Why 30 Days in China?
China is vast — you can't see it all in two weeks. A full month lets you go beyond the tourist trail: explore ancient imperial capitals, hike dramatic mountain landscapes, cruise karst rivers, and experience the energy of mega-cities. This itinerary is designed for first-timers who want the classic highlights with just enough breathing room to savor each destination.
🗓️ The 30-Day Route Overview
This route follows a logical geographic arc — North to South, then Southwest — minimizing backtracking and maximizing variety. It blends UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural wonders, and authentic local experiences.
🗺️ Route: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hangzhou → Huangshan → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Chengdu
Total Distance: ~5,000 km | Transport: High-speed trains (preferred) + domestic flights for long legs
Pro tip: This is a demanding pace — if you prefer slower travel, split Weeks 3 and 4 into two shorter legs and skip 1-2 cities.
📅 Week 1: Beijing & Northern China (Days 1–7)
🏯 Beijing (Days 1–5)
Why go: Five thousand years of history compressed into one city. The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall are all here.
Must-see:
- Forbidden City — Allow 3-4 hours. Book tickets at least 3 days in advance at 票务服务 (ticket service) via the Palace Museum app or dpm.org.cn. Admission: ¥60 (Apr–Oct), ¥40 (Nov–Mar). Tip: Enter through the north gate (Shenwumen) to follow the emperor's route.
- Great Wall — Mutianyu or Juyongguan sections recommended (less crowded than Badaling). Round-trip transport: ¥60-100 by bus from Dongzhimen or train. Wall admission: ¥40-65 depending on section.
- Temple of Heaven — ¥15. Best visited at dawn to see locals doing tai chi.
- Summer Palace — ¥20-60 depending on packages. The lake is especially beautiful in April–May.
- Hutong neighborhoods — Free. Explore by bike or on foot. Try a traditional Chinese painting class or Peking opera visit.
Daily budget: ¥400-700 (mid-range accommodation ¥200-400/night, meals ¥80-150/day)
Getting there: Beijing Capital Airport (PEK/PKX) — metro to city ¥25-35, taxi ¥80-150
🥁 Xi'an (Days 6–7)
Why go: The Terracotta Warriors are just the beginning. Xi'an's ancient city walls, Muslim Quarter food scene, and Silk Road heritage make it unforgettable.
Must-see:
- Terracotta Warriors — Book via www.bwg955.com or at the gate. Open 08:30–18:30. Admission: ¥120 (Mar–Nov), ¥80 (Dec–Feb). Shuttle bus from city: ¥30 round trip.
- Xi'an City Wall — ¥45 to walk/cycle the full 14 km. Bicycle rental: ¥45 for 2 hours.
- Muslim Quarter — Free. Come hungry. Try yang rou pao mo (lamb soup with flatbread), rou jia mo (Chinese burger), and hand-pulled noodles.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda — ¥25 entrance, ¥30 to climb. Beautiful at sunset.
Getting there: High-speed train from Beijing West: ~4.5 hours, ¥515-700 (second/first class). Flights also available: ~1h 45m, ¥300-700.
💰 Week 1 Cost Estimate
Budget: ¥3,500–¥5,000 per person | Mid-range: ¥6,000–¥9,000 per person
Includes: Accommodation (5 nights Beijing + 2 Xi'an), transport, attractions, meals
📅 Week 2: Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou (Days 8–14)
🌆 Shanghai (Days 8–10)
Why go: China's financial capital is a city of contrasts — art deco bund architecture next to futuristic skyline, quiet French Concession lanes next to neon-lit Nanjing Road.
Must-see:
- The Bund — Free. Walk the waterfront at dusk for the iconic skyline photo. Best viewing points: the rockers on the Huangpu side or the observation deck at Shanghai Tower (¥180, book online).
- French Concession — Free. Tree-lined streets, independent boutiques, artisan coffee. Great for a relaxed afternoon.
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan) — ¥30-50. Ming dynasty classical garden in the heart of the old city.
- Shanghai Tower observation deck — ¥180 (base) to ¥220 (top). Pre-booking essential.
- Temple of Jade Buddha — ¥50. Peaceful temple with two magnificent jade Buddha statues.
Food tip: Try Xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (south of Yu Garden). Expect a queue — it's worth it.
Getting there: High-speed train from Xi'an: ~6 hours (¥650-900), Flight: ~2 hours (¥300-600)
🏡 Suzhou (Days 11–12)
Why go: "Venice of the East" — classical gardens, silk workshops, and canals that date back 2,500 years.
Must-see:
- Classical Gardens — Master of the Nets Garden (¥30), Humble Administrator's Garden (¥70) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go early morning to avoid tour groups.
