21-Day China Adventure Itinerary for Couples or Friend Group

The following is a suggested itinerary for families visiting China for the first time who spend 21 days and 20 nights in China, arriving in Beijing and departing from Shanghai.

Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 2-4 - Beijing Highlights

Spend three full days to walk the "Emperor’s Path" (Classic & Historical tour). One day to explpre the traditional Imperial Heart & City Axis, One day to the Great Wall, and one day to Summer Palace and the "Old Soul "- Hutong & Local Life.

Day 5 - Beijing to Guilin

In the early morning, fly from Beijing to Guilin (3hour), and have a half day tour of Guilin. Consider our Yangshuo & Guilin 3-day itinerary.

Day 6 - Guilin to Yangshuo

Take Li-River Cruise to Yangshuo in the morning, and then in the afternoon explore the beautiful countryside on a leisurely family cycling tour along the Ten-Mile Gallery. After dinner, travel to Xingping Ancient Town and have dinner, then watch the amazing Cormorant Fishing show.

Day 7 - Yangshuo to Chongqing

Early Start to catch the incredible sunrise at Xianggong Hill. Then time for the Bamboo Raft Drift. It’s a peaceful, fun float down the river. In the noom experience the local specialty Da You Cha (Oil Tea) and taste a delicious local farmhouse lunch. Back to Guilin and take the train to Chongqing.

Day 8-9 - Chongqing

Have a 8D Magic City 2-Day Tour (Jiefangbei, Hotpot, Shibati old street, Yangtze River Cableway, Hongya cave, Nanbin Road, Night River Cruise in Chongqing, Liziba Monorail passing through a building, immersive rotating show Chongqing 1949).

Day 10 - Chongqing (Wulong) to Chengdu

In the morning, travel to Zhangjiajie (2.5 hours). Spend the afternoon at Tianmen Mountain.

Day 11 - Chengdu

Experience the slow lifestyle and authentic local vibe of Chengdu. (Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, Kongfu Tea Ceremony & Sichuan Opera Face Changing, Ear Spa People's Park，Jinli Ancient Street, Jiuyanqiao / Lan Kwai Fong)

Day 12 - Chengdu to Xi'an

Have a Panda day tour and take train to Xi'an.

Day 13 - Xi'an

Experience the history of the ancient capital (Xi'an City Wall, Bell and Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, Grand Tang Mall)

Day 14 - Xi'an to Zhangjiajie

Experience the history of the ancient capital. (Xi'an City Wall, Bell and Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, Grand Tang Mall). Fly to Zhangjiejie.

Day 15-16 - Zhangjiajie Nature & Culture

Option 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain, 72 Wonders Tower ,Fox Fairy Show;

Option 2: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain + Furong Town Night View (Round Trip)

Day 17 - Zhangjiajie to Shanghai

Via Ferrata challenge during the day (Sky Ladder). You can also consider Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Fly to Shanghai in the evening.

Day 18 - Shanghai

Have a classic city day tour (Former French Concession, East Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, City God Temple Area, The Bund)

Day 19 - Shanghai

Option 1: Disneyland day tour

Option 2: continue to explore the charm of Shanghai city (Xintiandi, Lujiazui CBD, Oriental Pearl. the north Bund, One-thousand tree mall)

Day 20 - Zhujiajiao / Suzhou

Zhujiajiao Acient Town day tour or Suzhou day tour.

Day 21 - Depart from Shanghai

Explore the west Nanjing road with lunch at Imperial Banquet or Warehouse No. 3. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon or evening for your departure.

Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary.