Last Updated on October 7, 2024

Planning an epic trip to the Far East? Here’s my updated China itinerary and guide for two weeks in China!

China is big and loud, modern and rustic, traditional and forward-moving all at once. It is a world of sharp contrasts and extreme superlatives.

As the second biggest country in the world, China is extremely diverse. Old world meets modern metropolis, urbanscapes meet rural country life. I’ve been to China four times now and every single trip gives me a different experience.

Because of the country’s size and range of interesting sights, two weeks in China are simply not enough to experience all of it. This China itinerary is specially designed for first-time visitors who want to see the best in 2 weeks. But believe me, this may be your first time to China, it wouldn’t be your last!

The Ultimate China Itinerary

Please keep in mind that this 2-week China itinerary is designed to help those of you who want to see the best with two weeks in China. This China itinerary packs in a lot, so be prepared to for an intense travel experience.

I have included all my favorite areas in this China itinerary. They are the essential areas to explore in China in my humble opinion. If you’d like to slow down a bit, I would suggest removing one area and focus on just three areas.

Here’s an overview of the 2-week China itinerary:

• Beijing – 3 days (day trip to the Great Wall)
• Xi’an – 4 days (day trips to Huashan & Terracotta Soldiers)
• Chengdu – 3 days (day trip to Leshan & Mount Emei)
• Guilin – 4 days (trip to Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terraces)

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China Itinerary Days 1-2: Beijing

Visit Tiananmen Square

Three days in Beijing are just enough to see the major sights. For your first day in China, I recommend starting at Beijing’s most prominent spot. Tiananmen Square is famous for the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The pro-democracy movement ended with the declaration of martial law by the government and the death of several hundred civilians. 

Explore Forbidden City

Across the road is the Forbidden City, the most important imperial palace in China that served as the home of emperors for almost 500 years. It is massive and majestic — you’ll need a full day to explore it all.

I recommend booking a guided walk (skip-the-line access) to truly understand the history of the place. There is a limit to the number of tickets sold each day, so be sure to book your entrance tickets in advance.

Stroll around Jingshan Park

Behind the Forbidden City is the Jingshan Park, formerly a private imperial garden attached to the grounds of the Forbidden City. Today you can climb the short hill for fantastic 360-degree views across the Forbidden City and see locals doing tai chi as the sun sets.

Get Lost in Wudaoying Hutong

All over Beijing you’ll find sprawling traditional hutongs (labyrinth-like residential areas). These are the best areas to get acquainted with the old residential areas of Beijing. You can even hire a rickshaw guide to show you around the nooks and crannies of this area.

Nanluogu Xiang is well-restored but the most touristy of all hutongs. Its alleys are flanked by restaurants, cafés and boutiques that has become a hip and cool district in modern Beijing.

Wudaoying Hutong is much quieter and more authentic. There are a number of cafes and international restaurants here.

Where to Stay in Beijing

There’s no shortage of affordable hotels in Beijing, ranging from cheap backpackers hostels to quaint guesthouses to lavish heritage hotels. I recommend staying in the narrow alleys of hutongs, which make for a more authentic experience. I’ve tried to include hotel recommendations for different budgets in this China itinerary. 

Budget: Hotel Kapok Beijing

Just 200m from the Forbidden City, this modern budget hotel features slick furnishing at close proximity to all the attractions in town. I stayed here once and loved the convenience and affordable prices. Check rates.

Midrange: Shichahai Sandalwood Boutique Hotel Beijing

The former home of an administrator from the Qing Dynasty has been transformed into a stunning heritage hotel with classic old-world flair. I would definitely recommend this to those who want a taste of traditional China. Book here.

Luxury: The Opposite House

A chic, stylish boutique hotel featuring minimalistic designs and  an all white-and-beige interior. Located in the hip Sanlitun Village, the hotel is surrounded by gourmet restaurants, hip bars and boutique shops. Book here.

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China Itinerary Day 3: Great Wall of China

Visiting the Great Wall of China was the experience I most looked forward to on my first trip to China.

Badaling is the closest bit of the wall to Beijing, but it’s extremely crowded and inauthentic. Mutianyu is also popular but slightly less crowded. You can even ride a luge down the Wall and it’s really quite fun!

If you want to see the wall at its most rugged (and without the throngs of crowd), head a little further from the city to other quieter sections such as Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng and Jiankou.

They are far more authentic and spectacular and are within 2-3 hours of Beijing. There are tourist buses that go there but they only operate during peak season (April to Nov) and depart/return once a day. I recommend booking this Jinshanling hiking tour to experience the quietest and wildest part of the Great Wall.

