How many days should you spend in china on your first trip?


If it's your first time visiting China, we recommend staying for at least 7 days. If you have more time, 10–14 days is ideal, giving you the chance to experience different cities and sides of Chinese culture.

7 days: a great introduction to china

With 7 days, it's best to choose 1–2 destinations and avoid packing your itinerary too tightly.


For example:

Chengdu + Chongqing

Perfect for travellers who enjoy food, pandas, city views and experiencing local life.

If you're particularly interested in nature and Tibetan culture, you can also consider Tibet. However, a Tibet trip requires more advance planning based on the season, transportation and your personal circumstances.


10–14 days: experience more of china

With 10–14 days, you can comfortably visit 2–4 cities.

For example:

Chengdu → Chongqing → Xi'an → Beijing

This route combines Sichuan cuisine, Chongqing's famous night views, the Terracotta Warriors and China's rich history and culture.

If you prefer modern cities, you can add Shanghai. If you love nature, consider spending more time in destinations such as Tibet, Guilin or Zhangjiajie.

don't try to visit too many cities

China is a huge country, and travelling between cities can take time. Instead of trying to visit five or six cities in 10 days, it's better to choose 2–3 destinations that genuinely interest you.

For food and local experiences, consider Chengdu or Chongqing.

For nature and unique culture, consider Tibet.

For history and culture, consider Beijing or Xi'an.

For modern cities and shopping, consider Shanghai.

For your first trip to China, we recommend at least 7 days, with 10–14 days being a comfortable amount of time.

Not sure which destinations are right for you? A travel agency can help create a customised China itinerary based on your travel dates, budget and interests.