China 2 week itinerary. My China trip from Beijing to Shanghai

I wanted to go to China to experience a world completely different from the one I live in, so I planned a 2 week China travel itinerary. But within the first few days of my China trip, I realized—it wasn’t at all what I expected. My idea of China was likely shaped by outdated information from over a decade ago, but this country is evolving fast, racing toward the future.

And yet, in China, the ancient and the futuristic coexist seamlessly. One moment, you’re admiring the intricate architecture of the former imperial palace, decoding centuries-old symbols, or listening to the beat of a traditional drum once used to tell time from a drum tower. A few metro stops later, you’re watching robots at work or speeding across the country on a train going 300 km/h.

And in between it all is everyday life: buzzing intersections filled with electric scooters, the scent of soup dumplings wafting from tiny corner shops, and quiet canal-side parks where locals dance and sing karaoke under the open sky. China is intriguing, impressive, and at times, puzzling. If you’re looking for adventure, plan a China trip.

To help you with that – here is my two-week China itinerary—packed with unexpected discoveries and sensory overloads.

Table of content:

First Part of My China 2 Week Travel Itinerary – Beijing

Day 1 of My China Trip: Arrival In a Different World

On the first day of our China travel itinerary, the only real goal is to arrive, get settled, and win the battle with jetlag. No need to rush into sightseeing just yet—we’ll dive into the adventure tomorrow.

Itinerary:

1. Arrival & Immigration

2. Check into your hotel

3. Try hotpot for dinner

Trying hot pot during your China trip isn’t just about filling your tummy—it’s an experience. You cook your own food right at the table, dipping ingredients into a big pot of spicy, flavorful broth. Decoding the menu can be part of the adventure, with items you may never have encountered before. Ever tried water lilies? Or a cow’s stomach? This is your moment to be bold.

4. Get some snacks in Chinese convenience store

Japan is famous for its convenience stores, but China’s have some pretty cool snacks too—definitely worth a stop during your China trip. I wasn’t quite brave enough to try the chicken feet, but I did go for the spicy konjac strips. They kind of look like worms, but (hopefully) aren’t.

And then it is time to rest & recharge.

Day 2 of My China Travel Itinerary: Life in Hutongs

On this day of our China travel itinerary, we’ll get a feel for what life in Beijing is really like—both now and in the past. From historic neighborhoods to local street food.

Today’s itinerary:

1. Guided tour through Hutongs (old neighbourhoods)

The best way to get to know a city is through the eyes of a local, so I highly recommend adding a guided tour to the start of your China trip itinerary. I chose one that took us through the narrow alleys of Beijing’s old neighborhoods, known as hutongs.

With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these traditional homes—often marked by beautiful, ornate entry gates—have evolved over time. Once the residences of military officials and scholars close to the emperor, many hutongs now offer shared, low-cost housing to “floaters”—people who’ve come to Beijing from other parts of China in search of work and opportunity.

2. Beijing Drum tower

Chinese name for navigation: 北京鼓樓

In Europe, we used church bells to tell time. In China, they had bell towers and drum towers—and their own unique timekeeping system. If you want to learn more about it, head to the Drum Tower. At certain times of day, you can even catch a lively, high-energy drum performance that brings the history to life.

Or, if you’re just here for the views, it’s still worth adding to your China trip itinerary for the beautiful architecture and panoramic look over Beijing.

3. Snack-lunch at Shichahai

Chinese name: 什刹海小吃街

The calm lake, shaded by old trees, was one of the stops on the guided tour we took. But just beyond the peaceful water, the surrounding streets are full of snack shops and street food stalls. Think meat on a stick, sizzling stinky tofu, even stinkier durians, warm meat-filled buns, and—of course—plenty of matcha-flavored ice cream. China is definitely a snack lover’s paradise.

4. SoReal Blast furnace VR

Chinese name for navigation: 首钢一高炉·SoReal科幻乐园

What is this place? A factory?

