How to Plan 15 Days Itinerary in China

When it comes to travel to China, we will consider how long to stay in China. How long to stay in China depends on the length of your vacation or the places you want to visit in China. Generally speaking, 2 weeks is enough for a classic China tour. To stay in China for 14 days to 15 days, you can visit 4-5 cities in China. How to plan 15 days itinerary in China? This article can give you some optional routes for your reference.

Where to Visit and Hong Long to Stay

Beijing(4 Days)

Beijing is the capital of China, as well as a historical and cultural city in China. Boasting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, etc, there are many places worth visiting in Beijing. In Beijing, you can know about the imperial history of Ming and Qing dynasties. You can also see the traditional and modern architectures like Water Cube and Bird Nest. To know more about Beijing, you can taste Peking Roast Duck, watch Peking Opera and stroll around the hutong.

 

Xi’an(2 Days)

Xi’an is an ancient capital of China for several dynasties. Xi’an is also the starting point of the Silk Road. Terracotta Army is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries in the world. Boasting Shaanxi History Museum, Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, Ancient City Wall, Drum Tower and Bell Tower, Xi’an is a must-visit place if you are interested in the rich heritage of China.
 

Chengdu(2 Days)

Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can see adorable giant pandas. In Chengdu, you can experience the slow pace of the local people by tasting tea at People’s Park, strolling around Chunxi Road and tasting hotpot at the street. You can also visit the historical landmarks like Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Wuhou Shrine and Qingyang Palace. And there are many many Sichuan Cuisine waiting for you.

 

Chongqing(2 Days)

Chongqing is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in China, where you can taste spicy and flavorful foods, witness the 8D transportation, enjoy the mountainous scenery and the view of Yangtze River, appreciate the impressive architectures and experience the vibrant nightlife. You can choose a place to have a panoramic view of Chongqing at day and night like Eling Park, which is impressive and charming.

Guilin(3 Days)

Guilin is one of the most picturesque cities in China with its breathtaking karst landform, serene rivers and idyllic countryside life. Taking a Li River Cruise, you will enjoy the incredible views of the limestone peaks, lush greenery and winding rivers. At Yangshuo, you can experience hiking, cycling and bamboo rafting at the countryside or Yulong River, and you can also watch the Impression Liu Sanjie Show, which is set against the backdrop of the Li River and surrounded mountains.
 

Shanghai(2 Days)

Shanghai, a vibrant and dynamic city with its stunning skyline, modern atmosphere, historical charm and cultural diversity. With the futuristic skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower and the bund, you can enjoy the iconic skyline and architectures in Shanghai. Shanghai is also a shopping paradise if you are into the high-end luxury brands or local markets.

Where to Visit and How Long to Stay

Shanghai(2 Days)

Hangzhou(2 Days)

As one of the most picturesque cities in China, Hangzhou offers an idyllic mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and modern charm. With its temples, pagodas, causeways, bridge and beautiful scenery, West Lake has inspired poets, artists, and emperors for centuries. And Hangzhou is the home to the Longjing Tea(Dragon Well Tea), a famous sought-after green tea in the world. To immerse yourself in the Chinese tea culture, you can experience tea picking, learning about the tea-making process, and tasting the freshest Longjing tea at Meijiawu Tea Village. If you have time, you can pay a visit to the Lingyin Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. Hangzhou is also close to several ancient water towns, like Xitang and Wuzhen. With old bridges, narrow canals and picturesque alleyways, these towns offer a glimpse into the charm of ancient Chinese riverside life.
 

Suzhou(2 Days)

With its timeless beauty, blending classical gardens and idyllic water towns, Suzhou is a nice destination to visit if you plan to visit Shanghai and Hangzhou. The Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, and Master of the Nets Garden give you a sense of Chinese philosophy and aesthetics, where nature and design are harmoniously integrated. Zhouzhuang and Tongli offer a glimpse of ancient China and a peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere. To experience the Suzhou culture in depth, you can watch the Pingtan Performance (Suzhou Ping Opera), which is performed by local dialect, combining singing, narration, and instrumental accompaniment.

Mount Huangshan(3 Days)

Mount Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain, has inspired poets, artists, and travelers for centuries with its unique pine trees, oddly shaped rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs. As one of the most famous mountains in China, Yellow Mountain provides you breathtaking landscapes, stunning sunrise and sunset. Close to Huangshan Scenic Area, Xidi is a well-preserved ancient village in Anhui, known for its Hui-style architecture—elegant and unique homes that blend beautifully with the surrounding natural landscape. Just like Xidi, Hongcun is another well-preserved ancient village in the Anhui region famous for its waterways, arch bridges, and the crescent-shaped pond at its center.

Dengfeng and Luoyang(3 Days)

Luoyang is one of China’s ancient capitals and has been the heart of multiple dynasties. It was the capital for over 13 dynasties. The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into China’s religious and artistic history. Dengfeng is best known as the home of the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and Chan Buddhism. The temple is an iconic cultural and spiritual site, and visitors can explore the temple’s rich history, watch kung fu performances, and even take martial arts lessons. Mount Song, one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains, is located near Dengfeng. Dengfeng, as part of the larger Songshan Scenic Area, is home to a number of ancient temples, caves, and historical sites, many of which are associated with the development of Chinese culture and philosophy, particularly in Taoism and Buddhism.

Beijing(3 Days)