1 Week in China: Top 5 Travel Itineraries
Is 7 days enough for a trip to China? The answer is yes, but it depends on your travel style. In a fast-paced tour, you can visit the highlights of China within 1 week. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and in-depth experience, a week may feel short, so it's better to focus on just two cities a week. For a more enriching journey, consider adding 1-2 extra days if you plan to visit three cities.
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing
To help you plan, we've compiled the top 5 one-week itineraries to inspire your China tour. All of them can be customized to fit your preferences and schedule.
#1: First Trip to China: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
China Golden Triangle Tour
- Travel Route: Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai
- Best Time to visit: All-year-round
- Keywords: first-timers' China tour, cultural experience
Get on an unforgettable 1-week journey through China's "Golden Triangle," a journey starting in Beijing, passing through Xi'an, and culminating in the dazzling city of Shanghai. If this is your first trip to China, this itinerary is designed for you. You can enjoy yourself in the diverse landscapes of China, from its ancient past to its vibrant present.
Day 1 to 3: Beijing
The Forbidden City in Beijing
- Highlights: The Forbidden City, the Mutianyu Great Wall, and the Summer Palace
Your amazing China tour starts at the moment you land in Beijing! After checking in at your hotel, have a rest and get over the jet lag. Or you may explore the hutongs near your hotel and experience the local atmosphere.
On the second day, you will visit the Forbidden City first, also known as the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City was a group of wooden architects and was the residence of royal families in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Now, it's restored and has become a museum of the royal family. Except for the stunning palaces, you will see some antiques in this museum, like paintings, vases, and jewels.
When you finish visiting the palace, our private car will drive you to your next stop, the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden as a retreat for the royal family to escape the heat of summer.
On the third day, it's time to visit the Great Wall, another landmark in China. We recommend Mutianyu Great Wall the best. Because it has convenient equipment to ascend and descend. In a word, Mutianyu is suitable for all ages. Then, you will go to the train station in Beijing and take a bullet train to Xi'an.
Day 4 & 5: Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
- Highlights: The Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Ancient City Wall; optional: Great Tang All Day Mall
Your second stop, Xi'an, is a historic city that was once the capital of many Chinese dynasties. On the fourth day of your trip, you will visit the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World, these life-sized terracotta statues are an army of armored soldiers, all built to guard the emperor in the afterlife. To top it off, you can even get creative and craft your very own mini terracotta warrior to bring home as a souvenir.
In the afternoon, explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It's better to visit later because when the night comes, there will be musical fountain show with colorful lights on the square of this site. If you're curious about the culture of Tang Dynasty, consider visit the Great Tang All Day Mall next to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It's a large pedestrian street designed to recreate the splendor of ancient Xi'an, featuring Tang-style architecture and cultural performances.
On the fifth day morning, take a bicycle ride or simply just walk on the Xi'an City Wall. The Xi'an City Wall is stable and well-maintained, even cars can run on it. You can have a better view of this city from the 12-meter-high wall. The whole journey will take about 2 hours. After lunch, depart for Shanghai by air or high-speed train from Xi'an.
Day 6 & 7: Shanghai
The Bund in Shanghai
- Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Museum
Start your sixth day with a trip to the Bund. It is the most iconic waterfront area in Shanghai, stretching along the Huangpu River. It is famous for its historic colonial-era architecture on one side and Shanghai's modern skyline on the other, offering a striking contrast between old and new China.
Don't miss the Yu Garden, an ancient Chinese garden that was built during the Ming Dynasty. Yu Garden is filled with beautiful features: pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and even a bamboo forest. Take a relaxing stroll through the garden and soak up the atmosphere of ancient Chinese culture.
On the seventh day, your last day in China, explore Shanghai Museum with your guide. Your guide can explain the background and stories of the treasure kept in the museum. Then, it's time to bid farewell to China. Our guide will see you off at the airport.
#2: Mixture of Modernity and Culture: Shanghai & Beijing in Depth
Authentic Beijing & Shanghai Tour
- Travel Route: Beijing - Shanghai
- Best Time to visit: All-year-round
- Keywords: China cultural tour, in-depth trip to China
Beijing and Shanghai are highly modernized and the biggest cities in China. They both have rich cultural backgrounds. Beijing was the capital city of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Shanghai features a blend of Chinese and Western architecture and culture, along with ancient water towns. In this itinerary, you will travel in these two cities at a relatively slower pace to know more about them.
