These easy-to-use China itineraries help you find the best things to do in China—featuring ancient wonders, dynastic palaces, giant pandas, street food feasts, and timeless villages.
Ready for your dream China vacation? From the Great Wall’s rugged ridges to the karst peaks of Guilin, the Forbidden City’s imperial grandeur to Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, this guide outlines the ultimate China itinerary.
Want to make your China trip even more special? Learn a few Mandarin phrases before you go
- Beijing: Ancient meets modern in the capital—walk the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, and feast on legendary Peking duck.
- Shanghai: A skyline like no other—East meets West with futuristic towers, colonial waterfronts, and endless cosmopolitan energy.
- Xi’an: Ancient capital and gateway to the Terracotta Army—where dynasties, dumplings, and old city walls still reign
- Guilin & Yangshuo: Surreal karst mountains, bamboo rafting, and rural river scenes that look straight out of a painting.
- Chengdu: The laid-back home of spicy hot pot, teahouse culture, and the world-famous giant pandas.
- Hangzhou: A romantic retreat with poetic West Lake, ancient temples, and the aroma of fresh-dragon well tea.
- Zhangjiajie: The otherworldly inspiration for Avatar, with towering sandstone pillars, glass skywalks, and floating mountains.
- Lijiang: Cobblestone lanes, Naxi culture, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain make this old town feel like a time capsule.
- Suzhou: The “Venice of the East,” known for its classical gardens, ancient canals, and silk-making history.
- Harbin: A frozen wonderland in winter—home to the world-famous Ice and Snow Festival with giant illuminated sculptures.
- Sanya (Hainan Island): China’s tropical escape with white sands, luxury resorts, and swaying palms in the South China Sea.
- Dunhuang: Where desert meets art—explore ancient Buddhist caves, camel rides in the sand dunes, and Silk Road mystery.
- Qingdao: A coastal city with German colonial charm, beer festivals, and golden beaches—where east meets the Alps.
- Tibet (Lhasa): High-altitude magic with snowy peaks, sacred monasteries, and the spiritual calm of the Potala Palace.
- Hong Kong: A dazzling global city with jungle-covered peaks, neon-lit streets, world-class shopping, and dim sum for days.
💡 China Tips
- Download essential apps: Apps like WeChat (for messaging & payments) or Baidu Maps are convenient, though be aware of internet restrictions (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many Western sites may be blocked)
- Cashless is king: Mobile payments (especially WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate — consider a tourist-friendly option or get a local SIM.
- Carry your passport: You’ll often need it for hotels, train travel, and even some tourist attractions.
- Learn a few Mandarin basics: Phrases like “xièxiè” (thank you) and “nǐ hǎo” (hello) go a long way.
- Use high-speed trains: China’s train network is vast, fast, and affordable — a great way to travel between major cities.
- Toilets may be squat-style: Carry tissues and hand sanitizer, especially when traveling outside major cities.
- Tipping is not common: It’s not expected in most places — sometimes even refused.
- Respect dining customs: Sharing dishes, using serving spoons (if provided), and not sticking chopsticks upright in rice are good etiquette.
- Tap water may not be safe to drink: Always boil or buy bottled water.
- Don’t rely on English: Translation apps or phrasebooks are useful, especially in rural or non-tourist areas.
- Expect crowds: Tourist sites can be packed, especially during national holidays — try visiting early or off-season.
🇨🇳 China Menu
- Peking Duck (Beijing): Crispy roasted duck carved tableside and served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
- Xiao Long Bao (Shanghai): Delicate soup dumplings filled with pork and hot broth.
- Mapo Tofu (Sichuan): Silky tofu in a spicy, numbing chili-bean sauce with minced pork and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Hot Pot (Chongqing / Sichuan): A communal meal where meats, veggies, and noodles are cooked in bubbling, spicy broth.
- Dim Sum (Guangdong): A variety of bite-sized dishes like dumplings, buns, and rolls — typically enjoyed with tea.
- Kung Pao Chicken (Sichuan): Stir-fried chicken with peanuts, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) (Guangdong): Sweet, smoky roast pork with a signature red glaze.
- Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat or seafood — a staple comfort food.
- Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles (Gansu): Chewy wheat noodles served in clear beef broth with herbs and chili oil.
- Sweet and Sour Pork (Cantonese-style): Crispy pork coated in a glossy, tangy sauce with pineapple and peppers.
- Jianbing (Northern China): A savory breakfast crepe filled with egg, herbs, and crunchy crisps — often sold by street vendors.
- Wontons in Chili Oil (Sichuan): Soft dumplings drenched in a spicy, garlicky red oil.
- Zha Jiang Mian (Beijing): Noodles with a thick soybean paste sauce, often mixed with diced pork and vegetables.
- Tea: From green tea in Hangzhou to pu-erh in Yunnan, Chinese tea culture is rich, regional, and deeply tied to daily life.
📅 China Calendar
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) (January–February, Nationwide): Fireworks, dragon dances, and massive family reunions
- Harbin Ice & Snow Festival (January–February, Harbin): Massive ice castles and sculptures light up the frozen north
- Lantern Festival (15 days after Lunar New Year): Glowing lanterns and rice balls to mark the end of the New Year period
- Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) (April): Families honor ancestors by cleaning graves and offering food
- Canton Fair (April & October, Guangzhou): China’s largest international trade show
- Labor Day (May 1, Nationwide): A major travel time with national celebrations and local events
- Dragon Boat Festival (June, Nationwide): Zongzi rice dumplings and high-speed boat races on rivers
- Double Seventh Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) (August, Nationwide): Celebrates love story of the cowherd and weaver girl
- Harbin Music Festival (August, Harbin): Classical and folk music in historic concert halls and parks
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October): Lanterns, family meals, and mooncakes under the full moon
- National Day Golden Week (October 1–7): A week-long holiday with parades, fireworks, and heavy domestic travel
- Chongyang Festival (Double Ninth Festival) (October): Climbing mountains and honoring elders across China
- Guangzhou International Light Festival (November, Guangzhou): Dazzling light installations along the Pearl River