This route balances a brisk journey across China with unhurried pockets of park time and quieter evenings. It links Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai, groups stops by area, and skips museums; travel times between stops are approximate.
Budget
About ¥13,000–25,000 per person, excluding international flights; varies with hotel choice, domestic flights, train class, meals, and private day-trip transport.
Best time to visit
April–May or September–October for generally comfortable sightseeing weather; spring and autumn are also pleasant for parks and countryside. Avoid major public holidays if possible, as transport and attractions become much busier.
Beijing: Tian’anmen and the Forbidden City
Stay around central Beijing for a gentle arrival and the city’s landmark palace complex.
Morning
Walk Tian’anmen Square
Allow time for security checks and the vast open square. From central Beijing hotels, travel is typically 10–30 minutes by taxi or metro.
FreeAfternoon
Explore the Forbidden City
Walk north from Tian’anmen Square to the palace entrance in about 10–15 minutes. Book a timed ticket in advance; the palace grounds are extensive.
About ¥60Evening
Stroll Wangfujing
Take a taxi or metro for about 15–25 minutes from the palace area, then browse the pedestrian street and have dinner nearby.
Free
Beijing: lakes and hutongs
Enjoy a scenic, walkable day around the central lakes and traditional alleyways.
Morning
Walk the lakeside
Start with an easy lakeside loop and take in the old streets around the water. From Wangfujing, expect around 25–35 minutes by taxi or metro.
FreeAfternoon
Wander
It is about 15–20 minutes on foot from , depending on your route. Explore the hutongs and pause for lunch along the way.
FreeEvening
Watch sunset at
Take a taxi for roughly 15–20 minutes from . The short climb rewards you with a classic view over the Forbidden City.
About ¥2
Beijing: Temple of Heaven and Qianmen
Pair a calm morning in a historic park with old streets and a relaxed dinner close by.
Morning
Explore the grounds
Arrive early to see local residents exercising among the cypress groves. From central Beijing, travel takes about 20–30 minutes by taxi or metro.
About ¥15; combo ticket about ¥34Afternoon
Browse
Travel about 15–25 minutes by taxi or metro from the area. The pedestrian street is convenient for a leisurely lunch and a look at traditional-style shopfronts.
FreeEvening
Relax at Dashilan
Walk around 10 minutes from through the historic commercial lanes, then choose a nearby Beijing-style dinner.
Free
Beijing: Great Wall and Olympic Green
Make an early excursion to the Great Wall, then finish with open space around the Olympic venues.
Morning
Visit the
Set aside a half-day for the wall; the drive from central Beijing is usually about 1.5–2 hours each way. Cable car and shuttle options make the visit easier.
About From ¥40; shuttle and cable car extraAfternoon
Return to Beijing and unwind at
After the roughly 1.5–2-hour drive back, take a relaxed walk through the broad landscaped grounds.
FreeEvening
See the Bird’s Nest lit up
Walk about 10–15 minutes within to the stadium exterior. Check event schedules if you hope to go inside.
Free
Xi’an: city walls and the Muslim Quarter
Fly to Xi’an and spend the afternoon exploring its compact, atmospheric old center.
Morning
Fly from Beijing to Xi’an
The flight is about 2–2.5 hours, before airport transfers and check-in. Keep the morning light and head to your hotel near the old city.
About ¥500–1,500Afternoon
Walk Xi’an City Wall
From the central hotel area, allow about 10–20 minutes to reach a gate. Walking a section is relaxing; renting a bicycle is an optional extra.
About ¥54Evening
Sample the
Travel around 10–15 minutes by taxi or metro from the wall, or walk about 20–30 minutes. Explore the food lanes at your own pace.
Free
Xi’an: Terracotta Army and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
See Xi’an’s best-known archaeological landmark, then return to the city for an evening stroll.
Morning
Visit the Terracotta Army
Allow about 1–1.5 hours each way from central Xi’an by car or tour transport, plus time at the site. Arrive early to avoid the busiest hours.
About ¥120Afternoon
Return to central Xi’an and rest
The return journey is typically about 1–1.5 hours. Take a break at your hotel before heading to the southern city center.
Evening
Walk around the
From the central old city, allow about 20–30 minutes by taxi or metro. Enjoy the surrounding plaza and fountains; the pagoda’s interior visit is optional.
