2 Weeks in China: Top 4 Itinerary Ideas

Setting off on 2-week escapades through China's mosaic of wonders is like unwrapping surprising gifts. You will see the stunning Avatar mountains, groups of lovely pandas, remarkable remnants of the Silk Road, and so on. Let's dive into the article about what you will explore on your 2-week China tour.

#1: First China Tour: Culture Palette With Pandas

General Map of Itinerary #1

14 days, 5 cities, and countless memories! Imagine the joy on your family's faces when they witness pandas munching on bamboo in Chengdu, or when they stand proudly atop the Great Wall, surrounded by history. If it's your first time to China, this is the perfect itinerary for you! It's suitable for all ages.

• Best time for this itinerary: March to May and September to November

Welcome to Beijing! You will start at Tiananmen Square. Next, pass the Tiananmen to get to the Forbidden City, which is waiting for you to tell you stories about royal families in the Qing Dynasty. And then, visit Summer Palace and relax by taking a boat drifting on the lake. And the Great Wall is always a must-see for any China tour. Here, we recommend the Mutianyu Great Wall. It's a relatively mild section of the Great Wall. You can ascend and descend it by cable car. Before you set off to the next city, a local family will receive you. You will learn to cook some traditional Beijing cuisine with them.

The next stop is Xi'an. A city where history sleeps beneath your feet. The Terracotta Warriors stand guard, each with a story etched in clay. Head to the Drum Tower, an iconic landmark of Xi'an. There, you will enjoy the traditional musical performance. Following that, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Great Mosque are waiting for you.

Chengdu is a paradise for panda lovers. This is your chance to get up close and personal with these furry celebrities. However, there are more than just pandas in Chengdu. It's a city that swings to the rhythm of teacups and hotpots. You'll visit Wenshu Temple and sip tea like the locals. For a unique perspective on Chinese history, visit the Sanxingdui Museum.

The beautiful view of Yangtze River

You're moving on to the most relaxing part of this tour, a 3-day Yangtze River cruise. You will embark on a cruise in Chongqing and go all the way to the Three Gorges Dam. On the way, both Fengdu Ghost City and Shennv Stream are stunning excursions that you don't want to miss.

Finally, you will visit Shanghai, a city dressed in neon and nostalgia. The Bund is a catwalk where old-world charm meets futuristic fashion. Yu Garden whispers tales of ancient China, while the former French Concession is offering a mixed architectural style that will leave you with an unforgettable memory. Wrap up your China tour by visiting the classical Chinese water town, Zhujiajiao Water Town.

Recommended Extensions Based on This Tour:

Guilin: 2-3 days, take a Li River Cruise, visit Longji Rice Terrace, Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.

Huangshan: 1-2 days, visit the Yellow Mountain

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#2: Dreamlike Holiday for Kids: Movie Wander to Avatar

General Map of Itinerary #2

Ever wondered what it's like to explore Avatar Mountain in reality? Do you ever dream of being a volunteer for pandas, preparing food for them? This journey is your answer, tailor-made for families, especially if you're planning to travel with your kids. It will offer a colorful experience for every member of your family!

• Best time for this itinerary: April to October

Our tale begins in Shanghai, the gleaming gem of modern China! Your tour begins with a leisurely walk along the Bund. Taking a night cruise on the Bund is the best way to admire the light show of the skyscrapers by the river. You can even get to the top floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center to bird-view the whole city. In Yu Garden, let the scent of jasmine guide you through ancient pavilions, each stone an unspeaking witness to centuries of laughter and gossip. Spend a whole day having fun in Shanghai Disneyland. There, you can get a closer look at Linabell, a cute fox who was first introduced in 2021 at Shanghai Disneyland.

The stunning Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie

Next, you're off to Zhangjiajie, the exact place that inspired the movie 'Avatar.' Standing on the glass bridge of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, your heart is skipping a beat as you peer into the abyss. Feel the mist of the hidden valleys as you ascend Tianmen Mountain. Nature's grandeur in Zhangjiajie will simply leave you speechless.

