2-Week in China: 4 Themed Itineraries

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with our grand 2-week exploration of China, where every step tells a story, and every destination opens a new chapter of wonder. Imagine yourself walking through the historic grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing, feeling the ancient pulse of the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, and embracing the tranquil elegance of the Yangtze River cruise. Your adventure will be embellished with the finest indulgences, from plush stays in world-class hotels to gourmet experiences that tantalize your taste buds with authentic flavors. Are you ready to turn the page and begin?

Itinerary #1: Picturesque South of China: A Journey to Jiangnan

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you're looking for an extraordinary 14-day adventure in China that perfectly blends the country's modern vibrancy with its timeless traditions, then buckle up because this China 2-week itinerary is tailor-made for you!

Imagine strolling through ancient water towns, being mesmerized by the beauty of classical Chinese gardens, and experiencing the pulsating energy of modern cities. This trip isn't just about seeing places; it's about feeling the heartbeat of China.

West Lake, Hangzhou

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Arrival in Shanghai, Explore at Leisure	Shanghai
Day 2	Dive into Shanghai's Culture and History	Shanghai
Day 3	Shanghai to Suzhou: Garden Wonders	Suzhou
Day 4	Tongli Water Town, then Train to Hangzhou	Hangzhou
Day 5	Hangzhou's West Lake and Cultural Gems	Hangzhou
Day 6	Hangzhou to Guilin: Enter the Scenic South	Guilin
Day 7	Longji Rice Terraces and Yao Villages	Guilin
Day 8	Li River Cruise to Idyllic Yangshuo	Yangshuo
Day 9	Guilin to Xi'an: From Scenery to History	Xi'an
Day 10	Xi'an's Terracotta Army and Cultural Insights	Xi'an
Day 11	Xi'an to Beijing: Capital Adventures	Beijing
Day 12	Beijing's Icons: Forbidden City and Hutongs	Beijing
Day 13	The Great Wall: A Hiking Experience	Beijing
Day 14	Departure from Beijing, Saying Goodbye	-

Your China 2-week adventure begins in Shanghai, a city where futuristic skyscrapers meet traditional pagodas. You'll wander along the Bund, a waterfront area offering a stunning contrast between old and new. Then, it's off to the Jade Buddha Temple and the bustling streets of Nanjing Road.

Next, you'll be whisked away to Suzhou, famous for its elegant gardens like the Humble Administrator's Garden, offering a serene escape from city life. The nearby water town of Tongli, with its timeless charm and tranquil canals, feels like stepping into a classic Chinese painting.

In Hangzhou, the enchanting West Lake awaits, where you can enjoy a boat ride and visit historical sites like Lingyin Temple. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.

As you head south to Guilin, get ready for some of China's most breathtaking landscapes. The Longji Rice Terraces offer spectacular views, and a cruise down the Li River will reveal karst mountains rising dramatically from the water. Xi'an, your next stop, is home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a highlight for any history buff. Seeing the Terracotta Army in Xi'an is an unforgettable experience that connects you with ancient China. The Muslim Quarter here adds a unique flavor to your journey, with vibrant street food and bustling markets.

Finally, in Beijing, you'll explore the grandeur of the Forbidden City and experience the local life in the traditional Hutongs. And of course, no trip to Beijing is complete without a hike on the Great Wall. Here, you'll soak in the panoramic views and marvel at this architectural wonder.

Itinerary #2: China Luxury Vacation with Yangtze River

Get set for a 2-week deluxe escapade through China that blends the allure of ancient wonders with the charm of modern luxury. This journey is tailor-made for those who relish diving deep into rich cultures, savoring nature's artistry, and indulging in the finer things in life.

