China is one of those destinations that feels almost endless. No matter how much time you have, there will always be more to discover. But 14 days is enough to experience some of the country's most iconic places and create unforgettable memories along the way. This itinerary combines world-famous landmarks, vibrant modern cities, breathtaking natural scenery, and ancient towns full of character. From walking on the Great Wall and meeting giant pandas in Chengdu to cruising past the karst peaks of Guilin and exploring the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, you'll experience many sides of China in a single journey. It's an ambitious route, but a rewarding one that balances sightseeing, culture, and time to truly enjoy the adventure.
Welcome to China! After a long flight, feel free to customize your itinerary to suit your needs. If you’re feeling fresh, go out and explore right away. If you’re tired, head straight to your accommodations and start exploring from the next day. Shanghai hits you with contrast the moment you arrive. One moment you're wandering through quiet classical gardens, and the next you're looking up at skyscrapers. It's a city of opposites, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
After landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), follow the signs to baggage claim and head through customs. To get into the city, hop on the Maglev train, metro Line 2, or grab a taxi or DiDi if you have more luggage. Drop your bags at the hotel and get ready to explore!
- Getting around: Metro for most journeys, DiDi for longer distances.
- 💡Shanghai's metro is fast, clean, and easy to navigate. Get a transit card at any station. For longer rides or late-night trips, use DiDi - it works just like Uber and most drivers accept in-app payments.
General and important information:
Best time to visit
- The best time to visit China is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and skies are clear. Avoid Chinese New Year (January or Febreary), Golden Week (October 1 - 7) and Labor Day Holiday (May 1 - 5) at all costs. Trains sell out, attractions are packed and prices spike significantly.
Getting around
- High-speed trains are the backbone of this itinerary and they will genuinely surprise you. Fast, clean and punctual. Book through Trip.com for the easiest experience. Within cities, metro systems are excellent and DiDi covers everything else.
Payments
- China is almost entirely cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive. Both apps now allow foreign cards to be linked. Carrying a small amount of cash as backup doesn't hurt, but in every city on this itinerary, digital payments are the norm.
Staying connected
- Most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before you arrive. For data, an Airalo eSIM works well or pick up a local SIM at the airport on arrival.
Book in advance
- Forbidden City, Giant Panda Research Base, Tianmen Mountain and Great Wall at Mutianyu all have daily visitor caps and can sell out. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Same goes for train tickets.
Start your first morning at People's Park. If you're visiting on a weekend, you might stumble upon the famous Marriage Market, one of the most fascinating cultural moments in the city. Parents gather here to advertise their children's profiles on handwritten signs, hoping to arrange a match. It sounds unusual, but it's completely genuine and oddly moving
From People's Park, make your way to Jing'an Temple. What makes this place special is the contrast - golden rooftops glowing right in the middle of glass-and-steel towers. It's that kind of unexpected beauty that Shanghai does so well. The exact location of the temple is here.
As the day turns to night, head to The Bund. Standing there and watching the Pudong skyline light up felt surreal. The way the lights reflect across the Huangpu River makes the whole city feel alive. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be as beautiful as it was. Don't rush this moment, just walk slowly and take it all in.
A slower morning exploring Yu Garden and the winding lanes of Yuyuan Old Street, followed by an afternoon in the French Concession where leafy streets and cozy cafés invite you to slow down. Than you'll head to the airport and catch a flight to Zhangjiajie, ready for the mountains ahead. It all depends on your flight time, so plan your schedule based on your flight.
Yu Garden and Yuyuan Old Street. Yes, they're popular and yes, they can get crowded. But there's something special about wandering through these traditional gardens and narrow lanes. The architecture is beautiful, and if you get there before 9am, the light is gorgeous and the streets are still quiet.
Make your way to the French Concession. This is where the pace slows right down. Tree-lined streets, cozy cafés, boutique shops. It feels like a completely different city. This was one of my favorite spots in all of Shanghai. Just walk without a plan and see where you end up.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Welcome to Zhangjiajie City. Head to your accommodation and get ready for an incredible day tomorrow.
An early start takes you up to Tianmen Mountain (this was one of those travel moments you simply don't forget) on one of the world's longest cable cars, with cliff walks, glass skywalks and the iconic Heaven's Gate arch waiting at the top. By afternoon, a short train ride brings you to Fenghuang, a beautiful ancient town where wooden stilt houses lean over the Tuojiang River and lanterns glow after dark. If you’re following this China itinerary, this is the day when you’ll start realizing that landscapes take over the big Chinese cities.
Riding the cable car up into the clouds (one of the longest in the world) already feels special before you even arrive at the top. The cliffs, the glass walkways, the view over the 99-bend road climbing the mountainside… it all feels surreal.
Follow Route A: up on the grand cable car, around the cliff paths at the summit, then down toward Heaven's Gate, the natural stone arch carved into the mountain. The skywalk was one of my favorite parts, not because it was extreme, but because of how open and endless everything looked below.
💡Book your Tianmen Mountain tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The full experience (cable car up + skywalk + Heaven's Gate) takes about half a day.
By early afternoon, head back down to the city to this station and take the train to Fenghuang. It takes about 1 hour. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Fenghuang surprised me completely. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Yes, it gets busy, but the landscape with the Tuojiang River and the wooden stilt houses is genuinely beautiful. I loved simply walking along the riverbank, crossing the little stepping-stone bridge, and watching the town move at its own rhythm.
There's no need to rush here. Just let yourself wander the old streets and soak it all in. The atmosphere at night, when the lanterns reflect off the water, is something really special.
Start your day exploring more of Fenghuang at a slower pace. Early morning is the best time to walk along the Tuojiang River - the stilt houses reflecting on the water feel different in the morning light, quieter, more intimate. A slow riverside morning in Fenghuang before heading to Furong, a quieter and lesser-known ancient town with a waterfall running right through its center. The kind of place that feels almost too picturesque to be real, and even more magical once the sun goes down.
Wander along the riverbank, cross the stepping-stone bridge one more time, and pick up breakfast from one of the local stalls. The old town is compact, so even an hour or two of slow wandering feels satisfying. This is your chance to enjoy it before the day-trippers arrive.
By midday, make your way to the train station and head to Furong. The ride is short, and arriving in the early afternoon gives you plenty of time to explore. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Furong is smaller and quieter than Fenghuang, and that's its biggest charm. The highlight is the waterfall that runs right through the center of the town. Seeing it tucked between traditional wooden buildings makes it feel almost unreal. Just like in Fenghuang, the atmosphere shifts completely after dark. Lanterns reflect off the water and everything slows right down.
Staying overnight inside the old town was one of the best decisions on this trip. Waking up to views of the waterfall was absolutely priceless.
Leave Furong in the morning and take the train to Zhangjiajie, a smooth and easy journey that brings you to Wulingyuan, the small town right beside the National Forest Park entrance. Once you arrive, you'll get your first taste of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet. The sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar rise from the forest floor, and even a short afternoon walk through Golden Whip Stream will leave you speechless.
If you arrive early enough, you can spend part of the afternoon inside the park. Even just a few hours will leave you speechless. This is the place that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. And seeing those rock formations in real life is something else entirely.
This first afternoon is not about rushing or trying to see everything. Think of it as your soft introduction. Pick a short, accessible area and just enjoy being there.
💡TIP: Buy a multi-day park ticket at the entrance or here online. It covers the park and the internal shuttle buses. The Bailong Elevator (glass elevator built into the cliff face) and the elevators are usually not included in the standard ticket but it is absolutely worth it! I recommend buying the ticket for them if they’re not included in the entrance fee.
Golden Whip Stream is a great option for your first afternoon. It's a scenic flat walk with dramatic sandstone cliffs rising on both sides. The path follows a clear stream through the forest and it's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. The perfect way to ease into the park without overwhelming yourself.
Full day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and, by far, one of the most breathtaking days of the entire trip. The towering sandstone pillars, deep gorges and misty viewpoints make the place feel genuinely out of this world. You'll head up to Yuanjiajie for the most iconic viewpoints, walk across the First Bridge Under Heaven, and take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for sweeping panoramic views. This is the day you'll be talking about for years.
Spend the first part of your day in the Yuanjiajie area. This is where the most iconic views are, sweeping panoramas of pillar formations with mist rolling in between them. It's the kind of landscape you've seen in photos and can't quite believe is real until you're standing in front of it.
TIPS:
- 💡The park can feel overwhelming at first. Once you understand how the internal shuttle buses connect the different areas, the day flows much more easily. Ask at the park entrance for a map with the shuttle stops marked.
- 💡Go early. By 10am the most popular viewpoints fill up. Starting at 7 or 8am gives you the best light and far fewer people.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Viewpoint - One of the highlights of Yuanjiajie is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint. This is the pillar that directly inspired the floating mountains in the film, and the resemblance is uncanny. It's stunning, but it's also where crowds tend to gather. Come early if you can, the morning light is much better anyway.
First Bridge Under Heaven - From the viewpoint, continue along the ridge to reach the First Bridge Under Heaven. A natural stone bridge connecting two cliff edges high above the forest floor. Walking across it with nothing but air on both sides is a genuinely memorable experience.
In the afternoon, take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for a different perspective on the park. The panoramic views from the top are different from Yuanjiajie. Broader, more atmospheric, especially when clouds roll through the peaks. The Imperial Writing Brushes formation is particularly striking from here.
A long but comfortable train journey takes you from Zhangjiajie to Xingping, a small town on the Li River framed by karst mountains. By the time you arrive, the old streets are quiet and atmospheric. Drop your bags, find somewhere local for dinner, and let the town settle around you.
Day 7 is mostly a travel day, and there's no way around it. The train to Guilin is long (around 7 hours) but it's comfortable. Use the time to rest, look out the window, and decompress from the busy nature days. It's up to you whether you'll be tired after the trip or will have the energy to explore the area. Adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.
Once you arrive in Guilin, keep in mind that it's not just one city. It's a whole region of karst mountains, rivers, and quiet countryside villages. Most travelers choose between Yangshuo (more developed, with cafés and nightlife) and Xingping (more authentic, small-town feel). I chose Xingping and I'm so glad I did.
On the evening of Day 7, after arriving and dropping your bags, just wander the old streets of Xingping. The historic center is small, and that's what makes it nice. Find somewhere local for dinner and enjoy the slower pace. This is one of those places that's best experienced without a plan.
Your full day in Xingping starts with a ferry crossing and a steep hike up to the Damianshan viewpoint, where the Li River curves between the karst peaks in one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip. The afternoon is slower, with river walks, market snacks, and a sunset boat ride on the Li River rounding out the day perfectly.
This was one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip. Start the morning by crossing the Li River by ferry, it takes just 2–3 minutes and costs less than €1. There are people waiting on the other side to take tourists to the lookout points (we paid about €12 return for two people, and it was absolutely worth it).
The trail is steep. Consistently uphill for about 35–45 minutes. It was tough. But the moment you reach the top and see the Li River curving between the karst mountains, you stop talking. It's one of those views that makes you forget everything else. Honestly one of my favorite moments of the entire trip.