About From ¥40
Chengdu: parks and old lanes
Take the high-speed train to Chengdu and spend the rest of the day at an easy city pace.
Morning
Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu
The direct train takes roughly 3–4.5 hours, depending on service. Allow extra time for stations and check-in, then settle into central Chengdu.
About ¥260–550Afternoon
Take tea in People’s Park
From central Chengdu, a taxi or metro ride usually takes 10–20 minutes. Choose a teahouse and enjoy the gardens and everyday park life.
FreeEvening
Browse
Take a taxi for around 10 minutes or walk about 20 minutes from People’s Park. The lanes are lively in the evening, with plenty of options for dinner.
Free
Chengdu: pandas and riverside heritage
Meet Chengdu’s famous residents in the morning, then slow down around the city’s historic temple quarter.
Morning
See giant pandas at the research base
Reach the base early, when pandas are generally more active. From central Chengdu, allow about 40–60 minutes by taxi or public transport.
About ¥55Afternoon
Walk through Wuhou Shrine and its gardens
Travel about 35–50 minutes by taxi from the panda base. Explore the leafy grounds and nearby historic lanes.
About ¥50Evening
Stroll
Walk about 5 minutes from Wuhou Shrine to the lantern-lit street. Pick up a casual local dinner and keep the evening unhurried.
Free
Chengdu: Dujiangyan and mountain scenery
Take a day trip to a historic waterworks site and nearby green foothills, returning to Chengdu for the night.
Morning
Travel to Dujiangyan
Take a train or car from Chengdu; the journey is commonly around 1–1.5 hours. Continue to the scenic area after arriving.
About ¥15–100Afternoon
Explore Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Allow several hours to walk the historic waterworks, bridges, and surrounding paths. Entry is about ¥80; onward travel within the area is short.
About ¥80Evening
Return to Chengdu for dinner
Travel back to Chengdu in about 1–1.5 hours. Keep dinner close to your hotel after a full day outdoors.
About ¥30–100
Guilin: lakes and old streets
Fly to Guilin and enjoy a low-key first evening beside the city’s famous lakes.
Morning
Fly from Chengdu to Guilin
The flight is about 2 hours, with airport transfers and check-in adding time. After arrival, travel to a hotel near the central lakes.
About ¥500–1,500Afternoon
Walk around
From central Guilin, most lakeside hotels are a short taxi ride or 10–20-minute walk away. Enjoy a relaxed circuit under the trees.
FreeEvening
See the
Walk about 10–15 minutes from toward Shanhu Lake. The pagodas are especially striking after dark.
About ¥35
Guilin: Li River to Yangshuo
Spend the day on the river and finish among ’s lively lanes and karst scenery.
Morning
Take a Li River cruise
Cruises generally depart from Guilin’s and take about 4 hours to . Arrange transfers from your hotel, typically 40–60 minutes to the pier.
About ¥215–360Afternoon
Arrive in and check in
The cruise ends in ; allow around 10–20 minutes by taxi or shuttle to central hotels. Take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Evening
Explore West Street
Walk or take a short taxi ride, usually under 10 minutes, from central hotels. Browse the shops and pick a relaxed dinner.
Free
Yangshuo: countryside and river views
Keep close to for a green, open-air day among riverside paths and karst peaks.
Morning
Cycle beside the
Rent a bicycle in town and ride about 20–40 minutes to a suitable riverside stretch. Choose a short route and take breaks to enjoy the countryside.
About ¥30–80Afternoon
Take a bamboo raft on the
Use local transport for roughly 10–20 minutes from your cycling route to a raft dock. Prices and routes vary by pier and season, so confirm on arrival.
About About ¥200–320 per raftEvening
Watch the sunset at Xianggong Mountain
Arrange a car from ; the drive is about 45–60 minutes each way. The viewpoint involves steps, so leave enough daylight for the return.
About About ¥60
Shanghai: Bund and riverside skyline
Fly to Shanghai and make your first evening a simple walk along the city’s iconic waterfront.
Morning
Fly from Guilin to Shanghai
The flight is roughly 2.5–3 hours, before airport transfers and check-in. Leave time to reach a hotel around the Bund or People’s Square.