No. Well it was, but not anymore. If, during your China trip, you’re interested in trying virtual reality that goes beyond just 3D glasses, SoReal Blast Furnace is the place to go. This experience combines animated visuals with full-body motion: 360-degree flip chairs, mechanical horses, and harnesses that simulate parachuting. If that sounds like your kind of fun, add SoReal Blast Furnace to your China travel itinerary.

5. Snack dinner at Shichahai

Same place again? Yep—but at night, Shichahai transforms completely. What was a tranquil lakeside retreat by day turns into a buzzing nightlife hub after dark. Neon lights reflect on the water, live performances spill out from almost every bar, and the whole area hums with energy. The food stalls? Still open, still busy, and still totally worth a visit.

The first full day of our China travel itinerary was pretty great, wasn’t it? But tomorrow let’s switch it up with exploring the futuristic side of Beijing.

Day 3 of My China Trip: Modern Beijing

Most people visit Beijing for its rich culture and deep history—but if you’re curious about China’s high-tech side, you can catch a glimpse of it here too… in a museum.

Today’s itinerary:

1. China Science and technology museum

The first few exhibits are definitely geared toward kids, so you can skip those if you’re not traveling with little ones. What I came for were the robots, 5G innovations, and space tech. You can listen to a robot play the harp or check out a slightly creepy humanoid doll that scans your face and mimics your expressions in real time.

With exhibitions spread across multiple floors, the China Science and Technology Museum offers hours of interactive exploration.

2. Chinese dumplings for a late lunch

Another must-try food during your China trip is dumplings. For some of the tastiest, juiciest ones with a wide range of fillings, head to Xi’an Lao Man restaurant. One of the best parts of eating here is mixing your own dipping sauce from a spread of condiments—soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili oil.

3. Olympic park

Chinese name to put in navigation: 奥林匹克公园

The futuristic architecture of Beijing’s Olympic Park truly shines at night—literally. Once the sun sets, the unusual buildings light up, transforming the whole area into something that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. From the giant tower that looks like a cluster of glowing mushrooms to the bubble-covered Aquatic Center, it’s a surreal and fun spot for an evening stroll.

4. Dinner at a local restaurant

In China, finding a good spot for dinner is surprisingly easy. There’s a popular local saying: “If you see people queuing, join the queue—they’re probably serving something good!” Just look around for a place bustling with people—it’s usually a reliable sign that the food is worth trying. Or do as we did and use the Food feature in Amap to check which place nearby has the highest rating.

After a satisfying meal, it’s time to rest and recharge. Tomorrow’s itinerary promises lots of walking and a deep dive into China’s rich, fascinating history.

Day 4 of My China Trip Itinerary: Tracing Beijing’s Imperial History

On this day of our China itinerary it is time to decode the secret meanings hidden in the beautiful detail work of some of the buildings telling stories about China’s imperial past.

Itinerary:

1. A guided tour through Forbidden city

If you’re planning to explore this part of Beijing on your China trip, I highly recommend going with a guide. The Forbidden City is enormous, and without someone to explain it all, I would’ve definitely gotten lost in the maze of gates, halls, and courtyards. Everything kind of looks the same… but somehow also doesn’t.

Here everything from the colour of roof tiles to the knobs on the doors have deeper meaning. And the detailed work is just stunning!

2. Temple of Heaven (if you still have the stamina)

Chinese name to put in navigation: 天坛

If you’re up for continuing your deep dive into imperial history, head to the Temple of Heaven—the place where Chinese emperors once prayed for good harvests. The architecture is iconic.

But be prepared – visiting both the Forbidden city and the temple in one day is quite ambitious. I did it, but I was wiped afterwards. 

3. Dinner in a Chinese restaurant

For dinner, I had a massive bowl of wide, thick noodles drenched in chili oil, topped with tender meat and mystery veggies I couldn’t name—but they were delicious. The bowl was bigger than my head, and I’d absolutely recommend you try it.

Day 5 of My China Travel: Fulfilling The Dream of Visiting The Great Wall of China

Stepping onto the Great Wall of China is definitely a bucket list moment. There’s just something about it—the scale, the history, the views—that makes you feel incredibly lucky to be able to experience it during your China trip.

