Overview
Why China belongs at the top of your Asia list
China is one of the most diverse travel destinations in Asia — a continent in one country. In three weeks you can walk beneath the Great Wall, stand before the 2,200-year-old Terracotta Army, meet giant pandas in Chengdu, hike through the sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains, and end with cocktails overlooking the futuristic Shanghai skyline.
Three weeks is the ideal amount of time for a first visit. It's long enough to see the country's most iconic imperial, natural and modern highlights at a considered pace — but manageable enough that you're not spending every second day on trains or planes. This route balances history, wildlife, mountains, food and modern city life.
High-speed trains do most of the heavy lifting between major cities — Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Chengdu, Shanghai to Hangzhou. Two sections work best with a domestic flight: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie, and Zhangjiajie to Shanghai. Everything else runs on the world's largest high-speed rail network.
Costs range from £1,300 for a backpacker route on hostels and local food, up to £5,500+ for five-star hotels, private drivers and guided experiences. China is enormous, so this itinerary focuses on a manageable route rather than trying to cover every region.
Before you fly: set up your payment apps (Alipay and WeChat Pay), download offline navigation and translation tools, save hotel addresses in Chinese and confirm your eSIM or roaming arrangements. A little preparation before departure makes an enormous difference once you land.
Quick Overview
Duration
21 Days
Country
China
Start / Finish
Beijing → Shanghai
Best For
First-time visitors, couples, solo travellers, food lovers & photographers
Budget
£1,300 – £5,500+
Transport
High-speed rail, domestic flights, metro & taxis
Best Time
Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highlights
Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, pandas, Avatar Mountains & Shanghai skyline
Costs vary according to the season, hotel standard, train class and number of guided tours. All figures exclude international flights.
The Route
Your 21-day China route
A clean west-to-east loop by high-speed rail and two short domestic flights, with clickable highlights at each stop.
Beijing
- • Forbidden City
- • Temple of Heaven
- • Great Wall (Mutianyu / Jinshanling)
- • Summer Palace
Xi'an
- • Terracotta Army
- • Xi'an City Wall
- • Bell & Drum Towers
- • Muslim Quarter
Chengdu
- • Giant Panda Breeding Base
- • Sichuan hotpot
- • Kuanzhai Alley
- • Wenshu Monastery
Zhangjiajie
- • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- • Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
- • Tianmen Mountain
- • Glass walkways
Shanghai
- • The Bund
- • Pudong skyline
- • Yu Garden
- • Former French Concession
Hangzhou
- • West Lake
- • Lingyin Temple
- • Longjing tea village
- • Feilai Feng carvings
Beijing → Xi'an (~4.5–6h HSR) → Chengdu (~3.5–4.5h HSR) → Zhangjiajie (flight) → Shanghai (flight) → Hangzhou (~1h HSR) → return to Shanghai and depart.
Itinerary at a glance
Six destinations, twenty-one days
Days 1–4
Beijing
Imperial landmarks, traditional hutongs and a Great Wall day trip.
Days 5–7
Xi'an
The Terracotta Army, ancient city walls and the Muslim Quarter.
Days 8–10
Chengdu
Giant pandas, Sichuan food, temples and teahouses.
Days 11–14
Zhangjiajie
Sandstone mountains, glass walkways, viewpoints and forest trails.
Days 15–18
Shanghai
Historic neighbourhoods, skyscrapers, gardens and waterfront views.
Days 19–20
Hangzhou
West Lake, temples, tea fields and a slower city experience.
Day 21: Return to Shanghai and depart.
Days 1–4
Beijing
Beijing is the best introduction to China's imperial history and modern capital-city culture — a huge city of palaces, temples, hutongs, historic squares, parks, shopping districts and regional food, with the Great Wall an easy day trip away.
How to get there
Fly into Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport. Transfer options include the Airport Express, metro, taxi, a pre-booked transfer or a hotel-arranged transfer. Beijing is enormous — check which airport and terminal your flight uses.
Where to stay
Budget
- Peking Youth Hostel — central, traditional atmosphere and sociable common areas
Mid-Range
- Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing — convenient metro access and reliable comfort
- The Orchid Hotel — boutique hutong experience
Luxury
- Regent Beijing — polished central stay near Wangfujing
- Mandarin Oriental Qianmen — high-end stay inspired by traditional courtyard architecture
Best areas to stay: Wangfujing (first-time visitors, central sightseeing, shopping), Qianmen (historic atmosphere, Tiananmen access), Dongcheng (hutongs, temples, boutique hotels), Sanlitun (modern dining, nightlife, international restaurants).