Day 1 to 4: Beijing
The Confucius Temple in Beijing
- Highlights: The Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Jinshanling Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, and Peking Opera Show
7 days for 2 cities are sufficient. Which means you will have a more relaxing journey. After a night resting in the hotel in Beijing, your China tour starts here. On the second day, dive into Chinese history and culture in the Forbidden City. After that, head to Jingshan Park for an aerial view of the whole Forbidden City.
Early in the morning of the third day, our guide will escort you to the Jinshanling Great Wall. There, you will enjoy a scenic hike. When you finish your hiking, return to downtown Beijing for a cultural show: Peking Opera Show. Wrap your day up with a Beijing Roast Duck dinner.
On the fourth day, get to the Temple of Heaven earlier for a Tai Chi lesson before sightseeing. In ancient time, the Temple of Heaven was the place where the emperor of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed to God. Then, visit the Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple in a row to learn about Chinese Buddhism and Confucius, the great philosopher. These three resorts are close to each other, so it won't take long time to shuffle between them.
Day 5 to 7: Shanghai
Yu Garden
- Highlights: Huangpu River Cruise, the Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Former French Concession, and Zhujiajiao Water Town
On the fifth morning, you will take a flight to Shanghai. After a short break in the hotel, walk through the pedestrians at the Bund to the wharf and embark on a Huangpu River Cruise. On the cruise, you will enjoy the night view of the skyscrapers and European style along the river with a dinner.
Let's take some city walk on the sixth day. First, admire the unique design of Yu Garden, an ancient Chinese garden with charming lakes and a bamboo forest, and explore the Yuyuan Market. You will find many souvenirs and local snacks there. In the afternoon, wander through the former French Concession, admiring the unique blend of Western and Chinese architecture.
On the sixth day, visit Zhujiajiao Watertown. It's also called Venice in China. Glide through the town on a traditional boat, taking in the unique sights. Unlike Beijing's vibrant ancient buildings, Zhujiajiao has charming houses in calming shades of gray and white.
For your last day in Shanghai, head to the awe-inspiring Shanghai Tower. Towering 632 meters tall with 127 floors, it offers breathtaking panoramic views. Zip up in the high-speed elevator and prepare for the stunning city skyline sprawling beneath you like a miniature world.
Your trip to China ends here. Descend the tower and head to the airport for your next trip.
#3 Panda Tour from Hong Kong with Chengdu & Shanghai
China Panda Tour from Hong Kong
- Travel Route: Hong Kong - Chengdu - Shanghai
- Best Time to visit: March to November
- Keywords: Panda lovers, kid-friendly China tour
This exciting China tour is specially designed for panda fans, offering a full-day experience in a giant panda base in Chengdu. Apart from that, it takes you through Hong Kong and Shanghai with a perfect blend of cultural exploration and unforgettable experiences. If you travel with your kids, the two Disneylands in Hong Kong and Shanghai are perfect options for family fun.
Day 1 to 2: Hong Kong
The Victoria Harbor
- Highlights: Victoria Harbor, Aberdeen Floating Community, Repulse Bay and Stanley Market; optional: Hong Kong Disneyland
After arriving in Hong Kong, take your time to get used to jet lag. At night, embark on a cruise at Victoria Peak to admire the amazing night view around you.
On the second day, visit the Aberdeen Floating Community, a historic fishing village in Aberdeen Harbour, and enjoy a lunch on a floating seafood restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy the romantic beach at Repulse Bay. After dinner, explore the Stanley Market and find some of your favorite souvenirs.
If you're traveling with your kids, consider replace your itinerary on the second with a day trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. Different from other Disneylands, there's a unique area themed "the Frozen" in Hong Kong Disneyland.
Day 3 to 5: Chengdu
Cute young pandas in Chengdu
- Highlights: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, Sanxingdui Museum, and Sichuan Opera Show
On the third morning, take a plane or bullet train to Chengdu. For a panda lover, this is the biggest part of your China tour. Before meeting your favorite giant panda, relax after the long journey from Hong Kong. Consider enjoying a Sichuan Opera Show at a theater. Performers will swiftly change their painted masks in the blink of an eye, creating a magical and dramatic effect.
On the fourth day of your China tour, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. You can see many pandas at different ages, from infant to mature. However, if you're interested in the Panda Loving Care program, consider visiting Dujiangyan Panda Park. You will help prepare food for pandas, clean the enclosures of pandas, etc. We suggest leaving a whole day for this program.
If you just want to see the pandas at the Research Base, half a day should be enough. Next, head to Wenshu Temple to learn about Buddhism and how people pray in the temple. What's more, you may have a taste of Chinese tea in this temple.
On the fifth day, you're free to explore Chengdu on your own until it's time to set off for Shanghai.
