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Visiting China is an experience like no other. China is one of those countries that continuously impresses you with its culture, vibrant history, and stunning natural beauty. It’s a place where old-world traditions meet the modern world creating a fascinating cultural experience. From big and modern cities to traditional and rustic sites. Experience the transition from the biggest skyscrapers you’ve seen to ancient temples filled with thousands of years of history by following our 3 week China travel itinerary.
While travelling through China, you will see the incredible differences and sharp contrast that form the country’s character. But it’s also the feelings and people’s mentality that contributes to this experience. A trip to China will leave you interested in coming back, getting to know it more, exploring it deeper, and understanding its ancient roots.
TRAVEL THE REAL CHINA WITH THIS
THE 3 WEEK CHINA TRAVEL ITINERARY
You could spend a lifetime exploring China. Due to its size, huge distances, and diverse, interesting sights, it might seem overwhelming to decide what to see on your first or even second trip to China.
But it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and some insider info, you’ll be able to navigate the different regions and cities with ease. This carefully planned China travel guide is designed to help you see the best of China in 3 weeks.
It’s packed with interesting activities for an intense travel experience that will leave you speechless. If you find some days overpacked, adjust it to your personal travel style.
From Beijing to Hong Kong, here’s everything you need to see when travelling to China. Let’s make your vacation in China the one you’ll never forget.
Things to know before travelling to China
The list of things you must know before travelling to China is endless, but we’ve tried to cover the most important ones. From the best times to visit, navigating the country to advice on what to expect when travelling to China, we got you covered. Here is everything you need to know before travelling to China.
How to spend 3 weeks in China?
Our travel guide to China combines major cities with those off the beaten path to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
3 week China travel itinerary overview
1 – 5 day: Beijing
6 – 8 day: Shanghai
9 – 10 day: Xi’an
11 – 14 day: Guilin, Yangshuo, Rice Terraces
15 – 21 day: Hong Kong with a day trip to Macao
To find the best round trip ticket deal you should check Skyscanner. How to secure the cheapest fight ticket? We have devoted this topic the whole article.
Day 1 to 5: Beijing
There’s no better way to start your China travel itinerary than in the city that combines the past with the modern in a great fashion – Beijing.
We recommended at least three days to see the main sights, but we found that five days allow you to see the city beyond the most known things in Beijing while having some free time to explore it on your own.
DETAILED 5-DAY BEIJING ITINERARY
Begin your China experience by visiting the most prominent spots – the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Jingshan Park, where you can admire Beijing from above. Relax at the Summer Palace, see one of the most complex stadiums ever constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics and admire the masterpiece among China’s ancient sacrificial buildings, the Temple of Heaven.
Finish your stay by getting lost in traditional hutongs and feeling at the top of the world while visiting the Great Wall of China. You can combine this day trip with the visit to the Ming Tombs.
Day 6-8: Shanghai
After gathering a flavour of China and its diversity, it’s time to witness how it intertwines even deeper. The country’s biggest metropolis, Shanghai, will leave you speechless. Representing the soul of modern China, it deserves three days on this 3-week China travel itinerary, including a day trip to one of the water cities.
Commence your visit to Shanghai with a stroll along the Huangpu River western bank, The Bund. This waterfront represents everything you would not expect to find in China. The Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture gives you the feeling you are rather in Europe than in the Far East. Here you can get the best views of the famous skyscrapers.
DETAILED 3-DAY SHANGHAI ITINERARY
Just a step from the European vibes, follow the intoxicating smell for an immediate ride back into the history, Yu Garden. Compelling ponds, bridges and pavilions showing off the art of classic China will take over your heart. We couldn’t resist coming back each day.
An absolute addition to your Shanghai itinerary is visiting the international business district in the Pudong area. Here you can find some of Shanghai most iconic buildings – the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Shanghai Tower.
Day 9-10: Xi’an
For your first-time trip to China, the ancient city of Xi’an is one of those few stops that you cannot exclude.
For this 3-week China travel itinerary, you should put aside 2,5 days for Xi’an. This will allow you to see the city, but not the impressive surrounding. If you are a nature lover, you should spend some additional day in Xi’an.
Your Xi’an itinerary should start by visiting the most known Terracotta Army archaeological site and the city symbol, the Drum Tower and Bell Tower, and a joyful ride back in time at the Xi’an City Wall. For all the foodie lovers, don’t miss the vibrant Muslim Street – heaven for delicious street food.
Day 11-14: Guilin, Yangshuo, Longsheng
You’ve seen the temples, city fortresses, and futuristic buildings. Nonetheless, you cannot leave China without visiting its scenic natural beauty.
The awe-inspiring misty mountain views in Yangshuo are best to explore by bike, bamboo rafting or guided tour combing both.
The next day take a hike through the gorgeous rice terraces in Longsheng and walk alongside Li River to admire the karst peaks such as The Elephant Trunk Hill.
Day 15-21: Hong Kong and Macao
It’s time to the leave mainland China and head to the financial metropolis, Hong Kong.
Head down to Tsim Sha Tsui for beautiful views of the city skyline while taking a walk down the promenade Avenue of Stars or enjoy the shopping experience down Nathan Road. When the sun comes down, don’t miss the charm of the Temple Street Night Market, the Ladies Market or Fish Market.
Just hop on the Star Ferry and you will be able to explore Victoria Harbour, watch the flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square and ride up to Victoria Peak for some epic views. In the evenings you can watch one of the most popular activities – horse racing.
Don’t forget to include Hong Kong biggest attraction. There is no visit to Hong Kong without a trip to Lantau Island and The Big Buddha statue.
Although it’s manageable to see the main sights in two days, we recommend spending at least three to five days. With this extension, you can manage to make a day trip to see Macao’s glitz and glamour and its famous casinos.
Adapting this 3 week China travel itinerary to your needs
In case you only have one week to explore China, there are three options we recommend:
- Beijing (4 days) – Shanghai (3 days)
- Beijing (4 days) – Xi’an (3 days)
- Beijing (3 days) – Xi’an (2 day) – Shanghai (2 days)
If you have more time on your hands and you would like to explore more of China, here’s a list of great additions to this 3-week China travel itinerary:
- Additional day in Xi’an (for hikers – Hua Shan walk)
- Chengdu (for history lovers, foodie lovers and cute panda lovers)
- Zhangjiajie (for hikers)
- Jiuzhaigou National Park (for nature lovers)
- Shenzhen (for city lovers)
- Tibet (for adventurous souls)
We are two travel passionistas, who are always in the minds of planning their next travel trip and creating memories. Get honest tips and all the details, learn from our mistakes and enjoy our travel guides so you can have the best time!
I’ve only been to Hong Kong for a week and China for 1 day. Thank you for the inspiration I will definitely be staying longer next trip.
A week is a great duration to really get to know Hong Kong. Where in China were you?
I used to live in China and this an awesome itinerary. So many great things. The cycling and the rice terraces, I loved so many of the ancient cities too
So happy to hear this from someone who used to live in China. There is such a variety of things to see and do. One of the best travels I have had.
China is on my bucket list, but it’s also on my “so-different-it-makes-me-nervous” list. Thank you for this resource. I am determined to get there someday!
You should definitely not be nervous. It is a small cultural shock at the beginning, but you can easily travel around if you follow these steps e.g. having the apps for translation and getting around. If you decide to go and have any questions, just let me know 🙂
This is a great guide! Saving for when I get a chance to travel 🙂
Happy to hear you like it 🙂 The individual itinerary for each city is on its way to help you even more.
This is amazing! Thanks for Sharing
You’re welcome! Hope it will help with the planning.