Live prices and availability can change — always check current rates before booking.
Day 1
Arrive and explore Beijing
Morning or afternoon
- Transfer to your hotel
- Check in and rest
- Set up Alipay, WeChat Pay and your maps and translation apps
- Walk around the local neighbourhood
- Stop at a nearby café
Late afternoon
- Wangfujing — main shopping street
- Qianmen Street and Dashilan
- Nearby hutongs on foot
Evening
- Peking duck dinner
- Relaxed walk through the local area
- Early night before the first full sightseeing day
Food recommendations
- Siji Minfu — well-known Peking duck restaurant
- Da Dong — modern take on Peking duck
- Jingzun Peking Duck — reliable central option
- Zhajiangmian, jianbing, dumplings and Beijing hotpot at local restaurants
Day 2
Forbidden City and Imperial Beijing
Morning
- Tiananmen Square
- The Forbidden City
- Jingshan Park for the view back over the palace
Booking reminder
Reserve major Beijing attractions before your visit and carry the passport used for the booking. The Forbidden City, National Museum and several other sights require advance reservations linked to your passport details.
Afternoon (choose one)
- Beihai Park
- National Museum of China
- Shichahai lakes
- Hutong walking tour
Evening
- Houhai
- Traditional hutong streets
- Local restaurants
- Lakeside areas
Respect security checks and photography restrictions inside government and cultural sites. Some areas around Tiananmen have limited photography.
Day 3
Great Wall day trip
Mutianyu
- Best for first-time visitors
- Restored sections
- Cable-car access
- Easier day trips
- Family friendly
Jinshanling
- Best for hiking
- Photographers
- Fewer crowds
- More dramatic scenery
How to get there
Options include an organised group tour, private driver, tourist bus or a public transport combination. Schedules change frequently — check current departure times when you arrive.
What to bring
- Passport
- Comfortable footwear
- Water
- Sun protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Portable charger
Evening
- Return to Beijing
- Foot or full-body massage
- Hotpot dinner
- Relaxed evening near the hotel
Day 4
Temples, parks and modern Beijing
Morning
- Temple of Heaven
- Surrounding park
- Local morning-exercise areas — a genuine Beijing experience
Afternoon (choose one)
- Summer Palace
- Lama Temple
- Confucius Temple
- 798 Art District
Evening
- Sanlitun and Taikoo Li
- Modern Beijing restaurants
- Rooftop views where available
- Prepare for the high-speed train to Xi'an tomorrow
Days 5–7
Xi'an
An important historic capital and one of the most culturally significant stops on the route — the Terracotta Army, ancient city walls, the Bell and Drum Towers, the Muslim Quarter's food streets and traditional Tang dynasty history all in one compact city.
How to get there
Take the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an. Journey times vary by service — the fastest options generally take around 4½–6 hours; check your specific train before booking. Book through the official 12306 platform or a reputable booking service. Register with passport details, enter names exactly as shown on the passport, and carry the original passport. Arrive at the station early, confirm the correct Beijing and Xi'an stations, and allow time for security.
Where to stay
Budget
- Desti Youth Park Xi'an — sociable modern hostel
Mid-Range
- Eastern House Boutique Hotel — central, comfortable boutique stay
- Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an — larger rooms suited to longer stays
Luxury
- Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an — historic luxury with heritage character
Best areas to stay: Inside the City Wall (first-time visitors, historic atmosphere), Bell Tower area (central, metro access, food), South Gate (City Wall access, cafés, nightlife).
Day 5
Arrive and explore Xi'an
Afternoon
- Check into your hotel after the transfer from the station
- Walk around the Bell Tower
- Visit the Drum Tower
- Explore the Muslim Quarter
- Try regional snacks along the food streets
Food recommendations
- Roujiamo — spiced meat inside crisp flatbread
- Biang biang noodles — hand-pulled wide noodles
- Yangrou paomo — lamb soup with torn flatbread
- Cold skin noodles (liangpi)
- Persimmon cakes
- Dumplings — try Xi'an's famous dumpling banquet
Choose busy, well-maintained food stalls — high turnover generally means fresher food.
Day 6
Terracotta Army
How to get there
Options include a guided tour, private driver, tourist bus or a metro-and-bus combination where available. A licensed guide or audio guide adds significant historical context.