In Chengdu, prepare for some heart-melting moments as you join a Panda Volunteer Program at Dujiangyan Base. It's not just about seeing pandas; it's about helping them too, which will be a memory your family will cherish forever. After dinner, stroll through Jinli Old Street, where the leisurely pace of life will teach you the art of slowing down. Watching a Sichuan face-changing opera and having some tea at the theater will leave you with an unforgettable memory.

Your journey continues in Xi'an, which was once the start of the Silk Road and is now a junction of cultures. Standing before the Terracotta Warriors, you can easily learn their stories from different gestures and decorations. In Xi'an, watching a Shadow Puppets show is on the top list of every tourist. After that, immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere again by riding a bike on the Ancient City Wall.

The final destination is Beijing, the heart of China. Feel free to put on ancient-style clothes and take photos in the Forbidden City, the heart of Chinese royalty, with each courtyard a page in the book of dynasties. Visiting the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven will teach you more about the ancient royal family. Trek the Huanghuacheng Great Wall and relax in the watery amusement park with your kid. Your last day is free for exploration: stroll in the city's vibrant streets, loot some hidden treasures, and make those final memories.

Recommended Extensions Based on This Tour:

Suzhou: 1-2 days, visit Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden and Zhouzhuang Water Town

Luoyang: 1-2 days, experience Kung Fu class in Shaolin Temple

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#3: Real Taste of China: Best Chinese Food Tour

General Map of Itinerary #3

Step into a 14-day Chinese cuisine tour and get ready for an unforgettable tour with numerous delicious foods. In this itinerary, you will explore five cities. Each of them has a different food culture, so the dish tastes different. Follow us, and you will have the most classical Chinese food in one trip.

Best time for this itinerary: March to early June and September to November

Your tale starts in Beijing, a historical city that has a colorful food culture. Treat yourself to a Peking Roast Duck dinner after hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall. After marveling at the grandeur of the Forbidden City, embark on a leisurely stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways of the historic hutongs. Here are some must-try delicacies: Tanghulu (skewered fruits), Wan Dou Huang (pea flour cake), and Donkey Meat Burgers. Finish your Beijing trip with a Beijing mutton hot pot meal.

The Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

Continues to explore the best of China in Xi'an. In this city, you will visit life-sized Terracotta Warriors, which are called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." After visiting the Drum Tower, you can start your street food tour on Muslim Street. Xi'an is famous for delicious flour foods such as Roujiamo (meat burgers), Biang-Biang Noodle, and Liangpi (cold noodle salad). You can even learn to make Xi'an pasta with a local family.

The first thing to do in Chengdu is watch pandas at the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base, as it's the biggest panda breeding center in the world. However, there are not only pandas in Chengdu; you will find snack stores on every street. Many famous Chinese dishes actually originated in Sichuan Province, such as Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and Laziji (stir-fried chicken with chili). If you prefer food with no chili at all, you can try Lao Ma Ti Hua (stewed pigs' feet), Tofu Pudding, and Leshan Beef Soup. Trying traditional Chinese tea at Wenshu Temple will give you a unique experience. To learn more about Chengdu cuisine, you can visit the Sichuan Cuisine Museum to see how it's cooked.

Now you've come to the southern part of China. The food culture in Guangzhou and Hong Kong is familiar. Both Guangzhou and Hong Kong prefer mild food, especially stewed soup without heavy spices. Start your day by having zao cha (also called morning tea) like a local. Relax and enjoy dim sum with fresh tea. Visit the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family to admire Lingnan architecture. Also, you can get to the top floor of Canton Tower to bird-view the whole city.

Have a leisure day in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. You can visit the famous landmark of Tsim Sha Tsui, the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower. When you stroll around Hong Kong, you don't want to miss the classical street foods. Egg puffs, bubble tea, fried fishballs, and steamed shrimp dumplings - Hong Kong always has something special for you. After dinner, get ready for the night cruise in Victoria Harbour and enjoy the light show of the skyscrapers. Spend a morning visiting Wong Tai Sin Temple and try "Kau Cim," a form of Chinese fortune-telling.