- Suzhou Museum — Free, designed by I.M. Pei. Excellent collection of Ming-Qing art and artifacts.
- Pingjiang Road — Free. Historic canal-side street, best at night when lanterns are lit.
- Suzhou Silk Museum — Free. Learn the full silk-making process, from cocoon to loom.
Getting there: High-speed train from Shanghai: 25-45 minutes, ¥35-55
🏔️ Hangzhou (Days 13–14)
Why go: West Lake is one of China's most romantic landscapes — and Hangzhou's tea culture (Longjing green tea) is legendary.
Must-see:
- West Lake — Free to walk; boat rides ¥55-85. Sunrise over the lake is magical.
- Longjing Tea Plantation — Free to visit the village. Tea picking experience: ¥100-200 with tea ceremony.
- Leifeng Pagoda — ¥40. Sunset views over West Lake are spectacular.
- Hefang Street — Free. Classic Chinese food and souvenir shopping in a renovated historic street.
Getting there: High-speed train from Suzhou: 1-1.5 hours, ¥70-120. Or Shanghai–Hangzhou direct: 45-60 minutes, ¥73
💰 Week 2 Cost Estimate
Budget: ¥4,000–¥6,000 per person | Mid-range: ¥7,000–¥11,000 per person
Includes: Accommodation (2 nights Shanghai, 1 Suzhou, 2 Hangzhou), transport, attractions, meals
📅 Week 3: Huangshan, Yangtze River & Zhangjiajie (Days 15–21)
⛰️ Huangshan (Days 15–17)
Why go: "Yellow Mountain" has some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth — pillars of granite wreathed in cloud, twisted pines clinging to cliffs. It's the landscape that inspired James Cameron's Avatar floating mountains.
Must-see:
- Huangshan Scenic Area — Admission: ¥150 (peak season Mar–Nov), ¥120 (off-season). Cable car: ¥80-95 one way. Stay overnight at the山顶酒店 (mountain-top hotel) — Bebo or Xianhai — for the legendary sunrise above the clouds. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Hongcun Village — ¥104 (includes 3-day entry). UNESCO-listed Huizhou village that appeared in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. 1 hour from Huangshan city.
- Tunxi Old Street — Free. A surviving section of the ancient Huizhou trading route. Great for souvenirs and local snacks.
Getting there: High-speed train to Huangshan North Station: from Hangzhou ~1.5 hours (¥110), from Shanghai ~3 hours (¥230)
🚢 Yangtze River — Three Gorges (Days 18–19)
Why go: Cruise through one of the world's greatest river canyons. The Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, Xiling) are not just scenic — they're culturally profound, flanked by ancient temples and the ghosts of poets.
Must-see:
- Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise — 2-4 day luxury cruises from ¥1,500–¥5,000 per person. Budget ferries from ¥500. Departs from Yichang, Chongqing, or Fengdu.
- Shennong Stream — ¥220. A tributary of the Three Gorges with stunning narrow gorges and cliff coffins.
- Ghost City (Fengdu) — ¥80. A mountain of temples dedicated to the afterlife — uniquely bizarre.
Getting there: High-speed train to Yichang: from Huangshan ~6 hours (¥450), flight available. Or integrate this leg after Chongqing.
🏔️ Zhangjiajie (Days 20–21)
Why go: This is where Avatar's floating mountains come to life. Thousands of sandstone pillars covered in vegetation, shrouded in mist — unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Must-see:
- Wulingyuan Scenic Area — ¥225 (all-inclusive, valid 4 days). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow a full day.
- Yellow Dragon Avatar Chamber — ¥65. The ballroom with pillars that inspired Avatar's floating mountains. Located inside the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- Tianzi Mountain — Access via cable car (¥72 one way). Offers the best panoramic views.
- Grand Canyon Glass Bridge — ¥141. The world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Not for the faint-hearted!
- Baofeng Lake — ¥91. Boat ride through a jade-green lake surrounded by pillars.
Getting there: Flight to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport from major cities. High-speed rail also available. From Huangshan: best by flight (~2h).
💰 Week 3 Cost Estimate
Budget: ¥5,000–¥8,000 per person | Mid-range: ¥9,000–¥15,000 per person
Includes: Accommodation (2 nights Huangshan, 2 Yangtze cruise, 2 Zhangjiajie), transport, attractions, meals
📅 Week 4: Guilin, Yangshuo & Chengdu (Days 22–30)
🌊 Guilin & Yangshuo (Days 22–25)
Why go: The RMB 20 note features this landscape for a reason — Guilin's karst peaks rising from the Li River are China's most iconic natural image.