After the hike, take your time coming back to Xingping. Grab lunch, pick up snacks at the market stalls, sit by the river. In the afternoon, consider a short boat ride on the Li River. Even a brief crossing is beautiful when the sun is getting lower. The cormorant fishermen you might spot on their bamboo rafts are one of those timeless scenes you'll want to photograph.
If you still have energy, there are other viewpoints around Xingping. Laozhai Hill and Xianggong Hill are both popular options. But after Damianshan, we decided to take it easy and simply enjoy the town at its own pace. No regrets.
💡The famous 20 yuan RMB note features the Li River karst scenery near Xingping. If you have one in your wallet, you can match the view to the banknote from a specific point along the river!
Welcome to Chongqing, China's most cinematic city, built vertically across steep hills with monorails weaving between buildings and entire neighborhoods stacked on top of each other. Walking around here you'll often find yourself on what feels like the ground floor, while whole roads and streets exist right below your feet. By night, Hongyadong lights up in red and gold, the skyline glows across the river, and dinner means one thing: fiery Chongqing hotpot.
Depending on when you arrive, start the afternoon at Longmenhao Old Street. This is one of the quieter, more traditional corners of Chongqing. Filled with old houses, tea shops, and great views over the river. It's a perfect way to ease into the city before the evening energy kicks in. Organized trip here.
Closer to sunset, make your way to Hongyadong. Time your visit so you're there when the lights start to glow. By day it's impressive, a tiered complex of traditional-style buildings stacked up the hillside. But when the red lanterns and neon signs light up at dusk, the whole place transforms. Walk through it slowly, explore the different levels, and stop for a drink with a river view.
From Hongyadong, walk toward the Qiansimen Bridge for views of the skyline. The red cable stays against the city lights make this one of the best photo spots in Chongqing. It's especially stunning when you look back toward Hongyadong with the bridge in the foreground.
Tonight, you have to try Chongqing hotpot. It's one of the city's most iconic meals - a bubbling, fiery broth at the center of the table, with raw ingredients that you cook yourself. It's spicy (very), but you can usually order a split pot with one spicy and one mild broth. It's fun, social, and exactly the kind of meal that suits the city's energy.
TIP:💡If you're lucky, there might be a drone show over the Chongqing skyline during your visit. Thousands of drones create patterns and animations in the night sky. They don't happen every evening, but if one is scheduled, it's worth staying out for.
After yesterday's neon skylines and night views, the morning starts with a calmer and greener side of Chongqing, with a visit to Eling Park and the famous metro station that runs straight through an apartment block. After lunch, a two-hour high-speed train brings you to Chengdu, where the evening is yours to explore the Wide and Narrow Alleys, sip tea in People's Park, and soak up the city's famously relaxed energy.
Start the morning at Eling Park. The park has beautiful views over the city skyline and it's a nice contrast to the vertical chaos happening below. There's a covered walkway with traditional red and green architecture running alongside a calm pond - peaceful and photogenic, especially in the morning light.
From Eling Park, make your way to Liziba Station. This is one of Chongqing's most famous curiosities: a metro line that literally passes through the middle of an apartment building. Floors 6 through 8 of the residential block have the train running straight through them. Watching it happen from the platform is one of those 'wait, how is this real?' moments that make Chongqing so unique.
For your last taste of Chongqing, head to Jiefangbei, the busy commercial heart of the city. The Liberation Monument stands at the center of busy streets full of bright billboards and shops. Have lunch here, walk around, and soak up one last dose of the city's energy before your train to Chengdu.
From this station you will go to Chengdu.
Once you arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon, drop your bags and head out for a relaxed first walk through the city.
Kuanzhai Alleys (Start here) traditional courtyard houses turned into boutique shops, tea houses, and restaurants. It's easy to wander without thinking too much, and the architecture is lovely.
Grab a cup of tea, watch locals playing mahjong, and get a real glimpse of everyday Chengdu life. The teahouse culture here is something special, people spend hours here just chatting and relaxing. Sit down and join them.
Especially lovely in the evening, with red lanterns hanging overhead, street snacks everywhere, and a lively atmosphere that feels both touristic and genuinely fun.
Optional - If you still have energy, head to Chunxi Road. Chengdu's buzzing shopping street. Look up and you'll see the famous giant panda climbing the side of a building, plus a 3D panda animation on the screen overhead. It's playful and very Chengdu.
The morning belongs to the pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is bigger and more beautiful than most people expect, and the pandas are at their most active early in the day. After visiting a temple or two in the afternoon, you'll head to the airport and fly to Beijing for the final chapter of the trip.
Let's be honest, seeing pandas is probably the main reason most people include Chengdu on their China itinerary. Head here first thing in the morning. The pandas are most active in the early hours, so arriving early makes a real difference.
Plan to spend about half a day at the research base. The park is bigger than you might expect. There are red pandas too, which are absolutely adorable. There's even a shuttle service inside the grounds to help you get around. If you want to see the newborn panda room, go on a weekday when it's less crowded.
💡TIPS: Book your panda base tickets online in advance, they do sell out on busy days. Entry is approx. 55 yuan per person.
After the panda base, head back into the city and visit Wenshu Monastery if you're looking for something peaceful. It's one of the most atmospheric spots in Chengdu, incense drifting through the courtyards, monks in orange robes, and locals stopping to pray. A welcome contrast to the busy streets outside.
Alternatively, pair the Wuhou Memorial Temple with Jinli Street right next door. The memorial is dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period and the architecture is beautiful. And Jinli Street in the afternoon light, before the evening crowds arrive, has a lovely energy.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the airport and fly to Beijing, where the final chapter of your trip begins.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Beijing greets you with its full weight of history, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where endless courtyards, red gates and golden rooftops tell the story of centuries of imperial China. Climb Jingshan Park afterward for the best aerial view of the palace complex, and finish the evening wandering the lively hutong lanes of Nanluoguxiang. Beijing is slower and heavier with history than Shanghai, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
Start your first morning here. It's an iconic place.Huge, open, always busy. It's also a very symbolic one, the political and cultural heart of the country. Take time to simply stand there and take in the scale of it. The Gate of Heavenly Peace with Mao's portrait, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the vast expanse of the square itself make for a powerful introduction to Beijing.
Right across from Tiananmen Square is the entrance to the Forbidden City. This was the imperial palace of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it's absolutely massive. Expect to spend at least 2–3 hours walking through its palaces, courtyards, and bright red gates. Every corner reveals something new - golden rooftops, carved stone dragons, ancient throne rooms.
TIP:💡Book your Forbidden City tickets online well in advance. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak season. Daily visitor numbers are capped. You can book at palace.museum.cn
Forbidden City from Above - You'll exit the Forbidden City on the far north side. From there, it's a short walk to Jingshan Park. Climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views in Beijing. The entire Forbidden City spreads out below you, its yellow rooftops aligned in perfect symmetry. It's especially beautiful near sunset.
End your day with a stroll around Houhai Lake - lined with bars, restaurants, and willow trees. Then walk through Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing's most famous hutong alleys. It's lively, full of street food and small shops, and a great introduction to the hutong culture you'll explore more on Day 14.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is less crowded than Badaling and more beautiful, with the wall snaking across forested hills as far as you can see. Take the cable car up, walk a long stretch to the higher watchtowers while the views stretch across rolling green mountains in every direction, and come back down on the toboggan for a finish that's as fun as it is unforgettable. This is, without any doubt, one of the highlights of the entire trip.
I took a DiDi from Beijing, which took about 1.5 hours. It was easy and affordable. Alternatively, the MuBus runs direct shuttles from central Beijing, or you can join a small group day tour which includes transport. If you go by DiDi, be aware that the return can take longer due to traffic.
Once you arrive, take the cable car up to the wall. I strongly recommend this over the chairlift or hiking up on foot. Save your energy for walking the wall itself, and the views from the cable car on the way up are beautiful in their own right.
The moment you step off the cable car and onto the Great Wall, everything becomes still for a second. This was my very first World Wonder, and I wasn't prepared for how emotional it would feel. I walked a long stretch toward the higher watchtowers, the terrain is hilly and the steps are steep in places, but the effort is absolutely worth it. Stop often, look out over the mountains, and let it sink in.
When it's time to come back down, take the toboggan. I was nervous at first, but the moment I started moving, I couldn't stop smiling. You control your own speed with a hand brake, and the track winds through the trees back down to the base. It's genuinely fun and a completely unique way to end a Great Wall visit. Highly recommended.
💡Expect to spend at least 3 hours on the wall itself. The full day trip (including travel time, the wall walk, lunch, and return) will take most of the day. Bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes.
💡If you want a guided experience, book a small group tour from Beijing that includes transport and a guide. It makes the logistics much easier and adds historical context to what you're seeing.
Your last day in China is one of the most varied and one of the most beautiful. The Summer Palace offers a lakeside escape from the city, the Temple of Heaven surprises you with how alive it feels, and the Lama Temple fills the air with incense and quiet devotion. End your trip wandering the hutongs near the Bell and Drum Towers, where old Beijing still breathes.
Start the morning at the Summer Palace, one of the most beautiful imperial gardens in China. It's huge and lakeside, and much calmer than most other sights in Beijing. Walk along the Long Corridor (a 728-metre covered walkway decorated with thousands of hand-painted scenes) and then down to Kunming Lake for views of the iconic marble boat and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. You can even take a boat ride across the lake if you're feeling relaxed enough.
From the Summer Palace, make your way to the Temple of Heaven. The temple itself is architecturally stunning - a circular blue-roofed structure that served as the site of imperial ceremonies for centuries. But what truly makes this place special is the surrounding park. Locals gather here every day to dance, play cards, practice tai chi, do group exercises, and chat under the trees. It feels like a living piece of the city.
One of Beijing's most beautiful religious sites. This Tibetan Buddhist temple is peaceful and genuinely atmospheric. Incense fills the courtyards, prayer wheels line the corridors, and the main hall contains an 18-metre Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. It's a very different energy from the imperial sites you've been exploring.
Just a short walk from the Lama Temple. The contrast between the two is interesting - one spiritual and devotional, the other scholarly and contemplative. The ancient cypress trees are particularly striking, some of them hundreds of years old.
Finish your time in China here. Wander the narrow hutong alleyways, stop for tea or coffee at a courtyard café, browse the small shops, and just let yourself be in this city one last time. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower at the end of the lane provide a beautiful backdrop, especially in the late afternoon light.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 / 3 hours before your flight.
China stays with you long after you're home. Not because of any single moment, but because of all of them together. The mist between the pillars of Zhangjiajie. The Great Wall stretching further than you can see. Chongqing glowing at night. The stepping-stone bridge in Fenghuang with lanterns in the water below. It's a lot to take in, and that's exactly the point. You'll finish these two weeks wishing you had more time. And that's the right way to leave.