About ¥600–1,800Afternoon
Walk the Bund
From a central hotel, the waterfront is often 10–25 minutes away on foot or by taxi. Take in the historic riverfront buildings and skyline views.
FreeEvening
See the Pudong skyline from
Take the metro or a taxi from the Bund area in about 15–25 minutes. Enjoy the riverside promenade and illuminated towers.
Free
Shanghai: French Concession and leafy lanes
Explore a green, café-lined neighborhood on foot, with short hops between its parks and streets.
Morning
Relax in
From central Shanghai, allow about 15–25 minutes by taxi or metro. Enjoy a shaded walk and watch the park’s morning routines.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
Travel around 10–15 minutes by taxi or metro from . Browse the small lanes and stop for lunch or coffee.
FreeEvening
Walk along
Take a taxi for roughly 10–15 minutes from , then enjoy an easy evening stroll past historic buildings and neighborhood shops.
Free
Shanghai: gardens and the old city
Pair a classic Chinese garden with nearby old-town lanes for a compact day in central Shanghai.
Morning
Visit
From central Shanghai, reach the garden in about 15–25 minutes by taxi or metro. Arrive early for a quieter visit and check opening days before you go.
About ¥40Afternoon
Walk through the City God Temple area
The temple area is about 5–10 minutes on foot from . Browse the traditional lanes and take a break for local snacks.
About About ¥10Evening
Take a Huangpu River cruise
Travel about 15–25 minutes by taxi or metro to the main Bund-side cruise piers. Choose an evening sailing for illuminated river views.
About About ¥120–180
Shanghai: Pudong parks and skyline
Balance a modern skyline visit with an expansive city park and open-air time.
Morning
Visit ’s observation deck
Head to ; from central Shanghai, allow about 20–30 minutes by metro or taxi. Tickets and visibility vary, so check conditions before booking.
About About ¥180Afternoon
Unwind at
Travel about 20–30 minutes by metro or taxi from . Rent a bike or simply walk the broad paths and lakeside lawns.
FreeEvening
Stroll the Pudong riverside
Take the metro or taxi for about 15–25 minutes from toward the river. Choose a casual dinner with skyline views.
Free
Hangzhou day trip: West Lake
Take an easy high-speed train day trip for one of China’s most celebrated lakeside landscapes.
Morning
Take the train to Hangzhou
High-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao take about 45–70 minutes. From Hangzhou East Station, travel around 20–40 minutes to the lake area.
About ¥73–120 each wayAfternoon
Walk or cruise around
Explore a manageable section of the lakeshore and gardens; allow 10–20 minutes between nearby viewpoints on foot. A boat ride is optional.
FreeEvening
Return to Shanghai
Travel about 20–40 minutes back to Hangzhou East Station, then take a 45–70-minute train to Shanghai Hongqiao. Leave a buffer for station transfers.
About ¥73–120
Shanghai: a gentle final day
Keep the final day flexible with a pleasant park walk and a last taste of Shanghai’s historic center.
Morning
Walk through Jing’an Park
From central Shanghai, reach the park in about 10–20 minutes by taxi or metro. Enjoy a slow loop and nearby neighborhood cafés.
FreeAfternoon
Browse Nanjing Road
Travel about 15–25 minutes by metro or taxi from Jing’an Park. Pick up souvenirs and take a break before departure.
FreeEvening
Have a farewell dinner near the Bund
Walk or take a taxi for roughly 10–20 minutes from Nanjing Road, depending on your restaurant. Keep the evening close to your hotel or departure route.
About ¥80–250
Good to know
Getting around
Book domestic flights and high-speed trains ahead, especially for weekends and holidays. Allow extra time at large stations and airports.
Tickets
Reserve popular sites such as the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and the panda base in advance. Opening times and ticket rules can change.
Payments and connectivity
Set up a reliable payment option before arrival, and consider an eSIM or roaming plan. Keep your passport available for transport and attraction checks.
Pace
This itinerary covers several regions in 18 days, so use the afternoon rest breaks as written and consider dropping an optional activity if you feel tired.
Costs
Prices are rough per-person estimates in yuan (¥), excluding hotels and most meals unless noted. Confirm current prices, seasonal operations, and transport schedules before booking.