14-day China (budget)
This itinerary for China includes day-by-day suggestions, attractions, food stops, and practical planning ideas to make the trip easier.
Updated for 2026 travel. Use this itinerary as a flexible travel guide for what to do, where to go, and how to organise each day more smoothly.
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Recommended area
Dongcheng
Dongcheng is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Use the main hotel button for the best match. Agoda is available as a backup option.
Day 1 — Beijing arrival: snacks, Forbidden City and local shopping
Recommended area: Dongcheng
Dongcheng is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Dongcheng.
Wangfujing Snack Street - breakfast & street food
Try local snacks and small bites to start the trip gently.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum) guided walk
Classic introduction to Beijing history; book timed entry in advance if possible.
Peking duck lunch at a local restaurant
Family-style meal, great for sharing and sampling Beijing cuisine.
Wangfujing / nearby malls - shopping & pop-culture stalls
Browse malls and small shops for souvenirs and pop-culture items.
Day 2 — Hutongs, temples and Sanlitun shopping (anime & pop-culture)
Recommended area: Dongcheng
Dongcheng is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Dongcheng.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)
Calm morning visit to a beautiful temple; short stroll afterwards through nearby streets.
Nanluoguxiang Hutong - snacks and boutique shops
Hutong lane full of snack stalls, small shops and quirky finds.
Lunch - local dumpling house
Try local dumplings and noodle dishes in a casual setting.
Sanlitun Taikoo Li - shopping and anime/pop-culture stores
Evening window-shopping, cafés and specialty stores for anime merchandise.
Day 3 — Mutianyu Great Wall day trip and 798 Art District
Recommended area: Huairou
Huairou (Mutianyu) is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Huairou.
Depart for Mutianyu Great Wall - hike and cable car
Relaxed visit with optional cable car; plenty of photo spots.
Lunch near Mutianyu - local restaurant
Simple local meal before returning to the city.
798 Art District - galleries and boutique shops
Artsy neighborhood with small shops selling prints, toys and design goods.
Dinner - Beijing hotpot or local family restaurant
Relaxed family dinner to end the day.
Day 4 — Palaces and markets: Summer Palace and Silk Market
Recommended area: Haidian
Haidian is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Haidian.
Summer Palace stroll and lakeside views
Leisurely walk around the grounds and long corridor; boat optional.
Lunch at a local teahouse or restaurant near the lake
Try light regional dishes and tea specialties.
National Museum / nearby museum visit (optional)
Short museum visit if energy allows; many galleries are free or low-cost.
Silk Market (Xiushui) - bargaining and shopping
Great place for souvenirs, clothes and small electronics; practice bargaining.
Day 5 — Xi'an arrival: City Wall and Muslim Quarter flavors
Recommended area: Xi'an City Center
Xi'an City Center is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Xi'an City Center.
Ancient City Wall - rent bikes or walk
Relaxed cycle along the well-preserved wall for a family-friendly overview.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda - gardens and plaza
Pleasant square and museum area; photo stop.
Muslim Quarter - street food lunch and snacks
Sample local snacks like roujiamo and biangbiang noodles.
Beiyuanmen Market - souvenirs and local crafts
Small shops for local handicrafts and snacks.
Day 6 — Terracotta Army day trip and local history
Recommended area: Lintong
Lintong is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
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Terracotta Army Museum visit (full morning)
Major archaeological site; allow time for travel and exploring exhibits.
Lunch near the museum - local restaurant
Casual regional meal before returning to city.
Shaanxi History Museum - overview of regional history
Good complement to the Terracotta visit; check opening times.
Dinner - family-style local cuisine
Relaxed meal sampling Xi'an specialties.
Day 7 — Chengdu: pandas, snacks and relaxed streets
Recommended area: Chenghua
Chenghua is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Chenghua.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Morning is best to see active pandas; easy, stroller-friendly paths.