China is one of those destinations that feels almost endless. No matter how much time you have, there will always be more to discover. But 14 days is enough to experience some of the country's most iconic places and create unforgettable memories along the way. This itinerary combines world-famous landmarks, vibrant modern cities, breathtaking natural scenery, and ancient towns full of character. From walking on the Great Wall and meeting giant pandas in Chengdu to cruising past the karst peaks of Guilin and exploring the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, you'll experience many sides of China in a single journey. It's an ambitious route, but a rewarding one that balances sightseeing, culture, and time to truly enjoy the adventure.
Welcome to China! After a long flight, feel free to customize your itinerary to suit your needs. If you’re feeling fresh, go out and explore right away. If you’re tired, head straight to your accommodations and start exploring from the next day. Shanghai hits you with contrast the moment you arrive. One moment you're wandering through quiet classical gardens, and the next you're looking up at skyscrapers. It's a city of opposites, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
After landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), follow the signs to baggage claim and head through customs. To get into the city, hop on the Maglev train, metro Line 2, or grab a taxi or DiDi if you have more luggage. Drop your bags at the hotel and get ready to explore!
- Getting around: Metro for most journeys, DiDi for longer distances.
- 💡Shanghai's metro is fast, clean, and easy to navigate. Get a transit card at any station. For longer rides or late-night trips, use DiDi - it works just like Uber and most drivers accept in-app payments.
General and important information:
Best time to visit
- The best time to visit China is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and skies are clear. Avoid Chinese New Year (January or Febreary), Golden Week (October 1 - 7) and Labor Day Holiday (May 1 - 5) at all costs. Trains sell out, attractions are packed and prices spike significantly.
Getting around
- High-speed trains are the backbone of this itinerary and they will genuinely surprise you. Fast, clean and punctual. Book through Trip.com for the easiest experience. Within cities, metro systems are excellent and DiDi covers everything else.
Payments
- China is almost entirely cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive. Both apps now allow foreign cards to be linked. Carrying a small amount of cash as backup doesn't hurt, but in every city on this itinerary, digital payments are the norm.
Staying connected
- Most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before you arrive. For data, an Airalo eSIM works well or pick up a local SIM at the airport on arrival.
Book in advance
- Forbidden City, Giant Panda Research Base, Tianmen Mountain and Great Wall at Mutianyu all have daily visitor caps and can sell out. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Same goes for train tickets.
Start your first morning at People's Park. If you're visiting on a weekend, you might stumble upon the famous Marriage Market, one of the most fascinating cultural moments in the city. Parents gather here to advertise their children's profiles on handwritten signs, hoping to arrange a match. It sounds unusual, but it's completely genuine and oddly moving
From People's Park, make your way to Jing'an Temple. What makes this place special is the contrast - golden rooftops glowing right in the middle of glass-and-steel towers. It's that kind of unexpected beauty that Shanghai does so well. The exact location of the temple is here.
As the day turns to night, head to The Bund. Standing there and watching the Pudong skyline light up felt surreal. The way the lights reflect across the Huangpu River makes the whole city feel alive. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be as beautiful as it was. Don't rush this moment, just walk slowly and take it all in.
A slower morning exploring Yu Garden and the winding lanes of Yuyuan Old Street, followed by an afternoon in the French Concession where leafy streets and cozy cafés invite you to slow down. Than you'll head to the airport and catch a flight to Zhangjiajie, ready for the mountains ahead. It all depends on your flight time, so plan your schedule based on your flight.
Yu Garden and Yuyuan Old Street. Yes, they're popular and yes, they can get crowded. But there's something special about wandering through these traditional gardens and narrow lanes. The architecture is beautiful, and if you get there before 9am, the light is gorgeous and the streets are still quiet.
Make your way to the French Concession. This is where the pace slows right down. Tree-lined streets, cozy cafés, boutique shops. It feels like a completely different city. This was one of my favorite spots in all of Shanghai. Just walk without a plan and see where you end up.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Welcome to Zhangjiajie City. Head to your accommodation and get ready for an incredible day tomorrow.
An early start takes you up to Tianmen Mountain (this was one of those travel moments you simply don't forget) on one of the world's longest cable cars, with cliff walks, glass skywalks and the iconic Heaven's Gate arch waiting at the top. By afternoon, a short train ride brings you to Fenghuang, a beautiful ancient town where wooden stilt houses lean over the Tuojiang River and lanterns glow after dark. If you’re following this China itinerary, this is the day when you’ll start realizing that landscapes take over the big Chinese cities.
Riding the cable car up into the clouds (one of the longest in the world) already feels special before you even arrive at the top. The cliffs, the glass walkways, the view over the 99-bend road climbing the mountainside… it all feels surreal.
Follow Route A: up on the grand cable car, around the cliff paths at the summit, then down toward Heaven's Gate, the natural stone arch carved into the mountain. The skywalk was one of my favorite parts, not because it was extreme, but because of how open and endless everything looked below.
💡Book your Tianmen Mountain tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The full experience (cable car up + skywalk + Heaven's Gate) takes about half a day.
By early afternoon, head back down to the city to this station and take the train to Fenghuang. It takes about 1 hour. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Fenghuang surprised me completely. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Yes, it gets busy, but the landscape with the Tuojiang River and the wooden stilt houses is genuinely beautiful. I loved simply walking along the riverbank, crossing the little stepping-stone bridge, and watching the town move at its own rhythm.
There's no need to rush here. Just let yourself wander the old streets and soak it all in. The atmosphere at night, when the lanterns reflect off the water, is something really special.
Start your day exploring more of Fenghuang at a slower pace. Early morning is the best time to walk along the Tuojiang River - the stilt houses reflecting on the water feel different in the morning light, quieter, more intimate. A slow riverside morning in Fenghuang before heading to Furong, a quieter and lesser-known ancient town with a waterfall running right through its center. The kind of place that feels almost too picturesque to be real, and even more magical once the sun goes down.
Wander along the riverbank, cross the stepping-stone bridge one more time, and pick up breakfast from one of the local stalls. The old town is compact, so even an hour or two of slow wandering feels satisfying. This is your chance to enjoy it before the day-trippers arrive.
By midday, make your way to the train station and head to Furong. The ride is short, and arriving in the early afternoon gives you plenty of time to explore. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Furong is smaller and quieter than Fenghuang, and that's its biggest charm. The highlight is the waterfall that runs right through the center of the town. Seeing it tucked between traditional wooden buildings makes it feel almost unreal. Just like in Fenghuang, the atmosphere shifts completely after dark. Lanterns reflect off the water and everything slows right down.
Staying overnight inside the old town was one of the best decisions on this trip. Waking up to views of the waterfall was absolutely priceless.
Leave Furong in the morning and take the train to Zhangjiajie, a smooth and easy journey that brings you to Wulingyuan, the small town right beside the National Forest Park entrance. Once you arrive, you'll get your first taste of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet. The sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar rise from the forest floor, and even a short afternoon walk through Golden Whip Stream will leave you speechless.
If you arrive early enough, you can spend part of the afternoon inside the park. Even just a few hours will leave you speechless. This is the place that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. And seeing those rock formations in real life is something else entirely.
This first afternoon is not about rushing or trying to see everything. Think of it as your soft introduction. Pick a short, accessible area and just enjoy being there.
💡TIP: Buy a multi-day park ticket at the entrance or here online. It covers the park and the internal shuttle buses. The Bailong Elevator (glass elevator built into the cliff face) and the elevators are usually not included in the standard ticket but it is absolutely worth it! I recommend buying the ticket for them if they’re not included in the entrance fee.
Golden Whip Stream is a great option for your first afternoon. It's a scenic flat walk with dramatic sandstone cliffs rising on both sides. The path follows a clear stream through the forest and it's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. The perfect way to ease into the park without overwhelming yourself.
Full day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and, by far, one of the most breathtaking days of the entire trip. The towering sandstone pillars, deep gorges and misty viewpoints make the place feel genuinely out of this world. You'll head up to Yuanjiajie for the most iconic viewpoints, walk across the First Bridge Under Heaven, and take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for sweeping panoramic views. This is the day you'll be talking about for years.
Spend the first part of your day in the Yuanjiajie area. This is where the most iconic views are, sweeping panoramas of pillar formations with mist rolling in between them. It's the kind of landscape you've seen in photos and can't quite believe is real until you're standing in front of it.
TIPS:
- 💡The park can feel overwhelming at first. Once you understand how the internal shuttle buses connect the different areas, the day flows much more easily. Ask at the park entrance for a map with the shuttle stops marked.
- 💡Go early. By 10am the most popular viewpoints fill up. Starting at 7 or 8am gives you the best light and far fewer people.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Viewpoint - One of the highlights of Yuanjiajie is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint. This is the pillar that directly inspired the floating mountains in the film, and the resemblance is uncanny. It's stunning, but it's also where crowds tend to gather. Come early if you can, the morning light is much better anyway.
First Bridge Under Heaven - From the viewpoint, continue along the ridge to reach the First Bridge Under Heaven. A natural stone bridge connecting two cliff edges high above the forest floor. Walking across it with nothing but air on both sides is a genuinely memorable experience.
In the afternoon, take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for a different perspective on the park. The panoramic views from the top are different from Yuanjiajie. Broader, more atmospheric, especially when clouds roll through the peaks. The Imperial Writing Brushes formation is particularly striking from here.
A long but comfortable train journey takes you from Zhangjiajie to Xingping, a small town on the Li River framed by karst mountains. By the time you arrive, the old streets are quiet and atmospheric. Drop your bags, find somewhere local for dinner, and let the town settle around you.
Day 7 is mostly a travel day, and there's no way around it. The train to Guilin is long (around 7 hours) but it's comfortable. Use the time to rest, look out the window, and decompress from the busy nature days. It's up to you whether you'll be tired after the trip or will have the energy to explore the area. Adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.
Once you arrive in Guilin, keep in mind that it's not just one city. It's a whole region of karst mountains, rivers, and quiet countryside villages. Most travelers choose between Yangshuo (more developed, with cafés and nightlife) and Xingping (more authentic, small-town feel). I chose Xingping and I'm so glad I did.
On the evening of Day 7, after arriving and dropping your bags, just wander the old streets of Xingping. The historic center is small, and that's what makes it nice. Find somewhere local for dinner and enjoy the slower pace. This is one of those places that's best experienced without a plan.
Your full day in Xingping starts with a ferry crossing and a steep hike up to the Damianshan viewpoint, where the Li River curves between the karst peaks in one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip. The afternoon is slower, with river walks, market snacks, and a sunset boat ride on the Li River rounding out the day perfectly.
This was one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip. Start the morning by crossing the Li River by ferry, it takes just 2–3 minutes and costs less than €1. There are people waiting on the other side to take tourists to the lookout points (we paid about €12 return for two people, and it was absolutely worth it).
The trail is steep. Consistently uphill for about 35–45 minutes. It was tough. But the moment you reach the top and see the Li River curving between the karst mountains, you stop talking. It's one of those views that makes you forget everything else. Honestly one of my favorite moments of the entire trip.