Book Your Tour here:

Eat at Wangfujing Street

By night, head out to the bustling pedestrianized Wangfujing street. It’s lined with a slew of antique shops, modern fashion stores, and street food kiosks.

Food choices range from exotic fare like deep-fried scorpions and star fish to lamb meat skewers and tang hu lu (candied fruits on a stick).

Watch an Acrobatic Show

To end your trip to Beijing with a bang, I recommend catching a Chinese acrobatics performance. It will keep you at the edge of your seat with an array of juggling acts, contortionist performance and mask-changing stunts.

Chaoyang Acrobatics Theater is the oldest acrobatics theater in Beijing, with nightly performances at 7.15pm. Book your tickets here!

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China Itinerary Days 4-5: Xi’an

Your next stop is Xi’an, the ancient capital of China during the glory days of  Silk Road. Flying is the fastest way to get there: the flight from Beijing to Xi’an costs around $150 and the journey is only 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a 4.5 hour high-speed train or an overnight economical train. Here’s detailed info on train schedule and prices.

Search for Domestic Flights here!

Climb the City Wall

The most impressive part of Xi’an is its well-preserved ancient city walls. The walls are complete with four gates, towers, and even a draw bridge over the moat.

The best part is that you can walk or cycle on top of the wall. It takes around two hours of cycling to do a full loop. 

See the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The well-preserved Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (also called Big Goose Pagoda) is a holy place for Buddhists. It was first built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty but has since been restored.

It was originally used to house and study Buddhist materials that were brought from India and transported along the Silk Road.

Admire the Drum and Bell Towers

The Drum Tower and Bell Tower are the symbols of Xi’an. Both of them were built in the Yuan Dynasty to signal the running of time. You can visit the top of both towers (Entrance is 30CNY each).

I would highly recommend the Bell Tower over the Drum Tower. It is right in the middle of a roundabout and gives you straight line views of North and South gate of the wall.

Visit the Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter of Xi’an is a vibrant area with exotic and delicious street food. As the name implies, this area is home to 20,000 Muslim Chinese and has become an incredibly popular spot for food and souvenirs.

The food here definitely reminded me of food in Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan etc) and they’re delicious! Foodies might want to book a food tour here with an expert!

Book Your Tour here:

Where to Stay in Xi’an

The city center is a great place to stay since most of the sights are nearby. If you’re looking for better value, I recommend staying in Yanta, just south of the city center.

Budget: YiJia Inn

This family-run guesthouse offers great value for money, with modern rooms that have a touch of tradition. It has an excellent location, with the Muslim Quarters and Drum Tower just a 5-minute walk away. Check the latest rates.

Midrange: PuSu Jade Boutique Hotel

This unique nature-themed hotel is set just beside Xi’an City Wall. Tastefully designed with wooden furnishing, the boutique hotel gives the sensation of rural China. Check the latest rates.

Luxury: Grand Park Xi’an

Ideally located in the heart of historical Xi’an, the Grand Park Xi’an is the best hotel in the city with luxurious rooms and spectacular city views. It’s around a 5-minute stroll from the ancient city wall. Check the latest rates.

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China Itinerary Day 6: Hua Shan

If you’re an adventure seeker, I definitely recommend taking a day trip to Hua Shan, known to locals as one of the five sacred mountains in the country. Mount Hua has become famous with young and intrepid travelers thanks to social media.

To get there, take a high-speed train to Huashan North Station. The journey takes only 30 minutes. There are 1-3 services every hour. From there, take a bus or taxi to the Huashan Visitor Centre. Alternatively, book a guided day trip to Huashan.

How to Get to Huashan

Huashan has five peaks, only two are equipped with a cable car service. The easiest way is to start at the West Peak using its cable car and then hike to the South Peak and onwards.

The South Peak is where the infamous Hua Shan plank walk is located. This is where you’ll strap yourself into a harness and walk along a narrow plank perched high up into the side of a cliff.

Warning: you’ll be walking on three planks of wood with nothing but a harness and 2000+m between you and the ground. It’s not for the faint-hearted. I could barely finish as I was trembling so hard!

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China Itinerary Day 7: Terracotta Army

You can’t go to Xi’an without taking a day-trip to the Terracotta Warriors. To get there, take Tourism Bus 306 from Xi’an Railway Station. The bus runs every 7 minutes from 7am to 7pm everyday. Alternatively, book a guided tour to learn the history behind it.