Must-see:
- Li River Cruise — ¥210-450 depending on class. 4 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo. Go for the longer luxury version if budget allows — you won't regret it.
- Yangshuo — Rent a scooter (¥30-50/day) and explore the countryside. Visit the rice terraces at Longji (¥110, about 2 hours drive away) if time allows.
- Elephant Trunk Hill — ¥55. The landmark hill at the confluence of the Li River and the city.
- Reed Flute Cave — ¥90. A spectacular cave system with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
- West Street, Yangshuo — Free. 1,400-year-old cobblestone street packed with cafes, bars, and souvenir shops. Very backpacker-friendly.
Getting there: High-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo: 20 minutes, ¥23. Flight to Guilin Liangjiang Airport from major cities.
🐼 Chengdu (Days 26–30)
Why go: Pandas, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and a surprisingly laid-back city vibe. Chengdu is the perfect finale to a China trip — restful but fascinating.
Must-see:
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — ¥55-58. Go early (opens 07:30) to see pandas active and eating bamboo. The best time is Mar-May when they're most active outdoors.
- People's Park — Free. Experience Chengdu's tea house culture. Try a traditional ear-cleaning service (¥50-80) and watch locals doing tai chi and square dancing.
- Jinsha Site Museum — ¥70. Archaeological site with relics from the ancient Shu civilization.
- Kuanzhai Alley — Free. A beautifully restored historic alleyway — perfect for evening strolls and street food.
- Mount Emei — ¥110-160. One of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, a 2-3 day side trip from Chengdu. Buses depart Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station every 30 minutes.
- Sichuan Opera — ¥150-280. Face-changing opera, tea, and ear-cleaning — a quintessential Chengdu evening.
Food tip: Try mapo doufu (麻婆豆腐), huiguorou (回锅肉), and dan dan noodles (担担面). Head to Fengqi Road or Wenshu Fang for the best local food at reasonable prices.
Getting there: Flight from Guilin: ~1.5 hours, ¥300-500. High-speed train also available.
💰 Week 4 Cost Estimate
Budget: ¥4,000–¥7,000 per person | Mid-range: ¥8,000–¥12,000 per person
Includes: Accommodation (3 nights Guilin/Yangshuo, 4 Chengdu), transport, attractions, meals
💰 Total Trip Budget Summary
30-Day China Trip — Total Cost Per Person (USD)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $800–1,500 | $1,500–3,000 |
| Transport | $600–1,000 | $1,000–1,800 |
| Attractions | $300–500 | $600–1,000 |
| Food | $500–900 | $900–1,500 |
| Total | $2,200–3,900 | $4,000–7,300 |
💡 Note: Does not include international flights to/from China (typically $600–$1,500 round-trip from North America/Europe). Private guide tours average $220–350/day per person (4-5 star hotels, all transport, and meals included).
🎒 Packing Tips for 30 Days
- Layers are essential — China is vast and climates vary dramatically from north to south. Pack a light down jacket even in spring/autumn for Huangshan and Zhangjiajie.
- Comfortable walking shoes — You'll walk an average of 8-12 km per day. Blisters are the enemy of great trips.
- Universal power adapter — China uses Type A/I plugs (two or three prongs). Voltage is 220V.
- VPN — If you need access to Google, WhatsApp, or other blocked services, download and configure a VPN before arriving in China. See our VPN guide →
- Alipay/WeChat Pay setup — Mobile payments are essential in China. See our payment guide →
- Offline maps — Download Google Maps or maps.me for offline use, or use Baidu Maps (in English).
✅ Final Checklist Before You Go
✔️ Book in Advance
- Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an) — book at least 2-3 days ahead
- Huangshan mountain-top hotels — book 2-3 months ahead for best locations
- Li River cruise (Guilin-Yangshuo) — book 1-2 days ahead, especially peak season
- Panda Base (Chengdu) — arrive at opening to avoid crowds
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Accommodation registration: You must register your address with local police within 24 hours of arrival in China — even with visa-free entry. Your hotel handles this automatically, but if staying with friends, you must register at a local police station.
- No overstaying: The 30-day visa-free period cannot be extended. Depart before day 30 or you'll face fines and future entry complications.
- Transport booking: High-speed trains sell out during Chinese holidays (Labor Day May 1, National Day October 1). Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak travel periods.
