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China itinerary in 21 days | What to see day by day on your own
If you need inspiration to organize a a 21-day China itineraryTo make the most of your time and visit some of the best places in the Asian giant, you're in the right place! We're sharing our ideal 21-day China itinerary. You'll also find links to other articles with many more details about what to do in each location.
This 21-day itinerary for China is ideal for a first trip to China. In addition, we also provide you with information on how to make transfers and move around within large cities.
- China itinerary in 21 days
- Day 1-2: Arrive in Beijing and start discovering China
- Day 3: Great Wall of China, one of the highlights of China in 21 days
- Day 4: Beijing
- Day 5: Datong and Yungang Grottoes
- Day 6: Pingyao Historical Town
- Day 7-8: Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors
- Day 9-10: Chongqing, the craziest city on the 21-day China route
- Day 11-12: Zhangjiajie National Park, Avatar Mountains
- Day 13: Fenghuang
- Day 14: Furong, another historical village in China in 21 days
- Day 15-16: Yangshuo Karst Mountains
- Day 17-19: Shanghai
- Day 20: Hangzhou
- Day 21: End of the 21-day China tour and return home from Shanghai
China Itinerary in 21 days
We leave you a Map and summary of the itinerary for China in 21 days. At a glance you can get an idea of the proposed route around the Asian Giant.
To be honest, designing a 21-day itinerary for China is incredibly difficult; it's a gigantic country where you could easily spend months traveling. Plus, there are options to suit every taste. This time, we're going to recommend our route through China in 21 days "typical" But it's also very comprehensive. You'll find a little bit of everything to fall in love with the country. Pack comfortable shoes because it's going to be a very intense trip.
- Day 1 – 4: Arrival, Beijing and the Great Wall of China
- Day 5: Datong and Yungang Grottoes
- Day 6: Historic city of Pingyao
- Day 7-8: Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors
- Day 9-10: Chongqing
- Day 11-12: Zhangjiajie National Park
- Day 13-14: Fenghuang and Furong
- Day 15 -16: Yangshuo
- Day 17-19: Shanghai
- Day 20: Hangzhou
- Day 21: Returning home from Shanghai
ᐈ Before starting you can take a look at our list of tips for traveling to China, will surely help you prepare your visit to a country as different as China.
Day 1-2: Arrive in Beijing and start discovering China
This 21-day China itinerary begins in the capital, which is also the city with the greatest historical importance. Literally Beijing looks like an open-air museum.
Dedicate your first full day in Beijing to visiting the city's main temples. the temple of heaven This is one of the temples that we liked the most and that you should not miss. It is located in the center of a huge park where we also recommend taking a walk and watching the locals practicing sports such as tai chi. Other temples that you should visit are the Lama Temple and Confucius Temple, very close to each other. To access these you have to pay an entrance fee although in China they are usually very cheap, we recommend you take a look at our guide How much does it cost to travel to China? to find out some prices.
Another of the places The most spectacular in all of Beijing is the Summer Palace, although it is a little bit far from the center and we recommend going by taxi or DiDi, you also need buy the ticket in advance. When night falls, you can go for a stroll along Qianmen Street, one of the oldest and liveliest streets in the capital.
Day 3: Great Wall of China, one of the highlights of China in 21 days
Our recommendation is to do the excursion to the Great Wall of China after spending the first full day in Beijing, that is, your third day of this 21-day itinerary through China. This way, on the fourth day, you will have a good chance to get to know the city before continuing the route.
This will be one of the great moments of your trip to China on your own, stepping on one of the 7 wonders of the world and be amazed by the sheer scale of the structure, something you don't fully grasp until you're standing right in front of it. It's estimated that at its peak It measured around 21.000km And currently there are about 6.000km still standing and believe me, seeing them in person is a real surprise.
The closest and easiest points to visit from Beijing are Badaling and Muntianyu. Of these two I would opt for Muntianyu Since it is not too far from the center of Beijing, the mountain setting is spectacular and not very crowded.
We tell you in detail Prices, recommended tours and transportation to take to get there are listed in the guide ▶How to get to the Great Wall of China from Beijing.
If you are adventurous I recommend you explore the unrestored section, we will tell you how we did it. Jiankou to Muntianyu.
