Planning a trip to China can be overwhelming, but with an efficient itinerary, you can experience the best of its history, culture, and natural beauty in just 16 days. We travelled independently, relying on high-speed trains and domestic flights to cover vast distances, from the ancient wonders of Xi’an and Beijing to the stunning landscapes of Yangshuo and Guilin, before ending in the modern metropolis of Shanghai.
This guide provides a day-by-day breakdown, insider tips, and helpful links to ensure you have the confidence to book your own unforgettable China adventure.
- Overview
- Best Time to Visit China
- Day 1-2: Exploring Xi’an – Ancient History and the Terracotta Army
- Day 3: A Step Back in Time in Pingyao
- Day 4-6: Beijing – The Heart of China
- Day 7: Mutianyu Great Wall – A Must-See Wonder
- Day 8-9: Yangshuo – A Scenic Escape
- Day 10-11: Guilin’s Natural Wonders
- Day 12-16: Shanghai – China’s Modern Metropolis
- Essential Travel Tips / Our Recommendations
- Final Thoughts
Overview
China is a vast country with an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Our 16-day China itinerary took us from ancient capitals to scenic landscapes and futuristic skylines.
This guide is perfect for those looking to explore China independently, with insights on travel logistics, accommodation, and must-see sights.
Things to Know about Planning a trip to China
We’ve often seen well priced flights from London to major cities in China. Often we see many cheap flights to Shanghai. If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out this article with top tips on how to find cheap flights.
If you are planning a trip to China we suggest you start fairly early. This is because you want to be sure you get the best experience whilst you are there and don’t miss anything on your to do list. As an idea, we booked our trip 6 months before and planning took a few good weeks if not months.
Language Barrier in China
The main issue we found was the general lack of content available. Another thing worth mentioning is that in China like in Japan, very few people speak any English. This is important to note, as when you arrive there, chances of “winging it” will be slim.
Hence it’s very important you come with your plan ready. Considering most of you will be travelling from far away, it’s best to consider travel insurance for your China trip.
Travel in China
Unlike Japan’s JR Pass or Europe’s Interrrail/Eurail, China doesn’t operate a train pass. Instead most trains tend to be affordable. We’ve read through various sources online that there is a card potentially but it acts more like a pre-paid card allowing you to board and pay at the turnstiles.
Not sure, this would be applicable to a tourist.
Payments in China
One other thing to note is that (western) card payments aren’t widely accepted, and we found that China is a cashless society, using Alipay or WeChat Pay is therefore paramount.
We linked our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.
Read More: Smart Budgeting: Maximise Your Travel Funds
Mobile Data in China
Chinese sim cards for travellers are fairly easy to acquire but they come with all the restrictions set in place by the Chinese government. We found that eSIMs are affordable and offer built-in VPN services at no extra cost, allowing you to bypass the great Firewall of China.
We used Nomad eSIM for internet. For our 16-day trip around China, we used 50 GB of data.
Visa Information for Travelling to China
Before planning your trip, it’s essential to check China’s visa requirements. Most travellers require a Chinese tourist visa (L Visa), which can be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate. However, good news for some travellers – China has recently expanded its visa-free policy for several nationalities, making short-term travel more convenient.
Under the new visa-free travel policies, passport holders from countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can now visit China visa-free for up to 15 days. Additionally, 144-hour and 72-hour visa-free transit policies apply to travellers transiting through major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
For more details and up-to-date information, check the official guide: China Visa-Free Travel Policies.
Best Time to Visit China
China experiences four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit depends on your itinerary and tolerance for weather extremes. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what to expect:
- Spring (March-May) – A fantastic time to visit, with mild temperatures (10°C-25°C) and blooming flowers. This is perfect for exploring historical sites and scenic areas like Yangshuo and Guilin, avoiding summer crowds.
- Summer (June-August) – Can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 35°C in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Expect some rain, particularly in southern regions like Guilin and Yangshuo. However, it’s a great time for visiting mountains and water towns.
- Autumn (September-November) – Often considered the best season, offering comfortable temperatures (15°C-25°C) and stunning autumn colours. It’s perfect for hiking the Great Wall, visiting Xi’an, and exploring Shanghai.
- Winter (December-February) – Can be very cold, especially in Beijing and Xi’an, where temperatures drop below 0°C. However, Shanghai and Guilin remain milder. If you don’t mind the chill, winter offers fewer crowds and a unique perspective of China’s landmarks.
For this 16-day itinerary, we recommend travelling in spring or autumn for the best mix of comfortable weather and manageable tourist numbers.
Below we outline our itinerary which we did in November 2024:
Day 1-2: Exploring Xi’an – Ancient History and the Terracotta Army
How We Got There: Upon landing in Beijing Capital International Airport, we took a high-speed train to Xi’an.
Xi’an is one of China’s oldest cities and the starting point of the Silk Road. Walking along the well-preserved Ancient City Walls offers incredible views of the city.
We also visited the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, important landmarks of the Ming Dynasty, and spent time in the lively Muslim Quarter, where we sampled biang biang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese burger).
Read More: Top Things to Do in Xi’an
On Day 2, we ventured to the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. A short trip outside the city took us to the Terracotta Army, an incredible archaeological wonder.
These life-sized warriors were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife. The scale of the excavation site is breathtaking, and seeing the thousands of individual warriors, each with distinct expressions, is truly awe-inspiring.