The ancient army dates back to 210-209 BC, during the reign of the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang. There are three pits containing the Terracotta Army, which is made up of over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 520 horses.

The sheer magnitude of the army is impressive and the experience of seeing life-sized figures of warriors from over 2000 years ago is surreal. I was glad I visited the site with a knowledgable guide as his stories made it all come alive.

Book Your Tour here:

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China Itinerary Days 8-9: Chengdu

This China itinerary will continue further south to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province known for its panda and spicy food.

There are daily flights from Xi’an to Chengdu: the journey takes 1.5 hours and costs around $50 each way. Alternatively, catch a high-speed train that takes around 4 hours and costs $40 for a second class seat.

Book Your Flight here!

Hug Pandas at Chengdu Panda Reserve

The Panda Reserve in Chengdu is often the reason why travelers come to this city. It’s amazing to see the pandas roll around, munch on bamboo and just chill out. Prepare to fall in love with the ridiculously cute animal!

Be sure to head there in the morning, when the pandas are most active. Don’t forget to check out the baby area, where they have the youngest pandas playing with toys and rolling around. There is also the possibility of paying a fee to hug a panda, but I don’t recommend exploiting the animals for photos!

If you want to interact with the pandas, I recommend booking this 1-day volunteer program to spend time with the animals and conduct some behavioral research. 

Book Your Tour here:

Shop along Chunxi Lu

Chengdu is a city of 14 million people and it’s more of a new city than Beijing and Xi’an. Coming here gives you a chance to see the modern China and how fast the country is developing.

Visit the pedestrianised shopping street of Chunxi Lu, just over 1km in length with over 700 shops. If you fancy a challenge, haggle your way through the hectic, six-floored Chunxi Road Market.

Eat Sichuan Hot Pot

I’m a huge fan of Sichuan hot pot, a spicy bubbling pot of soup in which you can cook your own meat or seafood. The Sichuan version is particularly spicy and comes with a kick.

The best place in town to try it is Shu Jiuxiang Hotpot restaurant, a favorite among locals. The hot pot here is divided into two segments: one is a light clear soup and the other is the infamous red spicy soup. Great to share with those who don’t like spicy foods!

Where to Stay in Chengdu

The city center is a great place to stay since most of the sights are nearby.

Budget: Xishu Garden Inn

As one of the best-rated hostel in Chengdu, this high-end hostel is comfortable and funky. It’s got good vibes and definitely a great place to meet travelers. Check the latest rates here.

Midrange: Chengdu Art Resort Hotel

Housed in a traditional building complex, this stylish hotel features lush gardens and Chinese architecture with modern Western rooms. It has a good location in the Jinjiang district. Check the latest rates here.

Luxury: Niccolo Chengdu

Definitely the best hotel in town, this slick Western-style hotel is an upscale five-star hotel suitable for the well-heeled traveler. It’s located near Chunxi Road with easy access to two shopping malls. Check the latest rates here.

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China Itinerary Day 10: Leshan Buddha

See the Leshan Buddha

The next morning, take a day trip to the Leshan Buddha, the largest carved stone Buddha in the world. Catch the bullet train from Chengdu East Railway Station, which takes around 1.5 hours to get to Leshan Railway Station. Or book a day tour here.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely impressive and worth visiting, even though it can get crowded.

There are stairs that lead all the way to the bottom of the Buddha’s feet. From there, you can stare up at the 71m tall figure.

Head up Mount Emei

Catch another bullet train to Emeishan Railway Station and then a local bus to Mount Emei (just 2km away). Mount Emei is where Buddhism first became established on Chinese territory and from where it spread widely through the East.

On Mount Emei, there are over 30 temples, ten of them large and very old. You can easily catch a cable car up to the top of Mount Emei to visit the temples and feast on spectacular views.

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China Itinerary Day 11: Guilin City

I have saved the best for last! Guilin is my favorite province in China and it’s where you want to go to explore rice terraces and get to know native tribes.

To get from Chengdu to Guilin City, I recommend flying as it’s a short journey of 1h 45mins that costs around $160 each way. The high-speed train takes around 7 hours and costs $50 each way.

Search for Flights here!

Visit the Sun and Moon Towers

Standing in the heart of Guilin City are the stunning Sun and Moon Towers. Built in the style of Buddhist pagodas, the towers are best viewed at night when they shine silver and gold over the dark water.

An underwater tunnel connects the two towers, giving you a unique view of the lake as you pass through. It’s best to see the two towers by boat.