为什么要在 China 旅行30天？
China幅员辽阔——两周根本看不完。整整一个月的时间，可以让你深入探索古老的皇城帝都、徒步壮丽的山景、泛舟喀斯特江河，还能感受超级都市的蓬勃活力。这条路线专为第一次来China旅行、既想打卡经典地标又希望有喘息空间深度体验的旅行者设计。
🗓️ 30天路线总览
这条路线遵循合理的地理弧线——由北向南，再转向西南——最大限度减少折返，呈现最多元的风景。涵盖UNESCO世界遗产、自然奇观和地道本地体验。
🗺️ 路线：北京 → 西安 → 上海 → 杭州 → 黄山 → 张家界 → 桂林 → 成都
总里程：约5,000公里 | 交通：高铁（首选）+ 国内航班（长途段）
📅 第一周：北京及华北（Day 1–7）
🏯 北京（Day 1–5）
推荐理由：五千年历史浓缩于一座城。故宫、长城、颐和园、天坛全在这里。
必游景点：
- 故宫——建议预留3-4小时。提前至少3天通过故宫博物院官网或app预约购票。门票：旺季¥60，淡季¥40。小贴士：从北门（神武门）进入，沿着皇帝当年的路线参观。
- 长城——推荐慕田峪或居庸关（比八达岭人少）。往返交通：地铁东直门或北京北站乘公交¥60-100。门票：¥40-65（视段落而定）。
- 天坛——¥15。清早前往，可以看到当地人打太极。
- 颐和园——¥20-60（联票）。4月–5月湖景最美。
- 胡同——免费。骑自行车或步行探索，感受老北京生活。
每日预算：¥400-700（住宿¥200-400/晚，餐饮¥80-150/天）
🥁 西安（Day 6–7）
推荐理由：兵马俑只是开始。古城墙、回民街美食、丝绸之路遗产，让人流连忘返。
必游景点：
- 兵马俑——通过官网预约或现场购票。开放时间08:30–18:30。门票：旺季¥120，淡季¥80。往返交通：¥30。
- 西安城墙——¥45，可步行或骑自行车环城14公里。租车¥45/2小时。
- 回民街——免费。小吃推荐：羊肉泡馍、肉夹馍、凉皮。
- 大雁塔——登塔¥30。傍晚时分景色最美。
交通：高铁：约4.5小时，¥515-700；航班：约1小时45分，¥300-700
📅 第二周：上海、苏州与杭州（Day 8–14）
🌆 上海（Day 8–10）
推荐理由：China的金融之都，外滩art deco建筑与浦东摩天大楼相映成趣，百年梧桐法租界与霓虹南京路相得益彰。
必游景点：
- 外滩——免费。黄昏时分漫步，拍摄标志性的天际线照片。
- 法租界——免费。梧桐树下漫步，打卡独立精品店和精品咖啡馆。
- 豫园——¥30-50。明代古典园林。
- 上海中心大厦——¥180起，需提前网上预约。
🏡 苏州（Day 11–12）
推荐理由："东方威尼斯"——古典园林、丝绸工坊和2,500年历史的运河。
必游景点：
- 古典园林——网师园¥30，拙政园¥70（UNESCO世界遗产）。建议清晨前往，避开旅行团。
- 苏州博物馆——免费，建筑大师贝聿铭设计。
- 平江路——免费。夜幕降临后灯笼亮起，古城韵味十足。
交通：高铁：上海→苏州 25-45分钟，¥35-55
🏔️ 杭州（Day 13–14）
推荐理由：西湖是China最浪漫的山水之一，龙井茶文化举世闻名。
必游景点：
- 西湖——漫步免费；游船¥55-85。清晨日出时分格外迷人。
- 龙井村——免费参观。茶文化体验：¥100-200含采茶和茶艺表演。
- 雷峰塔——¥40。日落时分俯瞰西湖，景色绝美。
- 河坊街——免费。老字号和地道小吃荟萃。
📅 第三周：黄山、长江三峡与张家界（Day 15–21）
⛰️ 黄山（Day 15–17）
推荐理由："五岳归来不看山，黄山归来不看岳"——奇松、怪石、云海、温泉，黄山拥有地球上最壮丽的山景之一，甚至启发了《阿凡达》悬浮山的设计灵感。
必游景点：
- 黄山风景区——门票：旺季¥150，淡季¥120。索道：¥80-95/程。建议在山上住宿一晚（北海/天海 hotel），次日看日出云海——务必提前2-3个月预订！
- 宏村——¥104（含3天多次进入）。UNESCO古村，《卧虎藏龙》取景地。
- 屯溪老街——免费。徽州古街，适合购买纪念品和品尝小吃。
🚢 长江三峡（Day 18–19）
推荐理由：乘船穿越世界级大峡谷，沿途古刹与诗人足迹赋予这片山水更深厚的文化底蕴。
