23 Days Itinerary China Exploring: From Beijing to Shanghai

Hey fellow travelers! I had an epic 23-day adventure across China, and it was truly unforgettable. From ancient palaces and bustling city streets to mystical mountains and serene canyon, this trip had a perfect mix of culture, nature, and foodie experiences.

Day 1–3: Beijing – Itinerary China for History, Culture & Great Walls

Beijing is the ultimate mix of ancient history and modern energy. I wandered through the massive courtyards of the Forbidden City, strolled along Tianamen square, and indulged in the city’s famous Peking Duck. Cozy cafés like Zarah Café and bubble tea spots like Chagee and Heytea were perfect for a little mid-day recharge.

Of course, nothing compares to standing on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, looking over the rolling mountains — it’s awe-inspiring. Nights were lively with street food, neon lights, and the charm of South Luogu Lane and Wangfujing. Beijing really sets the tone for an adventure in China.

Affiliate placeholders: [Book Beijing hotels], [Flights to Beijing], [Great Wall tickets].

Day 4–6: Xi’an – Ancient Walls & Terracotta Warriors

Xi’an is a city where history comes alive. Walking along the old city walls felt like stepping back in time, and seeing the Terracotta Warriors in person is surreal — the details are incredible.

The Muslim Quarter was a highlight for me: vibrant streets, savory street food, and a lively market atmosphere. Charming little cafés like Oops Coffee were the perfect breaks in between all the sightseeing. Xi’an is a compact city, but every corner is packed with stories and flavors.

Day 7–9: Chongqing – Hills, Rivers & Urban Adventures

Chongqing blew me away with its dramatic hills and rivers winding through the city with skyscraper. Observation platforms, quirky escalators like Liziba, and historic streets such as Ciqikou Ancient Town made wandering the city exciting. And in the evenings, the lantern-lit Hongyandong area created a magical atmosphere I’ll never forget.

Book your hotel in chongqing here:

Day 10: Wulong – Scenic Natural Wonders

A full day in Wulong is all about dramatic landscapes and adrenaline-pumping views. Hiking glass walkways over deep gorges, exploring hidden waterfalls, and marveling at natural formations felt like walking through a fantasy world. It’s a nature-lover’s dream and a must-see stop in China. You can book a tor to Wulong here.

Day 11: Chengdu – Pandas & Culinary Delights

Chengdu offers a slower, more relaxed vibe. The Giant Panda Research & Breeding Center is an absolute highlight — seeing these adorable creatures up close is unforgettable.

Strolling through Kuan Alley & Zhai Alley, People’s Park, and Jinli Ancient Street let me experience the city’s charm, and the local cuisine is not to be missed. From spicy Sichuan hotpot to street snacks, Chengdu is a paradise for foodies.

Day 12–15: Zhangjiajie – Mystical Mountains & Villages

Zhangjiajie is otherworldly. Hiking the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, taking scenic cable cars, and visiting the Fox Fairy Theatre felt like stepping into a fantasy. I recommend that you better join a tour because the destinations are very wide. You can get the tour here.

And Tianmen Mountain’s vistas were breathtaking. Food streets such as Nanmenkou were perfect for refueling between adventures. Every day in Zhangjiajie felt magical. Don't skip the 72 wonder tower for the lights, performance and parade.

Day 16: Fenghuang Gucheng & Furong Town

On this day, I explored Fenghuang Ancient Town during the day — a picturesque town with winding alleys, wooden houses, and river views that make for stunning photos. In the evening, I arrived at Furong Town, where the quiet riverside streets and local food made for a peaceful end to the day.

Day 17–19: Nanjing – History & Lakeside Relaxation

Nanjing is a city of temples, lakes, and calm energy. Highlights included Qixia Temple, Confucius Temple, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Zixia Lake. Evenings were spent enjoying local food along streets like Laomendong. It’s a perfect place to unwind while still soaking in Chinese history.

Affiliate placeholders: [Book Nanjing hotels], [Nanjing attractions tickets].

Day 20: Suzhou – Canals & Classical Gardens

Suzhou was a peaceful day trip from Shanghai. Wandering Shantang Street, visiting the Humble Administrator’s Garden, and seeing twin pagodas felt like stepping into a painting. Suzhou’s canals and boutique streets make it a serene escape from the busy city life.

If you normally book second class to keep costs down but have wondered what first class is like, this is the route to try it. The train from Shanghai to Suzhou takes only around 30 minutes, so the upgrade is surprisingly affordable.

Book your train ticket here

Day 21–23: Shanghai – Skyline, Cafés & Vibrant Streets

Shanghai is the modern heartbeat of China. From the Bund to Xintiandi, every street is full of energy. I loved discovering cafés, wandering Yu Garden, and admiring the skyline from Lujiazui.

Evening walks along Nanjing Road and the North Bund were magical, and each neighborhood had its own personality. It’s the perfect finale to a long China adventure.

Want the complete 23-day China itinerary with daily schedules, insider tips, attractions, and local food spots? Check out my Itinerary China 23 Days in the shop — it’s your ultimate travel companion to plan a seamless adventure. Get the full China itinerary here!

Cheers,

Travel with Tarry