With a great 14 days in China travel itinerary, you can cover much of this ancient and vast country. From temples and chaotic streets, to historical sites and jagged mountains – China has something for every traveler.
By sticking to this 2-week itinerary if China, you’ll cover 6 unique cities, get some scenic views you’ll never forget and learn about the history of an amazing country.
So, why should you plan an itinerary for China? Simply because the country is HUGE. It’s the 4th largest in the world by size (9.5 million square kilometers) and the largest population, with over 1.3 billion residents.
Without this detailed 14 day travel itinerary of China, you could underestimate a travel distance and miss out on a highlight. We don’t want that.
If it’s your first time traveling here, I definitely recommend getting ready for the culture shock of China. Because it is very real.
So let’s get into this 14 day China itinerary for traveling.
Please note: Some links below are affiliate links. I earn a small amount through certain purchases you make, this does not increase the cost for you and helps support this site.
Who is this 14 day China itinerary for?
This 2 week itinerary of China is for travelers, whether new to the country or returning, looking to experience unforgettable sights in the country.
If you’re a budget-minded traveler, looking to see a lot in a short period of time, but don’t want to blow out your bank account, this 14 day China itinerary is likely for you.
This post will cover what to see in an ancient country, how long to spend in each city and the best, fastest and cheapest ways to cover this giant country.
I’d love to hear any suggestions, comments or questions about this China 2 week itinerary – so throw me a comment at the bottom of this post!
Let’s get into 2 weeks in China!
Days 1 to 4 – 4 days in Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is where this itinerary begins. While there are many international airports, starting at the capital makes sense – as there is plenty to see and do, that’s why I suggest 4 days in Beijing.
Home to roughly 21 million people (that’s 3 million less than all of Australia…in one city), Beijing can be chaotic. Booking tickets and tours can be confusing and overwhelming, it’s a faced paced metropolis, but it’s worth braving the hordes of humans to explore this city dating back thousands of years.
Wanting to book accommodation in Beijing? Here are the best hostels and hotels.
Day 1
Tianmen Square
Free to enter
Home to the Tianmen Square protests, that lead to a massacre, also known in China as the Fourth of July Incident in 1989.
While there are no plaques or commemorations about that day that these protests turned deadly and the Chinese army fired into the crowd, killing anywhere from hundreds to several thousand dead and countless others injured.
Right across the busy road is Beijing’s Forbidden City and one of Beijing’s most visited attractions.
Forbidden City
40 Chinese Yuan/ Renminbi/RMB ($5.70 USD)
You cant spend 4 days in Beijing and not see the Forbidden City. It attracts almost 17 million visitors annually and holds many important historical artifacts.
Built from 1406 to 1420, it was once the Chinese Imperial Palace during the Ming Dynasty. Inside these ancient city walls, the Palace Museum, which was opened to the public in 1925 is an amazing sight to see – all 980 buildings that make up the area.
Opening times are from 8:30am to 5pm and getting here early to beat the huge crowds is great advice. You can book your tickets online to save the lines.
Jingshan Park
2 RMB Entrance Fee ($.30 USD)
Jinshan Park is our next stop, and lies just to the north of the Forbidden City complex. Apart from the various history on display, visiting Jinshan Park gives a bird’s eye view over the Forbidden City to the south.
Before the park was open to the public in 1928, it was attached to the Forbidden City as a private imperial garden from 1271 to 1911.
For Jinshan Park, you’re able to see the Bell and Drum towers to the north and to the northwest, Beihai Park, our next stop.
Entrance to Jinshan Park is 6am to 9pm most days of the year.
Beihai Park
Free to enter the park grounds
Another name for Beihei Park is the Winter Palace, and once served as another imperial garden of the Forbidden City.
Jade Flower Island, yet another name for this church of land in Qianhai Lake, has many notable attractions. The White Pagoda (or White Tower) is a 40-meter struct on the islands highest point, a number of picturesque temples and pavilions scatter the small island.
Beihai Park is one of Beijing’s most relaxing strolls, and it’s easy to forget you’re walking in one of the world’s busiest city’s.
Beihei Park is open from 6:30am to 9pm at night
Day 2
Beijing Free Walking tour
Usually free, but tip isn’t included
One of my favorite things to do in all of China was the Beijing Free Walking Tour. Unfortunately, this tour isn’t currently running.
