4 ready-made plans · from 49 PLN
One week in China – 7-day itineraries
A week isn't much for China, but it's enough if you don't try to see everything at once. Rather than squeezing Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai into seven days, with a train or flight every other day, pick one region and get to know it properly. Sichuan and Chongqing are ideal: pandas, teahouses and famously spicy food in Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha, sunrise on Mount Emei and neon-lit Chongqing on its hills. Distances are short and you travel between cities by bullet train. The other good option is a single city: five days in Shanghai alone, with the Bund, Pudong and a water town, without moving from hotel to hotel.
Which itinerary should you choose?
- Spicy Chengdu (4 days): You only have a few days or you're combining China with another trip: Chengdu only, with no travel between cities.
- Shanghai in 5 Days (5 days): You want to get to know one big city without moving hotels: five days in Shanghai, from the Bund and Pudong to the French Concession and a water town.
- Pandas, Buddha & a Sea of Clouds (6 days): You want a city and mountains: Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha and a night at the top of Mount Emei. Starts and ends in Chengdu.
- Cyberpunk & Pandas (8 days): You have about 8 days and want the two biggest cities of western China: fly into Chongqing, fly home from Chengdu.
Matching itineraries
Itineraries compared
| Itinerary | Days | Start and departure | Best time to go | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spicy Chengdu | 4 | Chengdu · Departure from Chengdu | March–June, September–November | 49 PLN |
| Shanghai in 5 Days | 5 | Shanghai · Departure from Shanghai | March–May, September–November | 49 PLN |
| Pandas, Buddha & a Sea of Clouds | 6 | Chengdu · Departure from Chengdu | March–June, September–November | 59 PLN |
| Cyberpunk & Pandas | 8 | Chongqing · Departure from Chengdu | March–May, September–November (hot in summer) | 59 PLN |
Frequently asked questions
Is a week enough for China?
For one region – yes. For the classic Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai route a week is too short: you'd spend more time travelling than sightseeing. That route needs about 10–11 days (see the 10-day itineraries).
Which region should I choose for my first week in China?
Sichuan and Chongqing: short distances, bullet trains, pandas, mountains and great food – these itineraries start or end in Chengdu. If you'd rather stay in one city, choose Shanghai: five days with no travel between cities and Pudong Airport, with plenty of flights from Europe and beyond.
When is the best time to go?
Spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). Chongqing is very hot in summer.
Can't find your route?
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