Read More: How to Visit the Terracotta Army
🏨 Where We Stayed in Xi’an: Ramada Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an.
➡️ Read our hotel review here: Ramada Bell Tower Hotel Xi’An: Perfect Base for Exploring Xi’An Attractions
Day 3: A Step Back in Time in Pingyao
How We Got There: We took a high-speed train from Xi’an to Pingyao.
Pingyao is one of China’s most well-preserved ancient towns, with Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture still intact. The Old City Walls offer panoramic views, while the historic Rishengchang Bank, China’s first-ever bank, gives insight into ancient commerce.
Walking through South Street, we soaked in the authentic atmosphere of this charming town.
Day 4-6: Beijing – The Heart of China
How We Got There: Another high-speed train took us from Pingyao to Beijing.
Beijing is an extraordinary blend of imperial history and modern vibrancy. We spent three days exploring:
- The Forbidden City – A vast palace complex once home to Chinese emperors. Read our Forbidden City visitor guide here.
- The Summer Palace – A beautiful lakeside retreat with intricate gardens and temples.
- Temple of Heaven – An architectural masterpiece where emperors prayed for good harvests.
- Tiananmen Square – A politically significant site and the largest public square in the world.
- Beijing Hutongs – Historic alleyways that offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.
🏨 Where We Stayed in Beijing: Beijing Temple of Heaven North Gate Manxin Hotel.
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Day 7: Mutianyu Great Wall – A Must-See Wonder
We took a day trip from Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is known for its stunning scenery and fewer crowds. On the way up we went using the chair lift which was an impressive and surreal experience. Walking along the watchtowers, we admired the breathtaking landscapes and got a true sense of China’s long history.
On the way down we went down the toboggan with a sledge. Yes, you read that right! Whilst you are almost always with your back to the wall, the thought that you are doing this at the Great Wall of China is simply a pinch me moment.
Day 8-9: Yangshuo – A Scenic Escape
How We Got There: We flew from Beijing to Guilin, then took a short transfer to Yangshuo.
Yangshuo is famous for its karst mountains and tranquil countryside. We explored:
- West Street – A lively area with shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Li River bamboo rafting – A peaceful ride past dramatic karst peaks.
- Impression Liu Sanjie Show – A spectacular outdoor performance staged on water.
🏨 Where We Stayed in Yangshuo: Orange Hotel (Guilin Yangshuo West Street Branch)
Day 10-11: Guilin’s Natural Wonders
How We Got There: A short trip from Yangshuo to Guilin.
Guilin is renowned for its stunning landscapes. On our first afternoon, we explored the city itself, climbing Fubo Hill for a panoramic view over Guilin and visiting the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a rock formation that resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River.
On our second day, we embarked on a full-day excursion, starting with the breathtaking Reed Flute Cave, a mesmerising underground cave filled with illuminated stalactites and rock formations.
We then travelled to the Longji Rice Terraces, an ancient terraced landscape offering spectacular views, where we also had the opportunity to visit a local tea plantation for a traditional Chinese tea tasting experience.
🏨 Where We Stayed in Guilin: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel Guilin.
➡️ Read our hotel review here: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel Guilin Review: Best Views of Elephant Trunk Hill
Day 12-16: Shanghai – China’s Modern Metropolis
How We Got There: We flew from Guilin to Shanghai.
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, blending colonial history and futuristic skyscrapers. The city’s energy is infectious, from its neon-lit skyline to its historical neighbourhoods. We explored:
- The Bund – A waterfront promenade offering a striking contrast between Shanghai’s colonial past and its modern skyline.
- Yu Garden – A beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden, with traditional pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and rockeries dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
- French Concession – A charming area known for its tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, and trendy cafes.
- Shanghai Tower – Standing as China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world, Shanghai Tower is a marvel of modern engineering.
One of the days we also went to Zhujiajiao Water Town – a historic canal town on the outskirts of Shanghai, often referred to as the Venice of the East. We took a peaceful gondola-style boat ride through the winding canals, crossing stone bridges and passing ancient wooden houses. The town’s traditional tea houses and local snacks, like osmanthus cakes, made for a delightful experience.
🏨 Where We Stayed in Shanghai: Yitel Premium (Shanghai people’s Square Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street shop).
Essential Travel Tips / Our Recommendations
- Transport: We relied on China’s high-speed train network for most journeys. It’s comfortable and reliable. If you can, use it.
- Mobile Apps: Essential apps like WeChat, Amap, and Alipay made travel easier. ➡️ Full guide: Essential Mobile Apps for Travelling in China
- VPN: Many Western sites are blocked in China, so a VPN is a must-have.
- Wanderlog – A great app that helps you organise your trips. This is particularly useful if you are planning a group trip and want to be able to collaborate. See more here.
Final Thoughts
Our 16-day China itinerary covered a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural wonders. Whether you’re exploring ancient cities, hiking the Great Wall, or cruising through Guilin’s karst mountains, this itinerary gives you the perfect blend of adventure and discovery.
With China’s efficient high-speed trains and domestic flights, travelling independently is entirely doable.
Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:
- Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here.
- Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com, Trip.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
- Transport – consider Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
- Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide, Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
- Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
- Travel insurance – check SafetyWing for travel medical insurance that works for you and your specific needs.
- Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
- Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.
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