Itinerary:

1. West route of Mutianyu Great wall

The view of the wall winding between the mountains that are fading into the misty distance is absolutely breathtaking. But will you have the strength to climb the highest watchtower in this section? They say it’s around 450 steps with an 80-degree incline to reach Watchtower 20.

2. East route of Mutianyu great wall

It’s still the same Great Wall, but this side has a different vibe. I think it’s the shape of the towers! The real highlight here, though, is the chance to ride down on a toboggan.

With that, the first part of our China travel itinerary comes to an end. It’s time to have a dinner and say goodbye to the orderly, historic charm of Beijing and get ready for the next chapter—Shanghai. A city that’s fast-paced, a little chaotic, and full of surprises.

Second Part of My China 2 week Travel Itinerary – Shanghai and Its Surrounding Cities

Day 6 of Visiting China: Travel in High Speed Train

This day of my China travel itinerary is mostly about getting from one city to another—but when you’re traveling on a high-speed train for the first time, even the journey itself becomes an adventure. And I still managed to squeeze in a little sightseeing at the end.

Itinerary:

1. Stop at convenience store to get some snacks for the road

How about a green tea sponge cake? Yum!

2.Take a bullet train from Beijing to Shanghai

Ever ridden a train that goes 300 km/h? The distance from Beijing to Shanghai is around 1,200 km, but with the right train, it takes under 5 hours. Even second-class seats are surprisingly spacious and comfy, with plenty of legroom. 

3. Check into the hotel

4. Nanjing road pedestrian street

Chinese name: 南京路步行街

Bright lights, big city! When the sun sets, this famous pedestrian shopping street in Shanghai glows in neon. It’s busy and buzzing with energy.

Pop into a tech shop, wander through a quirky toy store, or stumble upon crane game arcades hidden in basements. And yes—be ready for a few enthusiastic sellers offering you “Guchi” bags, but they will leave you alone if you will politely say no. It’s all part of the fun, chaotic vibe that makes this part of your China trip so memorable.

Then it is time to rest. But what’s next on our China travel itinerary? Well, we’ll explore Shanghai for a bit before heading over to a nearby town called Suzhou.

Day 7 of My China Travel Itinerary: Skyscrapers of Shanghai

Shanghai’s architecture is quite unique – and the city holds a few world records in the architecture department too. So today on our China trip, we’re diving into futuristic design, soaring heights, and a bit of techy fun.

Itinerary:

1. China 3D printing museum

Chinese name: 中國3D打印文化博物館

This one’s definitely a niche stop—you really need to be into 3D printing to go out of your way for it. But if that’s your thing, the museum features 3D-printed garments, bones, furniture, and miniature models of iconic Chinese landmarks that may just inspire your next printing project.

2. Shanghai tower mall

Not a must-see on your China travel itinerary, but if you’ve got some time to kill before heading up to the observatory, the Shanghai Tower mall is worth a wander. You’ll find ultra-sleek Chinese car showrooms that feel like bite-sized sci-fi exhibits—think doors that open with just a tap, voice-controlled massage chairs, and windows that tint at the press of a button. And this is 2025… I can’t even imagine what’s coming next. We also grabbed a quick lunch in the food court—solid option before going sky-high.

3. Shanghai Tower Observatory

Chinese name: 上海中心大厦

Time to ride the fastest elevator in the world and take in the view from the third-tallest building on Earth. From up here, Shanghai seems to stretch on forever. Some districts are perfectly organized, with copy-paste buildings lined up in neat geometric rows. Others look like a chaotic patchwork of shapes, colors, and styles.

4. Take a bullet train to Suzhou

5. Check into the hotel

Judging by the buildings glowing in colorful, dancing lights, Suzhou looks like a fun place to explore—and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Day 8 of My China Trip: The Futuristic & Traditional Suzhou

Suzhou somehow manages to feel both futuristic and steeped in tradition. On this leg of our China trip, we got a little taste of both.