After the hike, take your time coming back to Xingping. Grab lunch, pick up snacks at the market stalls, sit by the river. In the afternoon, consider a short boat ride on the Li River. Even a brief crossing is beautiful when the sun is getting lower. The cormorant fishermen you might spot on their bamboo rafts are one of those timeless scenes you'll want to photograph.
If you still have energy, there are other viewpoints around Xingping. Laozhai Hill and Xianggong Hill are both popular options. But after Damianshan, we decided to take it easy and simply enjoy the town at its own pace. No regrets.
💡The famous 20 yuan RMB note features the Li River karst scenery near Xingping. If you have one in your wallet, you can match the view to the banknote from a specific point along the river!
Welcome to Chongqing, China's most cinematic city, built vertically across steep hills with monorails weaving between buildings and entire neighborhoods stacked on top of each other. Walking around here you'll often find yourself on what feels like the ground floor, while whole roads and streets exist right below your feet. By night, Hongyadong lights up in red and gold, the skyline glows across the river, and dinner means one thing: fiery Chongqing hotpot.
Depending on when you arrive, start the afternoon at Longmenhao Old Street. This is one of the quieter, more traditional corners of Chongqing. Filled with old houses, tea shops, and great views over the river. It's a perfect way to ease into the city before the evening energy kicks in. Organized trip here.
Closer to sunset, make your way to Hongyadong. Time your visit so you're there when the lights start to glow. By day it's impressive, a tiered complex of traditional-style buildings stacked up the hillside. But when the red lanterns and neon signs light up at dusk, the whole place transforms. Walk through it slowly, explore the different levels, and stop for a drink with a river view.
From Hongyadong, walk toward the Qiansimen Bridge for views of the skyline. The red cable stays against the city lights make this one of the best photo spots in Chongqing. It's especially stunning when you look back toward Hongyadong with the bridge in the foreground.
Tonight, you have to try Chongqing hotpot. It's one of the city's most iconic meals - a bubbling, fiery broth at the center of the table, with raw ingredients that you cook yourself. It's spicy (very), but you can usually order a split pot with one spicy and one mild broth. It's fun, social, and exactly the kind of meal that suits the city's energy.
TIP:💡If you're lucky, there might be a drone show over the Chongqing skyline during your visit. Thousands of drones create patterns and animations in the night sky. They don't happen every evening, but if one is scheduled, it's worth staying out for.
After yesterday's neon skylines and night views, the morning starts with a calmer and greener side of Chongqing, with a visit to Eling Park and the famous metro station that runs straight through an apartment block. After lunch, a two-hour high-speed train brings you to Chengdu, where the evening is yours to explore the Wide and Narrow Alleys, sip tea in People's Park, and soak up the city's famously relaxed energy.
Start the morning at Eling Park. The park has beautiful views over the city skyline and it's a nice contrast to the vertical chaos happening below. There's a covered walkway with traditional red and green architecture running alongside a calm pond - peaceful and photogenic, especially in the morning light.
From Eling Park, make your way to Liziba Station. This is one of Chongqing's most famous curiosities: a metro line that literally passes through the middle of an apartment building. Floors 6 through 8 of the residential block have the train running straight through them. Watching it happen from the platform is one of those 'wait, how is this real?' moments that make Chongqing so unique.
For your last taste of Chongqing, head to Jiefangbei, the busy commercial heart of the city. The Liberation Monument stands at the center of busy streets full of bright billboards and shops. Have lunch here, walk around, and soak up one last dose of the city's energy before your train to Chengdu.
From this station you will go to Chengdu.
Once you arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon, drop your bags and head out for a relaxed first walk through the city.
Kuanzhai Alleys (Start here) traditional courtyard houses turned into boutique shops, tea houses, and restaurants. It's easy to wander without thinking too much, and the architecture is lovely.
Grab a cup of tea, watch locals playing mahjong, and get a real glimpse of everyday Chengdu life. The teahouse culture here is something special, people spend hours here just chatting and relaxing. Sit down and join them.
Especially lovely in the evening, with red lanterns hanging overhead, street snacks everywhere, and a lively atmosphere that feels both touristic and genuinely fun.
Optional - If you still have energy, head to Chunxi Road. Chengdu's buzzing shopping street. Look up and you'll see the famous giant panda climbing the side of a building, plus a 3D panda animation on the screen overhead. It's playful and very Chengdu.
The morning belongs to the pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is bigger and more beautiful than most people expect, and the pandas are at their most active early in the day. After visiting a temple or two in the afternoon, you'll head to the airport and fly to Beijing for the final chapter of the trip.
Let's be honest, seeing pandas is probably the main reason most people include Chengdu on their China itinerary. Head here first thing in the morning. The pandas are most active in the early hours, so arriving early makes a real difference.
Plan to spend about half a day at the research base. The park is bigger than you might expect. There are red pandas too, which are absolutely adorable. There's even a shuttle service inside the grounds to help you get around. If you want to see the newborn panda room, go on a weekday when it's less crowded.
💡TIPS: Book your panda base tickets online in advance, they do sell out on busy days. Entry is approx. 55 yuan per person.
After the panda base, head back into the city and visit Wenshu Monastery if you're looking for something peaceful. It's one of the most atmospheric spots in Chengdu, incense drifting through the courtyards, monks in orange robes, and locals stopping to pray. A welcome contrast to the busy streets outside.
Alternatively, pair the Wuhou Memorial Temple with Jinli Street right next door. The memorial is dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period and the architecture is beautiful. And Jinli Street in the afternoon light, before the evening crowds arrive, has a lovely energy.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the airport and fly to Beijing, where the final chapter of your trip begins.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Beijing greets you with its full weight of history, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where endless courtyards, red gates and golden rooftops tell the story of centuries of imperial China. Climb Jingshan Park afterward for the best aerial view of the palace complex, and finish the evening wandering the lively hutong lanes of Nanluoguxiang. Beijing is slower and heavier with history than Shanghai, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
Start your first morning here. It's an iconic place.Huge, open, always busy. It's also a very symbolic one, the political and cultural heart of the country. Take time to simply stand there and take in the scale of it. The Gate of Heavenly Peace with Mao's portrait, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the vast expanse of the square itself make for a powerful introduction to Beijing.
Right across from Tiananmen Square is the entrance to the Forbidden City. This was the imperial palace of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it's absolutely massive. Expect to spend at least 2–3 hours walking through its palaces, courtyards, and bright red gates. Every corner reveals something new - golden rooftops, carved stone dragons, ancient throne rooms.
TIP:💡Book your Forbidden City tickets online well in advance. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak season. Daily visitor numbers are capped. You can book at palace.museum.cn
Forbidden City from Above - You'll exit the Forbidden City on the far north side. From there, it's a short walk to Jingshan Park. Climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views in Beijing. The entire Forbidden City spreads out below you, its yellow rooftops aligned in perfect symmetry. It's especially beautiful near sunset.
End your day with a stroll around Houhai Lake - lined with bars, restaurants, and willow trees. Then walk through Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing's most famous hutong alleys. It's lively, full of street food and small shops, and a great introduction to the hutong culture you'll explore more on Day 14.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is less crowded than Badaling and more beautiful, with the wall snaking across forested hills as far as you can see. Take the cable car up, walk a long stretch to the higher watchtowers while the views stretch across rolling green mountains in every direction, and come back down on the toboggan for a finish that's as fun as it is unforgettable. This is, without any doubt, one of the highlights of the entire trip.
I took a DiDi from Beijing, which took about 1.5 hours. It was easy and affordable. Alternatively, the MuBus runs direct shuttles from central Beijing, or you can join a small group day tour which includes transport. If you go by DiDi, be aware that the return can take longer due to traffic.
Once you arrive, take the cable car up to the wall. I strongly recommend this over the chairlift or hiking up on foot. Save your energy for walking the wall itself, and the views from the cable car on the way up are beautiful in their own right.
The moment you step off the cable car and onto the Great Wall, everything becomes still for a second. This was my very first World Wonder, and I wasn't prepared for how emotional it would feel. I walked a long stretch toward the higher watchtowers, the terrain is hilly and the steps are steep in places, but the effort is absolutely worth it. Stop often, look out over the mountains, and let it sink in.
When it's time to come back down, take the toboggan. I was nervous at first, but the moment I started moving, I couldn't stop smiling. You control your own speed with a hand brake, and the track winds through the trees back down to the base. It's genuinely fun and a completely unique way to end a Great Wall visit. Highly recommended.
💡Expect to spend at least 3 hours on the wall itself. The full day trip (including travel time, the wall walk, lunch, and return) will take most of the day. Bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes.
💡If you want a guided experience, book a small group tour from Beijing that includes transport and a guide. It makes the logistics much easier and adds historical context to what you're seeing.
Your last day in China is one of the most varied and one of the most beautiful. The Summer Palace offers a lakeside escape from the city, the Temple of Heaven surprises you with how alive it feels, and the Lama Temple fills the air with incense and quiet devotion. End your trip wandering the hutongs near the Bell and Drum Towers, where old Beijing still breathes.
Start the morning at the Summer Palace, one of the most beautiful imperial gardens in China. It's huge and lakeside, and much calmer than most other sights in Beijing. Walk along the Long Corridor (a 728-metre covered walkway decorated with thousands of hand-painted scenes) and then down to Kunming Lake for views of the iconic marble boat and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. You can even take a boat ride across the lake if you're feeling relaxed enough.
From the Summer Palace, make your way to the Temple of Heaven. The temple itself is architecturally stunning - a circular blue-roofed structure that served as the site of imperial ceremonies for centuries. But what truly makes this place special is the surrounding park. Locals gather here every day to dance, play cards, practice tai chi, do group exercises, and chat under the trees. It feels like a living piece of the city.
One of Beijing's most beautiful religious sites. This Tibetan Buddhist temple is peaceful and genuinely atmospheric. Incense fills the courtyards, prayer wheels line the corridors, and the main hall contains an 18-metre Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. It's a very different energy from the imperial sites you've been exploring.
Just a short walk from the Lama Temple. The contrast between the two is interesting - one spiritual and devotional, the other scholarly and contemplative. The ancient cypress trees are particularly striking, some of them hundreds of years old.
Finish your time in China here. Wander the narrow hutong alleyways, stop for tea or coffee at a courtyard café, browse the small shops, and just let yourself be in this city one last time. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower at the end of the lane provide a beautiful backdrop, especially in the late afternoon light.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 / 3 hours before your flight.
China stays with you long after you're home. Not because of any single moment, but because of all of them together. The mist between the pillars of Zhangjiajie. The Great Wall stretching further than you can see. Chongqing glowing at night. The stepping-stone bridge in Fenghuang with lanterns in the water below. It's a lot to take in, and that's exactly the point. You'll finish these two weeks wishing you had more time. And that's the right way to leave.
itinerary by Mariana Dias
China is one of those destinations that feels almost endless. No matter how much time you have, there will always be more to discover. But 14 days is enough to experience some of the country's most iconic places and create unforgettable memories along the way. This itinerary combines world-famous landmarks, vibrant modern cities, breathtaking natural scenery, and ancient towns full of character. From walking on the Great Wall and meeting giant pandas in Chengdu to cruising past the karst peaks of Guilin and exploring the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, you'll experience many sides of China in a single journey. It's an ambitious route, but a rewarding one that balances sightseeing, culture, and time to truly enjoy the adventure.