There are walking tours of Beijing that are budget-friendly and similar stops to those in the tour I experienced.
In the end, walking the ancient streets with a local is a perfect way to learn more about the city of Beijing.
Temple of Heaven
35 RMB Entrance fee ($5 USD)
Emporer Yongle had the Temple of Heaven built from 1406 to 1420, and the complex was extended in the 16th century. This place of worship in Beijing became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
This temple was the site of the Heaven Worship Ceremony during the Ming and Qing Dynasty. This circular building is truly an icon of China’s capital city.
The Temple of Heaven is open from 6am to 8pm at night, and can get quite busy during peak hours.
Lama Temple
20 RMB Entrance Fee ($3 USD)
This Palace of Peace and Harmony has the alternative name of Yonghe Temple, and its main building with the same name houses three bronze statues of Buddha.
Construction of this functioning Buddhist Temple began in 1694 and Was the living quarters of Emperor Yongzheng, and holds his coffin after his death.
It’s a brightly colored, lively temple that is a great place to visit with 2 weeks in China. Lama Temples opening hours are from 9am to 5pm.
Yuanming Yuan Park
25 RMB Entrance Fee ($3.50)
Also referred to as the Old Summer Palace (not to be confused with the Summer Palace), Yuanming Yuan Park is a complex of gardens built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
There is so much scenic beauty to be found around the paths of Yuanming Park in Beijing, as well as historical buildings. While the park is still a beautiful walk, much of the area is in ruins and many of the ancient artifacts can be found in museums throughout the world.
The parks opening hours is from 7am to 5pm.
Day 3
Jinshanling Great Wall of China day trip
I mean, what 2-week itinerary of China would be complete without visiting one of the most well known man-made structure in the entire world? A wall you can see from space, over 21,000 kilometers of stone and more than 2,000 years to get to where it is today.
You don’t need to spend months exploring the Great Wall of China to get a sense of how incredible it is. You don’t even have to dodge hordes of tourists – depending on what section you go to.
That’s why I suggest taking a day trip to Jinshanling Great Wall. It’s much quieter than other sections and the views are incredible.
You can check tour prices to Jinshanling here and book ahead of time. This will take most of your day, and it’s a pretty tiring day to be honest, but it’s well worth the effort!
Day 4
Summer Palace
30/60 RMB ($4 or $8 USD)
This Imperial Garden dates back to the Qing Dynasty, with Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, the complex takes up almost 3 square kilometers of Beijing.
Longevity Hill was made from the dirt excavated from Kunming Lake – both are man-made attractions in Beijing.
Considering Beijing’s Summer Palace a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden”, UNESCO designated the site a heritage location in 1998.
As you can imagine the views are incredible all around the Summer Palace. While the main gates open at 6:30, most attractions don’t open until 8:30am, the attraction closes at 6pm.
Summer Palace is located on the northwest outskirts of Beijing, and depending where you’re staying in Beijing, it can take a few trains to get to.
Ming Dynasty Tombs
Getting to Ming Dynasty Tombs takes around an hour, you’re looking at 49km journey through one of the world’s busiest city’s.
A number of Emporers during the Ming Dynasty are buried with this complex, hence the very literal name. Yongle Emperor was the first to select his burial site, and the following Emporers of the dynasty followed suit.
You can explore the “Spirit Way”, a 7km road that weaves through statues and important sites along the way. It’s a long, but beautiful walk through the history of Beijing and China itself.
You can always book a tour to Ming Dynasty Tombs, or take the subway line Changping Line to Changping Dongguan Station, and look for bus 314, which will get you within a few kilometers, but a taxi may cost more than you expect depending on your negotiating skills.
Ming Dynasty Tombs is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.
How to get from Beijing to Xi’an
In my mind, there are two ways to get from Beijing to Xi’an. After all, they are over 1,000km apart!
The first, catching the high-speed train from Being to Xi’an. The journey takes anywhere between 4.5 to 6 hours, and costs 520 RMB ($74 USD).
The second, is flying. For the most budget friendly option, your looking at 2 hrs and 10minutes long, roughly 420 RMB ($60 USD). Book your flights on Momondo or Skyscanner.
Days 5 to 6 – 2 days in Xi’an
With over 3,000 year of history, this ancient capital of China has plenty to offer every single traveler. It’s one of those cities that has history to be told as long as you can listen.
Clay warriors, ancient structures and fortifications, along with scenic views – let’s get into 2 days in Xi’an.
