Traveling to China, if you are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, or the 30-day visa-free policy, you can visit China for visa-free. For an 8-day China itinerary, you'll want to focus on a combination of the most iconic and diverse destinations, balancing historical landmarks, modern cities, and natural beauty. Staying in China for 8 days, it is recommended that you visit 3-4 cities in China. Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai are classic route for 8 days itinerary in China. And Shanghai and its surrounding cities are also recommended for 8-day itinerary in China.
This 8-day China itinerary offers a fantastic mix of the ancient and modern, from the historical landmarks in Beijing and Xi'an to the dynamic urban life in Shanghai.
Recommended Tour: 8 Days Classic China Tour
Day 1-Day 4 Beijing
Day 5-Day 6 Xi’an
Day 7-Day 8 Shanghai
What you must see in Beijing is the Great Wall. There are several sections of the Great Wall in Beijing like Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall and Jinshanling Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall is recommended because it is good for families, well-preserved, spectacular and less crowded.
Every tourist to Xi’an will visit the Terracotta Army, which is called the eighth wonder in the world. The vivid warriors and horses are worth visiting in Xi’an.
An 8-day itinerary covering Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing will give you a wonderful mix of China’s modern city life, classical gardens, historic landmarks, and scenic beauty. These cities are relatively close to each other, making for easy travel by high-speed rail.
Recommended Tour: 8 Days China Yangtze River Delta In-depth Discovery
Day 1-Day 3 Nanjing
Day 4: Suzhou
Day 5-Day 6 Hangzhou
Day 7-Day 8 Shanghai
In Nanjing, you can visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, which is not only a significant historical site but also a beautiful park with stunning views of Nanjing. You can walk along parts of the Nanjing City Wall(Zhonghua Gate) and explore the gates and watchtowers, which provide a glimpse into the Nanjing’s defense system. Nanjing Salted Duck is worth trying when you visit Nanjing.
Suzhou is renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, which are some of the finest and most well-preserved examples of traditional Chinese garden design. These gardens reflect the harmonious relationship between nature and human creativity, and they have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Suzhou is also known as its water town, where you can experience the beauty of Jiangnan(south of the Yangtze River).
Hangzhou is also a famous city near Shanghai. There are many famous and beautiful scenes in the West Lake like three pools mirroring the moon, broken bridge, Su Causeway and Yang Causeway, Leifeng Pagoda, etc. Also, you can burn incense and worship at the Lingyin Temple. Wuzhen water town is also a good destination near Hangzhou.
Shanghai is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in China, known for its fusion of historical landmarks and futuristic skyscrapers, making it a fascinating destination for travelers. The Bund is Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront area, offering a stunning view of the city's skyline across the Huangpu River. There are some famous buildings in Shanghai like Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, where you can have a panoramic view of Shanghai.
Sichuan is also a good destination for an 8-day itinerary. As the hometown of giant pandas and hotpot, Sichuan is a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and distinctive cuisine. From breathtaking mountain ranges and lush valleys to ancient historical sites and vibrant local traditions, Sichuan offers a diverse array of experiences for travelers.
Recommended Tour: 8 Days Highlight Sichuan Tour
Day 1-Day 2 Chengdu
Day 3-Day 4 Jiuzhai Valley
Day 5: Chengdu
Day 6: Leshan
Day 7: Emei
Day 8: Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a lively city with a mix of modernity and traditional culture. It is also the gateway for exploring Sichuan. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Chengdu is famous for being the home of the Giant Panda. The Panda Base offers visitors a chance to see pandas in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts.
Jiuzhaigou Valley(Nine Villages Valley) is a magical nature reserve, famous for its multi-colored lakes, waterfalls, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for nature lovers.
The Leshan Giant Buddha (Leshan Dafo), located in Leshan City in Sichuan Province, is one of China's most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks. It is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at a height of 71 meters (233 feet). The statue has become a symbol of both Buddhist culture and China's remarkable historical architecture.
Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. The area is home to numerous temples, monastic settlements, and scenic spots.
An 8-day tour of Chengdu and Chongqing is an excellent way to explore two of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in southwestern China. Both cities are famous for their unique blend of ancient history, modern development, vibrant culture, and, of course, Sichuan cuisine.
Recommended Tour: 8 Days Chengdu to Chongqing In-depth Tour
Day 1-Day 2 Chengdu
Day 3: Leshan
Day 4: Emei
Day 5: Chongqing
Day 6: Wulong
Day 7-Day 8 Chongqing
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (also known as the Chengdu Panda Base) is one of the most popular and significant places to visit in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, offering visitors an opportunity to observe cute giant pandas up close while learning about panda conservation efforts.
At Leshan, you can climb to see the Leshan Giant Buddha closely, and you can also take the boat to view the large Leshan Giant Buddha.
Wulong is a stunning natural destination located in Chongqing Municipality, China, famous for its dramatic karst landscapes, caves, natural bridges, and lush green valleys. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the South China Karst area, which is known for its unique geological formations created over millions of years. Wulong is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience some of China’s most spectacular scenery.
Dazu Rock Carvings are one of the most significant and impressive examples of Chinese Buddhist rock art and sculptures, renowned for their sheer scale, artistic detail, and historical significance.
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