Just 7 Days in China? Here’s How to Get the Most out of Your Trip CheapOair Staff May 17, 2018 Asia, Travel Guide This post was last updated on September 5, 2023. Coming up with an itinerary for a full week in China can prove tricky. Obviously, China’s a big country with plenty to offer travelers of all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for urban delights, rural retreats, or something somewhere in between, it’s all there on a grand scale. No matter where in China you’re heading off to, determining how to divvy up a seven-day itinerary depends a lot on what’s most important to you. For this piece, we’re sticking with mainland China recommendations. However, there’s certainly an argument for mixing jaunts to Hong Kong, Macau, or Hainan in with your mainland travels. Any one of the destinations mentioned in this post is more than worthy of visiting on its own for well over a week, but if seven days is all you’ve got, here are some ideas to keep in mind. Beijing Beijing is the cultural and political heart of China, not to mention an amazing place to visit. From traditional hutongs (narrow streets and alleys) to cutting-edge architecture, ancient temples, and contemporary art, Beijing is a city of contrast and contradiction. Spend your night in a newly built hotel and your day exploring the imperial palace. Whether you’re keen on spending your whole week in only one place or intend to hit as many dots on the map as possible, this world-class city with great international and domestic flight connections is perfect to sample the best of China. Shanghai Or you might decide to revolve your 7-day trip to China around an exploration of Shanghai. China’s pulsating commercial center, Shanghai has the modernity of a business hub that blends effortlessly with its historic side. You can experience epic shopping, be it at a luxury shopping mall or a market stall. You’ll find delectable food, prepared by either celebrity chefs or friendly street vendors, and an overwhelming sense of awe that you’re in one of the major cities of the world. Just stand at the foot of the impressively tall Shanghai Tower and look up. Shanghai is an enthralling metropolis offering excitement to all who visit, whether it’d for a single night, a long weekend, or a lifetime. In fact, you may find that 7 days might not be enough to soak up all that this city has to offer. Xi’an Xi’an was once China’s imperial capital, and makes for a a captivating addition to any 7-day itinerary. Its crown jewel is the Terracotta Army, a vast collection of life-sized ancient clay soldiers and horses. This archaeological marvel provides a captivating insight into China’s rich history. Beyond the Terracotta Army, Xi’an’s ancient city wall, one of the best-preserved in the world, offers a unique perspective on the city’s past. While strolling the wall, you can admire panoramic views and appreciate its historical significance. Xi’an is also a culinary delight, renowned for its diverse street food scene. Savor dishes like roujiamo (Chinese burgers), liangpi (cold noodles), and yangrou paomo (lamb stew with bread). The city’s food culture is a mouthwatering adventure in itself. Sichuan Province Pandas. Nuff said, right? Sichaun’s where ya find ’em. But beyond these cuddly black-and-white fluff balls,there are many great reasons to visit the Sichuan province. These include some of the spiciest food know to humanity and the world’s largest stone Buddha. You’ll find plenty to do in cities like Chengdu, which is the home of Sichuanese opera, which features fire-breathing and colorful masks. You can also spend tons of time exploring the region’s natural beauty at places like Jiuzhaigou Park and the Lugu Lake and hot springs. c Sample Itinerary You are, of course, free to divide up your week in China any way you like. But here’s a sample itinerary to get you started. Feel free to expand or contract each leg of the trip to suit your personal preferences. Let’s imagine you decide to focus on Beijing instead of Shanghai. Here’s a possible breakdown: c Day 1: Arrival in Beijing – Arrive in Beijing, check into your hotel. – Explore the Wangfujing shopping street in the evening. c Day 2: Beijing – Visit the Forbidden City. – Explore Tiananmen Square. – Walk to Qianmen Street for shopping and dining. c Day 3: Beijing – Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven. – Afternoon excursion to the Summer Palace. c Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an – Take a morning high-speed train or flight to Xi’an. – Visit the Xi’an city wall or Muslim Quarter in the evening. c Day 5: Xi’an – Visit the Terracotta Army in the morning. – Explore the ancient city wall and Muslim Quarter in the afternoon. c Day 6: Xi’an to Chengdu – Take a morning flight to Chengdu. – Visit Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street. c Day 7: Sichuan Province (Chengdu or nearby) – Morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. – Afternoon visit to Sichuan Opera for a face-changing performance. – Try Sichuan hotpot for dinner. c This condensed itinerary focuses on the must-see attractions in each location but allows you to experience a taste of each city. Keep in mind that you’ll be traveling frequently and may have limited time for relaxation or exploration. If you have more time available, consider extending your trip to fully enjoy each destination. c FAQs: Q: Will there be vegetarian food options available in China? A: Yes. Chinese cuisine offers diverse and satisfying choices for vegetarians. Explore dishes like Mapo Tofu, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Vegetarian Hot Pot, Buddha’s Delight, and Sichuan Eggplant. Don’t miss street snacks like Jianbing (savory crepes) and various steamed dumplings. Q: Can I extend my stay in China beyond my vacation? A: To extend your stay in China while you’re already in the country, you should contact the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration office before your current visa expires. They may grant extensions based on your circumstances, such as tourism, business, or family reasons. Q: Is China safe for tourists? A: China is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime rates are low, and public transportation is reliable. However, be aware of potential language barriers and cultural differences. Follow local laws and regulations, respect customs, and stay informed about travel advisories. Exercise caution in crowded areas and be mindful of your belongings. Q: What currency is accepted in China? A: The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Exchanging money is best done at banks, authorized exchange offices, or ATMs. Major cities and tourist areas often accept international credit and debit cards, but cash is still widely preferred, especially in rural areas. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card issues. It’s prudent to carry some cash for small purchases and emergencies, while digital payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted for everyday transactions. Have you been to China recently? Tell us about any great cities you visited!