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Land in Beijing, Chill at The Opposite House	Beijing
Day 2	Tiananmen and Forbidden City Time-Travel	Beijing
Day 3	Great Wall Cable Car Ride, Temple of Heaven	Beijing
Day 4	Feast on Peking Roast Duck	Beijing
Day 5	Bullet Train to Xi'an, Tanghua Huayi Stay	Xi'an
Day 6	Terracotta Warriors Exploration, Muslim Street Vibes	Xi'an
Day 7	Xi'an Family Fun, Zip to Chengdu	Chengdu
Day 8	Panda Cuddles, Chengdu Tea Culture	Chengdu
Day 9	Museum Wonders, Opera Magic, Cruise Beginnings	Yangtze
Day 10	Ghost Town Mysteries	Yangtze
Day 11	Gorge Beauty, Goddess Creek Serenity	Yangtze
Day 12	Dam Wows, Shanghai Bound	Shanghai
Day 13	The Bund Walk, Yu Garden Peace	Shanghai
Day 14	Wave Goodbye to Shanghai	-

Start your exploration in Beijing, where ancient history meets bustling modernity. Immerse yourself in the Forbidden City's royal tales and embark on a soul-stirring hike at the Great Wall's Mutianyu section, offering picturesque vistas. The Temple of Heaven, a living park where locals partake in morning exercises, a true cultural immersion. And for foodies, Beijing's culinary star, the Peking Roast Duck, is a gastronomic delight that dances on your palate!

A high-speed train whisks you to Xi'an. The Terracotta Warriors stand guard, a testament to ancient ingenuity. Muslim Street buzzes with life, a kaleidoscope of flavors and sounds, perfect for culinary adventurers. This city is a blend of history and lively street culture.

In Chengdu, the giant pandas offer an adorable welcome. Visit the Sanxingdui Museum for a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations. The evening promises enchantment with a Sichuan Opera performance, showcasing the dramatic art of Face Changing.

Board a luxury cruise, your floating haven, as you navigate through the heart-stirring landscapes of the Yangtze River. The Three Gorges offer nature's grandeur, while Fengdu Ghost City adds an intriguing cultural twist to your river sojourn.

Your China 14-day journey culminates in Shanghai, where history and modernity coexist in harmony. The bund offers a mesmerizing walk through time, and Yu Garden is a serene escape from the city's dynamic pace. Experience the city's vibrant parks and hidden alleyways, revealing the true spirit of Shanghai.

Itinerary #3: China Family Adventure: From Beijing to Taipei

Ready to embark on a 14-day whirlwind tour across China with your family? This itinerary is tailored for those eager to blend historical marvels with natural splendor, and yes, a close-up encounter with adorable pandas is on the cards!

Cute Giant Pandas, Chengdu

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Land in Beijing, Get Settled	Beijing
Day 2	Forbidden City & Quirky Hutongs	Beijing
Day 3	Great Wall at Mutianyu & Night on Simatai	Beijing
Day 4	Discover Gubei Water Town & Temple of Heaven	Beijing
Day 5	Bullet Train Adventure to Xi'an	Xi'an
Day 6	Terracotta Warriors & Cooking with Locals	Xi'an
Day 7	Off to Chengdu by Bullet Train	Chengdu
Day 8	Panda Cuddles & Sanxingdui Mysteries	Chengdu
Day 9	Flight to Guilin & Reed Flute Cave	Guilin
Day 10	Magical Li River Cruise	Yangshuo
Day 11	Head to Taipei	Taipei
Day 12	Taipei Highlights	Taipei
Day 13	Free Exploration in Taipei	Taipei
Day 14	Farewell to Taipei	-

Start in Beijing, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Marvel at Tiananmen Square, a symbol of China's cultural heritage, and step into the Forbidden City to witness the imperial grandeur. Later, meander through the ancient Hutongs on a rickshaw, getting a glimpse of old Beijing life.

The Great Wall beckons next. At Mutianyu, less crowded and rich in scenery, take a cable car to view this architectural marvel from a new perspective. Kids will love the toboggan ride down! In the evening experience the Great Wall at Simatai under the stars. Gubei Water Town offers a picturesque setting that feels like a step back in time. Engage in cultural activities like kite making for a memorable family souvenir. The Temple of Heaven, an architectural wonder in Beijing, provides a serene retreat and a peek into local life.

Next stop, Xi'an, home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. Each clay soldier here tells a story of ancient China's craftsmanship and history. Plus, you get to cook with a local family. Imagine making dumplings in a homey Xi'an kitchen, it's hands-on cultural immersion at its best!