You can book the best hotels and hostels in Xian here.
Day 5
Terracotta Warriors – Emporer Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site
150 RMB ($21 USD)
When digging a well on his property, a farmer discovered a very unlikely treasure, an army of unique and massive proportions.
Buried with the first Emporer of China around 209-210 BCE, Qin Shi Huang created a lifesize replica of his forces, each with distinctive features. This would protect him in the afterlife.
Each unit has different attributes, from height, facial features and armor, depending on rank in the army. Three pits hold over 8,000 of these terracotta warriors, and some of the best-preserved figures, such as the kneeing archer, are on close up display.
You can take a day tour to Terracotta Warriors, or make your own way there during the hours 8:30am to 5pm.
Huaqing Pools
120 RMB ($17 USD)
These pools are roughly 25km to the east of Xi’an, but a popular place to explore hot springs in the area. You can have a walk around the buildings and lush greenery, while soaking in the warm water flowing from geothermal springs.
This is a popular place in Xi’an and escaping crowds won’t be easy, but it’s a beautiful place just outside the bustling city of Xi’an.
There’s also a cable car for an extra $35 USD that will take you to the top of the mountain. If you can, plan your visit to last until the spectacular light show that takes place after nightfall.
Opening hours for Huaqing Hot Spring is 7am to 7pm.
Xi’an Bell Tower and Drum Tower
10 RMB Entrance Fee, 10 RMB Drumming Performance ($1.50 USD each)
These two “sister buildings” of ancient China are located right next to each other, near the Muslim Quarter of the city (a great place to find something to eat).
If you’re visiting at night, they glow beautifully against the night skyline.
In ancient times, drums were played to keep marching pace and to warn of emergencies taking place.
They were constructed in 1380, under the Ming Dynasty Emporer Hongwu, and renovated twice since then.
While music performances are common in the Drum Tower (10 RMB), you can buy tickets online to reserve your spot, or pay when you get to the tower.
You can get in the Drum Tower and climb to the top for a great view of the Drumming performance, every hour from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Day 6
Great Mosque of Xi’an
25 RMB ($3.60 USD)
Inside the Xi’an Muslim Quarter, the largest mosque in China is an active place of worship, its architecturally, it’s pretty stunning.
Constructed in 742 in the Tang Dynasty, and added to over the next few Dynasty’s. While this mosque is the only one open to visitors in all of China, non-Muslim guests aren’t allowed in the main prayer hall.
Make sure to enjoy the quiet and lush surroundings of this unique attraction in Xi’an.
You can visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an during opening hours from 8am to 7pm.
Small wild Goose Pagoda
Free to enter most days
Built between 707 and 709 under the rule of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang Dynasty, It’s one of Xi’an’s two important pagodas (its big brother is next on this 2 days in Xi’an itinerary).
With fifteen ornate levels, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands at 43m tall – originally it was 45 meter, but an earthquake in 1556 knocked two meters from the top.
You can get a bird’s eye view from the top of the damaged pagoda, though there may be a line, as only 10 people can be up there at once. Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
50 RMB – an extra 30 RMB to climb the pagoda ($7 USD and $4.30 USD)
Xi’an’s Giant Goose Pagoda was built in 652 and repaired in 604, as well as 5 more stories added to the ancient pagoda. The same 1556 earthquake that damaged the Small Goose Pagoda caused 3 stories to collapse, until it was repaired again in 1964.
With ties to Buddha himself, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda sits on the Jianfu Temple Grounds.
Standing at 64m high, the Pagoda became a heritage listed site in 2014. You can visit this Xi’an icon from 8am to 5pm.
Fortifications of Xi’an
Free to visit the wall
One of Chinas biggest and best-preserved city walls, the ancient city walls of Xi’an was created as a military defenses system, and maintained throughout history.
Located at the end of the ancient silk road, it’s one of those historical sights that is fun to imagine the vast differences of the landscape back in the 14th century.
Currently, on a “tentative” UNESCO World Heritage Site list, it’s a great insight in ancient man-made structures that established security in ancient Xi’an.
While it is free to walk along the Xi’an City Walls, a great way to e explore more of the ancient stonework is via rented bicycle. A loop of the wall takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and costs 45 RMB ($6.40 USD) for three hours with the wheels.