Itinerary:

1. Tiger hill scenic area

Chinese name to put in navigation: 虎丘山风景名胜区

While most people come here for the iconic stone pagoda perched on top of the hill, there’s so much more to explore. Think winding paths through bamboo groves, peaceful gardens, traditional architecture, Buddha statues, and bonsai trees shaped like little green sculptures. If you decide to add this stop to your China travel itinerary, I’m sure you’ll find something that speaks to you—and you’ll almost certainly find a sense of peace along the way.

2. Guanqian Shopping Street

Chinese name: 观前街

This historic shopping street is likely one you’ll pass through on the way to the next attraction on our agenda. So grab a fun lemonade (I chose lichi-pamelo) and enjoy some window shopping. 

3. Pingjiang road

Name to put in navigation: 州平江苏历史文化街区

I expected a quaint, historic area… and it is. But it’s also a buzzing shopping district, with souvenir shops, snack stalls, and costume rentals tucked between charming turquoise blue canals and historic houses.

4. Gate of Orient

Chinese name for navigation: 東方之門

You’ve probably seen this giant gate-shaped skyscraper from a distance, so now it’s time to get up close.

While you’re here, wander through the maze of Suzhou Mall—yes, it’s huge—and try to find your way to the tree-covered terraces. From there, you’ll hit the waterfront with peaceful lake views framed by high-rises on the other side.

5. SIP area by night

For navigation you can put in Suzhou Culture and Art Center 苏州文化艺术中心 (it’s the area around it):

When the sun goes down, the business district comes alive with lights. On a warm evening, you can wander past little fountains, neon strips glowing along the road, and trees dressed in twinkling lights. But the real showstopper? The Gate of the Orient and the surrounding skyscrapers across the lake—lit up in a mesmerizing display of dancing lights.

One day is definitely not enough to explore all of Suzhou. But we are on a tight schedule for this China trip, so, tomorrow we are heading to another city.

Day 9 of My China Travel Itinerary: The Peace by West Lake in Hangzhou

So far in our China trip, we’ve been on the go and busy—so today calls for a slower pace. And Hangzhou is perfect for that. West Lake is a synonym for peace.

Itinerary:

1. Morning train to Hangzhou

2. Former Residence of Hu Xueyan

Chinese name: 胡雪岩故居

In Beijing, we admired many historic buildings from the outside, but I was curious to see what’s inside. This museum offers a rare glimpse into the former home of a wealthy Qing Dynasty businessman. While most rooms—adorned with intricate wood carvings, lanterns, and stained glass windows—are mostly empty, the highlight is the beautiful traditional Chinese garden tucked within.

3. Westlake (by the former dancing fountains)

For navigation: 杭州西湖音樂噴泉

Calm waters dotted with lotus leaves and wooden boats drifting silently—West Lake is just as poetic as they say. It’s also a perfect spot for people-watching: locals are dancing in groups, singing outdoor karaoke, or feeding squirrels darting among the old trees lining the promenade.

4. Qianjiang New town light show from City balcony

For navigation: 杭州城市陽台

We’ve seen our fair share of nighttime illuminations on this China trip, but Hangzhou takes it to a whole new level. From Thursday to Sunday, at specific times in the evening, the skyline transforms into a coordinated display of flowers, animals, and dazzling colors. It’s not just a light show—it’s a spectacular experience that turns the entire city around you into a glowing masterpiece.

I hope your dreams will be as fun as the light show. Now rest and recharge!

Day 10 of My China Travel: Hangzhou Has Robots and Night Markets Too

Today, let’s continue to enjoy Hangzhou’s peaceful vibe, but also – I need to see more robots!

Itinerary:

1. Xiao He district

Chinese name: 小河直街

A picturesque historic district lined with cafes and little shops. It’s decorated with plants and paper ornaments, making it both Instagram-worthy and a great place for a stroll. There’s also plenty of green space around the canals, where you can spot locals practicing some ethereal Tai Chi movements.

2. Xiaoshan Robot experience center

Chinese name: 萧山机器人博展中心

More robots! This place features both industrial robots and fun ones—like a robot that can draw your portrait or play air hockey with you. The star of the show is definitely the slightly creepy humanoid robot. You can program it to perform different actions and even ask it to sing or recite movie quotes.

