Inspirations for 17 Days Itinerary in China

Planing a 17-day itinerary in China depends on what scenery you prefer and want to experience in China. China is home to some of the world's most iconic historical sites, such as the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and the Forbidden City. Chinese culture has a deep and diverse heritage, from its ancient philosophies to art forms like calligraphy, martial arts, and traditional Chinese medicine. China’s diverse geography provides stunning natural landscapes like majestic Himalayas, otherworldly Avatar Mountains and vast Gobi Desert. China’s food culture is rich, diverse and flavorful. Chinese festivals are rich in traditions and symbolism. How to plan a 17-day itinerary in China, just read on to find some inspirations for your reference.

17 Days China Tour with Most Classic Places

Beijing(4 Days)

Beijing is a city combining historical landmarks, delicious characteristic foods, great wonders of the world, shopping heaven and zoo with giant pandas. Mutianyu Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall and Jinshanling Great Wall well-preserved and offer breathtaking views. Visiting the Forbidden City is like stepping back in time to Imperial China. Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and a landmark of Beijing. A trip to Beijing wouldn't be complete without trying Peking Duck. The iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube are great examples of modern architecture and are reminders of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Beijing is a city where the past and future meet, offering an exciting and dynamic experience for visitors.

Datong and Pingyao(3 Days)

Datong is an excellent destination for those who look to explore the country's ancient past and well-preserved heritage. The Yungang Grottoes are one of China’s most significant Buddhist cave temple complexes. These caves, carved into the cliffs over 1,500 years ago, contain over 50,000 statues, sculptures, and murals, showcasing the development of Buddhist art during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Hanging Monastery is perched on the side of a cliff in the Taihang Mountains, nearly 75 meters above the ground.
 

Pingyao Ancient City is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. The well-preserved traditional homes, merchant houses, and narrow lanes offer a perfect view into China’s past. The Qiao Family Compound, located just outside Pingyao, is a beautifully preserved mansion complex built by a wealthy merchant family during the Qing Dynasty.

 

Xi’an(2 Days)

Beijing offers the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the modern pulse of China, while Xi'an offers the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, the ancient city wall, and the cultural mix of Muslim influences. Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, offers a window into China’s history and was the starting point of the Silk Road. No matter you want to see the life-sized statues of warriors, horses and chariots, or knowing about the story of the ancient city wall, you can go to visit Xi’an. And if you are interested in the history of Qin Shihuang Emperor, you can travel to Xi’an.

Zhangjiajie(3 Days)

The towering sandstone pillars, deep ravines and lush forests in Zhangjiajie inspires the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.  The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to the famous Tianzi Mountain, with over 3,000 vertical stone pillars and peaks. Walking through the park feels like stepping into a fantasy world.

Known as the Door to Heaven, Tianmen Mountain is famous for its Tianmen Cave, a natural arch through the mountain. The mountain road leading up to the peak features 99 bends, symbolizing the path to heaven.

Standing at an impressive height of 330 meters (1,080 feet), Bailong Elevator holds the title of the world's tallest glass bridge. Bailong Elevator provides you another perspective to observe the peaks at Zhangjaijie National Forest Park, which is an amazing way to experience Zhangjiajie’s towering peaks and lush forest below.

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge spans a deep ravine between two mountain cliffs. Walking on the transparent glass floor offers a heart-pounding view of the 300-meter drop below, challenging, trilling and exciting.

Guilin(3 Days)

Guilin is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo(a popular 4-hour journey) is a highlight, offering stunning views of the karst mountains rising dramatically from the water. With lush rice fields, rivers, and dramatic mountain backdrops, Yangshuo is a best destination in Guilin for cycling, hiking and bamboo rafting while enjoying the peaceful countryside. In the downtown, you can pick Sun and Moon Pagodas, Elephant Trunk Hill and Xiaoyao Pagoda for their day and night view.

Shanghai(2 Days)

Shanghai is known for its modern skyscrapers, skyline and the vibrant nightlife. The Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund and Lujiazui provide stunning futuristic skyscrapers. With rockeries, ponds, pavilions and winding paths, Yuyuan Garden is a best destination in Shanghai for peaceful atmosphere. Nanjing Road is a shopping paradise where you can find everything from cutting-edge fashion to unique local goods.