14 Days in China

Quick Answer

With 14 days in China, use the classic route: Beijing -> Xi'an -> Chengdu -> Shanghai. It gives you ancient capitals, high-speed rail, Sichuan food, pandas, and modern China without turning the trip into a race.

This is the best first-trip route if you want more than Beijing and Shanghai but still want the logistics to stay manageable.

Route Overview

• Days 1-4: Beijing
• Days 5-6: Xi'an
• Days 7-10: Chengdu
• Days 11-14: Shanghai

Fly into Beijing and out of Shanghai if possible. That avoids backtracking.

Days 1-4: Beijing

Day 1 — Arrival

Keep the first day light. Check in, test mobile data and payments, and walk near the hotel.

Day 2 — Forbidden City + Jingshan

Book the Forbidden City in advance. Add Jingshan Park afterward for the palace view.

Day 3 — Great Wall

Use Mutianyu for the easiest first-time Great Wall day. Arrange transport in advance.

Day 4 — Temple of Heaven + Hutongs

Use this as a slower Beijing day before leaving. Good additions include Lama Temple, Beihai Park, or a hutong food walk.

Days 5-6: Xi'an

Take a high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North.

Day 5 — City Wall + Muslim Quarter

Arrive, check in, and spend the afternoon on Xi'an City Wall. Go to the Muslim Quarter in the evening for food and atmosphere.

Day 6 — Terracotta Warriors

Visit the Terracotta Warriors as a half- to full-day trip. Use a reputable transfer or day tour if you want to reduce logistics.

Days 7-10: Chengdu

Take the high-speed train from Xi'an North to Chengdu East.

Day 7 — Arrive + Sichuan Food

Keep the arrival day food-focused. Chengdu is a good place to slow down.

Day 8 — Panda Base + People's Park

Visit the panda base early in the morning. Later, go to People's Park or a teahouse.

Day 9 — Leshan or City Day

Choose Leshan Giant Buddha as a day trip, or stay in Chengdu for temples, food, and neighborhoods.

Day 10 — Buffer Day

Use this day for a food tour, museum, or a slower recovery day. Two-week trips work better when they include one buffer.

Days 11-14: Shanghai

Fly or take a long high-speed train to Shanghai.

Day 11 — Arrive in Shanghai

Check in and walk the Bund in the evening.

Day 12 — Yu Garden + Old City + Bund

Visit Yu Garden early, then use the afternoon for the Bund or a museum.

Day 13 — French Concession + Modern Shanghai

Use this day for neighborhoods, shopping streets, cafes, and Lujiazui skyline views.

Day 14 — Departure

Leave plenty of time for Pudong or Hongqiao airport transfer.

Optional Extension

If you want a deeper route, add Yunnan after Chengdu and remove some Shanghai time. Do not add Yunnan without at least four extra days; distances are real and the best parts reward slower travel.

What to Book Ahead

• Forbidden City.
• Great Wall transport.
• Beijing-Xi'an train.
• Xi'an-Chengdu train.
• Chengdu-Shanghai flight or train.
• Panda Base tickets or transport.
• Hotels in all cities.

Related setup guides

• 10 Days in China — shorter version of the classic route.
• How to Buy China Train Tickets — this itinerary depends on rail planning.
• Yunnan Travel Guide — best deeper southwest extension.