Things to do
- Main excavation pits (1, 2 and 3)
- Museum exhibits
- Reconstructed bronze chariots
- Archaeological displays
Afternoon (choose one)
- Huaqing Palace
- Return to central Xi'an
- Small Wild Goose Pagoda
- Shaanxi History Museum (if tickets are available)
Evening
- Tang-style cultural performance
- Dumpling banquet
- Bell Tower illuminated at night
Day 7
Xi'an City Wall and temples
Morning
- Xi'an City Wall
- Yongning Gate (South Gate)
- Cycle part of the wall where permitted
Afternoon
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- Da Ci'en Temple
- Tang Paradise area
- Local cafés
Evening
- Final Xi'an dinner
- Prepare for the train to Chengdu
Days 8–10
Chengdu
A more relaxed pace after Beijing and Xi'an — giant pandas, world-famous Sichuan cuisine, traditional teahouses, temples, parks and easy day trips.
How to get there
Take the high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu — generally around 3½–4½ hours depending on the service. Check the departure and arrival stations, passport details, seat class, baggage allowance and transfer time from the arrival station to your hotel.
Where to stay
Budget
- Chengdu Flipflop Hostel — sociable budget option
Mid-Range
- Dorsett Chengdu — metro access and strong value
- Niccolo Chengdu — modern central stay
Luxury
- The Temple House — contemporary luxury with traditional architectural elements
Best areas to stay: Chunxi Road (shopping, central, metro), Taikoo Li (modern dining, premium hotels, nightlife), Kuanzhai Alley (traditional streets, teahouses, boutique stays).
Day 8
Arrive and experience Chengdu
Afternoon
- Check into your hotel
- Explore Chunxi Road
- Visit Taikoo Li
- Walk around central Chengdu
- Stop at a traditional teahouse
Evening
- Authentic Sichuan hotpot experience
- For milder spice preferences: ask for a divided pot, choose a mild broth, order cooling sides and confirm spice levels before ordering
Food recommendations
- Huangcheng Laoma — well-known hotpot
- Shu Jiu Xiang — popular hotpot chain
- Chen Mapo Tofu — the original Sichuan classic
- Local hotpot restaurants throughout the city
Day 9
Giant pandas and Chengdu culture
Morning
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Arrive early — pandas are more active during cooler morning hours
Responsible wildlife: do not touch animals, do not support direct-contact wildlife attractions, follow staff guidance, keep noise levels low and never feed animals.
Afternoon
- Wenshu Monastery
- People's Park
- Traditional teahouse experience
- Matchmaking Corner where active
Evening (choose one)
- Sichuan opera
- Face-changing (bian lian) performance
- Jinli Street
- Kuanzhai Alley
Day 10
Chengdu day trip or food day
Option 1: Leshan Giant Buddha
- High-speed train or organised tour
- Walking route through the site
- Optional river view
- Comfortable footwear essential
- Early start recommended
Option 2: Chengdu food and culture day
- Sichuan cooking class
- Local market tour
- Teahouse visit
- Temple walk
- Guided food tour
- Traditional massage
Prepare for the flight to Zhangjiajie tomorrow.
Days 11–14
Zhangjiajie
Famous for towering sandstone pillars, forest trails, cable cars, mountain viewpoints, glass walkways and deep, misty valleys. The region includes several separate attractions, so accommodation location and daily planning matter.
How to get there
Fly from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie where a suitable direct or connecting service is available. Alternatives include train combinations or overnight travel via a connecting city — routes and schedules change, so check current options at the time of booking.
Where to stay
Budget
- Destination Youth Hostel — affordable near the scenic area
Mid-Range
- Pullman Zhangjiajie — convenient access to Wulingyuan
- Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan — modern comfort close to the park
Luxury
- Harmona Resort & Spa Zhangjiajie — quieter resort-style experience
Best areas to stay: Wulingyuan (national forest park access, early park entry, nature-focused travellers), Zhangjiajie City (Tianmen Mountain, airport and railway access). Stay in Wulingyuan for the forest-park days and move to Zhangjiajie City before Tianmen Mountain.
