China in One Week: 4 Recommended 7-Day Itineraries to China

Planning a one-week trip in China? China is a big country and one week may seem short. But with our China 7-day itinerary suggestions you can experience the best for the country such as experiencing heritage in Beijing and Shanghai and see pandas in Chengdu.

During this one week in China, discover how the greatest cities like Beijing and Shanghai have preserved their beautiful architecture and old traditions while embracing a hi-tech modernity. After landing in Beijing, visit the most iconic sights in and around the capital city, including a section of the Great Wall of China, the 15th-century Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the historic Tiananmen Square. Next, take a high-speed train to Nanjing to see the Purple Mountain and the Sun Yatsen mausoleum, where the father of modern China is buried. The next day enjoy a gondola ride on the canals of Tongli. Before these seven enthralling days end, you’ll also discover the magic of Shanghai. Enjoy superb views of the city from a ferry on the Shanghai River, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, stroll around the fashionable neighborhoods of Xintiandi, and visit craft shops and art galleries of Tianzifang. See all tours to China.

From the Great Wall to rickshaw rides to tour the Forbidden City, start this 7-day itinerary by discovering all that Beijing has to offer. With 1 week in China, you’ll also have enough time to explore the stunning Zhangjiajie, the national park famous for its incredible natural beauty and setting for the movie Avatar. There, take the Bailong elevator to the Yuanjiajie scenic area to enjoy the majestic views, see the Golden Whip Stream, also known as “Jinbian Stream,” and the world's highest and longest glass bridge, above Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

What better way to explore China’s rich history than by touring the Great Wall? With this China 7-day itinerary plan, you will hike through some of the most adventurous yet safe trails along the Great Wall. Start out by discovering the scenic region of Huangyaguan while soaking up breathtaking views of the mountains. This is followed by a challenging but exhilarating detour down the valley. Visit spectacular landmarks such as Kylin Tower and Jiankou, where a scenic picnic experience awaits you at a spot overlooking the Great Wall. The tour begins and ends at the Great Wall — an experience that is well worth the time.

Bike amid panda territory, discover the secrets of ancient towns, and visit sacred Buddhist mountains during your one week in China. Your thrilling journey starts in Chengdu, from where you’ll head to the Dujiangyan Panda Valley to meet the area’s most famous residents: giant pandas. The next day learn all about tea and the local tea culture while climbing up the picturesque Mengding Mountain. Cycle through a tall gorge and a charming riverside road to Mount Emei, which is an important place for Buddhists. After seeing temples and shrines on the mountaintop, take a boat ride to see the 71-meter-tall Giant Buddha, the world’s largest Buddhist sculpture dating to the 8th century. One of your last stops in this one-week China itinerary is the quaint town of Huanglongxi, where many popular Chinese movies have been filmed.

From exploring UNESCO heritage sites and seeing grand cities to climbing sacred mountains and biking past scenic rivers — a week-long China trip can be full of adventure and wonderful discoveries. Book one of our pre-packaged tours or create your own trip by contacting our travel experts, who will prepare a personalized China trip crafted according to your interests. For more information, check out our article on how long to spend in China.

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