How to get from Xi’an to Chengdu
Once again, there are two main ways to get from Xi’an to Chengdu. Train and plane.with a distance of 658km, taking a bus would take hours. And with only 2 weeks in China, it would soak up a lot of time.
A high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu takes 3.5-4 hours and costs 263 RMB ($38 USD) for the high speed train. For non-high speed trains, an overnight option is available.
You can also book a flight for this leg. Momondo and Skyscanner are my two trusted sites to book best airfares between Xian and Chengdu. Prices can be as low as 410 RMB ($58 USD).
Days 7 to 8 – 2 days in Chengdu
While Chengdu is mostly known for panda bears, the history of this city, home to 7.8 million people, has a lot more going on than most know.
Once the capital for the Shu Kingdom as early as the 4th Century B.C., it is now the capital city of the Sichuan Province of China.
2 Days in Chengdu is enough time to explore some truly amazing sights – as well as spend some time with some giant, fluffy black and white bears.
There are some great and budget-friendly hotels as well as hostels in Chengdu.
Day 7
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Pandas
55 RMB ($7.80 USD)
We begin 2 days in Chengdu with what the city is well known for – the Panda Research Base. With a focus on breeding in a naturally appearing environment, it’s as close as you can get to these endangered giant pandas.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Pandas is open from 7:30am to 5pm, and I suggest getting there early, as this is your best chance to see these unique bears active.
Beginning in 1987 with 6 giant pandas, by 2008 it had 124 newborn cubs and the population exploded to over 80 bears.
With the goal of “be a world-class research facility, conservation education center, and international educational tourism destination”, you can be assured you’re seeing these bears in a good environment.
Kuan, Jing and Zhai Alleys
Free to explore
Not only are these 3 parallel alleys in Chengdu lively, but it’s also a unique look into the past of the city.
Kuan Alley = Wide Alley. Dates back to 1644, with ancient teahouses and a lot of unique history to take in.
Jing Alley = Well Alley. Bringing modern Chengdu to life with food, music and art. While still a historical section of the city, it’s a busy place to explore.
Zhai Alley = Narrow Alley. This alley dives into the history of the native people who inhabited Chengdu. The atmosphere here is more laid back with a number of stalls and cafes.
All up, you can learn a lot from these three alleys that showcase both ancient and modern ways of life in Chengdu.
Chengdu Wu Hou Shrine
60 RMB ($8.50 USD)
This beautiful temple in Chengdu displays relics of the Three Kingdoms Period and heroes during that era, mainly Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei.
Built in 223 AD, millions of tourists visit Wu Hou Shrine each year to explore ancient Chinese architecture and lush gardens.
With multiple ornate entrance gates, Liu Bei Temple, Wuhou Temple, Sanyi Temple and gardens, there’s no shortage of memorable things to see.
Opening hours are from 8:30am to 5pm daily, and to beat the crowds, getting there early is a good idea.
Day 8
Today there’s a choice of day trip from Chengdu. Either Mount Qingcheng or the giant Buddha of Leshan.
Mount Qingcheng
Front Mountain RMB 80 ($11.40 USD) / Rear Mountain RMB 60 ($8.50 USD) / Crystal Cave RMB 10 ($1.40 USD) / Ten-Thousand Buddha Cave RMB 5 ($.70 USD)
If you’re looking for a scenic day hike in Chengdu, Mount Qingcheng is where you need to go. One of China’s most well known mountains, as it’s considered one of the birthplaces of Taoism.
On the mountains highest peak, you’ll notice Laojun Pavilion, at 1,260 meters high. Along the route there’s a number of Temples and Palaces to explore, as well as soaking the natural beauty of the area.
History of the area dates all the way back to the year 25, and at only 88km (1.5 hour drive) from Chengdu, a good chunk of your day can be used to explore the trails around Mount Qingcheng.
If you want the views, but don’t want to walk, there’s a cable car for 35 RMB one-way (60 RMB return).
Opening hours of Mount Qingcheng are from 8am to 5pm.
Leshan Giant Buddha
90 RMB ($12.80 USD)
The word ‘giant’ is no exaggeration. In fact, this stone statue, carved into the side of a mountain, is the largest statue in the world depicting Buddha.
At 71 meters tall, this 8th Century creation was carved from Xijuo Peak, overlooking the confluence of the Dadu, Qingyi and Minjiang Rivers – the idea was that this Buddha would oversee these rivers and help calm the waters.