Lunch - Chengdu hotpot or local Sichuan specialties
Taste spicy and non-spicy options; many family-friendly restaurants.
Jinli Ancient Street - snacks, souvenirs and teahouses
Great for sampling snacks and light shopping in a historic setting.
Wide & Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi)
Evening stroll with street food stalls and small shops.
Day 8 — Chengdu food scene and anime/pop-culture shopping
Recommended area: Wuhou
Wuhou is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Wuhou.
Wuhou Shrine - history and short park walk
Quiet cultural visit; close to Jinli Street so areas stay clustered.
Sichuan Opera - face-changing performance (short show)
A fun, family-friendly cultural show; book an early slot.
Lunch - local street food tasting
Sample small dishes across several stalls.
Chunxi Road - shopping malls and anime/pop-culture stores
Large shopping area with specialty stores and cafés.
Day 9 — Leshan Giant Buddha day trip or relaxed park day
Recommended area: Leshan
Leshan is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
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Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha (boat view & site)
Scenic boat option available; allow travel time to and from Chengdu.
Lunch in Leshan - riverside restaurant
Local river fish and Sichuan specialties in a relaxed setting.
People's Park - tea house and people-watching
Relax with tea and local snacks; good for recovery after a day trip.
Dinner - casual local restaurant
Early dinner and easy evening to rest for travel next day.
Day 10 — Shanghai arrival: The Bund, Yu Garden and Nanjing Road
Recommended area: Huangpu
Huangpu is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Huangpu.
Stroll along The Bund - skyline views
Iconic riverside promenade; easy walk and photo opportunities.
Yu Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar
Historic garden and bustling bazaar ideal for snacks and gifts.
Lunch - xiaolongbao and Shanghai specialties
Try iconic soup dumplings at a well-reviewed local spot.
Nanjing Road East - shopping and department stores
Major shopping street with both international and local brands.
Day 11 — Shanghai animation & pop-culture - museums and specialty shops
Recommended area: Xuhui
Xuhui is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Xuhui.
Shanghai Animation Museum
Small museum focused on Chinese animation history; kid-friendly exhibits.
Xujiahui / Jing'an area - anime & hobby shops
Search for specialty stores selling figures, manga and collectibles.
Lunch - neighborhood café or dumpling house
Relaxed midday meal at a family-friendly spot.
Tianzifang - boutique shops and cafés
Historic lane with independent designers, small galleries and snacks.
Day 12 — Shanghai Disney Park day (family-focused entertainment)
Recommended area: Pudong
Pudong is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Pudong.
Shanghai Disney Park - full day experience
Plan for a full day; arrive early to minimize queues.
In-park lunch and snack breaks
Multiple family-friendly dining options; budget for park prices.
Disneytown - shopping and themed stores
Souvenir shopping and relaxed strolling outside the park gates.
Dinner near hotel after return from park
Easy dinner near accommodation to rest after a big day.
Day 13 — Museums, shopping malls and evening dining
Recommended area: Huangpu
Huangpu is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Huangpu.
Shanghai Museum - art and cultural exhibits
Found in People’s Square; excellent overview of Chinese art.
Lunch at a local market or food hall
Sample regional specialties in a lively market setting.
AP Plaza / Huamao Comic & Electronics Shopping
Good for anime merchandise, electronics and souvenirs.
Xintiandi - evening dining and pedestrian area
Trendy dining area with a mix of Chinese and international options.
Day 14 — Last-minute shopping and relaxed departure prep
Recommended area: Huangpu
Huangpu is a practical base for this itinerary with easier access to nearby stops.
Search hotels in Huangpu.
Local breakfast and small market visit
Leisurely morning to pick up any last snacks or small souvenirs.
Huaihai Road shopping - final purchases
Upscale shopping street with mid-range stores; good for gifts.
Lunch - relaxed meal before departure
Choose a favorite local dish to finish the trip.
Café rest and pack - relax before heading to the airport/train
Coffee or tea and light snacks while finalizing bags.