Day 4: Beijing
This is your second full day in Beijing, you could dedicatecarI have it get to know the city center where some of the most important monuments in the whole country are concentrated. For example, you can start by visiting the enormous Tiananmen square and then the world wide famous Forbidden City which is right next to the square. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance.
The parks in the center are also beautiful and you should not miss them, next to the Forbidden City you will find the Jingshan and Beihai parks. We loved both parks; you should definitely visit at least one of them. Near the parks, you can see the Drum Tower and Clock Tower; these historic towers were used to...car The time for the citizens of old Beijing. You also can't miss the hutongs, traditional neighborhoods full of small houses and narrow streets.
▶ There is a lot to do in Beijing so it is best to read What to see in Beijing in 3 days with a detailed Itinerary and a map of the city.
Day 5: Datong and Yungang Grottoes
We leave Beijing behind and continue our 21-day China route, taking an early morning train to Datong, in Shanxi Province. A city with a rich cultural heritage that is home to two of the most impressive sites in China: the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery.
Yungang Grottoes
This monumental complex just 16 kilometers from Datong has 252 caves and more than 51.000 Buddhist statues, carved into the cliff North of Wuzhou Mountain. The caves, which stretch for a kilometre and were built between the 5th and 6th centuries, represent an exceptional fusion of rock art Buddhist in China.
To get there you can do it by bus, but better to go on Didi (Taxi app) to make the most of your day. Taxis in China are nothing special. carWe'll tell you how to order and pay for them in How to pay in China with Alipay.
Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Si)
This Monastery, built more than 1.500 years ago, stands on a cliff 75 meters high, defying gravity and offering a spectacular view of the region. It is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and an example of religious syncretism, housing elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. It is one of these places that we recommend you do not miss on your 21-day route through China.
It is located 65km south of Datong, near Mount Heng, so if you only have one day the best way to get there is by taxi or Didi, as there is no direct bus.
Day 6: Pingyao Historical Town
After exploring the wonders of Datong, we continued our 21-day tour of China by taking a train to Pingyao, a city that seems to have stopped in time. We love China's historic cities. This one is famous for its well-preserved old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historic center of Pingyao is a perfect place to walk, get lost in its alleys and discover corners of what was once an important commercial center. Some of the places you can't miss are the Market Square, the Pingyao Old Bank Street, the Bell Tower, the Chenghuang Miao Temple, and of course the Pingyao Wall that surround the old town and you can walk along them to get another perspective.
Day 7-8: Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors
We start the day again by taking a high-speed train, which is undoubtedly the best way to get around China in 21 days. For all routes you have other options, but the journeys are quite slow.
Xi'an is one of the most historically significant cities in the country, with an interesting cultural mix that is not often seen elsewhere.
You can dedicatecar the afternoon to visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most impressive archaeological finds in the world. Don't forget Book your tickets online to this immense collection of figures that represents The Army of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
You can also take a first walk at sunset along the Xi'an Wall, one of the best preserved in the country, where you can walk or rent a bicycle.
The second day was dedicated to exploring the cultural heart of this historic city; for this, the best thing to do is stay in central Xi'an. Visit the Muslim Quarter famous for its street food and craft market. Nearby is the Grand mosque, a beautiful complex that combines Islamic architecture with Chinese style.
Also worth visiting is the Drum Tower and Bell tower, like the towers with the same name in Beijing, are two iconic emblems of the city. If you have time, end the day at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, an impressive Buddhist temple where they put on a fountain show at night.
Day 9-10: Chongqing, the craziest city on the 21-day China route
Chongqing is a destination where you don't understand anything and enjoy not understanding it, come on, a little bit of the essence of traveling to China on your own. It is a city that has grown exponentially like no other in the world, which has led to such crazy things as trains crossing blocks of flatsAlthough it's not a very popular tourist city (yet), for us it's a must-see. If you add it to your itinerary, don't hesitate to stay in some of the most surprising hotels we recommend here. this guide.
In the afternoon it is a good plan to go up to Laojundong TempleA viewpoint that surprised us with its panoramic views of the entire city; the best way to get there is by Didi. And end the day with a stroll along the river to see the Chongqing skyline, the best spot is Longmenhao Old Street.
▶ More information about What to do in Chongqing. Which by the way, is the city of spicy food, Don't miss out on trying a Sichuan Pepper Hot Pot if you are a lover of spicy food.
