Planning a 2-week trip to China in 2025? With its vast landscapes, ancient history, and modern marvels, China offers endless possibilities. Below are two carefully crafted 14-day itineraries—one for first-time visitors and one for adventure seekers—designed to maximize your experience. These routes balance iconic landmarks with unique destinations, ensuring a mix of culture, nature, and convenience.
Itinerary 1: Classic China for First-Timers
Duration: 14 Days
Focus: Must-see landmarks, history, and culture
Route: Beijing → Xi’an → Guilin → Yangshuo → Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou
Day 1-4: Beijing
- Explore the Great Wall (Mutianyu section), Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.
- Enjoy Peking duck and a hutong walking tour.
- Travel tip: Stay 4 nights to soak in the capital’s history.
Day 5-7: Xi’an
- Visit the Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, and ancient city walls.
- Take a high-speed train from Beijing (4.5 hours).
- Highlight: Try local dumplings and street food.
Day 8-10: Guilin & Yangshuo
- Fly from Xi’an to Guilin (2 hours). Cruise the Li River and marvel at karst hills.
- In Yangshuo, bike through rice paddies and relax in this scenic countryside.
- Must-do: Evening cormorant fishing show.
Day 11-12: Shanghai
- Fly to Shanghai (2 hours from Guilin). Explore the Bund, Yu Garden, and futuristic Pudong skyline.
- Day trip to Zhujiajiao water town optional.
- High-speed train to Suzhou (30 minutes): Visit classical gardens and silk markets.
- Train to Hangzhou (1 hour): Stroll West Lake and sip Longjing tea.
- Return to Shanghai for departure.
Why This Works: Covers China’s top historical sites (Beijing, Xi’an), natural beauty (Guilin, Yangshuo), and modern cities (Shanghai), with efficient high-speed rail and short flights.
Itinerary 2: Adventure & Off-the-Beaten-Path
Duration: 14 Days
Focus: Nature, adventure, and lesser-known gems
Route: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang → Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shanghai
Day 1-3: Chengdu
- Meet pandas at the Chengdu Research Base, taste spicy Sichuan hotpot, and visit Jinli Street.
- Base yourself here for nearby adventures.
Day 4-6: Jiuzhaigou
- Fly to Jiuzhaigou (1 hour). Explore Jiuzhaigou National Park’s turquoise lakes and waterfalls.
- Highlight: UNESCO-listed scenery, perfect for hiking and photography.
Day 7-9: Zhangjiajie
- Fly to Zhangjiajie (via Chengdu, ~3 hours total). Hike or take cable cars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, inspiration for Avatar’s floating mountains.
- Must-see: Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk.
Day 10-11: Fenghuang
- Drive or bus to Fenghuang (4 hours). Wander this ancient riverside town with stilt houses and lantern-lit streets.
- Relaxed vibe after nature-heavy days.
Day 12-13: Kunming → Dali → Lijiang
- Fly to Kunming (2 hours), then drive to Dali (4 hours). Explore Erhai Lake and old town.
- Bus to Lijiang (3 hours): Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
- Tip: Yunnan’s diversity shines here.
Day 14: Shanghai
- Fly to Shanghai (3 hours from Lijiang). Spend your final day shopping on Nanjing Road or relaxing by the Bund.
- Depart from Shanghai.
Why This Works: Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking unique destinations, with a mix of outdoor thrills and cultural immersion.
Travel Tips for 2025
- Best Time: Spring (March-May) or autumn (September-October) for mild weather; February for budget savings.
- Transport: High-speed trains connect major cities (e.g., Beijing-Xi’an, Shanghai-Hangzhou), while flights are best for long distances (e.g., Xi’an-Guilin).
- Visa: Check China’s visa-free transit policies (up to 144 hours in some cities) or apply for a tourist visa in advance.
- Booking: Companies like HelloChinaTrip (hellochinatrip.com) offer customizable private tours to streamline these routes.
These 2-week itineraries showcase China’s diversity—whether you’re drawn to history or adventure, 2025 is the perfect year to explore!
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Winter Tour
We joined the China Winter Tour to Harbin for the Ice Festival. It was spectacular! The snow sculptures were breathtaking, and our guide, Tom , made sure we stayed warm and comfortable. The hotpot dinner was the perfect end to our icy day. Highly recommended for winter lovers!
Sofia
A Memorable Great Wall Experience!
We booked the Great Wall of China Tour with HelloChinaTrip, and it exceeded our expectations! From the moment we started in Beijing, our guide, Emily, made every step of the journey engaging and informative. Visiting both the Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections allowed us to experience the Wall’s grandeur in a relaxed, unhurried way. The hidden historical stories shared by Emily made the tour unforgettable. We also enjoyed delicious local meals along the way, thanks to their excellent recommendations. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Alexandra
A Dream Family Vacation!
Our Family Tour with HelloChinaTrip was phenomenal! We explored Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou over 10 days, and everything was perfectly organized. Special thanks to our guide, Lily , who was patient and fantastic with the kids, keeping them entertained and engaged with fascinating stories. The itinerary was a perfect mix of history, culture, and fun activities. We especially loved the boat ride on West Lake. This trip created lasting family memories we’ll cherish forever!
Oliver
Incredible Silk Road Adventure
We embarked on a 12-day Silk Road Tour, and every moment was magical. From Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves to Kashgar’s bustling markets, the journey was packed with highlights. Our guide, Michael , was passionate and knowledgeable, providing insights that brought ancient history to life. The accommodations were excellent, and the transportation was seamless. This tour gave us a profound appreciation for China’s rich cultural tapestry. Highly recommend!
Nadia
Yangtze River Cruise – Truly Unforgettable!
The Yangtze River Cruise with HelloChinaTrip was an experience we’ll never forget. The 5-day journey aboard the luxury vessel was comfortable and well-planned. Our guide, Jason, shared stories about the Three Gorges that added depth to the stunning scenery. The onboard activities and meals were excellent, and every detail was taken care of. This was the highlight of our trip to China!
Liam K
A Magical Panda Tour!
Our Panda Tour in Chengdu was everything we hoped for! We visited the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, and our guide, Sophia , provided fascinating insights into panda conservation efforts. Watching the pandas play and feed was heartwarming. The tour also included some wonderful stops at local temples and markets. An unforgettable day that connected us deeply with China’s wildlife and culture.
Mariko
Tibet Tour
Our 8-day Tibet Tour with HelloChinaTrip was an extraordinary journey. From the Potala Palace to the stunning Namtso Lake, every site was awe-inspiring. Our guide, Tenzin , was knowledgeable and deeply connected to his culture, sharing stories that made our visit to Tibet incredibly personal. The logistics were seamless, and we felt well taken care of in this remote region. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Samuel
Nature Tour of Guilin
Our nature tour through Guilin and Yangshuo was beyond beautiful. The Li River cruise and the hike through the Longji Rice Terraces were the highlights. Our guide, Leo , knew every hidden viewpoint and local story. The stunning landscapes and warm hospitality made this an unforgettable trip.
