These are common patterns suggested by travelers in r/travelchina and r/chinatravel. Use them as starting points and adjust to your pace.
General pacing
- Many travelers warn that too many cities in a short trip feels rushed.
- A frequent suggestion is to stay 3-4 nights per major city, then add one nature stop.
7-10 days (classic mix)
- Beijing + Xi’an + Shanghai
10-12 days (balanced pace)
- Beijing (3) + Xi’an (3) + Shanghai (3), plus transfer days
10-14 days (add one nature stop)
- Beijing + Xi’an + Chengdu + Shanghai
- Beijing + Xi’an + Zhangjiajie + Guilin or Yangshuo
2 weeks, faster pace
- Beijing + Chongqing + Chengdu + Xi’an + Pingyao (often described as rushed)
Tips from the community:
- Cluster cities by geography to reduce long transfer days.
- Use high speed rail for medium distances and flights for longer jumps.
Source note: compiled from itinerary feedback threads in r/travelchina and r/chinatravel.