Day 11
Arrive in Zhangjiajie
Afternoon
- Transfer to Wulingyuan
- Check into your hotel
- Organise park tickets
- Download offline maps
- Check weather conditions
- Rest after travelling
Evening
- Explore the local town
- Dinner near the hotel
Day 12
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Things to do
- Yuanjiajie
- Bailong Elevator
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
- Tianzi Mountain
- Scenic shuttle routes across the park
Practical tips
- Start early — queues can be long during busy periods
- Carry the passport used for booking
- Wear proper footwear
- Bring water and snacks
- Check visibility before prioritising specific viewpoints
- Follow official park routes
- Never lean over barriers or hike off marked trails
Day 13
Golden Whip Stream or Grand Canyon
Nature walking option
- Golden Whip Stream
- Forest trails
- Lower-elevation scenery
- Relaxed photography stops
Adventure option
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Glass bridge
- Scenic walkways
- Optional organised transfer
Note: glass attractions can close during poor weather or maintenance — always check the day's operating status.
Day 14
Tianmen Mountain
Move to or travel from Zhangjiajie City
- Tianmen Mountain cableway
- Cliffside walkways
- Glass walkway where open
- Tianmen Cave
- Mountain shuttle routes
Ticketing note
Tickets can have assigned entry periods or route categories. Book in advance and check the correct entry route — the mountain uses different up/down combinations depending on your ticket.
Prepare for the onward flight to Shanghai.
Days 15–18
Shanghai
A dramatic contrast to the earlier historical and natural destinations — a futuristic skyline, historic waterfront, the former French Concession, traditional gardens, shopping streets, art districts and one of Asia's most exciting food scenes.
How to get there
Fly from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai where a practical service is available. A train journey is also possible but generally involves longer travel time or a transfer — check current options at the time of booking.
Where to stay
Budget
- Dayin International Youth Hostel — central budget stay
Mid-Range
- Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel — convenient access to central attractions
- The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai — Art Deco style near People's Square
Luxury
- The Shanghai EDITION — contemporary luxury near the Bund
- The Peninsula Shanghai — classic luxury and waterfront views
Best areas to stay: People's Square (first-time visitors, metro, Nanjing Road), The Bund (skyline views, historic architecture, luxury hotels), Former French Concession (cafés, boutique hotels, tree-lined streets), Jing'an (shopping, dining, modern hotels).
Day 15
Arrive and see the Bund
Afternoon
- Check into your hotel
- Walk along Nanjing Road
- Visit People's Square
- Explore nearby streets
Evening
- The Bund
- Huangpu River waterfront
- Pudong skyline viewpoints from across the river
- Optional Huangpu River cruise
Food recommendations
- Xiaolongbao — Shanghai's soup dumplings
- Shengjianbao — pan-fried pork buns
- Scallion noodles
- Shanghai-style braised pork (hongshaorou)
- Hairy crab in season (autumn)
Day 16
Old Shanghai and Yu Garden
Morning
- Yu Garden
- Old City
- Traditional shopping streets
- City God Temple area
Afternoon
- Xintiandi
- Former French Concession
- Tianzifang
- Tree-lined residential streets
Evening
- Rooftop view
- Bund night photography
- Shanghai cuisine dinner
- Optional acrobatic performance
Day 17
Pudong and modern Shanghai
Morning
- Lujiazui — Shanghai's financial district
- Choose one observation deck: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center or Jin Mao Tower
- Don't pay for every observation deck — one is plenty
Afternoon
- Shanghai Museum where open and reserved
- Power Station of Art
- M50 Art District
- Shopping streets
Evening
- Jing'an
- Modern restaurants
- Cocktail bars
- Night markets or food streets where active
Day 18
Shanghai flexible day (choose one)
Culture
- Museums
- Longhua Temple
- Historic architecture walk
Shopping
- Nanjing Road
- Huaihai Road
- Local design shops
Food
- Breakfast tour
- Dumpling workshop
- Local market visit
- Shanghai dinner
Relaxed
- Cafés
- Riverside walking
- Spa
- Hotel pool
- Slow neighbourhood exploration
Days 19–20
Hangzhou
A calmer finish to the journey — West Lake, traditional gardens, historic temples, tea plantations, scenic walks and historic streets, all under an hour by high-speed train from Shanghai.
How to get there
Take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou. Some services take under an hour, though journey time varies by departure station and train. Confirm whether you're using Shanghai Hongqiao or Shanghai Railway Station, and whether you're arriving at Hangzhou East or another regional station.
Where to stay
Budget
- Memory Travel Hotel — simple central accommodation
Mid-Range
- EBO Hotel Hangzhou West Lake — convenient city and lake access
- Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou West Lake — stylish stay near the lake
Luxury
- Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake — peaceful luxury in landscaped surroundings
Best areas to stay: West Lake (first-time visitors, scenic walks, main attractions), Hubin (restaurants, shopping, metro, lake access), Longjing Village area (tea scenery, quiet stays, boutique accommodation).