必游景点：
- 三峡豪华游轮——2-4天，¥1,500–¥5,000/人不等。可从宜昌或重庆出发。
- 神农溪——¥220。穿越幽深峡谷，观赏悬崖悬棺。
- 丰都鬼城——¥80。关于来世的寺庙群，建筑风格独特诡异。
🏔️ 张家界（Day 20–21）
推荐理由：《阿凡达》悬浮山的原型——数千座覆盖植被的砂岩峰柱，云雾缭绕，宛如仙境。
必游景点：
- 武陵源风景区——¥225（含4天通票）。UNESCO世界遗产，请预留整整一天。
- 黄龙洞"阿凡达厅"——¥65。内部石柱正是《阿凡达》悬浮山的灵感来源。
- 天子山——索道¥72单程，俯瞰全景视野最佳。
- 大峡谷玻璃桥——¥141。世界最长、最高透明玻璃底吊桥，恐高者慎入！
📅 第四周：桂林阳朔与成都（Day 22–30）
🌊 桂林阳朔（Day 22–25）
推荐理由：20元人民币背面图案取景地——漓江两岸喀斯特峰林，是China最具标志性的自然风光。
必游景点：
- 漓江竹筏/游船——¥210-450，桂林至阳朔约4小时。推荐选择时间更长的高档游船，体验更佳。
- 阳朔——租电动车（¥30-50/天）探索乡间。有时间可去龙脊梯田（¥110），距阳朔约2小时车程。
- 象鼻山——¥55。桂林城市地标。
- 芦笛岩——¥90。喀斯特溶洞，灯光照射下钟乳石蔚为壮观。
- 西街——免费。1,400年历史的青石板街，客栈、酒吧、纪念品店云集，背包客天堂。
🐼 成都（Day 26–30）
推荐理由：大熊猫、麻辣川菜、悠然茶馆文化。成都是China之旅最完美的终点站——既有深度可探，又适合放松身心。
必游景点：
- 成都大熊猫繁育研究基地——¥55-58。早起到（07:30开门），看熊猫吃竹子的可爱画面！
- 人民公园——免费。体验老成都茶馆文化，掏耳朵服务（¥50-80），看当地人打太极。
- 宽窄巷子——免费。夜晚漫步最美，灯笼亮起时古韵十足。
- 川剧——¥150-280。变脸表演+茶馆+掏耳朵，成都夜生活经典体验。
- 峨眉山——¥110-160。从成都新南门汽车站每30分钟一班，可安排2-3天一日游。
美食推荐：麻婆豆腐、回锅肉、担担面。推荐去抚琴路或文殊坊，物美价廉的地道川味。
💰 总预算总结
30天China之旅——每人总费用（人民币）
| 项目 | 经济型 | 舒适型 |
|---|---|---|
| 住宿 | ¥5,500–¥10,500 | ¥10,500–¥21,000 |
| 交通 | ¥4,200–¥7,000 | ¥7,000–¥12,600 |
| 门票 | ¥2,100–¥3,500 | ¥4,200–¥7,000 |
| 餐饮 | ¥3,500–¥6,300 | ¥6,300–¥10,500 |
| 合计 | ¥15,300–¥27,300 | ¥28,000–¥51,100 |
💡 注：不含国际往返机票（北美/欧洲出发通常¥4,200–¥10,500往返）。私人导游团约¥1,540–¥2,450/人/天（含4-5星酒店、全程交通和餐食）。
🎒 30天行李建议
- 洋葱式穿衣——China南北气候差异极大，即便春秋季，黄山和张家界也需轻羽绒服。
- 舒适的步行鞋——每天平均步行8-12公里，好鞋子是旅行质量的基本保障。
- 万能电源适配器——China使用两眼扁插/三脚插（Type A/I），电压220V。
- VPN——如果需要访问Google、WhatsApp等，需在入境China前提前下载配置。查看VPN指南 →
- 电子支付——移动支付在中国必不可少。查看支付与交通指南 →
- 离线地图——提前下载Google Maps或maps.me，或使用百度地图（英文版）。
✅ 出发前最终检查清单
✔️ 这些需要提前预订
- 兵马俑（西安）——至少提前2-3天
- 黄山山顶酒店——提前2-3个月预订
- 漓江游船（桂林阳朔）——旺季提前1-2天
- 熊猫基地（成都）——尽早到达（开门即入）
⚠️ 重要提醒
- 住宿登记：入境中国后24小时内必须向当地公安机关登记住宿地址。酒店会自动办理，但住朋友家需亲自前往派出所登记。
- 禁止逾期：30天免签期不可延期，第30天前必须离境，否则将面临罚款并影响未来入境。
- 旺季购票：五一劳动节、十一国庆节等假期，高铁票提前2-3周售罄，请提前规划。