Welcome to China! After a long flight, feel free to customize your itinerary to suit your needs. If you’re feeling fresh, go out and explore right away. If you’re tired, head straight to your accommodations and start exploring from the next day. Shanghai hits you with contrast the moment you arrive. One moment you're wandering through quiet classical gardens, and the next you're looking up at skyscrapers. It's a city of opposites, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
After landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), follow the signs to baggage claim and head through customs. To get into the city, hop on the Maglev train, metro Line 2, or grab a taxi or DiDi if you have more luggage. Drop your bags at the hotel and get ready to explore!
- Getting around: Metro for most journeys, DiDi for longer distances.
- 💡Shanghai's metro is fast, clean, and easy to navigate. Get a transit card at any station. For longer rides or late-night trips, use DiDi - it works just like Uber and most drivers accept in-app payments.
General and important information:
Best time to visit
- The best time to visit China is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and skies are clear. Avoid Chinese New Year (January or Febreary), Golden Week (October 1 - 7) and Labor Day Holiday (May 1 - 5) at all costs. Trains sell out, attractions are packed and prices spike significantly.
Getting around
- High-speed trains are the backbone of this itinerary and they will genuinely surprise you. Fast, clean and punctual. Book through Trip.com for the easiest experience. Within cities, metro systems are excellent and DiDi covers everything else.
Payments
- China is almost entirely cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive. Both apps now allow foreign cards to be linked. Carrying a small amount of cash as backup doesn't hurt, but in every city on this itinerary, digital payments are the norm.
Staying connected
- Most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before you arrive. For data, an Airalo eSIM works well or pick up a local SIM at the airport on arrival.
Book in advance
- Forbidden City, Giant Panda Research Base, Tianmen Mountain and Great Wall at Mutianyu all have daily visitor caps and can sell out. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Same goes for train tickets.
Start your first morning at People's Park. If you're visiting on a weekend, you might stumble upon the famous Marriage Market, one of the most fascinating cultural moments in the city. Parents gather here to advertise their children's profiles on handwritten signs, hoping to arrange a match. It sounds unusual, but it's completely genuine and oddly moving
From People's Park, make your way to Jing'an Temple. What makes this place special is the contrast - golden rooftops glowing right in the middle of glass-and-steel towers. It's that kind of unexpected beauty that Shanghai does so well. The exact location of the temple is here.
As the day turns to night, head to The Bund. Standing there and watching the Pudong skyline light up felt surreal. The way the lights reflect across the Huangpu River makes the whole city feel alive. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be as beautiful as it was. Don't rush this moment, just walk slowly and take it all in.
A slower morning exploring Yu Garden and the winding lanes of Yuyuan Old Street, followed by an afternoon in the French Concession where leafy streets and cozy cafés invite you to slow down. Than you'll head to the airport and catch a flight to Zhangjiajie, ready for the mountains ahead. It all depends on your flight time, so plan your schedule based on your flight.
Yu Garden and Yuyuan Old Street. Yes, they're popular and yes, they can get crowded. But there's something special about wandering through these traditional gardens and narrow lanes. The architecture is beautiful, and if you get there before 9am, the light is gorgeous and the streets are still quiet.
Make your way to the French Concession. This is where the pace slows right down. Tree-lined streets, cozy cafés, boutique shops. It feels like a completely different city. This was one of my favorite spots in all of Shanghai. Just walk without a plan and see where you end up.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Welcome to Zhangjiajie City. Head to your accommodation and get ready for an incredible day tomorrow.
An early start takes you up to Tianmen Mountain (this was one of those travel moments you simply don't forget) on one of the world's longest cable cars, with cliff walks, glass skywalks and the iconic Heaven's Gate arch waiting at the top. By afternoon, a short train ride brings you to Fenghuang, a beautiful ancient town where wooden stilt houses lean over the Tuojiang River and lanterns glow after dark. If you’re following this China itinerary, this is the day when you’ll start realizing that landscapes take over the big Chinese cities.
Riding the cable car up into the clouds (one of the longest in the world) already feels special before you even arrive at the top. The cliffs, the glass walkways, the view over the 99-bend road climbing the mountainside… it all feels surreal.
Follow Route A: up on the grand cable car, around the cliff paths at the summit, then down toward Heaven's Gate, the natural stone arch carved into the mountain. The skywalk was one of my favorite parts, not because it was extreme, but because of how open and endless everything looked below.
💡Book your Tianmen Mountain tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The full experience (cable car up + skywalk + Heaven's Gate) takes about half a day.
By early afternoon, head back down to the city to this station and take the train to Fenghuang. It takes about 1 hour. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Fenghuang surprised me completely. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Yes, it gets busy, but the landscape with the Tuojiang River and the wooden stilt houses is genuinely beautiful. I loved simply walking along the riverbank, crossing the little stepping-stone bridge, and watching the town move at its own rhythm.
There's no need to rush here. Just let yourself wander the old streets and soak it all in. The atmosphere at night, when the lanterns reflect off the water, is something really special.
Start your day exploring more of Fenghuang at a slower pace. Early morning is the best time to walk along the Tuojiang River - the stilt houses reflecting on the water feel different in the morning light, quieter, more intimate. A slow riverside morning in Fenghuang before heading to Furong, a quieter and lesser-known ancient town with a waterfall running right through its center. The kind of place that feels almost too picturesque to be real, and even more magical once the sun goes down.
Wander along the riverbank, cross the stepping-stone bridge one more time, and pick up breakfast from one of the local stalls. The old town is compact, so even an hour or two of slow wandering feels satisfying. This is your chance to enjoy it before the day-trippers arrive.
By midday, make your way to the train station and head to Furong. The ride is short, and arriving in the early afternoon gives you plenty of time to explore. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Furong is smaller and quieter than Fenghuang, and that's its biggest charm. The highlight is the waterfall that runs right through the center of the town. Seeing it tucked between traditional wooden buildings makes it feel almost unreal. Just like in Fenghuang, the atmosphere shifts completely after dark. Lanterns reflect off the water and everything slows right down.
Staying overnight inside the old town was one of the best decisions on this trip. Waking up to views of the waterfall was absolutely priceless.
Leave Furong in the morning and take the train to Zhangjiajie, a smooth and easy journey that brings you to Wulingyuan, the small town right beside the National Forest Park entrance. Once you arrive, you'll get your first taste of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet. The sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar rise from the forest floor, and even a short afternoon walk through Golden Whip Stream will leave you speechless.
If you arrive early enough, you can spend part of the afternoon inside the park. Even just a few hours will leave you speechless. This is the place that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. And seeing those rock formations in real life is something else entirely.
This first afternoon is not about rushing or trying to see everything. Think of it as your soft introduction. Pick a short, accessible area and just enjoy being there.
💡TIP: Buy a multi-day park ticket at the entrance or here online. It covers the park and the internal shuttle buses. The Bailong Elevator (glass elevator built into the cliff face) and the elevators are usually not included in the standard ticket but it is absolutely worth it! I recommend buying the ticket for them if they’re not included in the entrance fee.
Golden Whip Stream is a great option for your first afternoon. It's a scenic flat walk with dramatic sandstone cliffs rising on both sides. The path follows a clear stream through the forest and it's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. The perfect way to ease into the park without overwhelming yourself.
Full day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and, by far, one of the most breathtaking days of the entire trip. The towering sandstone pillars, deep gorges and misty viewpoints make the place feel genuinely out of this world. You'll head up to Yuanjiajie for the most iconic viewpoints, walk across the First Bridge Under Heaven, and take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for sweeping panoramic views. This is the day you'll be talking about for years.
Spend the first part of your day in the Yuanjiajie area. This is where the most iconic views are, sweeping panoramas of pillar formations with mist rolling in between them. It's the kind of landscape you've seen in photos and can't quite believe is real until you're standing in front of it.
TIPS:
- 💡The park can feel overwhelming at first. Once you understand how the internal shuttle buses connect the different areas, the day flows much more easily. Ask at the park entrance for a map with the shuttle stops marked.
- 💡Go early. By 10am the most popular viewpoints fill up. Starting at 7 or 8am gives you the best light and far fewer people.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Viewpoint - One of the highlights of Yuanjiajie is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint. This is the pillar that directly inspired the floating mountains in the film, and the resemblance is uncanny. It's stunning, but it's also where crowds tend to gather. Come early if you can, the morning light is much better anyway.
First Bridge Under Heaven - From the viewpoint, continue along the ridge to reach the First Bridge Under Heaven. A natural stone bridge connecting two cliff edges high above the forest floor. Walking across it with nothing but air on both sides is a genuinely memorable experience.
In the afternoon, take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for a different perspective on the park. The panoramic views from the top are different from Yuanjiajie. Broader, more atmospheric, especially when clouds roll through the peaks. The Imperial Writing Brushes formation is particularly striking from here.
A long but comfortable train journey takes you from Zhangjiajie to Xingping, a small town on the Li River framed by karst mountains. By the time you arrive, the old streets are quiet and atmospheric. Drop your bags, find somewhere local for dinner, and let the town settle around you.
Day 7 is mostly a travel day, and there's no way around it. The train to Guilin is long (around 7 hours) but it's comfortable. Use the time to rest, look out the window, and decompress from the busy nature days. It's up to you whether you'll be tired after the trip or will have the energy to explore the area. Adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.
Once you arrive in Guilin, keep in mind that it's not just one city. It's a whole region of karst mountains, rivers, and quiet countryside villages. Most travelers choose between Yangshuo (more developed, with cafés and nightlife) and Xingping (more authentic, small-town feel). I chose Xingping and I'm so glad I did.
On the evening of Day 7, after arriving and dropping your bags, just wander the old streets of Xingping. The historic center is small, and that's what makes it nice. Find somewhere local for dinner and enjoy the slower pace. This is one of those places that's best experienced without a plan.
Your full day in Xingping starts with a ferry crossing and a steep hike up to the Damianshan viewpoint, where the Li River curves between the karst peaks in one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip. The afternoon is slower, with river walks, market snacks, and a sunset boat ride on the Li River rounding out the day perfectly.
This was one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip. Start the morning by crossing the Li River by ferry, it takes just 2–3 minutes and costs less than €1. There are people waiting on the other side to take tourists to the lookout points (we paid about €12 return for two people, and it was absolutely worth it).
The trail is steep. Consistently uphill for about 35–45 minutes. It was tough. But the moment you reach the top and see the Li River curving between the karst mountains, you stop talking. It's one of those views that makes you forget everything else. Honestly one of my favorite moments of the entire trip.