Day 6 to 7: Shanghai
Former French Concession in Shanghai
- Highlights: Yu Garden, the Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Former French Concession, optional: Shanghai Disneyland
Start your sixth day by strolling around the waterfront at the Bund. There, you will see the skyline of skyscrapers on the opposite shore of Lujiazui. You may take a ferry to cross the Huangpu River to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, a landmark in Shanghai. In the afternoon, explore Yu Garden with your guide and learn about the story of this ancient garden.
Shanghai hosts Disneyland as well. If you bring kids with you, visiting Shanghai Disneyland is also a great option for your sixth day. The unique themed area in Shanghai Disneyland is Zootopia.
On the last day of your trip to China, enjoy a leisurely walk in the Former French Concession. After that, depart for your next tour and say goodbye to China.
#4 Eastern China Tour: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Mt. Huangshan
Eastern China Tour with Huangshan
- Travel Route: Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Huangshan
- Best Time to visit: April to November
- Keywords: Cultural landscapes, Chinese garden, natural view
Shanghai is an excellent starting point for a trip to China, as it blends Chinese and Western cultures, making it easier to adapt. If it's your first time in Shanghai and you'd like to explore the natural landscapes and classical gardens that are close to Shanghai, this itinerary is perfect for you.
This 7-day itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of Shanghai to the classical beauty of Suzhou, the serene landscapes of Hangzhou, and the breathtaking peaks of Huangshan.
It is worth mentioning that all the destinations are close to each other. So the methods of transportation will be bullet trains, and it takes no more than 1.5 hours from one city to another.
Day 1 to 2: Shanghai
Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Highlights: The Bund, Shanghai skyscrapers, Former French Concession, Huangpu River Cruise
Welcome to Shanghai, one of the biggest and most modernized cities in China. We recommend you stay in a hotel near the Bund, as you're only exploring the nearby attractions.
After a night resting in the hotel, our guide will meet you at the gate and escort you to the waterfront of the Bund, where you can admire the amazing skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower, etc. For a deeper experience, consider entering one of the skyscrapers and getting to the sightseeing floor to get a panoramic view of the downtown area of Shanghai.
Then, take a stroll in the Former French Concession to admire the architectural ensemble that blends Chinese and Western styles. At night, embark on a Huangpu River Cruise to enjoy a dinner together with the night view on both sides of the river.
Day 3: Suzhou
Pan Gate in Suzhou
Highlights: Lingering Garden and Pan Gate
On the third day, you will take a bullet train to Suzhou, which will take less than 30 minutes. In Suzhou, you will explore two attractions: Lingering Garden, a traditional Chinese garden known for its elegant layout, exquisite rock formations, and poetic scenery, and Pan Gate, the only well-preserved water-and-land city gate, which is known for being part of the city's ancient defense.
Day 4 to 5: Hangzhou
The West Lake
- Highlights: West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Dragon Well Tea Plantation
On the fourth day of your eastern China tour, take a 1-hour bullet train from Suzhou to Hangzhou in the morning. After checking in the hotel, explore the West Lake by taking a boat on it. Surrounded by lush hills, ancient temples, pagodas, and classical gardens, the West Lake is celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and poetic charm.
After that, head to the Lingyin Temple near the West Lake. It's one of the most famous and historically significant Buddhist temples in Hangzhou, nestled amid lush forests and limestone peaks in the West Lake Scenic Area, creating a peaceful and mystical atmosphere.
The next day, after visiting the Dragon Well Tea Plantation, our guide will see you off at the train station in Hangzhou. You're going to take a bullet train to Huangshan, which will take about 1.5 hours.
Day 6 to 7: Huangshan
Mt. Huangshan in Anhui Province, China
- Highlights: Mt. Huangshan and Hongcun
When you arrive, our guide will lead you into the Mt. Huangshan site, and you will stay in the hotel in the mountain. It's worth mentioning that there are 4- and 5-star hotels in Mt. Huangshan.
On the sixth morning, admire the sunrise on Mt. Huangshan. Then, it's your free time to explore the mountains.
On the last day of your tour, descend Mt. Huangshan by cable car and visit Hongcun, a historic village famous for its well-preserved architecture and unique water system. Now, your China tour has come to an end. Our exclusive car will drive you to the train station for your next trip.
#5 Experience Chinese High Technology: Guangzhou & Shenzhen
Guangzhou & Shenzhen In-Depth Tour
- Travel Route: Guangzhou - Shenzhen
- Best Time to visit: All-year-round
- Keywords: Educational tours, China tour for kids, family trip to China
This itinerary is ideal for both school study tours and summer trips with kids, offering them a unique and exciting experience. In this itinerary, you will explore two of the top cities in China, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
Though Guangzhou is a first-tier city, it still places great emphasis on traditional culture. This is reflected in its widely recognized Cantonese cuisine, Cantonese opera, lion dances, etc. Among these, Cantonese dim sum is especially famous - not only beloved by locals but also highly praised by visitors.