Day 19
West Lake
Afternoon
- Check into your hotel
- Walk beside West Lake
- Visit Broken Bridge
- Explore lakeside gardens
- Take a boat ride where available
Evening
- Lakeside sunset
- Dinner near Hubin
- Illuminated waterfront walk
- Cultural performance where available
Food recommendations
- West Lake fish in vinegar sauce
- Dongpo pork
- Beggar's chicken
- Longjing tea-infused dishes
- Local noodle houses
Day 20
Temples and tea fields
Morning
- Lingyin Temple
- Feilai Feng rock carvings
- Surrounding forest paths
Afternoon
- Longjing tea village
- Tea plantation walk
- Tea-tasting experience
- China National Tea Museum where appropriate
Responsible travel: choose established tea experiences, confirm prices before purchasing, avoid high-pressure sales and don't photograph workers without permission.
Return to Shanghai in the evening or stay overnight in Hangzhou, depending on your departure schedule.
Day 21
Return to Shanghai and depart
Adjust the final day around your flight time — Shanghai has two major airports, so double-check which one you're leaving from before you leave the hotel.
Day 21
Departure day
Morning departure
- Travel to Shanghai the previous evening
- Stay near the relevant airport
- Leave plenty of time for airport security
Afternoon or evening departure
- Return by high-speed train from Hangzhou
- Store luggage
- Final meal in Shanghai
- Last-minute souvenirs
- Travel to the airport
Two airports
Shanghai has Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Confirm the correct airport before leaving the hotel — they are on opposite sides of the city.
Route variations
Adjust the itinerary to your travel style
More traditional scenery
Replace Hangzhou with Guilin, Yangshuo or Huangshan. This may require an extra flight or a longer train journey.
More history
Add another night to Beijing and Xi'an by reducing your time in Shanghai.
More nature
Add an extra night in Zhangjiajie and reduce Shanghai to three nights.
Slower travel
Remove Hangzhou and split the extra nights between Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai.
Hong Kong extension
Hong Kong can be added after Shanghai, but travellers must check the separate entry arrangements and transport logistics.
Getting around
China transport guide
High-speed trains
China has the world's largest high-speed rail network and it's often more practical than flying between major cities. Cities have multiple railway stations, so check which one your train uses. Passport information is required for booking, names must match exactly, and the passport normally acts as your travel document at station gates. Security screening applies — arrive early. Tickets can sell out during peak periods. The official China Railway 12306 website has an English-language platform for enquiries and ticketing.
Domestic flights
Most useful for the longer sections in this route — Chengdu to Zhangjiajie and Zhangjiajie to Shanghai. Check the airport location, baggage allowance, terminal, potential weather disruption, name formatting and passport information when booking.
Metro systems
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai all have extensive metro networks. Use navigation apps, check the last-train time, keep your destination written in Chinese, and try to avoid peak commuting hours.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Didi is widely used and English-language access may be available through connected apps. Hotel staff can help enter destinations. Official taxis should use the meter. Always keep your hotel address written in Chinese to show drivers.
Digital preparation
Essential China apps
Set these up before you arrive. A little preparation on the ground floor of your trip makes an enormous difference.
Payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay. Set them up before arrival and connect an accepted international bank card where supported. Also carry a physical bank card, some emergency cash and a backup payment method.
Navigation
Amap, Baidu Maps, Apple Maps where suitable, and MetroMan for city subways. Google Maps may not provide reliable local transport information in China.
Translation
Apple Translate, Microsoft Translator, Pleco for Chinese dictionary lookups, and Google Translate with offline language files where accessible.
Transport
Railway 12306, Didi, Trip.com and individual airline apps.
Communication
WeChat, hotel messaging platforms and your eSIM provider's app.
Internet access
Some commonly used international websites and apps may be restricted or unavailable in mainland China. Download essential apps, save hotel addresses in Chinese, download offline maps and translation files, save booking confirmations and confirm eSIM or roaming arrangements before arrival.