Construction began in 713, but halted due to lack of funds, until it was finally completed in the year of 803.
You can walk the steep staircase, or spend another 30 RMB to view the Leshan Giant Buddha from the river on a boat.
The Leshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area is located 1 hour and 50 minutes (166km) south of Chengdu.
Chengdu to Zhangjiajie
Once again, the distance of 880 kilometers means taking a bus would be almost 12 hours of solid driving. That’s why I’m suggesting to either fly or catch an overnight train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie.
For the second option, the overnight train from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie is a little more difficult than other routes. For all the information you’ll need to make the journey a breeze, that post is where you need to go.
Momondo and Skyscanner are great places to check for cheap flights between the two popular cities. Flights between these two cities in China can be a little steep.
Days 9 to 10 – 2 days in Zhangjiajie
The city of Zhangjiajie is a base for many travelers to explore natural wonders in the Hunan Province. Home to 1.4 million people, it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle and see some unforgettable sights around the city.
With 2 days in Zhangjiajie, you can explore the city itself, summit a holy mountain and explore the jagged karsts in lush jungle.
Day 9
Tianmen Mountain Day trip
258 RMB ($36.50 USD)
With a peak of 1,519 meters, Tianman Mountain is a popular place to explore plenty of walking trails, glass-bottom bridges and some incredible views.
You can find a whole day-trip Tianmen Mountain walkthrough to learn all you need to know about this adventure.
For a short run down, taking the world’s longest trans-mountain cable car to the summit of Tianmen Mountain, where you get beautiful views. You can work your way through the winding trails to temples and the 999 steps, leading to a giant chunk of cliff missing, creating “Heavens Gateway”
You don’t even have to leave Zhangjiajie to travel to Tianmen Mountain, as the cable car leaves from the city.
This unforgettable experience is open from 8am to 6pm – and to beat the crowds, being first in line at the cable car (or bus station up the 99 bend road) is a great idea.
Day 10
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of my personal highlights of China, and it should high on your list. It is stunning.
There is an hour long shuttle bus from Zhangjiajie city to Wulingyuan village, where the main entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area).
These jagged karats, thrusting out of the overgrown jungle, is one of those sights that needs to be seen to believed. It’s incredible.
Said to be the inspiration for the blockbuster film “Avatar”, the landscape can only be described as other-worldly. That means it’s a busy destination, especially the most popular viewpoints.
To beat much of the crowds, I suggest staying in the city of Wulingyuan itself, as you can get up nice and early to be first there. Here’s a great budget hostel. There are some much less visited sights around the park – some overgrown trails that no one seems to use.
While you can take the Bailong Elevator to the summit, walking these trails (and the much quieter paths) will give you some rights to write home about, and maybe even come into contact with monkeys.
How to get from Zhangjiajie to Guilin
With a bus taking up to 9.5 hours, an overnight option is a decent choice to cover the 580km.
Another option is China’s well-connected rail system. There is no direct train for Zhangjiajie to Guilin. Most stop over in either Changsha or Hengyang and take anywhere from 9-12 hours.
If you’re looking at an overnight transport option, trains are usually easier to have a decent sleep on than buses.
One option is flying from Zhangjiajie to Guilin and takes around 9 hours if a stopover is needed, but there is a direct flight that cuts that travel time to one hour.
Days 11 to 12 – 2 days in Guilin
There are a number of amazing sight in the city of Guilin itself, but I think the beauty of the area lies around the outskirts of the city.
From ancient rice fields to a dramatic landscape of rivers and mountains, the area around Guilin is incredible. With 2 days in Guilin, we can cover a few great attractions and memorable viewpoints.
Day 11
Longsheng Rice Terraces Day Trip
80 RMB for entrance fee ($11.50 USD)
A day trip to Longji Rice Terraces is one of the most popular things to do in Guilin with 2 days. The scenic viewpoints if rolling green hills and Rice fields are beautiful.
While that link above will go into much more detail, there are two main sections of the Longsheng Rice Terraces, as its alternatively known.
Ping’an Zhuang Village Fields and Jinkeng Red Yao Fields. Zhuang and Yao are the two main minorities that call this area home, and have their separate village.
While you can get some stunning views at each of the villages, the walk between them is just as incredible. Construction began all the way back in the Yuan Dynasty and continued through to the Qing Dynasty.