While Shenzhen is much more like a future city. It has integrated high technology into daily life, bringing various conveniences to people, such as drone-delivered takeout.
Day 1 to 3: Guangzhou
Canton Tower in Guangzhou
- Highlights: Shamian Island, Yongqingfang, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Canton Tower, Huacheng Square
When you arrive in Guangzhou, the first day of your China tour is to rest and adjust to the new time zone. After checking in at the hotel, you may start to get familiar with the environment, like learning to use Chinese online payment methods.
Your second day starts at Shamian Island, which is known for its well-preserved European-style architecture and tranquil atmosphere. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll, photography, and experiencing Guangzhou's colonial past. Then, head to Yongqingfang, the hometown of Bruce Lee. There, you can learn about Cantonese culture and how Bruce Lee practiced his martial arts. If you have spare time, consider doing some hands-on experiences, such as pottery making or Chinese traditional painting, to learn more about Chinese culture.
The third day is more about Guangzhou's modernity. In the morning, you will visit the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and learn how he helped with modernization in China. Then, our guide will lead you to the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. In the past, it served as both an ancestral hall for the Chen family. Today, it houses the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, showcasing traditional Cantonese crafts.
After lunch, continue your trip by visiting Canton Tower, a landmark skyscraper in Guangzhou and one of the tallest buildings in the world. You may admire its unique slim and twisting design from a far distance or get to the observation deck for an aerial view of the city. Then, you may cross the Pearl River to visit Huacheng Square, the largest public square in Guangzhou. There, you can visit Guangzhou Library, Guangdong Museum, and Guangzhou Opera House.
Day 4 to 7: Shenzhen
Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, China
- Highlights: The Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, OCT Happy Harbor, China Folk Culture Village, Shenzhen Science and Tech Museum, Greater Bay Cruise, and Sea World Culture and Arts Center
On the fourth day, take a bullet train to Shenzhen, a dynamic and rapidly growing metropolis that has transformed from a small fishing village into one of China's leading cities. After lunch, spend your afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, where you'll gain insight into Shenzhen's impressive urban development and visionary future.
Begin your day at Shenzhen Bay Park, which offers stunning views of the South China Sea and Hong Kong. You can also experience the innovative drone-delivered takeout there - simply scan a QR code and watch as your order arrives from above.
Next, immerse yourself in the tech-driven atmosphere of OCT Happy Harbor, a modern commercial hub featuring entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences. As evening falls, step into the China Folk Culture Village. It's a huge cultural theme park, and you'll journey through the rich traditions of China's 56 ethnic groups, experiencing their diverse customs and heritage.
Spend your sixth morning exploring the Shenzhen Science and Tech Museum. As one of the city’s premier educational attractions, the museum features interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and hands-on activities that showcase cutting-edge advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, etc. Later, set sail on a Greater Bay cruise, soaking in breathtaking waterfront views on Pearl River while enjoying live music and magic performances onboard.
On your final day, unwind at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center, where modern art meets serene oceanfront landscapes, creating the perfect space for reflection. Here, we'll gather for a session to share key takeaways from our incredible journey through Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
After that, bid farewell to China as you take a private transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
FAQs about Planning a China Tour
1. How much does a 1-week trip to China cost?
Compared to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia, China is not a budget destination. If you choose a private tour with 4-star hotels, expect to spend around $250 per person per day, covering a private driver, guide, and accommodation. For a China group tour, the budget is approximately $130 per person per day.
2. What is the best month to visit China?
China is vast, with significant temperature differences between the north and south. Generally, spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather and beautiful scenery.
3. What are the requirements to enter China?
Traveling to China is now more convenient than ever. China offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy and a visa-free stay of up to 30 days for citizens of 58 countries. Contact us, and we'll tailor an itinerary for you while handling all entry procedures, ensuring a hassle-free trip to China!
Plan Your China Tour With Us
No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, these top five itineraries offer the perfect way to experience China's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities in just one week. Join us for an unforgettable journey, and let us craft your personal itinerary and help you with a worry-free tour in China!
Quick Question
Related Posts You May Like
What Our Clients Say
"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"
SUBSCRIBE TO WIN A FREE TOUR
Subscribe to our newsletter for a chance to win a free 7-day India tour! And more insider travel news, exclusive offers, and inspiration will be sent straight to your inbox.