16 Days Itinerary in China: Recommended Itineraries

Planing a 16-day itinerary to China, there are many alternatives for you. To explore the long history of China, you can visit Beijing, Xi’an and Luoyang to experience the atmosphere of the ancient capitals. If you like the diverse landform of China, you can visit Yardang, Danxia and Karst landform in Guilin, Zhangye and northwestern parts of China. To taste the delicious foods of China, you can visit Guangzhou, Changsha, Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai to experience the diverse cuisines of China. To witness the natural beauty of China, you can visit Yunnan, Sichuan, Jiuzhai Valley, Zhangjiajie and Suzhou to feel the different kinds of beauty of China. No matter what views you are chasing, China has somewhere for you.

 

16 Days China Tour with Most Highlights

Recommended Tour: 16 Days China Highlight Tour
Day 1-Day 4 Beijing
Day 5-Day 6 Xi’an
Day 7-Day 8 Chengdu
Day 9-Day 10 Guilin
Day 11-Day 12 Hangzhou
Day 13-14 Suzhou
Day 15-Day 16 Shanghai

In this tour, you can explore the historical cities including Beijing and Xi’an, scenic cities like Guilin, Hangzhou and Suzhou, panda hometown Chengdu and modern Shanghai.

In Beijing, you will have chance to explore the highlights of Beijing including the sections of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, hutong and Peking Roast Duck. No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall. You can explore sections like Mutianyu or Badaling, where you can hike along the Wall and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Great Wall is a powerful symbol of China’s ancient history and its determination to protect its empire. As the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City is a must-visit for anyone interested in China’s imperial past. With its stunning architecture and vast collection of historical artifacts, the Forbidden City offers a fascinating look into the life of China’s royal family.

Xi'an is the birthplace of Chinese civilization and the starting point of the Silk Road. Xi'an takes you back to the ancient Tang, Han, and Qin Dynasties, offering a broader view of China’s ancient empire. The thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, showcase the grandeur of ancient China’s military might and artistry. Shaanxi History Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including bronze wares, ceramics, and other relics from the Shang, Zhou, and Tang Dynasties.

Being the home to giant pandas, Chengdu is a famous city in China with its panda bases, Sichuan Cuisine and Sichuan Opera. Boasting Wuhou Shrine, Du Fu Thatched Cottage and Jinsha Museum, Chengdu has some historical landmarks. To experience the relaxed atmosphere of Chengdu, you can taste a cup of tea at the People’s Park. You can also watch a face-changing performance in Chengdu. Known as its spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, you can try hotpot, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and dandan noodles and other Sichuan cuisines in Chengdu.

The jagged peaks rising dramatically from Guilin create one of China’s most iconic vistas. The Li River(Li Jiang) winds through the rolling mountains, with its emerald waters and lush surroundings. The Li River Cruise offers a chance to immerse yourselves in the dramatic karst peaks, quiet riverside villages, and lush greenery. As typical karst landform, you can enjoy the stunning mountains and rivers, caves and idyllic countryside in Guilin. By the way, Guilin’s terraces are breathtaking in different seasons with lush greenery, golden rices and white snow. In the beautiful surroundings, you can experience cruising, cycling, hiking and bamboo rafting.

Boasting West Lake, Hangzhou is a city of natural beauty, tranquility and tea culture. West Lake is always beautiful with pagodas, temples, bridges, causeways and lake, where you can hike or take a boat on the lake. At the tea plantation, you can tip tea leaves, know about the history of tea culture and the process of tea making. By the way, burn incense and worship at Lingyin Temple is a good choice in Hangzhou.

With classical gardens, silk heritage and the Grand Canal, Suzhou is a historical and tranquil garden city. The classical gardens in Suzhou reflect the harmony between nature and human architecture, feature ponds, rock formations, pavilions, and delicate plants and create a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment. Suzhou has a long history of silk production, dating back over 2,000 years. If you like high-quality silk products, from clothing to accessories, you can get some as souvenirs for families and friends.

As China’s modern metropolis, mixing a fusion of East and West, Shanghai is a fast-paced global metropolis with a striking modern skyline. Shanghai represents China’s rapid modernization, with towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture alongside traditional buildings. The highlights of Shanghai includes the Bund, the futuristic Lujiazui district, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and Yuyuan Garden. The Bund showcases Shanghai's colonial past, blending Western and Chinese architectural styles.

 

16 Days China Tour with Silk Road

Recommended Tour: 16 Days Marco Polo Silk Road Tour
Day 1- Day 3 Beijing
Day 4 Urumqi
Day 5 Kashgar
Day 6 Turpan
Day 8-Day 11 Dunhuang
Day 12 Jiayu Pass
Day 13-Day 14 Xi’an
Day 15-Day 16 Shanghai

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, offering diverse cultures and stunning landscapes. located near Urumqi in the Tianshan Mountains, Tianhu Lake, also known as Heavenly Lake or Tian Chi, is famous for its stunning alpine beauty andcrystal-clear waters surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Xinjiang International Bazaar is a bustling market full of colorful stalls, fragrant spices, traditional Uyghur clothing, and local handicrafts. the Museum of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region houses a wide range of exhibits, from ancient Silk Road relics to displays on Uyghur culture and history. Karez irrigation system is one of the oldest and most ingenious water systems in the world.

Kashgar has been an essential hub on the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Withnarrow alleyways, traditional mud-brick houses and bustling markets, Kashgar Old Town is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China, offering a glimpse into life along the Silk Road. Karakol Lake is a serene alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Dunhuang is a vital stop along the ancient Silk Road. The murals inside the Mogao Caves depict religious scenes, daily life, and historical events, offering an incredible window into Buddhist art and culture over 1,000 years. Located in the Gobi Desert, Dunhuang offers surreal landscapes, from the towering sand dunes of Mingsha Mountain to the beautiful Crescent Moon Lake. Dunhuang Yardang, located in the western Gansu Province, is another remarkable natural wonder in Dunhuang.