14-Day Classic China Family Route
- Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guiling, Yangshuo, Shanghai
- 14 Days 13 Nights
Overview
A gentle, family-friendly introduction to China’s history, nature, and modern cities.
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Family, Classic, Nature, Culture, Luxury, Private
This 14-day China itinerary connects four of the country’s most meaningful regions with smooth transport and realistic travel days. It is especially suitable for families, first-time visitors, and travelers who want structure without feeling rushed.
The route starts in Beijing, where China’s imperial history comes into focus, continues to Xi’an and the ancient Silk Road, slows down in Chengdu and rural Guangxi, and finishes in Shanghai, one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
Rather than trying to see everything, this itinerary focuses on depth, variety, and energy balance, making it easier to enjoy China day by day.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Beijing Arrival
The Experience: Arrive in Beijing and settle into your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a light neighborhood walk or rest after your flight.
Highlight: First impressions of China’s capital
Day 2:
Beijing | Forbidden City
Route: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City
The Experience: Explore Tiananmen Square and walk through the Forbidden City, once home to China’s emperors. The scale and layout help explain China’s long imperial history.
Highlight: Forbidden City palaces and courtyards
Note: Tickets should be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons
Day 3:
Beijing | Great Wall
Route: Great Wall
The Experience: Visit a well-preserved section of the Great Wall, with time to walk at your own pace and enjoy open views of the surrounding mountains.
Highlight: Standing atop one of the world’s most iconic landmarks
Tip: Avoid the busiest sections if traveling during holidays or weekends
Day 4:
Beijing
Route: Beijing → Xi’an (high-speed train)
The Experience: Start the day in Beijing’s hutongs or at the Temple of Heaven, then take a high-speed train to Xi’an. In the evening, explore the lively Muslim Quarter.
Highlight: Local snacks and street life in Xi’an
Note: High-speed trains take about 4.5–5 hours
Day 5:
Xi'an | Terracotta Army & City Wall
Route: Terracotta Army → City Wall
The Experience: Visit the Terracotta Army, one of China’s most important archaeological discoveries, then walk or cycle along the ancient city wall.
Highlight: Thousands of life-sized warriors frozen in time
Tip: Go early to avoid large tour groups
Day 6:
Xi'an
Route: Xi’an → Chengdu (high-speed train)
The Experience: Explore a local morning market before boarding a high-speed train to Chengdu. The pace noticeably slows as you arrive in Sichuan.
Highlight: Everyday local life in Xi’an
Note: Train journey is around 3.5–4 hours
Day 7:
Chengdu
Route: Panda Base → Kuanzhai Alley
The Experience: Visit the panda base in the morning when pandas are most active, then wander Kuanzhai Alley to sample snacks and local culture.
Highlight: Seeing giant pandas up close
Tip: Arrive early at the panda base for the best experience
Day 8:
Chengdu
Route: Chengdu → Leshan → Guilin (flight)
The Experience: Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into a riverside cliff, before flying to Guilin in the evening.
Highlight: The world’s largest stone Buddha
Note: Flights save significant travel time compared to trains
Day 9:
Guilin
Route: Guilin → Yangshuo (cruise)
The Experience: Cruise down the Li River, passing dramatic karst peaks, then check into Yangshuo and enjoy a relaxed walk or cycling route.
Highlight: Li River scenery
Tip: Sit on the upper deck for better views when weather allows
Day 10:
Yangshuo
Route: Yulong River → Cooking Experience
The Experience: Float along the Yulong River on a bamboo raft, then take part in a hands-on cooking experience using local ingredients.
Highlight: Slow countryside moments
Note: Rafting is gentle and suitable for families
Day 11:
Yangshuo
Route: Yangshuo Rice Terraces → Guilin → Shanghai (flight)
The Experience: Visit nearby rice terraces before flying to Shanghai in the evening.
Highlight: Rural landscapes shaped over centuries
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths
Day 12:
Shanghai
Route: Bund & Historic Neighborhoods
The Experience: Walk along the Bund, explore the former French Concession, and visit the Shanghai Museum. End the day with city lights and neon streets.
Highlight: Old and new Shanghai side by side
Note: The museum is free but requires advance booking
Day 13:
Shanghai
Route: City Walk & Yu Garden
The Experience: Enjoy a relaxed city walk, coffee by the Huangpu River, and a visit to Yu Garden and nearby old streets.
Highlight: Slowing down before departure
Tip: Early mornings are best for quiet walks
Day 14:
Shanghai | Departure
Route: Departure
The Experience: Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation
For this route, location matters more than luxury.
- Beijing & Xi’an: Stay near subway lines to reduce walking and transfers.
- Chengdu: Central areas near Kuanzhai Alley or river neighborhoods work well.
- Yangshuo: Choose countryside or river-side stays for a quieter experience.
- Shanghai: The former French Concession or riverside districts offer easy walking.
Family rooms or connecting rooms are widely available in mid-range hotels.
Transportation
- Intercity: We use a mix of high-speed "G-Trains" (Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu) for comfort and domestic flights (Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai) to maximize time.
- Local: Private air-conditioned vans/cars for all transfers.
- Fun Factor: Rickshaws in Beijing, bicycles in Xi’an/Yangshuo, and the Maglev in Shanghai.
Cost
Included
- High-speed train tickets (Beijing–Xi’an, Xi’an–Chengdu)
- Domestic flights (Chengdu–Guilin, Guilin/Yangshuo–Shanghai)
- 3–4 star hotels with breakfast
- Major attractions (Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, panda base, Li River cruise)
- Private transfers on key days
Excluded
- International flights
- Some meals, especially dinners
- Optional experiences (private cycling tours, cooking classes)
- Travel insurance and visas
- Personal shopping and tips
Essential Tips
- Expect 2–3 active sightseeing days in a row, followed by slower countryside or city-walk days.
- Early mornings are common (pandas, Terracotta Army), so plan earlier nights when possible.
- Yangshuo and Chengdu are natural recovery stops — use them to slow down.
- Pack light layers: temperatures can vary between Beijing, Sichuan, and southern China.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for the Great Wall, Xi’an city wall, and rice terraces.
- A small daypack is useful for long sightseeing days and river activities.
Gallery
FAQ
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. It covers China’s major highlights without overloading the schedule.
Is it good for families with children?
Yes. Travel days are manageable, and experiences are varied and engaging.
Can this route be shortened or extended?
It can be adjusted by removing one destination or adding rest days in Chengdu or Yangshuo.
Is China safe for families?
Absolutely. China is one of the safest travel destinations globally for families, with low crime rates and a culture that is very welcoming to children.
Can we find Western food?
In Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai, Western options are everywhere. Yangshuo is very tourist-friendly with many "backpacker" cafes serving great pizza and breakfast.
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