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14 days in China: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai
Updated 9 November 2026
The highlights circuit. Needs 30-day visa-free entry or a visa — it is longer than 240-hour transit allows.
Use domestic flights for Chengdu → Guilin if you want to save time; trains also work.
Day by day
- Days 1–3
Beijing
Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, hutongs.
- Days 4–5
Xi'an
Terracotta Army, City Wall, Muslim Quarter.
- Days 6–8
Chengdu
Pandas at opening time, teahouses, hot pot; day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha.
- Days 9–11
Guilin & Yangshuo
Li River cruise, cycling, Longji rice terraces.
- Days 12–14
Shanghai
Fly from Guilin; Bund, French Concession, water town.
Booking checklist
- Check your visa-free options for this route
- Book trains as soon as sales open (about 2 weeks ahead) — how
- Book hotels that accept foreign guests
- Reserve timed tickets for major museums and sights with your passport
- Set up Alipay and mobile data