On the second day, spend the morning at the city's most iconic spots such as Liziba Metro Station, Datang Plaza the famous plaza on the 22nd floor! and the Jiefangbei shopping area. In the afternoon, ideally, return to the hotel to pick up your luggage and continue the route through China in 21 days towards Zhangjiajie National Park, where you will arrive at bedtime.
Day 11-12: Zhangjiajie National Park, Avatar Mountains
Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan Province, is a landscape that It's hard to believe it's real, it seems like fiction. That must have been what James Cameron thought when he decided to draw inspiration from it to create the famous floating mountains in Avatar PandoraTo visit this entire area you will need a full day, starting early to avoid crowdsWe share with you the itinerary that we would do in Zhansgjiajie in 1 day.
For the second day, since the ticket is valid for four days, we continued exploring some part of the National Park, such as the Golden Whip Trail, or we also visited the Tianmen Mountain, known for having Heaven's door or Zhangjiajie Grand CanyonBut be sure to prepare the carbecause admission to these places is not cheap.
It may interest you… Where to stay in Zhangjiajie to visit the National Park, best areas and hotels.
Day 13: Fenghuang
Located in Hunan Province, Fenghuang is another of the best preserved traditional Chinese villages. Its origin dates back to the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Yueying Tuojiang
Although there is a lot What to see in FenghuangFor us, the best part was wandering aimlessly along the banks of the Tuojiang River. Explore the cobblestone alleyways, take photos of the wooden houses on the river, eat with a view, and of course, cross the Fenghuang Bridge. The most beautiful we have seen in China.
At night it takes on a totally different life with everything lit up and the banks of the river filled with locals taking photos in traditional dress, it is something worth seeing and quite fun.
Day 14: Furong, another historical village in China in 21 days
Just half an hour by train from Fenghuan Station lies Furong, considered one of the most beautiful and unique villages in China. This built around a waterfall. In fact, the waterfall is called Furong, and it is the name given to this village with more than 2.000 years of history, founded in 202 BC during the Han Dynasty.
Due to the proximity I recommend you go just to spend the day and return to Fenghuan, although you could also stay in Furong to see both at night. Be careful with the names of the stations, which are a bit confusing. You have to buy a ticket to Furongzhen (芙蓉镇), from there you are only 5 kilometers from the center. There are buses, and if not, you can take Didi.
The old town, Furong Ancient Town There is an entrance fee (110 yuan), and once inside you cannot miss Yinan Square, Copper Pillar Park, Tuwan Bridge, the Furong Grand Waterfall and of course, entering Eat at one of the many restaurants overlooking the waterfall, the best panoramic view of the town.
Day 15-16: Yangshuo Karst Mountains
We return to the incredible nature of China, with another unreal landscape, the karst mountains of Yangshuo on the banks of the Li River.
To go from Fenghuang to Yangshuo you have to connect several trains and you will pass practically the whole day of travel, is the price to get to these beautiful rural areas. The first step is to go by train Fenghuang to Guilin North (with a transfer in Changsha). In Guilin you take another train towards Changsha station. Yangshuo and finally a taxi to Xingping, the best area to stay.
Upon arrival, we'll take a stroll through the village and have dinner in its narrow streets. The following day, you can climb Xianggong Hill to... have epic views, take a short tour in Bamboo raft on the Li River, buscar the exact spot on the 20 yuan bill or rent a bicycle to explore the surroundings, full of rice fields and karst mountains.
Day 17-19: Shanghai
The almost last stop on the 21-day China itinerary is the cosmopolitan and futuristic Shanghai City. The best way to get there is by plane, companies like Air China They make the route several times a day. To take it you will have to take the train to Guilin, and from the station to the airport.
Between one thing and another, you will arrive in Shanghai in the afternoon, the best plan we can think of is to start getting to know the city. walking along the Bund. For us, it's a must-see both day and night; the views from this spot are breathtaking at both times. After spending some time enjoying and photographing the Bund views, cross to the other side of the river and see the financial district from below.
Best places in Shanghai
This The second day we visited the historic areas of the city. Although it may not seem like it, Shanghai has a very traditional past and in the city you can see many ancient temples and traditional gardens surrounded by skyscrapers. It is a city full of contrasts, we were fascinated.
These are some of the must-haves:
- Yuyuan Gardens
- Gucheng Park
- Jade Buddha Temple
- Longhua Temple
- Jing'an Temple
We recommend you read What to see in Shanghai in 2 or 3 days to prepare your passage through the city.