Chengdu is all about pandas and history. Visit the Panda Breeding Center to see these adorable creatures up close. Then, the Sanxingdui Museum unveils ancient mysteries with its alien-like masks and historical artifacts.

The Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the stuff of dreams. Picture this: karst mountains, serene waters, and lush greenery, it's a natural painting comes to life!

The final leg of your China 2-week journey takes you to Taipei. Here, history takes a modern twist. The National Palace Museum is a treasure trove of Chinese art and history. Don't miss exploring the vibrant street life and local markets, they are buzzing with energy and flavors!

Itinerary #4: Iconic China and Silk Road

Are you ready to dive into a 2-week extravaganza across China, where every day is a new adventure? This journey is a plunge into the depths of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences that China has to offer. From pandas to palaces, get ready to be whisked away on an epic journey!

Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Arrive in Chengdu, the Land of Pandas	Chengdu
Day 2	Panda Cuddling and Exploring Chengdu's Vibrant Streets	Chengdu
Day 3	Zip to Xi'an on a High-speed Train, Stepping into History	Xi'an
Day 4	Stand in Awe of the Terracotta Warriors, then Cycle Xi'an's Ancient Walls	Xi'an
Day 5	Fly to Dunhuang, Gatekeeper of the Silk Road's Secrets	Dunhuang
Day 6	Discover Mogao Caves' Treasures, then Play in the Singing Sand Dunes	Dunhuang
Day 7	Journey to Turpan via Liuyuan, Uncovering Yulin Cave's Beauty	Turpan
Day 8	Explore Turpan's Ancient Ruins and Vibrant Village Life	Turpan
Day 9	Delve into Urumqi's Hidden Gems, then Soar to Kashgar	Kashgar
Day 10	Wander through Kashgar's Bazaars, Mosques, and Tombs	Kashgar
Day 11	Take to the Skies: Kashgar to Beijing, with a Urumqi Interlude	Beijing
Day 12	Discover Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace	Beijing
Day 13	Conquer the Great Wall and bask in the Temple of Heaven's glory	Beijing
Day 14	Bid farewell to Beijing and Fly Home with Memories to Last a Lifetime	-

Picture yourself in Chengdu, starting your 14-day journey with the fluffiest, most adorable pandas at the Research Base. Chengdu is not just about pandas, though, it's a city where you can literally taste the culture. Savor spicy Sichuan cuisine, and if you're feeling brave, try the infamous Sichuan hotpot, not for the faint-hearted!

Next, Xi'an awaits with its awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. Biking on the Ancient City Wall, you'll feel like a modern-day Marco Polo, except with better transport! And don't forget to treat your taste buds to some Xi'an delicacies.

The journey then takes you to Dunhuang, famous for the Mogao Caves, a stunning display of Buddhist art. The nearby Singing Sand Dune and Crescent Spring offer a natural spectacle you won't soon forget. En route to Turpan, make a pit stop at Yulin Cave for more historical exploration.

In Turpan, explore ancient ruins and Grottoes, marvel at the Flaming Mountain, and visit the charming Jiaohe Ruins. After absorbing the rich history and culture of Turpan, you'll head to Kashgar. Here, experience the vibrant Sunday Bazaar and the Id Kah Mosque, which transport you back to the days of the Silk Road.

Finally, Beijing, is the grand finale of your China 2-week journey. Walk along the Great Wall, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's more about the stunning views than the historical hike. Explore the Forbidden City, not just for its historical significance, but for its architectural grandeur. While the Summer Palace offers a serene escape, the Temple of Heaven impresses with its majestic structures, but remember, it's more about appreciating the architecture than delving deep into the spiritual aspects.

Don't Let Your China Adventure Stop

As we bid farewell to our 2-week sojourn through China's majestic landscapes and vibrant cultures, we're left with memories that sparkle like the lights of Shanghai. Yet, the journey doesn't end here. There's a whole new chapter waiting in our 10 Days in China feature, brimming with untold stories and hidden gems. Don't let the adventure stop; let the magic of China continue to enchant you. Dive into our next article and keep the spirit of exploration alive!