After the hike, take your time coming back to Xingping. Grab lunch, pick up snacks at the market stalls, sit by the river. In the afternoon, consider a short boat ride on the Li River. Even a brief crossing is beautiful when the sun is getting lower. The cormorant fishermen you might spot on their bamboo rafts are one of those timeless scenes you'll want to photograph.
If you still have energy, there are other viewpoints around Xingping. Laozhai Hill and Xianggong Hill are both popular options. But after Damianshan, we decided to take it easy and simply enjoy the town at its own pace. No regrets.
💡The famous 20 yuan RMB note features the Li River karst scenery near Xingping. If you have one in your wallet, you can match the view to the banknote from a specific point along the river!
Welcome to Chongqing, China's most cinematic city, built vertically across steep hills with monorails weaving between buildings and entire neighborhoods stacked on top of each other. Walking around here you'll often find yourself on what feels like the ground floor, while whole roads and streets exist right below your feet. By night, Hongyadong lights up in red and gold, the skyline glows across the river, and dinner means one thing: fiery Chongqing hotpot.
Depending on when you arrive, start the afternoon at Longmenhao Old Street. This is one of the quieter, more traditional corners of Chongqing. Filled with old houses, tea shops, and great views over the river. It's a perfect way to ease into the city before the evening energy kicks in. Organized trip here.
Closer to sunset, make your way to Hongyadong. Time your visit so you're there when the lights start to glow. By day it's impressive, a tiered complex of traditional-style buildings stacked up the hillside. But when the red lanterns and neon signs light up at dusk, the whole place transforms. Walk through it slowly, explore the different levels, and stop for a drink with a river view.
From Hongyadong, walk toward the Qiansimen Bridge for views of the skyline. The red cable stays against the city lights make this one of the best photo spots in Chongqing. It's especially stunning when you look back toward Hongyadong with the bridge in the foreground.
Tonight, you have to try Chongqing hotpot. It's one of the city's most iconic meals - a bubbling, fiery broth at the center of the table, with raw ingredients that you cook yourself. It's spicy (very), but you can usually order a split pot with one spicy and one mild broth. It's fun, social, and exactly the kind of meal that suits the city's energy.
TIP:💡If you're lucky, there might be a drone show over the Chongqing skyline during your visit. Thousands of drones create patterns and animations in the night sky. They don't happen every evening, but if one is scheduled, it's worth staying out for.
After yesterday's neon skylines and night views, the morning starts with a calmer and greener side of Chongqing, with a visit to Eling Park and the famous metro station that runs straight through an apartment block. After lunch, a two-hour high-speed train brings you to Chengdu, where the evening is yours to explore the Wide and Narrow Alleys, sip tea in People's Park, and soak up the city's famously relaxed energy.
Start the morning at Eling Park. The park has beautiful views over the city skyline and it's a nice contrast to the vertical chaos happening below. There's a covered walkway with traditional red and green architecture running alongside a calm pond - peaceful and photogenic, especially in the morning light.
From Eling Park, make your way to Liziba Station. This is one of Chongqing's most famous curiosities: a metro line that literally passes through the middle of an apartment building. Floors 6 through 8 of the residential block have the train running straight through them. Watching it happen from the platform is one of those 'wait, how is this real?' moments that make Chongqing so unique.
For your last taste of Chongqing, head to Jiefangbei, the busy commercial heart of the city. The Liberation Monument stands at the center of busy streets full of bright billboards and shops. Have lunch here, walk around, and soak up one last dose of the city's energy before your train to Chengdu.
From this station you will go to Chengdu.
Once you arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon, drop your bags and head out for a relaxed first walk through the city.
Kuanzhai Alleys (Start here) traditional courtyard houses turned into boutique shops, tea houses, and restaurants. It's easy to wander without thinking too much, and the architecture is lovely.
Grab a cup of tea, watch locals playing mahjong, and get a real glimpse of everyday Chengdu life. The teahouse culture here is something special, people spend hours here just chatting and relaxing. Sit down and join them.
Especially lovely in the evening, with red lanterns hanging overhead, street snacks everywhere, and a lively atmosphere that feels both touristic and genuinely fun.
Optional - If you still have energy, head to Chunxi Road. Chengdu's buzzing shopping street. Look up and you'll see the famous giant panda climbing the side of a building, plus a 3D panda animation on the screen overhead. It's playful and very Chengdu.
The morning belongs to the pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is bigger and more beautiful than most people expect, and the pandas are at their most active early in the day. After visiting a temple or two in the afternoon, you'll head to the airport and fly to Beijing for the final chapter of the trip.
Let's be honest, seeing pandas is probably the main reason most people include Chengdu on their China itinerary. Head here first thing in the morning. The pandas are most active in the early hours, so arriving early makes a real difference.
Plan to spend about half a day at the research base. The park is bigger than you might expect. There are red pandas too, which are absolutely adorable. There's even a shuttle service inside the grounds to help you get around. If you want to see the newborn panda room, go on a weekday when it's less crowded.
💡TIPS: Book your panda base tickets online in advance, they do sell out on busy days. Entry is approx. 55 yuan per person.
After the panda base, head back into the city and visit Wenshu Monastery if you're looking for something peaceful. It's one of the most atmospheric spots in Chengdu, incense drifting through the courtyards, monks in orange robes, and locals stopping to pray. A welcome contrast to the busy streets outside.
Alternatively, pair the Wuhou Memorial Temple with Jinli Street right next door. The memorial is dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period and the architecture is beautiful. And Jinli Street in the afternoon light, before the evening crowds arrive, has a lovely energy.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the airport and fly to Beijing, where the final chapter of your trip begins.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Beijing greets you with its full weight of history, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where endless courtyards, red gates and golden rooftops tell the story of centuries of imperial China. Climb Jingshan Park afterward for the best aerial view of the palace complex, and finish the evening wandering the lively hutong lanes of Nanluoguxiang. Beijing is slower and heavier with history than Shanghai, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
Start your first morning here. It's an iconic place.Huge, open, always busy. It's also a very symbolic one, the political and cultural heart of the country. Take time to simply stand there and take in the scale of it. The Gate of Heavenly Peace with Mao's portrait, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the vast expanse of the square itself make for a powerful introduction to Beijing.
Right across from Tiananmen Square is the entrance to the Forbidden City. This was the imperial palace of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it's absolutely massive. Expect to spend at least 2–3 hours walking through its palaces, courtyards, and bright red gates. Every corner reveals something new - golden rooftops, carved stone dragons, ancient throne rooms.
TIP:💡Book your Forbidden City tickets online well in advance. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak season. Daily visitor numbers are capped. You can book at palace.museum.cn
Forbidden City from Above - You'll exit the Forbidden City on the far north side. From there, it's a short walk to Jingshan Park. Climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views in Beijing. The entire Forbidden City spreads out below you, its yellow rooftops aligned in perfect symmetry. It's especially beautiful near sunset.
End your day with a stroll around Houhai Lake - lined with bars, restaurants, and willow trees. Then walk through Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing's most famous hutong alleys. It's lively, full of street food and small shops, and a great introduction to the hutong culture you'll explore more on Day 14.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is less crowded than Badaling and more beautiful, with the wall snaking across forested hills as far as you can see. Take the cable car up, walk a long stretch to the higher watchtowers while the views stretch across rolling green mountains in every direction, and come back down on the toboggan for a finish that's as fun as it is unforgettable. This is, without any doubt, one of the highlights of the entire trip.
I took a DiDi from Beijing, which took about 1.5 hours. It was easy and affordable. Alternatively, the MuBus runs direct shuttles from central Beijing, or you can join a small group day tour which includes transport. If you go by DiDi, be aware that the return can take longer due to traffic.
Once you arrive, take the cable car up to the wall. I strongly recommend this over the chairlift or hiking up on foot. Save your energy for walking the wall itself, and the views from the cable car on the way up are beautiful in their own right.
The moment you step off the cable car and onto the Great Wall, everything becomes still for a second. This was my very first World Wonder, and I wasn't prepared for how emotional it would feel. I walked a long stretch toward the higher watchtowers, the terrain is hilly and the steps are steep in places, but the effort is absolutely worth it. Stop often, look out over the mountains, and let it sink in.
When it's time to come back down, take the toboggan. I was nervous at first, but the moment I started moving, I couldn't stop smiling. You control your own speed with a hand brake, and the track winds through the trees back down to the base. It's genuinely fun and a completely unique way to end a Great Wall visit. Highly recommended.
💡Expect to spend at least 3 hours on the wall itself. The full day trip (including travel time, the wall walk, lunch, and return) will take most of the day. Bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes.
💡If you want a guided experience, book a small group tour from Beijing that includes transport and a guide. It makes the logistics much easier and adds historical context to what you're seeing.
Your last day in China is one of the most varied and one of the most beautiful. The Summer Palace offers a lakeside escape from the city, the Temple of Heaven surprises you with how alive it feels, and the Lama Temple fills the air with incense and quiet devotion. End your trip wandering the hutongs near the Bell and Drum Towers, where old Beijing still breathes.
Start the morning at the Summer Palace, one of the most beautiful imperial gardens in China. It's huge and lakeside, and much calmer than most other sights in Beijing. Walk along the Long Corridor (a 728-metre covered walkway decorated with thousands of hand-painted scenes) and then down to Kunming Lake for views of the iconic marble boat and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. You can even take a boat ride across the lake if you're feeling relaxed enough.
From the Summer Palace, make your way to the Temple of Heaven. The temple itself is architecturally stunning - a circular blue-roofed structure that served as the site of imperial ceremonies for centuries. But what truly makes this place special is the surrounding park. Locals gather here every day to dance, play cards, practice tai chi, do group exercises, and chat under the trees. It feels like a living piece of the city.
One of Beijing's most beautiful religious sites. This Tibetan Buddhist temple is peaceful and genuinely atmospheric. Incense fills the courtyards, prayer wheels line the corridors, and the main hall contains an 18-metre Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. It's a very different energy from the imperial sites you've been exploring.
Just a short walk from the Lama Temple. The contrast between the two is interesting - one spiritual and devotional, the other scholarly and contemplative. The ancient cypress trees are particularly striking, some of them hundreds of years old.
Finish your time in China here. Wander the narrow hutong alleyways, stop for tea or coffee at a courtyard café, browse the small shops, and just let yourself be in this city one last time. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower at the end of the lane provide a beautiful backdrop, especially in the late afternoon light.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 / 3 hours before your flight.
China stays with you long after you're home. Not because of any single moment, but because of all of them together. The mist between the pillars of Zhangjiajie. The Great Wall stretching further than you can see. Chongqing glowing at night. The stepping-stone bridge in Fenghuang with lanterns in the water below. It's a lot to take in, and that's exactly the point. You'll finish these two weeks wishing you had more time. And that's the right way to leave.