See Elephant Trunk Hill

Located around 500m from Guilin’s downtown, the Elephant Trunk Hill is one of the thousands of limestone karst hills that dot the province. The arch is famed for looking like an elephant trunk drinking up the Li River.

It has been a tourist destination since the Tang Dynasty. The hill area was a sanctuary for monks and scholars. It is said that Jianzhen, a Tang-era Buddhist monk who introduced the religion and education to Japan, lived here.

Where to Stay in Guilin

Guilin City has surprisingly cheap yet stunning places to stay, especially in the rural areas. I recommend staying slightly outside of downtown Guilin to experience the beauty of rural China.

Budget: Travel Light Guilin

Located in downtown Guilin, this budget hotel is cheap and slick with brand new furnishing and an all-wood design. Exceptional value for money! Check the latest rates.

Midrange: HeShe Hotel

Just a short walk from the Reed Flute Cave, this beautiful hotel is modern and traditional at the same time. Its floor-to-ceiling windows open up to spectacular views of the mountains and lakes. Check the latest rates.

Luxury: Li River Guilin

This stunning high-end hotel is located in the heart of Guilin, just steps from Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. Featuring an outdoor pool and absolutely stylish designs, this traditional hotel is the best choice for luxury travelers. Check the latest rates.

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China Itinerary Day 12: Yangshuo

Cruise the Li River

Next morning, jump on a river cruise along the Li River to see the picturesque landscapes of Guilin. The winding river is backdropped by green limestone karst mountains and tiny riverside villages.

Head to Zhujiang Wharf (30 km or 20 miles from downtown Guilin) to board a boat. A taxi costs about 120 CNY ($17) for the 50-minute drive. The river cruise takes four hours to cover around 84-km (52-mile) of the Li River.

I recommend booking a cruise tour that includes transfers from/to your Guilin airport, lunch and an English-speaking guide. It costs around $98 but saves you the hassle of figuring out transport.

Book Your Tour here:

See the Yangshuo Countryside

Yangshuo is a charming little town surrounded by rice fields and beautiful riverscapes. It’s become touristy and almost tacky, but the countryside surrounding the town is still worth visiting.

Go bamboo rafting at Yulong River or rent a bike to paddle around the rice terraces. Sign up for cultural experiences like cooking, Taichi, or calligraphy classes. There are lots to do around Li River.

We booked an experience with a family and went rice planting with a farmer — it was incredible!

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China Itinerary Days 13-14: Longji

The main thing that brings people, including myself, to Guilin is the Longji rice terraces. Longji is my absolutely place to visit in China and I highly recommend it to those who love hiking.

To get there, take the express bus leaving every hour from Guilin Bus Terminal to Longsheng Bus Terminal (30 CNY or $4). From there, take a local mini bus to get to Ping’an Village or Jinkeng Village (10CNY or $1.50). The total journey is 2.5 hours.

Alternatively, you can book a day tour from Guilin if you’re tight on time.

Hike Longji Rice Terraces

Longji means ‘Dragon Backed Mountain’. When the rice paddies are full of water in spring, it is said to resemble the scales on the back of a dragon. Set amongst the villages of the minorities Zhuang and Yao, the area is excellent for hiking and tribal culture.

From Ping’an village, you can hike up the terraces to the lookout points at Seven Stars with Moon, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers. Continue the hike all the way to Jinkeng Village, which has the largest amount of rice terraces in the area.

Where to Stay in Ping’an:

Budget: Longji Holiday Hotel

Offering great value for money, this hotel has the feels of a beautiful wooden lodge without a big price tag. Great views of the rice terraces from its balcony and restaurants just steps away. Check the latest rates.

Midrange: Longji One Art Hotel

This beautiful hotel is housed in a bamboo stilted structure in the midst of the rice terraces. It features traditional Chinese design and decorated with art work everywhere. Check the latest rates.

Luxury: Baike Hotel

This is possibly the best hotel in the Longji area, with tastefully-designed luxurious rooms at affordable prices. Although a distance from the village, it is located in a quiet corner overlooking the rice terraces. Check the latest rates.

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China Itinerary Day 15: Back to Beijing!

I recommend flying back to Beijing (instead of taking the train) to save some time and spend your last night in the Chinese capital before flying home the next day. A one-way flight from Guilin to Beijing usually cost around $250 (3 hours).

Book your Flight here!

