18 days in China: itinerary
A realistic 18-day route through China with sensible stop lengths, travel days and costs.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-01
The headline three by high-speed rail.
The route
- Days 1–6: Beijing
- Days 7–12: Xi'an
- Days 13–18: Shanghai
Why this order works
It keeps transfers short and ends near a major airport. High-speed rail is the default for intercity travel — the world's largest such network, and usually faster than flying between eastern cities
What it costs
At mid-range pace, an estimated $1,980 per person on the ground, excluding flights.
When to run it
Best months: April, May, September, October.
Recommended destinations
Where to go in China
Beijing
Imperial capital of the Forbidden City, hutong lanes and the Great Wall on its doorstep.
Explore Beijing
Shanghai
Riverfront skyline, art deco Bund, contemporary art and the country's best restaurant range.
Explore Shanghai
Xi'an
Terracotta Army, an intact city wall and the Muslim Quarter food streets.
Explore Xi'an
Guilin & Yangshuo
Karst peaks along the Li River — cycling, bamboo rafting and terraced rice fields.
Explore Guilin & YangshuoRelated guides
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