China is one of those destinations that feels almost endless. No matter how much time you have, there will always be more to discover. But 14 days is enough to experience some of the country's most iconic places and create unforgettable memories along the way. This itinerary combines world-famous landmarks, vibrant modern cities, breathtaking natural scenery, and ancient towns full of character. From walking on the Great Wall and meeting giant pandas in Chengdu to cruising past the karst peaks of Guilin and exploring the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, you'll experience many sides of China in a single journey. It's an ambitious route, but a rewarding one that balances sightseeing, culture, and time to truly enjoy the adventure.
Welcome to China! After a long flight, feel free to customize your itinerary to suit your needs. If you’re feeling fresh, go out and explore right away. If you’re tired, head straight to your accommodations and start exploring from the next day. Shanghai hits you with contrast the moment you arrive. One moment you're wandering through quiet classical gardens, and the next you're looking up at skyscrapers. It's a city of opposites, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
After landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), follow the signs to baggage claim and head through customs. To get into the city, hop on the Maglev train, metro Line 2, or grab a taxi or DiDi if you have more luggage. Drop your bags at the hotel and get ready to explore!
- Getting around: Metro for most journeys, DiDi for longer distances.
- 💡Shanghai's metro is fast, clean, and easy to navigate. Get a transit card at any station. For longer rides or late-night trips, use DiDi - it works just like Uber and most drivers accept in-app payments.
General and important information:
Best time to visit
- The best time to visit China is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and skies are clear. Avoid Chinese New Year (January or Febreary), Golden Week (October 1 - 7) and Labor Day Holiday (May 1 - 5) at all costs. Trains sell out, attractions are packed and prices spike significantly.
Getting around
- High-speed trains are the backbone of this itinerary and they will genuinely surprise you. Fast, clean and punctual. Book through Trip.com for the easiest experience. Within cities, metro systems are excellent and DiDi covers everything else.
Payments
- China is almost entirely cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive. Both apps now allow foreign cards to be linked. Carrying a small amount of cash as backup doesn't hurt, but in every city on this itinerary, digital payments are the norm.
Staying connected
- Most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before you arrive. For data, an Airalo eSIM works well or pick up a local SIM at the airport on arrival.
Book in advance
- Forbidden City, Giant Panda Research Base, Tianmen Mountain and Great Wall at Mutianyu all have daily visitor caps and can sell out. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Same goes for train tickets.
Start your first morning at People's Park. If you're visiting on a weekend, you might stumble upon the famous Marriage Market, one of the most fascinating cultural moments in the city. Parents gather here to advertise their children's profiles on handwritten signs, hoping to arrange a match. It sounds unusual, but it's completely genuine and oddly moving
From People's Park, make your way to Jing'an Temple. What makes this place special is the contrast - golden rooftops glowing right in the middle of glass-and-steel towers. It's that kind of unexpected beauty that Shanghai does so well. The exact location of the temple is here.
As the day turns to night, head to The Bund. Standing there and watching the Pudong skyline light up felt surreal. The way the lights reflect across the Huangpu River makes the whole city feel alive. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be as beautiful as it was. Don't rush this moment, just walk slowly and take it all in.
A slower morning exploring Yu Garden and the winding lanes of Yuyuan Old Street, followed by an afternoon in the French Concession where leafy streets and cozy cafés invite you to slow down. Than you'll head to the airport and catch a flight to Zhangjiajie, ready for the mountains ahead. It all depends on your flight time, so plan your schedule based on your flight.
Yu Garden and Yuyuan Old Street. Yes, they're popular and yes, they can get crowded. But there's something special about wandering through these traditional gardens and narrow lanes. The architecture is beautiful, and if you get there before 9am, the light is gorgeous and the streets are still quiet.
Make your way to the French Concession. This is where the pace slows right down. Tree-lined streets, cozy cafés, boutique shops. It feels like a completely different city. This was one of my favorite spots in all of Shanghai. Just walk without a plan and see where you end up.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Welcome to Zhangjiajie City. Head to your accommodation and get ready for an incredible day tomorrow.
An early start takes you up to Tianmen Mountain (this was one of those travel moments you simply don't forget) on one of the world's longest cable cars, with cliff walks, glass skywalks and the iconic Heaven's Gate arch waiting at the top. By afternoon, a short train ride brings you to Fenghuang, a beautiful ancient town where wooden stilt houses lean over the Tuojiang River and lanterns glow after dark. If you’re following this China itinerary, this is the day when you’ll start realizing that landscapes take over the big Chinese cities.
Riding the cable car up into the clouds (one of the longest in the world) already feels special before you even arrive at the top. The cliffs, the glass walkways, the view over the 99-bend road climbing the mountainside… it all feels surreal.
Follow Route A: up on the grand cable car, around the cliff paths at the summit, then down toward Heaven's Gate, the natural stone arch carved into the mountain. The skywalk was one of my favorite parts, not because it was extreme, but because of how open and endless everything looked below.
💡Book your Tianmen Mountain tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The full experience (cable car up + skywalk + Heaven's Gate) takes about half a day.
By early afternoon, head back down to the city to this station and take the train to Fenghuang. It takes about 1 hour. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Fenghuang surprised me completely. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Yes, it gets busy, but the landscape with the Tuojiang River and the wooden stilt houses is genuinely beautiful. I loved simply walking along the riverbank, crossing the little stepping-stone bridge, and watching the town move at its own rhythm.
There's no need to rush here. Just let yourself wander the old streets and soak it all in. The atmosphere at night, when the lanterns reflect off the water, is something really special.
Start your day exploring more of Fenghuang at a slower pace. Early morning is the best time to walk along the Tuojiang River - the stilt houses reflecting on the water feel different in the morning light, quieter, more intimate. A slow riverside morning in Fenghuang before heading to Furong, a quieter and lesser-known ancient town with a waterfall running right through its center. The kind of place that feels almost too picturesque to be real, and even more magical once the sun goes down.
Wander along the riverbank, cross the stepping-stone bridge one more time, and pick up breakfast from one of the local stalls. The old town is compact, so even an hour or two of slow wandering feels satisfying. This is your chance to enjoy it before the day-trippers arrive.
By midday, make your way to the train station and head to Furong. The ride is short, and arriving in the early afternoon gives you plenty of time to explore. Don't forget that you can book tickets here for all trains along your entire trip.
You'll arrive at this stop and set out to explore the city.
Furong is smaller and quieter than Fenghuang, and that's its biggest charm. The highlight is the waterfall that runs right through the center of the town. Seeing it tucked between traditional wooden buildings makes it feel almost unreal. Just like in Fenghuang, the atmosphere shifts completely after dark. Lanterns reflect off the water and everything slows right down.
Staying overnight inside the old town was one of the best decisions on this trip. Waking up to views of the waterfall was absolutely priceless.
Leave Furong in the morning and take the train to Zhangjiajie, a smooth and easy journey that brings you to Wulingyuan, the small town right beside the National Forest Park entrance. Once you arrive, you'll get your first taste of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet. The sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar rise from the forest floor, and even a short afternoon walk through Golden Whip Stream will leave you speechless.
If you arrive early enough, you can spend part of the afternoon inside the park. Even just a few hours will leave you speechless. This is the place that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. And seeing those rock formations in real life is something else entirely.
This first afternoon is not about rushing or trying to see everything. Think of it as your soft introduction. Pick a short, accessible area and just enjoy being there.
💡TIP: Buy a multi-day park ticket at the entrance or here online. It covers the park and the internal shuttle buses. The Bailong Elevator (glass elevator built into the cliff face) and the elevators are usually not included in the standard ticket but it is absolutely worth it! I recommend buying the ticket for them if they’re not included in the entrance fee.
Golden Whip Stream is a great option for your first afternoon. It's a scenic flat walk with dramatic sandstone cliffs rising on both sides. The path follows a clear stream through the forest and it's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. The perfect way to ease into the park without overwhelming yourself.
Full day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and, by far, one of the most breathtaking days of the entire trip. The towering sandstone pillars, deep gorges and misty viewpoints make the place feel genuinely out of this world. You'll head up to Yuanjiajie for the most iconic viewpoints, walk across the First Bridge Under Heaven, and take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for sweeping panoramic views. This is the day you'll be talking about for years.
Spend the first part of your day in the Yuanjiajie area. This is where the most iconic views are, sweeping panoramas of pillar formations with mist rolling in between them. It's the kind of landscape you've seen in photos and can't quite believe is real until you're standing in front of it.
TIPS:
- 💡The park can feel overwhelming at first. Once you understand how the internal shuttle buses connect the different areas, the day flows much more easily. Ask at the park entrance for a map with the shuttle stops marked.
- 💡Go early. By 10am the most popular viewpoints fill up. Starting at 7 or 8am gives you the best light and far fewer people.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Viewpoint - One of the highlights of Yuanjiajie is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint. This is the pillar that directly inspired the floating mountains in the film, and the resemblance is uncanny. It's stunning, but it's also where crowds tend to gather. Come early if you can, the morning light is much better anyway.
First Bridge Under Heaven - From the viewpoint, continue along the ridge to reach the First Bridge Under Heaven. A natural stone bridge connecting two cliff edges high above the forest floor. Walking across it with nothing but air on both sides is a genuinely memorable experience.
In the afternoon, take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain for a different perspective on the park. The panoramic views from the top are different from Yuanjiajie. Broader, more atmospheric, especially when clouds roll through the peaks. The Imperial Writing Brushes formation is particularly striking from here.
A long but comfortable train journey takes you from Zhangjiajie to Xingping, a small town on the Li River framed by karst mountains. By the time you arrive, the old streets are quiet and atmospheric. Drop your bags, find somewhere local for dinner, and let the town settle around you.
Day 7 is mostly a travel day, and there's no way around it. The train to Guilin is long (around 7 hours) but it's comfortable. Use the time to rest, look out the window, and decompress from the busy nature days. It's up to you whether you'll be tired after the trip or will have the energy to explore the area. Adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.
Once you arrive in Guilin, keep in mind that it's not just one city. It's a whole region of karst mountains, rivers, and quiet countryside villages. Most travelers choose between Yangshuo (more developed, with cafés and nightlife) and Xingping (more authentic, small-town feel). I chose Xingping and I'm so glad I did.
On the evening of Day 7, after arriving and dropping your bags, just wander the old streets of Xingping. The historic center is small, and that's what makes it nice. Find somewhere local for dinner and enjoy the slower pace. This is one of those places that's best experienced without a plan.
Your full day in Xingping starts with a ferry crossing and a steep hike up to the Damianshan viewpoint, where the Li River curves between the karst peaks in one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip. The afternoon is slower, with river walks, market snacks, and a sunset boat ride on the Li River rounding out the day perfectly.
This was one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip. Start the morning by crossing the Li River by ferry, it takes just 2–3 minutes and costs less than €1. There are people waiting on the other side to take tourists to the lookout points (we paid about €12 return for two people, and it was absolutely worth it).
The trail is steep. Consistently uphill for about 35–45 minutes. It was tough. But the moment you reach the top and see the Li River curving between the karst mountains, you stop talking. It's one of those views that makes you forget everything else. Honestly one of my favorite moments of the entire trip.