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Other Ideas for Your China Itinerary

Because China is such a massive place, you definitely can’t see it all in just two weeks. There are many other interesting areas worth visiting, depending on where your interest lies.

If you have more time, here are some areas you can consider adding to your China itinerary:

Tibet: for Adventure Seekers

Monks, monasteries and mountains — Tibet has been described as the world’s last Shangri-La and the Roof of the World.

A trip to Tibet can be rewarding and adventurous, but you’ll need to understand the visa rules and travel restrictions to prepare properly for this trip of a lifetime.

Technically, Tibet is an autonomous region of China. But tourism is strictly controlled by the Chinese government: Independent travel is not allowed in Tibet for foreign visitors.

Zhangjiajie Forest: for Hikers

Zhangjiajie is a unique national forest park said to have been the inspiration behind the movie “Avatar”. The most notable geographic features of the park are the pillar-like rock formations that rise from the river bed and soar high into the sky.

One of the park’s quartz-sandstone pillars, the 1,080-metre (3,540 ft) Southern Sky Column, had been officially renamed “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” in honor of the movie. 

Jiuzhai Valley: for Nature Lovers

Jiuzhaigou National Park is a nature reserve in the north of Sichuan, about a six-hour journey from Chengdu. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great masterpiece of nature, made up of blue lakes, waterfalls, verdant forests, and snow-covered mountains.

Legend has it that long ago, the mountain deity named Dago had a crush on the goddess Semo. He gave her a mirror that was made from wind and cloud. However, the devil appeared, causing Semo to break the mirror into 108 pieces. The pieces fell down to the earth and turned to 108 colorful lakes.

Here’s a detailed Jiuzhaigou hiker’s guide for those who are interested in hiking the national park.

Shanghai: for Urban Dwellers

Shanghai was the largest and most prosperous city in the Far East during the 1930s. In the past 20 years it has again become an attractive city for tourists from all over the world.

The metropolis is a fascinating mix of East and West. It’s home to  historic shikumen houses that blend the styles of Chinese houses with European design flair. You definitely cannot miss the Bund, Shanghai’s most popular place, with it’s colonial buildings and skyscraper views. Check out my detailed Shanghai itinerary.

Hong Kong: for a Different Side to China

Located on China’s south coast and surrounded by the South China Sea, Hong Kong is an international metropolis very unlike the rest of China. Hong Kong has a strong sense of Cantonese flair and definitely feels like a different country. Check out our Hong Kong travel guide.

The city explodes with life: from busy streets lined with neon signs and larger-than-life skyscrapers to crowded night markets that stand alongside traditional Buddhist temples. But venture further, and you’ll find a very different side to the city, be it the lush greenery of the Dragon’s Back hiking trail or the calm beaches of Lamma Island.

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China Travel Guide

Visa Requirements

Most EU citizens do NOT need a tourist visa to stay in China for 15 days. Singaporean, Thai and Malaysian citizens can stay for up to 30 days in China without a visa. US, UK and Canada passport holders will need to get your Chinese visa from an embassy near you. Make sure to apply at least a month in advance.

Check here for the full list of visa-exempt countries.

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How to Get to China

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is the main gateway to China, though Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) also serves many international routes.

The main airlines in China are Air China and China Airways. Both have good reputations and are affordable to fly with.

Here are the average prices for flights to China at low season:

• Flights from New York to Beijing — US$600 return (14hours direct)
• Flights from Los Angeles to Beijing — US$550 return (13hours direct)
• Flights from Toronto to Beijing — US$600 return (13 hours direct)
• Flights from London to Beijing — US$500 return (10 hours direct)
• Flights from Sydney to Beijing — US$400 return (11 hours direct)

Search for Cheap Flights to China

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When to Travel China

Deciding when the best time to travel China can be difficult as it’s such a huge country with diverse climates. In general, the best time to visit China is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild and tourist crowds are less.

The busiest time to travel China is during summer (July and August) and  festive holidays such as the Chinese New Year (dates depend on the lunar calendar but it usually falls in January or February). Plan your China trip to avoid these periods.

Another period to avoid if you’re visiting southern China (such as Guilin province) is the rainy season from April to August. If you’re traveling Tibet, be aware that it is closed to tourists for two months during spring and it can be extremely cold in winter.

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How to Get Around China

By Plane

Due to the long travel distances in China, flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get around China. I recommend mixing up domestic flights and train travel to experience both kinds of travel.

China Eastern and China Southern operate many of the domestic routes. I’ve flown with only China Eastern and I was quite satisfied with the airline.