3. West lake causeway

Chinese name: 杭州西湖風景名勝區-斷橋

If you’re after another dose of peace, West Lake has you covered. It’s so big there are still many areas to explore. This part has a long, tree-lined walkway stretching across the water, perfect for a calm stroll while enjoying the greenery in the water and the view.

4. Wulin night market & snack dinner

Chinese name: 武林夜市

For a Westerner, a night market can be a wild experience. One table is selling raw chicken legs, and just two tables down, someone’s doing manicures. You’ll find all sorts of things—trinkets, snacks, jewelry, plants, and even tiny sea creatures. It’s a lot of fun to wander around.

I tried the duck meat on a skewer with some spicy seasoning—really tasty!

Day 11 of My China Trip Itinerary: Learning About Buddhism Near Hangzhou

Today, we’ll step outside the city to learn more about Buddhism by visiting a famous temple where locals come to pray, and a nearby cliff etched with ancient Buddhist carvings that date back over a thousand years.

Itinerary:

1. Feilai Feng Grottoes

Chinese name for navigation: 飞来峰

Tucked among cliffs and lush greenery are more than 300 Buddhist rock carvings. You’ll find everything from tiny Buddhas to towering figures, jolly statues to just two glowing eyes peeking out from the cave.

2. Lingyin Temple

Chinese name: 灵隐寺

From the sweet scent of incense drifting from giant burners, to the grand halls housing golden statues with altars of offerings in front of them, to exhibitions of artifacts—visiting this active temple offers a meaningful way to learn more about how Buddhism is practiced. Just remember to be respectful—this is still a place of worship for many.

It takes a bit of time to travel to and from the temple, so ending the day with a relaxed dinner and an early night is a good idea—especially since we’re heading back to bustling Shanghai tomorrow for the final leg of our China trip itinerary!

Day 12 of Visiting China: The Fairytale Forest in Shanghai

We’ve seen the skyscrapers, but Shanghai has a dreamier side too — full of flowers and twinkling lights. At this point it feels like this city has a bit of everything!

Itinerary:

1.High speed train to Shanghai

2. Shanghai greenhouse

Chinese name: 上海温室花園

Or should I say, a magical garden? Inside three greenhouses, you’ll find three unbelievable worlds. First, a desert full of cactuses with wind howling through a canyon that leads to a magical projection show. Then there’s the rainforest with tropical plants and an underwater garden where fish swim around tree roots. Finally, the flower world bursts with layers of blooming flowers, a sky-high walkway, and an indoor waterfall. How cool is that?

3. A stroll through World Expo park

Chinese name for navigation: 世博园C区

As the greenhouse is located in the huge, green, open air area of the World expo park, why not stroll around checking out cute stone bridges, beautiful flower beds and some unique architecture and sculptures?

4. Late lunch & Shanghai crispy pancake snack

Grab lunch at a local restaurant, and if you’re still peckish, try the crunchy, crispy fried dough pancake.

5.Yuyuan Bazaar (Yu garden market) after dark

Chinese name: 豫园商城

Yuyuan was the Chinese part of Shanghai back when other areas were controlled by foreigners, and you can tell by the many historic or historic-style inspired houses beautifully lit after sunset. The red lights highlight the intricate details, perfectly contrasted by the blue-lit water around the Nine-Turn Bridge.

Chinese name: 豫园商城

Although the garden itself closes at night, the food and souvenir shops stay open—so get ready to shop till you drop!

I can feel the time ticking down as our China trip nears its end, but we’ll rest, recharge, and make the most of the last days on our China itinerary.

Day 13 of My China Travel Itinerary: Exploring Shanghai Through a Guided Tour

We’ve seen many faces of Shanghai, but today is our chance to uncover the stories behind them with the help of a local guide. And while we’ve witnessed our fair share of neon-lit skylines, I’ve saved the most iconic one for last. Can you guess what it is?

Itinerary:

1. Shanghai guided walking tour

During the tour our guide helped unravel why parts of Shanghai look so European and shared insights into the busy lifestyle of locals.