Depending on what season you’re visiting, you could get lush green, flooded pool or snow covered terraces – it’s a gorgeous view no matter the time of year.
A nickname for these Terraces is the “Dragons Backbone” and one look at the lines cascading down the hills, it’s easy to picture the scales of a dragon.
You can book a day tour to Longji Rice Terraces easily online and a great way to plan ahead.
Day 12
Li River Day Trip
Cost of the trip varies
This 164km stretch of water runs to the east of Guilin, but its dramatic landscapes make the Li River or Li Jiang, a great day trip from Guilin.
Along the course of the Li River are a number of specific sights to admire, with the Reed Flute Cave, Seven Star Park and Elephant Trunk Hill being just a few points of interest to visit.
Both Guilin and Yangshou hold beautiful karst spires with a peaceful river flowing at its base.
Of course, a day trip to Li River is possible but if you’re looking to really soak in the stunning sights, you can also stay overnight.
How to get from Guilin to Shanghai
The distance between Guilin and Shanghai is larger than some whole countries – 1150 kilometers! This means, as with other transit legs in this 2 weeks in China itinerary, flying or training is your best option to cover the immense distance.
Booking a flight from Guilin to shanghai will see you cover the distance in just under 2.5 hours, and cost roughly 320 RMB ($45 USD).
You can also take a train to Shanghai from Guilin, a high-speed train journey lasts around 9.5 hours and will set you back 660 RMB ($94 USD).
Judging by the price and time difference, I’d say catching another flight is worth it to save on time and money.
Days 13 to 14 – 2 days in Shanghai
With a population of 24 million people, Shanghai is the countries, and the entire worlds largest city. Being so populated, you may think it would be difficult to enjoy such a chaotic city, but with 2 days in Shanghai, there’s a lot to see.
Shanghai has gained the nickname “Oriental Paris”, with its modern skyline with historical roots on display.
Shanghai has been a city all the way back to 1291 in the Yuan Dynasty, and travelers flock to its bustling streets for some unique attractions.
Day 13
Yu Garden
40 RMB ($5.70)
We begin our 2 days in shanghai to the northeast of the Old City, at Yu Garden.
This Chinese Garden lies next to the City God Temple and its main piece is the Jade Rock, a 5-tonne rock that’s 3.3 meters wide.
Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1559, it became so expensive that it bankrupted its creator, Pan Yunduan.
While the Yu Gardens was declared a Nation Monument in 1982, it had suffered damage many times throughout history.
You can visit this garden as early as 8am and closes at 5pm nightly.
Shanghai Tower
180 RMB ($25 USD)
Opening from 8:30am to 9:30pm, the Shanghai Tower shares the record of the highest observation tower inside a building at 562meters high. The peak is 632 meters tall.
You’ll shoot up the stunning viewpoint, over half a kilometers off the earth’s surface in the world’s second-fastest elevator – 74km/ph.
This towering skyscraper that dominates the skyline is used for a wide range of purposes, from hotels, offices and tourism.
Tianzifang Neighborhood
Free to explore the streets
This tight network of alleyways is a popular attraction in Shanghai. It is lined with Unique Shikumen architecture and art. A very beautiful stroll through the concrete labyrinth.
In the 20th century, cheap rent attracted all sorts of artists and the neighborhood reflects that to this day.
Fast forward to today, it is now one of Shanghai’s most expensive areas – with cafes, craft stores and a range of other outlets.
You can visit this street any time of the day or night, seeing it never closes.
The Bund
Shanghai’s most well known streets, The Bund has had an important history throughout the city’s life.
Stretching along the Huangpu River shoreline, many of the city’s most famous building is on display. Walking this long strip at sunset can give some beautiful city-scape views over the skyscraper skyline.
The area got its roots through a legally protected port from 1860 and housed many of the wealthy families in Shanghai.
Day 14
Jade Buddha Temple
20 RMB (+10 RMB to see the Jade Buddhas ($3 and $4 USD)
This Buddhist Temple gets its name fro. 2 Jade Buddhas from Myanmar back in 1882. Today there’s also a much larger marble recycling Buddha Statue.
The main points of interest in the Jade Buddha Temple is the Great Hall and its many statues, Chamber of Four Heavenly Kings and the Jade Buddha Chamber.
For a tasty lunch, the restaurant in this temple sells bowls of noodles for 5 RMB.
Fuxing Park
This popular Shanghai Park is created in French style, with fountains, lakes, pavilions and flower beds to stroll around.