In general, domestic flights in China are not expensive. For instance, a flight from Beijing to Xi’an costs $150 each way (2-hour journey).

Book Your Domestic Flights here!

By Train

Taking the train is probably the most popular way to get around China. Trains in China have improved a lot in the past decade. They’re fast, punctual, affordable and comfortable. This China itinerary mainly takes into account train travel duration and schedules.

Many high-speed trains have replaced long overnight journeys. For example, the bullet train from Beijing to Xi’an only takes four hours while normal trains used to take 15 hours.

You can also book train tickets online easily but tickets can only be delivered to an address in China or collected at the railway station. High-speed trains aren’t cheap, but they do offer a comfortable and fast mode of transport. 

E.g. A one-way train ticket from Beijing to Xi’an costs around $240 for a business class seat and $76 for a second class seat. To save money, opt for the normal trains which usually cost one quarter of the price of the high-speed train.

By Bus

Traveling by bus is by far the cheapest way to get around China. It’s a convenient way to get around more rural areas, like in Longji and Leshan areas.

There is an English commercial site from which you can check bus schedules and book bus tickets online. Alternatively, you can buy tickets at bus stations.

Bus tickets are cheap as compared to train. For instance, a two-hour bus ride from Chengdu to Leshan costs 53 CNY (US$7.50) each way.

Most buses have an air-conditioning and heating system. A few seated buses have bathrooms but often they won’t be available for use (or you won’t want to use them anyway).

By Subway

Subway lines are in 25 cities in China as of 2019. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai now have fairly complete systems. Chengdu, Xi’an, and Changsha have only one or two operational lines.

The subway is fast, punctual and comfortable. It’s also easy to navigate since there are English signs. It’s usually the fastest mode of transport compared to the bus or taxi.

The fare is usually around 2 to 4 CNY (US$0.30-0.60) for a single journey. Only on the longest distances or perhaps for going to an airport will the fare be more than US$1. Get a smart card from the ticket machines or windows. The card itself is refundable. No ID is needed.

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Internet in China

If you’re looking to stay connected, I recommend getting a prepaid SIM card at the airport. China Unicom has the best 3G/4G connections nationwide. You can order your SIM on their website but it needs to be delivered to an address in China. I got my China Unicom SIM card for around US$25 with 1GB of data.

The internet is heavily controlled in China and many sites and social media platforms (like Facebook) cannot be accessed there. One way to get around this censorship is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

It’s easy and cheap to subscribe to a VPN service before you leave home. You just need to connect to the VPN server when you’re in China to access internet freely. Read more about the best VPN for China.

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Language in China

The official language of China is Mandarin, but there are plenty of dialects spoken in China. Most people in China speak Mandarin and/or their dialect.

China travel can be challenging for some, as it can be difficult to find someone who speaks English. It can be overwhelming, so make sure you take your time to adjust to the culture shock.

Roads and buses only have Chinese signs and it is difficult to find your way around without knowing some Mandarin. Get the Google Translator app and download the Chinese language translation file to access it offline.

I speak Mandarin, making it easy for me to travel around China. It can be useful to learn some basics like “xiexie” (thank you), “nihao!” (hello) and “zaijian” (goodbye).

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Travel China Independently or on Guided Tour?

China is safe and relatively easy to travel around, but the language barrier can make some travelers feel isolated and unengaged.

I recommend traveling independently and booking day tours or interesting experiences along the way. That’s how I usually travel and it works well for me. For instance, a day tour to the Great Wall or a Chengdu nightlife foodie tour can be excellent ways to meet people and learn about the history of China.

If you’re not confident traveling China independently, check out this Essential China tour with G Adventures. The tour allows you to see all the areas I mentioned with a group of fun-loving travelers.

If you’re looking for more action, this China Active Adventure tour brings you off the beaten path and on an exciting trek. G Adventures is a Canadian adventure tour operator I’ve worked with many times and can highly recommend!

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Plan Your Trip to China

Any trip to China is an eye-opening adventure and an epic trip of a lifetime. I hope this China itinerary will give you the time of your life. Enjoy the journey! Leave a comment below if you have any questions for me.

If you’re planning to travel all over China, here are some other articles I’ve written that you might find helpful.

• 3 Days in Beijing Itinerary
• 5 Day Shanghai Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Xi’An
• World’s Tallest Buddha Statue: Leshan, China
• A Story on Rice Planting in Yangshuo, China
• Floating Above the Clouds in Mount Emei
• Tibet Travel Guide
• Hong Kong Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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