For a first trip, 10–14 days lets you cover the classic highlights without rushing. Shorter stopovers work too if you focus on one or two cities.
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The classic first-timer route
Beijing (3–4 days) Xi'an (2 days) Shanghai (3 days), linked by high-speed rail, is the perfect 10-day introduction covering the Great Wall, Terracotta Army and modern China.
Short trips & stopovers
With 3–5 days, pick one hub — Beijing for history or Shanghai for the modern skyline — and use visa-free transit if you qualify.
Two weeks or more
Add Guilin/Yangshuo's karst scenery, Chengdu's pandas, or Zhangjiajie's peaks. Our free planner turns your cities and days into a day-by-day skeleton.
Plan & Book
Everything You Need to Book Your China Trip
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Flights
Explore flight options for China
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China Arrival Pack — incl. the Ultimate 2026 Guide
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