.