Costs
China budget breakdown
All-in estimates per person for 21 days — accommodation, food, high-speed trains, domestic flights, local transport, entrance fees and tours. International flights excluded.
| Travel Style | Estimated Cost for 21 Days | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | £1,300 – £1,900 | Hostels and budget hotels, local noodle and dumpling restaurants, second-class high-speed rail, metros and shared transfers, a small number of paid attractions. |
| Mid-Range | £2,400 – £3,700 | Comfortable four-star hotels, mix of local and international restaurants, first-class or business-class trains on longer sections, one or two domestic flights, guided tours for key attractions. |
| Luxury | £5,500+ | Five-star hotels including The Peninsula Shanghai and Sofitel Legend Xi'an, private drivers, business-class rail, domestic flights, private guides and premium experiences throughout. |
Accommodation
- Backpacker£20–£40/night
- Mid-Range£70–£140/night
- Luxury£300+/night
Food & drinks
- Backpacker£12/day
- Mid-Range£30/day
- Luxury£90+/day
Trains & flights
- Backpacker£250 total
- Mid-Range£450 total
- Luxury£900+ total
Tours & attractions
- Backpacker£150
- Mid-Range£400
- Luxury£1,200+
Money-saving tips
- • Use high-speed trains instead of flying where practical
- • Eat at local noodle and dumpling restaurants
- • Stay close to metro stations
- • Avoid booking every attraction through a private tour
- • Reserve popular attractions early to avoid mark-ups
- • Compare train classes — second class is often plenty
- • Use public transport instead of taxis for short trips
- • Visit free parks and neighbourhoods for a fuller picture
- • Travel outside national holiday periods where possible
These figures exclude international flights.
Practical info
Practical China travel information
Visa & entry
For British ordinary passport holders, China currently allows visa-free entry for eligible visits of up to 30 days from 17 February until 31 December 2026. Travellers who don't meet the conditions or plan to stay longer still require a visa. This policy is time-limited and should be verified again before travel. Other nationalities should check the latest rules — do not assume the same applies.
Currency
The currency is the Chinese yuan (renminbi). Mobile payments are widely used, and some smaller businesses may not accept international cards. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before arrival, carry emergency cash and check exchange rates at the time of travel.
Language
Mandarin is the main language used throughout the route, with regional languages and dialects also spoken. Save hotel addresses in Chinese characters, use translation apps, show hotel cards to taxi drivers, and learn a few basic phrases.
SIM cards & eSIMs
Local SIM options, international roaming and eSIMs are all available. Passport registration may be required for physical SIMs. Check network coverage and verify app accessibility before purchase.
Toilets
Carry tissues and hand sanitiser. Squat toilets are still common; Western-style toilets are more common in modern hotels and malls. Don't assume toilet paper will always be supplied.
Drinking water
Don't assume tap water is safe to drink. Use bottled, boiled or properly filtered water throughout the trip.
Health & safety
Comprehensive travel insurance, medical coverage, medication documentation, air-quality checks, sun protection, hydration, food hygiene, road safety and comfortable footwear. Keep emergency contacts saved and check your government's current travel advice. Never hike outside official trails in Zhangjiajie.
Cultural etiquette
Speak quietly inside temples, follow photography restrictions, don't photograph people without permission, queue where directed, carry the passport used for bookings, respect security procedures and dress respectfully at religious sites.
Best time to visit
Mar–May: generally suitable for city sightseeing and spring scenery.
Jun–Aug: hotter, humid in some destinations, with summer crowds and possible rain and storm disruption.
Sep–Nov: milder temperatures, clearer mountain views and autumn colour.
Dec–Feb: cold in Beijing and Xi'an, potential snow, different outdoor conditions.
National holiday warning
Book far in advance around Chinese holidays
Transport, hotels and major attractions can become extremely busy during major public holidays — particularly Lunar New Year, the Labour Day holiday and National Day Golden Week. Check the exact dates for your year and book well in advance, or plan around them.
Travel China responsibly
Small choices make a big difference
- • Use licensed local guides
- • Avoid direct-contact wildlife experiences
- • Follow marked mountain trails only
- • Reduce single-use plastic
- • Refill water where safe
- • Respect temple and museum rules
- • Support locally owned restaurants
- • Ask before photographing people
- • Avoid purchasing products made from protected wildlife
- • Avoid damaging natural areas
What to pack
- Passport
- Printed and offline booking confirmations
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Modest temple clothing
- Rain jacket
- Sun cream
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues
- Portable charger
- Universal travel adaptor
- Medication
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Offline maps
- Translation app
- Small day bag
- Physical bank card
- Emergency cash
- Copies of travel documents
FAQ
Common questions about 3 weeks in China
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Per-day breakdowns for every travel style.
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