📍 China

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS: SHANGHAI TO BEIJING ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

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.

Harbors glitter with neon, mountains float in mist, terracotta soldiers stand eternal. China's highlights tell centuries of history.

≈ 16

Days

3395

Stops

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

Futuristic Shanghai, Zhangjiajie mountains that inspired Avatar, Xi'an and its terracotta army, imperial Beijing. China's essentials in one journey.

Shanghai: harbor futuristic
Zhangjiajie: avatar peak
Xian: terracotta legacy
Beijing: imperial grandeur

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Shanghai

harbor neon future city

3 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Discovery of Yuyuan Garden and the alleys of the traditional bazaar

🎯

Activities

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Free stroll in Shanghai's historic center in the evening

Day

Shanghai

harbor neon future city

3 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Visit to the Shanghai Museum on People's Square

Discovery of the Jade Buddha Temple

Walk on the Bund and in the former French Concession

🎯

Activities

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Strolling through shaded streets and local art galleries

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 10 km

Travel time: 25min

Day

Shanghai

harbor neon future city

3 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Discovery of the Tianzifang and Xintiandi districts

Walk along the Pudong waterfront to admire the skyscrapers

🎯

Activities

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Night cruise on the Huangpu River

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 5 km

Travel time: 15min

Day

Zhangjiajie

avatar mountain mist peak

6 photos

Day 4

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Discover

Excursion to Zhujiajiao water town and boat ride

🎯

Activities

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Domestic flight Shanghai → Zhangjiajie

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Walk in the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

✈️

Next stop

✈️ Flight / transfer day

Distance: 1100 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Zhangjiajie

avatar mountain mist peak

6 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Discovery of Tianzi Mountains and Avatar Hallelujah site

🎯

Activities

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Domestic flight Zhangjiajie → Xi'an

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 25 km

Travel time: 40min

Day

Xian

terracotta legion ancient city

4 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Ascent of Mount Tianmen and crossing the glass bridge

🎯

Activities

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Evening fountain show at the pagoda

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High-speed train Xi'an → Beijing

✈️

Next stop

✈️ Flight / transfer day

Distance: 890 km

Travel time: 10h

Day

Xian

terracotta legion ancient city

4 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Museum of terracotta warriors and horses

Visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and its musical fountain

Walk in the Muslim quarter

🎯

Activities

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Free walk in the shopping streets of downtown

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Next stop

Distance: 30 km

Travel time: 45min

Day

Beijing

imperial grandeur dynasty wall

4 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Walk on the ramparts of Xi'an old city

Visit to Hanyangling mausoleum

🎯

Activities

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Discovery of the Gulou district and its historic towers

✈️

Next stop

✈️ Flight / transfer day

Distance: 1200 km

Travel time: 13h20

Day

Beijing

imperial grandeur dynasty wall

4 photos

Day 9

🔍

Discover

Temple of Heaven

Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City

Jingshan Park for panoramic view of the City

🎯

Activities

→

Visit to a traditional hutong around Houhai Lake

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Next stop

Distance: 10 km

Travel time: 25min

Day

Beijing

imperial grandeur dynasty wall

4 photos

Day 10

🔍

Discover

Summer Palace and walk along Kunming Lake

Visit to Beijing Olympic Park

🎯

Activities

→

Discovery of the Gulou district and its historic towers

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 15 km

Travel time: 40min

Day

Beijing

imperial grandeur dynasty wall

4 photos

Day 11

🔍

Discover

Great Wall of China – Mutianyu section

🎯

Activities

→

Visit to a traditional hutong around Houhai Lake

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 75 km

Travel time: 1h30

Day

Beijing

imperial grandeur dynasty wall

4 photos

Day 12

🔍

Discover

Final free stroll and visit to Xiushui Silk Market

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 35 km

Travel time: 50min

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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

📅 27 days 🛣️ 5148.5 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - China

Check official recommendations

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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 13 and 19 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.