How Long to Stay in China

Given China’s enormous size and scale, you can spend many days discovering its culture, history and cities. One week in China is sufficient to explore 2 to 3 big-ticket destinations like Beijing and Shanghai and also visit impressive sites like Suzhou’s UNESCO-listed gardens and the charming 1000-year-old lake town of Tongli. Alternatively, you can go on a thrilling cycling adventure to top-rated destinations such as Chengdu (known for its adorable pandas) and Mount Emei, a renowned Buddhist site. See Beijing’s Forbidden City, admire the elegant 14th-century brick-and-stone Linggu Temple in Nanjing, and stroll through the Old City and Ming-era Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai during a delightful one-week trip in China. Eager to know how you can spend a week in this remarkable continent-sized country? Find out below.

Although this is often stated about a number of travel destinations, China truly does have it all. From its diverse landscape and divine cuisine to its old-world charm and fascinating culture, a tour to China has something to offer even the most seasoned travelers. Whether you plan to spend your time wandering the streets of Shanghai, marveling at the Great Wall, or tucking into street food in Beijing, you’re sure to have one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of your life. On the flip side, planning a trip to a country this large and diverse can be daunting. That’s where we come in. Read on for an overview of the best China itineraries to help you plan your trip based on how long you can go for.

Spending 10 days in China will allow you to see some of the most popular attractions of this vast country. You can easily cover up to five major destinations, including three sprawling metropolises: Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Add to this, unforgettable experiences such as a cruise along the Li River, a visit to the exotic Hainan Island, or a trip to Mount Emei to see the world’s biggest Buddha sculpture. Take a cable car to the Great Wall of China, do a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s charming alleys and streets, see Xi’an’s world-famous sights like the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and cruise along Shanghai’s Huangpu River during your 10-day trip to China.

With its vast landscapes and deep cultural heritage, China offers endless adventures—even within a short 4-day trip. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, or wandering through hidden alleyways, a well-planned itinerary can provide an immersive experience. While covering multiple destinations may be challenging with just 4 days in China, you can dive deep into the rich history of Beijing or explore the traditional charm of Xi’an. To make the most of a 4-day China holiday, we recommend focusing on one major city and its nearby attractions.

For a country the size of China, a five-day trip will seem short. So you’ll need to plan your holiday wisely based on your interests. We’d recommend a maximum of two destinations or choose a main base with a couple of day trips. Shanghai and Beijing make excellent city breaks — they are bursting with history, culture, and food. From Shanghai, take advantage of high-speed rail connections and make a day trip to Nanjing, one of China’s ancient capitals. You could also pair Beijing with a trip to Xi’an, another ancient capital and home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors. Chengdu, in the heart of Sichuan Province, is home to famously spicy food and, of course, giant pandas. For a more relaxing retreat, consider a trip to beautiful Guilin or a Yangtze River cruise. Read on to find out what your 5-day trip to China will look like.

Legendary architecture, an ancient and rich culture, and landscapes straight out of your wildest dreams—China is a heaven for explorers and culture geeks intent on discovering some of the world's most amazing wonders. Who hasn’t heard of the Great Wall of China or the Terracotta Army in Xi’an? With a two-week tour in China, you will be able to really dig into this vast country. Explore the Islamic architecture in the West, gaze upon iconic mountain ranges, and discover temples that are known for their beauty and significance. If you have 2 weeks in China and are wondering what to do, check out our top China itineraries in this article.

For a country as massive as China, even more so with so many cultural, natural and historical offerings, a six-day holiday is not enough to see it all. But if you only have 6 days in China, you can get a good overview of the country with select city visits, exploration of key sights and food tours. Whether you're spending a 6-day trip in China exploring bustling metropolises or uncovering rural treasures, you can make the most out of your stay with our itineraries.

A journey of 12 days in China offers the perfect timeframe to experience its multifaceted splendor. Walk the legendary Great Wall, stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors, and soak in the futuristic skyline of Shanghai. Cruise down the misty Li River, explore vibrant street markets and taste everything from sizzling Peking Ducks to handmade dumplings. From the imperial palaces of Beijing to the serene gardens of Suzhou, every corner during your 12-day trip to China tells a story.

China is a fusion of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity that offers a feast for adventure-seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Imagine spending 8 days in China, where you can explore sprawling metropolises, enchanting landscapes, and cherished heritage sites. Whether you're savoring the spicy cuisine of Sichuan or marveling at the Great Wall, each day brings new experiences. From in-depth exploration of a single city to whirlwind tours covering multiple destinations, there are China 8-day tours to suit every travel style.