Minimum 7 days for Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai. Ideal is 10–12 days.
10 Iconic Scenic Routes in China: From the Great Wall to Guilin
You cannot 'do China in a week'. But there are 10 routes that cover 80% of the country's impressions. We grouped them by region and logistics: each is a self-contained 3–7-day trip with its own visa profile, hotels and seasonal window.
1. The Classic: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
The most popular first-time route. Imperial capital, ancient civilization, modern megacity.
- Beijing (3 days): Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu), Temple of Heaven.
- Xi'an (2 days): Terracotta Army, City Walls.
- Shanghai (2 days): The Bund, Pudong, Yuyuan Gardens.
- Best season: April–May, September–October.
2. Guilin & Lijiang — the 20-yuan-note landscape
Karst mountains, rice terraces, bamboo rafts on the Li River.
- Li River cruise Guilin → Yangshuo (4–6 hours).
- Longji Rice Terraces.
- Yangshuo: bikes, caves, karaoke.
- Season: April–October.
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3. Zhangjiajie — Avatar in real life
Hunan sandstone pillars that inspired Pandora in the movie.
- Wulingyuan Park (2 days).
- Tianmen Shan glass walkway.
- Season: October or April.
4. Chengdu & pandas
Chengdu — pandas, hot pot and gateway to Tibet.
- Panda Breeding Base (morning!).
- Jinli & Kuanzhai old streets.
- Leshan Giant Buddha day trip.
- Extension: Jiuzhaigou in autumn.
5. Yunnan: Kunming → Lijiang → Shangri-La
Southwest China at 2000–3200 m altitude.
- Lijiang: UNESCO old town, canals.
- Shangri-La: Songzanlin Monastery.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: 2-day trek.
- Season: March–June, September–November.
6. Silk Road: Xi'an → Dunhuang → Urumqi
Ancient caravan route through deserts and Mogao Caves.
- Xi'an — start of the route.
- Lanzhou → Dunhuang Gobi.
- Turpan & Urumqi — Xinjiang oases.
- Season: May–June, September–October.
7. Tibet: Lhasa & Everest Base Camp
Requires a Tibet Travel Permit (separate from the visa) and guide.
- Lhasa: Potala, Jokhang.
- Shigatse → EBC: 4 days.
- Altitude 3600–5200 m.
- Season: April–October.
8. Huangshan — the Yellow Mountains
Granite peaks, sea of clouds and classic Chinese landscape painting views.
- Cable car + trek.
- Sleep on the summit — sunrise above clouds.
- Nearby: Hongcun village (UNESCO).
9. Hong Kong → Macau → Guangzhou
Pearl River Delta — perfect Canton Fair add-on of 2–3 days.
- Hong Kong: Victoria Peak, Lantau Buddha.
- Macau: casinos, Portuguese old town.
- Guangzhou: Canton Tower, Shamian.
10. Harbin in winter — Ice Festival
December–February. World's largest ice-sculpture festival.
- Ice and Snow World (evening).
- Sun Island Snow Sculpture Expo.
- Siberian Tiger Park.
- Season: 25 Dec – 25 Feb.
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Yes — private tours at /tours/private.
#1 Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai covers everything logistically easy.
#4 Chengdu (pandas) and #2 Guilin (cruise, bikes).
L visa + Tibet Travel Permit. Details at /visa/tourist.
April–May and September–October. See /tools/best-time-to-visit.