Main points of interest include the Lotus Pond, Rockery (artificial hill) and rose garden. You can get to this park via South Huangpi Road Station and walk a few hundred meters.
The park is open from 6am to 6pm, and it can be a quiet place to relax and take in nature in a busy city.
Nanjing Shopping Street
Free to explore
Stretch 5km, and containing over 600 shops and business, all the way from The Bund to Jing’an Temple, Najing Shopping Street is one of the busiest in the world.
From historically valuable to shops to multi level shopping malls, theaters and hotels, this ancient road dates back to the Qing Dynasty.
Jing’an Temple is at one end of this shopping street and is open from 7:30am to 5pm and a great place to visit if you have the time.
Most shops are open from 10am to 10pm and most restaurants will be packed with guests during lunch and dinner rushes.
Best ways to travel around China
China is enormous in size. It really is. If you took notice of how far the cities are apart, then you’ll be aware that if you want to cover a lot of China, you need to get around fast.
There were two ways I see to get around China fast and efficiently.
The first one is pretty obvious, flying. Catching a flight covers a lot of ground and quickly. While you’re covering sometimes thousands of kilometers to fly domestically in China, the budget airlines make it a little more budget-friendly.
You can check the best flight prices at Momondo and Skyscanner.
The second is option is trains. China has a pretty amazing rail network. These trains can reach up to speed of 350km an hour. So in just a few hours, you can cover over 1000km.
To save even more time, many routes in China are offered overnight. Meaning you sleep on the train and you wake up in a totally different part of the country.
Booking trains in China can be pretty difficult, at least that’s what I found. You’re better off standing in line at the station to book ahead. Be prepared for some decent waiting times.
What to do with more than 2 weeks in China
Do you have more than 14 days in China? Well there’s a couple of suggestions of other cities to visit in China, if you have the time.
If you’d rather spend more time in a location mentioned above, having another day or two spare in China is a great option to either be less rushed or see some other great sights around this enormous country.
Both Suzhou and Hangchou City could be done in a packed day-trip, but staying overnight isn’t a bad option if you have the time to spare in China.
Visit Suzhou City
One of Chinas most popular cities for tourists isn’t really well known.
With beautiful water towns, a number of ancient gardens, culture and a unique cuisine, Suzhou City is one of those places to visit if you have a little extra than 2 weeks in China.
Where is Suzhou City?
Suzhou is the neighboring city to the west of Shanghai.
Driving between the two cities would take about 1.5hours for the 100km journey. Suzhou is located near the eastern coastline of China.
So what are the best things to see in Suzhou?
- Humble Administrators Garden – split into three smaller sections, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful stroll around a Chinese garden.
- Lake Tai – One of China’s largest freshwater lakes, Lake Tai, or Lake Taihu, is a place to have a relaxing walk when the city streets are becoming a little too hard to bear.
- Lingering Garden – a classical Chinese Garden built in the 16th Century. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s another tranquil place to explore.
Visit Hangchou City
This ancient city is where the Grand Canal’s southern point was, it leads all the way to Beijing. From ancient pagodas to endless romantic lakes, Hangchou is another great place to visit in China with 2 weeks.
Where is Hangchou City
Hangchou is 2 hours south of Suzhou City (160km) and south west of Shanghai (170km).
What are the best things to see in Hangchou?
- West Lake – one of the most romantic spots in Hangchou. A sunset (or sunrise) can be a beautiful sight of the calm waters.
- Lingyin Temple – built in 326 AD at the foot of Lingyin Mountain. One of the wealthiest Buddhist Temples in all of China, containing a number of pagodas and buildings in its complex.
- Xixi National Wetland Park – This watery wetland park is a perfect escape from the busy Hangchou streets and exploring these waterways on electric boat is a great way to explore the wetlands.
14 days in China itinerary for travel summary
With a great 14 days in China travel itinerary, you can cover a lot of ground over the planet’s 4th largest country by landmass.
From the bustling streets of Beijing to the jagged peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – there are some unforgettable sights to see with 14 days in China.
What do you think should or shouldn’t be in this 2 week China itinerary? What tips did I miss that are important to first time travelers to China?
Please tell me all about your opinion in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, please share it to social media – and don’t forget your 8-page travel planning resource for free!
Thanks for reading!
Happy and safe travels,
Ben – Horizon Unknown