Zhujiajiao, the little Venice
On third day We recommend you take a morning trip to one of the Little Venices of Shanghaisuch as ZhujiajiaoA town that stole our hearts. You can get there in an hour by metro from the city center, and it's absolutely beautiful, full of canals and lanterns. You can easily visit it in a few hours.
As an alternative plan, stay in Shanghai wandering around, having a leisurely breakfast in one of the many French Concession establishments or visiting People's Square, especially if it's the weekend, so you can see the singles market.
In the afternoon we return to the Bund to see it in daylight and go up to see the sunset on one of the rooftops which are available at hotels in the area such as Sir Elly's. You can also stroll along Nanjing Road, one of the commercial hubs.
Day 20: Hangzhou
The last stop on this 21-day China tour is Hangzhou, a city just over an hour from Shanghai that will charm you; for us it was quite a surprise. In fact, Marco Polo described it in the 13th century as "the finest and noblest city in the world«.
Despite being a large city of 10 million inhabitants, the tourist axis is all around the West Lakewhich is also the best area for stay in Hangzhou. There you will find gardens carefully tended to, tea houses, pagodas such as Leifeng or the Geilai Feng crevices, with Buddhas carved in stone. All the information about these places, and others, is available at What to see in Hangzhou in 1 day.
Day 21: End of the 21-day China tour and return home from Shanghai
After an intense 21-day tour of China, the final day arrives. Catch your return flight from Shanghai or take a domestic flight back to Beijing (the starting city of your itinerary).
If your flight is late in the day, you can stay and explore Hangzhou and then take the train back to Shanghai. go directly to the airport.
I hope this China itinerary in 21 days help you organize your next trip to the wonderful and surprising ChinaIf you have any questions, please leave them in the comments and we will try to help you as best as possible. Thanks for reading!
Good morning, first of all, congratulations on this fantastic blog! It's inspiring and guiding us a lot in planning our trip to China. We have 20 days in August and were thinking of doing (more or less) the same 21-day itinerary you have. My question is: is it possible to do this itinerary without problems, but arriving in Shanghai and returning from Beijing? In other words, I understand that since it's China, there won't be any problem doing the same trip in reverse, right? And on the other hand, are there any places you would eliminate to dedicate more time to another that's more worthwhile?
Thank you so much in advance!!
Thank you so much Maria, the fact that you are finding it so useful means a lot to us and encourages us to continue writing these types of guides.
As for the order, you shouldn't have much of a problem starting in Shanghai; the transport is the same but in reverse order.
On the other hand, since you have one less day, we would opt to eliminate Datong or Pingyao (or even both if you are short on time) to go more directly to Xi'an.
Hugs and happy travels!
Hello! I'm traveling to China in March 2026. I wanted to ask if it's worth going to Panda City and adding it to your itinerary?
Greetings and I loved your blog
Hello Fernando,
Thank you so much for your comment! If you're particularly interested in seeing pandas, you could modifycar The route to go to Chengdu and visit the area instead of Chongqing. Then, with the days you have left, you would have to decide how to adapt the itinerary yourself.
All the best
Hello… excellent guide. I plan to go to China for approximately 30 days, so I will stay longer if I like the places.
My question is: what is the approximate budget needed for 21 days? Not including hotels. caryou, transport and food.
Thank you very much
Hello Maria,
I think it's a perfect plan. There's so much to see in China, and I'm sure you'll be able to enjoy and make the most of those 30 days.
The budget depends on your travel style and the level of hotels you book, but it's not a particularly expensive country. caro. I'll share our budget with you, using real data:
https://viajeroslowcosteros.com/cuanto-cuesta-viajar-a-china/
Hope this can help you
Happy journey
Hello Pau:
First of all, congratulations on your excellent blog: accurate information and a pleasant appearance for reading.
We'd like to copy your route, but in reverse. We're recently retired, ages 61 and 63. We were just in Japan, where we hiked 20-25 km/day.
Do you think your route is too ambitious for us? Thanks, Pam, and Fran
Hi Pam, from what you're telling me, I'm sure you'll have plenty of energy to complete this itinerary! The only thing is that it involves a lot of traveling and perhaps places you'd like to visit more often. If you have time, I would make this route 29-30 days to enjoy more of the places and take advantage of all your visa days. Have a good trip!