After the hike, take your time coming back to Xingping. Grab lunch, pick up snacks at the market stalls, sit by the river. In the afternoon, consider a short boat ride on the Li River. Even a brief crossing is beautiful when the sun is getting lower. The cormorant fishermen you might spot on their bamboo rafts are one of those timeless scenes you'll want to photograph.
If you still have energy, there are other viewpoints around Xingping. Laozhai Hill and Xianggong Hill are both popular options. But after Damianshan, we decided to take it easy and simply enjoy the town at its own pace. No regrets.
💡The famous 20 yuan RMB note features the Li River karst scenery near Xingping. If you have one in your wallet, you can match the view to the banknote from a specific point along the river!
Welcome to Chongqing, China's most cinematic city, built vertically across steep hills with monorails weaving between buildings and entire neighborhoods stacked on top of each other. Walking around here you'll often find yourself on what feels like the ground floor, while whole roads and streets exist right below your feet. By night, Hongyadong lights up in red and gold, the skyline glows across the river, and dinner means one thing: fiery Chongqing hotpot.
Depending on when you arrive, start the afternoon at Longmenhao Old Street. This is one of the quieter, more traditional corners of Chongqing. Filled with old houses, tea shops, and great views over the river. It's a perfect way to ease into the city before the evening energy kicks in. Organized trip here.
Closer to sunset, make your way to Hongyadong. Time your visit so you're there when the lights start to glow. By day it's impressive, a tiered complex of traditional-style buildings stacked up the hillside. But when the red lanterns and neon signs light up at dusk, the whole place transforms. Walk through it slowly, explore the different levels, and stop for a drink with a river view.
From Hongyadong, walk toward the Qiansimen Bridge for views of the skyline. The red cable stays against the city lights make this one of the best photo spots in Chongqing. It's especially stunning when you look back toward Hongyadong with the bridge in the foreground.
Tonight, you have to try Chongqing hotpot. It's one of the city's most iconic meals - a bubbling, fiery broth at the center of the table, with raw ingredients that you cook yourself. It's spicy (very), but you can usually order a split pot with one spicy and one mild broth. It's fun, social, and exactly the kind of meal that suits the city's energy.
TIP:💡If you're lucky, there might be a drone show over the Chongqing skyline during your visit. Thousands of drones create patterns and animations in the night sky. They don't happen every evening, but if one is scheduled, it's worth staying out for.
After yesterday's neon skylines and night views, the morning starts with a calmer and greener side of Chongqing, with a visit to Eling Park and the famous metro station that runs straight through an apartment block. After lunch, a two-hour high-speed train brings you to Chengdu, where the evening is yours to explore the Wide and Narrow Alleys, sip tea in People's Park, and soak up the city's famously relaxed energy.
Start the morning at Eling Park. The park has beautiful views over the city skyline and it's a nice contrast to the vertical chaos happening below. There's a covered walkway with traditional red and green architecture running alongside a calm pond - peaceful and photogenic, especially in the morning light.
From Eling Park, make your way to Liziba Station. This is one of Chongqing's most famous curiosities: a metro line that literally passes through the middle of an apartment building. Floors 6 through 8 of the residential block have the train running straight through them. Watching it happen from the platform is one of those 'wait, how is this real?' moments that make Chongqing so unique.
For your last taste of Chongqing, head to Jiefangbei, the busy commercial heart of the city. The Liberation Monument stands at the center of busy streets full of bright billboards and shops. Have lunch here, walk around, and soak up one last dose of the city's energy before your train to Chengdu.
From this station you will go to Chengdu.
Once you arrive in Chengdu in the afternoon, drop your bags and head out for a relaxed first walk through the city.
Kuanzhai Alleys (Start here) traditional courtyard houses turned into boutique shops, tea houses, and restaurants. It's easy to wander without thinking too much, and the architecture is lovely.
Grab a cup of tea, watch locals playing mahjong, and get a real glimpse of everyday Chengdu life. The teahouse culture here is something special, people spend hours here just chatting and relaxing. Sit down and join them.
Especially lovely in the evening, with red lanterns hanging overhead, street snacks everywhere, and a lively atmosphere that feels both touristic and genuinely fun.
Optional - If you still have energy, head to Chunxi Road. Chengdu's buzzing shopping street. Look up and you'll see the famous giant panda climbing the side of a building, plus a 3D panda animation on the screen overhead. It's playful and very Chengdu.
The morning belongs to the pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is bigger and more beautiful than most people expect, and the pandas are at their most active early in the day. After visiting a temple or two in the afternoon, you'll head to the airport and fly to Beijing for the final chapter of the trip.
Let's be honest, seeing pandas is probably the main reason most people include Chengdu on their China itinerary. Head here first thing in the morning. The pandas are most active in the early hours, so arriving early makes a real difference.
Plan to spend about half a day at the research base. The park is bigger than you might expect. There are red pandas too, which are absolutely adorable. There's even a shuttle service inside the grounds to help you get around. If you want to see the newborn panda room, go on a weekday when it's less crowded.
💡TIPS: Book your panda base tickets online in advance, they do sell out on busy days. Entry is approx. 55 yuan per person.
After the panda base, head back into the city and visit Wenshu Monastery if you're looking for something peaceful. It's one of the most atmospheric spots in Chengdu, incense drifting through the courtyards, monks in orange robes, and locals stopping to pray. A welcome contrast to the busy streets outside.
Alternatively, pair the Wuhou Memorial Temple with Jinli Street right next door. The memorial is dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period and the architecture is beautiful. And Jinli Street in the afternoon light, before the evening crowds arrive, has a lovely energy.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the airport and fly to Beijing, where the final chapter of your trip begins.
Your flight tickets are booked through Worldee, so you don't have to worry about a thing. They'll just be sent to your email.
Beijing greets you with its full weight of history, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where endless courtyards, red gates and golden rooftops tell the story of centuries of imperial China. Climb Jingshan Park afterward for the best aerial view of the palace complex, and finish the evening wandering the lively hutong lanes of Nanluoguxiang. Beijing is slower and heavier with history than Shanghai, and that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
Start your first morning here. It's an iconic place.Huge, open, always busy. It's also a very symbolic one, the political and cultural heart of the country. Take time to simply stand there and take in the scale of it. The Gate of Heavenly Peace with Mao's portrait, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the vast expanse of the square itself make for a powerful introduction to Beijing.
Right across from Tiananmen Square is the entrance to the Forbidden City. This was the imperial palace of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it's absolutely massive. Expect to spend at least 2–3 hours walking through its palaces, courtyards, and bright red gates. Every corner reveals something new - golden rooftops, carved stone dragons, ancient throne rooms.
TIP:💡Book your Forbidden City tickets online well in advance. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak season. Daily visitor numbers are capped. You can book at palace.museum.cn
Forbidden City from Above - You'll exit the Forbidden City on the far north side. From there, it's a short walk to Jingshan Park. Climb to the top for one of the best panoramic views in Beijing. The entire Forbidden City spreads out below you, its yellow rooftops aligned in perfect symmetry. It's especially beautiful near sunset.
End your day with a stroll around Houhai Lake - lined with bars, restaurants, and willow trees. Then walk through Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing's most famous hutong alleys. It's lively, full of street food and small shops, and a great introduction to the hutong culture you'll explore more on Day 14.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is less crowded than Badaling and more beautiful, with the wall snaking across forested hills as far as you can see. Take the cable car up, walk a long stretch to the higher watchtowers while the views stretch across rolling green mountains in every direction, and come back down on the toboggan for a finish that's as fun as it is unforgettable. This is, without any doubt, one of the highlights of the entire trip.
I took a DiDi from Beijing, which took about 1.5 hours. It was easy and affordable. Alternatively, the MuBus runs direct shuttles from central Beijing, or you can join a small group day tour which includes transport. If you go by DiDi, be aware that the return can take longer due to traffic.
Once you arrive, take the cable car up to the wall. I strongly recommend this over the chairlift or hiking up on foot. Save your energy for walking the wall itself, and the views from the cable car on the way up are beautiful in their own right.
The moment you step off the cable car and onto the Great Wall, everything becomes still for a second. This was my very first World Wonder, and I wasn't prepared for how emotional it would feel. I walked a long stretch toward the higher watchtowers, the terrain is hilly and the steps are steep in places, but the effort is absolutely worth it. Stop often, look out over the mountains, and let it sink in.
When it's time to come back down, take the toboggan. I was nervous at first, but the moment I started moving, I couldn't stop smiling. You control your own speed with a hand brake, and the track winds through the trees back down to the base. It's genuinely fun and a completely unique way to end a Great Wall visit. Highly recommended.
💡Expect to spend at least 3 hours on the wall itself. The full day trip (including travel time, the wall walk, lunch, and return) will take most of the day. Bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes.
💡If you want a guided experience, book a small group tour from Beijing that includes transport and a guide. It makes the logistics much easier and adds historical context to what you're seeing.
Your last day in China is one of the most varied and one of the most beautiful. The Summer Palace offers a lakeside escape from the city, the Temple of Heaven surprises you with how alive it feels, and the Lama Temple fills the air with incense and quiet devotion. End your trip wandering the hutongs near the Bell and Drum Towers, where old Beijing still breathes.
Start the morning at the Summer Palace, one of the most beautiful imperial gardens in China. It's huge and lakeside, and much calmer than most other sights in Beijing. Walk along the Long Corridor (a 728-metre covered walkway decorated with thousands of hand-painted scenes) and then down to Kunming Lake for views of the iconic marble boat and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. You can even take a boat ride across the lake if you're feeling relaxed enough.
From the Summer Palace, make your way to the Temple of Heaven. The temple itself is architecturally stunning - a circular blue-roofed structure that served as the site of imperial ceremonies for centuries. But what truly makes this place special is the surrounding park. Locals gather here every day to dance, play cards, practice tai chi, do group exercises, and chat under the trees. It feels like a living piece of the city.
One of Beijing's most beautiful religious sites. This Tibetan Buddhist temple is peaceful and genuinely atmospheric. Incense fills the courtyards, prayer wheels line the corridors, and the main hall contains an 18-metre Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. It's a very different energy from the imperial sites you've been exploring.
Just a short walk from the Lama Temple. The contrast between the two is interesting - one spiritual and devotional, the other scholarly and contemplative. The ancient cypress trees are particularly striking, some of them hundreds of years old.
Finish your time in China here. Wander the narrow hutong alleyways, stop for tea or coffee at a courtyard café, browse the small shops, and just let yourself be in this city one last time. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower at the end of the lane provide a beautiful backdrop, especially in the late afternoon light.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 / 3 hours before your flight.
China stays with you long after you're home. Not because of any single moment, but because of all of them together. The mist between the pillars of Zhangjiajie. The Great Wall stretching further than you can see. Chongqing glowing at night. The stepping-stone bridge in Fenghuang with lanterns in the water below. It's a lot to take in, and that's exactly the point. You'll finish these two weeks wishing you had more time. And that's the right way to leave.