We learned about the fascinating Marriage Market—basically a real-life dating site where parents come armed with paper resumes to find future spouses for their children. But the older generation can find love again here too! 

2. Yuyuen 9 turn bridge

We were here last night, but in the daylight the place has a completely different vibe. Also our guide told us about the 9 turn bridge Chinese carry their babies over to ensure they have a long life, so one has to check that out as well. Hopefully the long life thing also works if you’re no longer a baby!

3. Best soup dumplings for lunch

Soup dumplings are baked, giving them a slightly crispy exterior. Inside, you get the savory meat filling and a delicious broth you have to slurp out carefully—watch out for splashes! Our guide showed us a hidden spot on a side street off Nanjing Road right after the red sign of Shanghai’s first food hall, and now I’m passing the tip along to you.

4. Shopping for dupes under Shanghai science museum

For navigation: 上海科技馆(地铁站)

If you’re looking for “brand-inspired” clothing or just want to test your bargaining skills, head to the shopping center in the metro beneath the Science and Technology Museum. It’s a maze of tiny shops selling everything from bags and shoes to T-shirts, electronics, and sunglasses. After a while, everything starts to look pretty similar though!

5. Bund at night

Chinese name: 外滩

Unlike the perfectly synchronized light show in Hangzhou, the lights on the skyscrapers you see from the Bund are a fun hodgepodge—just like Shanghai itself. The TV tower twinkles in different colors, another building flashes a “Welcome to Shanghai” greeting, while a third plays commercials. Yet together they create an unforgettable skyline.

14. Day 14 of My China Trip: A Trail Mix of Various Shanghai’s Attractions

I really wanted to visit the Shanghai Planetarium, but without a Chinese phone number, I couldn’t book a ticket. So sadly, it’ll remain the one that got away on my China trip itinerary. But here’s the plan I came up with for my last full day in China instead—a bit of an unexpected mix, but fun nonetheless.

Itinerary:

1. Jing’an Temple

Chinese name for navigation: 静安寺

As our guide mentioned yesterday—Shanghai is all about business and making money. So it’s no surprise that a golden-roofed temple, where people toss coins into a giant vessel for fortune and prosperity, is a favorite around here. But beyond the coin-tossing fun, you can also witness Buddhist rituals and admire a towering Buddha statue.

2. Shanghai Ocean aquarium

Chinese name: 上海海洋水族馆

I wish I could recommend this place—it has a really cool underwater tunnel where sharks and rays glide right over your head. But honestly, the tanks felt way too small for the animals. It’s hard to enjoy when you’re wondering if the fish are happy with so little place to swim.

3. Shanghai Circus world

Chinese name: 上海马戏城

Get ready to hold your breath while watching some crazy, goosebump-inducing tricks. From graceful moves in aerial silks and jaw-dropping trampoline stunts to the grand finale: multiple motorcycles defying gravity, zooming in perfect coordination inside a giant metallic sphere. You could literally hear the crowd gasp in awe.

What an exciting ending to our last full day in China!

Day 15: Traveling Home

It’s time to pack our bags and say goodbye to China. But first, there’s one last mission—snack shopping for edible souvenirs! 

Itinerary:

1. Snack shopping for souvenirs

I firmly believe local delicacies make the best souvenirs for loved ones waiting at home, and China’s snack scene is so different from back home that stopping by a snack store is a must. Head to Shanghai’s First Food Hall (上海市第一食品商店) on Nanjing Road, where stalls span multiple floors selling everything from bean cakes, mochi, and rice and nut crispies to lotus roots, cheese-flavored candy, and even some daring items like various mushrooms and roots that I couldn’t identify.

2. Traveling to airport

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China is impossible to sum up in just a few words—or even sentences. There’s so much variety and so many surprises that I could talk about it for hours. And maybe I just did! Either way, it’s an incredible place to explore—part futuristic with robots and cutting-edge transport, part ancient with traditions and sights that tell timeless stories.

I spent 2 weeks in China and yet only scratched the surface, so I would definitely go back to explore other cities if I had the chance.