Recommended Extensions Based on This Tour:

Taiwan: 2-3 days, Sun Moon Lake, Baoan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101

Guizhou: 1-2 days, visit Miao Villages of Matang and Upper Lande, hike on Rice Terraces in Zhaoxing

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#4: For History Lovers: Silk Road and Chinese Culture Tour

General Map of Itinerary #4

The Silk Road got its name from the lucrative trade in silk textiles. But the Silk Road wasn't just about silk. It's also facilitated the exchange of ideas, cultures, and religions. In this itinerary, you will find how Buddhism spread in ancient times.

Best time for this itinerary: April to November

This time, your China tour starts in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, and it's located in the southwest part of China. To get there, you can fly from Beijing or Shanghai, or take a bullet train from Hong Kong. Chengdu is home to giant pandas and has many panda breeding centers. So during the 2 days in Chengdu, you will visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Center to admire both adult and baby pandas.

After having a taste of Chinese tea at Wenshu Temple, you'll leave the downtown area to visit the Sanxingdui Museum. It exhibits the vast collection of archaeological artifacts unearthed at the Sanxingdui site and provides a fascinating glimpse into a lost civilization that flourished around 4000 years ago.

Your second destination is Xinjiang province, and you will visit two outstanding cities: Kashgar and Turpan. Both of them are important joint cities on the Silk Road and boast Uyghur ethnic cultures. The Kashgar Old Town in Kashgar was once a labyrinthine city center steeped in Uyghur culture and served as a vital stop on the Silk Road for over one thousand years. The Abakh Khoja Tomb, another top highlight in Kashgar, was a classical Muslim mausoleum. It's a beautiful example of Uyghur architecture.

Next, you're moving on to Turpan and spending two days there. Turpan is famous for its historic remains of the Silk Road. During your trip to Turpan, you will visit two historical sites related to the Silk Road: Gaochang Ruins and Jiaohe Ruins. Both of them are remnants of ancient cities and served as major trade centers on the Silk Road. The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes are located near Gaochang Ruins. It's a complex of Buddhist grottoes that contains hundreds of murals and statues. If you have spare time, consider visiting the Flaming Mountains. It seems that they're on fire because they are red sandstone hills.

The outside view of Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang

Though you're still immersed in the historic atmosphere in Xinjiang, your trip continues. Now you're moving on to the province, Gansu Province. In this province, you'll visit Dunhuang, Lanzhou and Tianshui. Dunhuang and Tianshui are famous for Buddhist grottoes: the Mogao Grottoes and Maijishan Grottoes. Liujiaxia Reservoir is a must-see in Lanzhou. You will see the Tao River and Yellow River meeting at the dam. To make your trip to Gansu more colorful, consider visiting Crescent Spring in Dunhuang and Fuxi Temple in Tianshui.

Your last destination is Xi'an, the ancient capital city back in the Tang Dynasty. The Terracotta Warriors found in Xi'an are funeral objects of Emperor Qinshihuang, who reigned in ancient China two thousand years ago. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is worth visiting as well. It is considered one of the most famous pagodas in China due to its antiquity and historical relevance. Besides, another way to dive into the history of Xi'an is by hiking or biking on the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest, largest, and best preserved Chinese city walls.

If you like cultural performances, you can enjoy yourself in Tang Paradise with traditional acrobats and watch a Shadow Puppets Show at Gao Grand Courtyard.

Recommended Extensions Based on This Tour:

Zhangye: 1-2 days, visit Giant Buddha Temple and Mati Temple Grottoes

Jiayuguan: 1 day, visit Jiayu Pass

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Pack for Your Holiday to China!

There are more exciting things in China waiting for you to discover. Why not start to plan your China tour with us? We can customize a worry-free China tour that meets all your needs! You can write to trip@odynovotours.com for more details. Our experts will respond no longer than 24 hours.