📍 China

CHINA TRADITION AND MODERNITY: BEIJING TO SHANGHAI

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, ideal weather, moderate crowds, excellent for most regions, comfortable travel. Fall (September-October): Perfect weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, peak tourist season, higher prices, autumn colors beautiful. Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, rainy season, crowded tourist sites, highest prices, but best for Tibet and western regions. Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, fewer crowds, lower prices, perfect for southern regions, harsh in north, unique winter experiences. Regional Variations: Vast climate diversity, southern subtropical, northern continental, western plateau, plan according to regions visited.

Ancient walls frame glass towers, karst peaks rise from rice paddies, modern cities gleam each night. China marries past and future.

≈ 14

Days

1448

Stops

📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Beijing between Forbidden City and modern districts, Yangshuo's postcard landscapes, Shanghai between historic Bund and futuristic skyscrapers. China, where tradition and modernity meet.

Beijing: ancient modern capital
Yangshuo: karst rice beauty
Shanghai: future city energy
Huangshan: misty peak

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Beijing

wall tower ancient modern

4 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Discovery of Beijing's hutongs, the traditional alleys with gray walls and red flags.

Visit to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture surrounded by an immense park.

🎯

Activities

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Walk in a local park to observe residents playing and relaxing in the shade.

Day

Beijing

wall tower ancient modern

4 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Excursion to the Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu site, famous for its toboggan descent.

🎯

Activities

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Climb up the Wall, panoramic walk and fun descent by sliding.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 70 km

Travel time: 1h30

Day

Beijing

wall tower ancient modern

4 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, imperial symbol of China.

Walk in Jingshan Park to admire the view over the rooftops of the Forbidden City.

🎯

Activities

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Observation of Mao Zedong's portrait and guards on Tiananmen Square.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 5 km

Travel time: 20min

Day

Beijing

wall tower ancient modern

4 photos

Day 4

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Discover

Exploration of the Summer Palace, vast complex of gardens, lakes and imperial temples.

🎯

Activities

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Pedal boat ride on Kunming Lake and walk along the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

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Next stop

Distance: 20 km

Travel time: 45min

Day

Beijing

wall tower ancient modern

4 photos

Day 5

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Discover

Evening in the Houhai district, famous for its bars, lights and festive atmosphere.

🎯

Activities

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Relaxation around the lake, with live music and nighttime entertainment.

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Next stop

Distance: 8 km

Travel time: 25min

Day

Yangshuo

karst peak rice farming

3 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Flight from Beijing to Guilin then transfer to Yangshuo, famous for its karst mountains.

🎯

Activities

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Electric scooter ride through rice fields and rock formations.

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Next stop

Distance: 50 km

Travel time: 1h

Day

Yangshuo

karst peak rice farming

3 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Bamboo raft cruise on the Yulong River, in the heart of the karst landscape.

Walk to Yulong Bridge and Fuli village.

🎯

Activities

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Observation of cormorant fishermen on the river at sunset.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 12 km

Travel time: 30min

Day

Yangshuo

karst peak rice farming

3 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Excursion to Xingping to see the famous panorama from the 20 yuan banknote.

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Activities

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Walk along the Li River quays and photo session of the iconic landscape.

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Next stop

Distance: 25 km

Travel time: 40min

Day

Shanghai

tomorrow-city bund energy

3 photos

Day 9

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Discover

Transfer to Shanghai, modern and cosmopolitan megacity.

🎯

Activities

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Free exploration of shopping streets and modern galleries.

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Cocktail in skybar with view of Pudong at sunset.

✈️

Next stop

✈️ Flight / transfer day

Distance: 1200 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Shanghai

tomorrow-city bund energy

3 photos

Day 10

🔍

Discover

Walk on the Bund, famous promenade offering stunning views of the skyline.

Visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

🎯

Activities

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Walk in Fuxing Park and break in a typical café.

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Next stop

Distance: 5 km

Travel time: 20min

Day

Shanghai

tomorrow-city bund energy

3 photos

Day 11

🔍

Discover

Exploration of the French Concession district and its shops.

🎯

Activities

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Boat ride on the canals and discovery of ancient houses.

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Next stop

Distance: 3 km

Travel time: 6min

Day

Shanghai

tomorrow-city bund energy

3 photos

Day 12

🔍

Discover

Excursion to a traditional water village like Zhujiajiao, one hour from Shanghai.

🎯

Activities

→

Boat ride on the canals and discovery of ancient houses.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 50 km

Travel time: 1h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

BEIJING, SHANGHAI, HUANGSHAN, GUANGXI KARSTS, HONG KONG, FENGHUANG, ZHANGJIAJIE AND CHONGQING

📅 27 days 🛣️ 5148.5 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - China

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers, ideal weather, moderate crowds, excellent for most regions, comfortable travel.

Fall (September-October): Perfect weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, peak tourist season, higher prices, autumn colors beautiful.

Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, rainy season, crowded tourist sites, highest prices, but best for Tibet and western regions.

Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures, fewer crowds, lower prices, perfect for southern regions, harsh in north, unique winter experiences.

Regional Variations: Vast climate diversity, southern subtropical, northern continental, western plateau, plan according to regions visited.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in China?

Ancient civilization meets modern superpower with Great Wall, forbidden cities, and cutting-edge technology. Experience diverse landscapes, incredible cuisine, and 5000-year cultural heritage. The country offers bustling megacities, pristine nature, and traditional arts. China provides overwhelming cultural richness and geographical diversity in rapidly modernizing nation.