A 3-week trip to China in 2025 gives you the luxury of time to explore its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and diverse regions. Below are three thoughtfully designed itineraries—each with a unique focus—to help you plan an unforgettable journey. These options balance culture, nature, and modern life, using efficient travel routes to maximize your 21 days.
Option 1: The Grand China Highlights Tour
Duration: 21 Days
Focus: Iconic sites, history, and a taste of everything
Route: Beijing → Datong → Pingyao → Xi’an → Chengdu → Guilin → Yangshuo → Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou
Day 1-4: Beijing
- Visit the Great Wall (Jinshanling for fewer crowds), Forbidden City, and Summer Palace.
- Explore hutongs and try Peking duck.
Day 5-6: Datong
- High-speed train from Beijing (3 hours). See Yungang Grottoes (Buddhist caves) and Hanging Monastery.
Day 7-8: Pingyao
- Train to Pingyao (3 hours). Wander this UNESCO-listed ancient walled city.
Day 9-11: Xi’an
- Train to Xi’an (4 hours). Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the city walls, and explore the Muslim Quarter.
Day 12-14: Chengdu
- Fly or train to Chengdu (3-6 hours). Meet pandas, visit Leshan Giant Buddha, and enjoy Sichuan cuisine.
Day 15-17: Guilin & Yangshuo
- Fly to Guilin (2 hours). Cruise the Li River, bike in Yangshuo, and hike karst peaks.
Day 18-19: Shanghai
- Fly to Shanghai (2 hours). Explore the Bund, Pudong skyline, and French Concession.
- Train to Suzhou (30 minutes): Visit gardens and canals.
- Train to Hangzhou (1 hour): Stroll West Lake. Return to Shanghai for departure.
Why Choose This: Perfect for first-timers wanting a comprehensive overview of China’s history, culture, and scenery.
Option 2: Nature & Adventure Explorer
Duration: 21 Days
Focus: Stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and ethnic diversity
Route: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La → Beijing
Day 1-3: Chengdu
- See pandas, taste spicy hotpot, and visit Jinsha Site Museum.
Day 4-6: Jiuzhaigou
- Fly to Jiuzhaigou (1 hour). Hike through Jiuzhaigou National Park’s lakes and waterfalls.
Day 7-9: Zhangjiajie
- Fly to Zhangjiajie (via Chengdu, ~3 hours). Explore Avatar-inspired mountains and Tianmen Mountain.
Day 10-12: Guilin
- Fly to Guilin (3 hours). Cruise the Li River and trek in Yangshuo’s countryside.
Day 13-15: Kunming
- Fly to Kunming (2 hours). Visit the Stone Forest and relax in the “Spring City.”
Day 16-17: Dali
- Drive to Dali (4 hours). Cycle around Erhai Lake and explore Bai minority culture.
Day 18-19: Lijiang
- Drive to Lijiang (3 hours). Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Old Town.
Day 20-21: Shangri-La & Beijing
- Drive to Shangri-La (4 hours): See Tibetan monasteries and Pudacuo National Park.
- Fly to Beijing (3 hours) for a quick Great Wall visit before departure.
Why Choose This: Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers seeking China’s wild beauty and ethnic diversity.
Option 3: Cultural Deep Dive & Modern Marvels
Duration: 21 Days
Focus: Rich heritage, modern cities, and local life
Route: Beijing → Luoyang → Xi’an → Chongqing → Yangtze River → Wuhan → Nanjing → Huangshan → Shanghai
Day 1-4: Beijing
- Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven.
Day 5-6: Luoyang
- Train to Luoyang (4 hours). Visit Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple (kung fu birthplace).
Day 7-9: Xi’an
- Train to Xi’an (2 hours). See Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day 10-12: Chongqing & Yangtze River
- Train to Chongqing (4 hours). Explore spicy noodle culture, then board a 3-day Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges.
Day 13-14: Wuhan
- Disembark in Yichang, train to Wuhan (2 hours). Visit Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake.
Day 15-17: Nanjing
- Train to Nanjing (3 hours). Explore Ming Tombs, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Confucius Temple.
Day 18-19: Huangshan
- Train to Huangshan (3 hours). Hike Yellow Mountain’s misty peaks and stay overnight for sunrise.
Day 20-21: Shanghai
- Train to Shanghai (3 hours). Enjoy the skyline, shopping, and a relaxed final day.
Why Choose This: Suits culture enthusiasts wanting a deep dive into China’s past and present, with a scenic river cruise.
Planning Tips for 2025
- Timing: March-May or September-October for pleasant weather; February for savings if cold is okay.
- Transport: Use high-speed trains (e.g., Beijing-Xi’an, Shanghai-Nanjing) and domestic flights (e.g., Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou) for efficiency.
- Budget: Expect $2,000-$4,000 per person, depending on luxury level. Private tours via HelloChinaTrip (hellochinatrip.com) can customize these routes.
- Visa: Secure a tourist visa or leverage visa-free transit (up to 144 hours in select cities).
These 3-week itineraries offer something for everyone—history, adventure, or culture—making 2025 the perfect year to discover China!
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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.
