China travel routes
Ready-made itineraries that turn a map of China into a trip you can actually book, sequenced for the smartest mix of rail, flights and time on the ground.
A route turns a list of cities into an actual trip. Each itinerary below is built around how China really connects — high-speed rail between regional hubs, a single internal flight where the distances get big, and enough breathing room that you are not packing and unpacking every night.
Pick by the kind of trip you want: a tightly-planned first visit, a sweeping grand tour, or something built around food, nature or getting off the beaten path. Every route links to full guides for the cities it passes through, so you can go as deep as you like on each stop.
Classic & first-timer routes
The greatest hits in the smartest order. Ideal if it is your first time in China and you want the icons without the logistics headache.
Classic China: 14 Days Through Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
Beijing's imperial grandeur, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, and Shanghai's modern skyline in one seamless first-timer loop.
Northern Winter: Beijing and the Harbin Ice Festival in 7 Days
Seven days through Beijing's imperial sites and Harbin's ice sculptures, ideal for winter travellers chasing sub-zero spectacle.
Grand tours
Two to three weeks covering several regions — for travellers who want to see a lot in one trip and have the time to do it.
Nature & landscapes
Karst peaks, rice terraces, pandas and Tibetan plateaus. Routes for travellers who come to China for the scenery.
Avatar Mountains: Zhangjiajie and Chongqing in 5 Days
Five days exploring karst peaks that inspired Avatar and Chongqing's mountainside lanes, hot pot and river views.
Li River Karst: Guilin and Yangshuo in 5 Days
Five days cruising the Li River, cycling Yangshuo's karst countryside, and exploring Guilin's limestone peaks.
Southern Gateway: Guangzhou, Guilin and Yangshuo in 8 Days
Cantonese cuisine, karst peaks and lazy river cycling combine in this relaxed trio of southern cities.
History & culture
Ancient capitals, the Silk Road and dynasties stacked on top of each other. Deep-dive routes for the history-minded.
Jiangnan Water Towns: Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou in 7 Days
A week exploring Shanghai's modernity, Suzhou's classical gardens and Hangzhou's West Lake by high-speed rail.
Yunnan Highlights: Dali and Lijiang in 6 Days
Six days exploring Yunnan's Old Town charm, alpine lakes, and Naxi culture with minimal backtracking and balanced pacing.
Other routes
Rather build your own trip?
Browse our in-depth city guides and combine the destinations yourself — each one covers visas, transport, food and where to stay.