Two weeks allows a Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai core plus one meaningful regional contrast. Choose Chengdu for food and pandas, or replace it with a landscape region rather than adding both.
Days 1–4: Beijing
Cover the central historic axis, neighborhoods and the Great Wall with one flexible museum or palace day.
Days 5–6: Xi'an
Give the Terracotta Army a dedicated day and use the remaining time for the city wall, food and archaeological context.
Days 7–10: Regional contrast
Use Chengdu for pandas, food and city life, or choose one scenic region such as Guilin and Yangshuo. Scenic areas usually demand more road transfer and weather flexibility.
Days 11–14: Shanghai
Finish with the Bund, historic neighborhoods, Pudong and one optional nearby-city day. Keep the departure day protected.
Official sources
Sources checked 13 August 2026. Reconfirm time-sensitive details before departure.
Frequently asked questions
How many cities fit in 14 days?
Four main bases is a sensible upper limit for most first trips.
Should I choose Chengdu or Zhangjiajie?
Choose Chengdu for food and easier city logistics; choose Zhangjiajie for landscapes and accept more transfer and weather risk.
Can I add Hong Kong?
Yes, but remove another extension or shorten the mainland core carefully, and verify separate entry requirements.