How many days in China is enough, where should you visit and how to get around in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin for 14 days? Refer to the detailed china itinerary 14 days (14 days in China itinerary) on how to spend 2 weeks in China (two weeks in China) below!
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China is one of the largest countries in the world, attracting tourists with its diversity and sharp contrasts. Here, ancient traditions and thousands of years of culture blend with modern development, from architecture to transportation. The hustle and bustle of bustling cities blends with the peaceful, pristine scenery of remote countryside, creating a captivating picture that cannot be compared anywhere else.
From UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, bustling cities, to national parks and majestic natural wonders. Let’s explore the beauty of the billion-people country with us exciting 14-day Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin travel itinerary!
China Itinerary for Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin 2 Weeks Self-sufficient
China itinerary 14 days: Day 1: Vietnam – Beijing
Beijing Downtown Private Car Charter
Starting your 14-day trip to China, you need to travel from Vietnam to Beijing. At international airports such as Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) or Noi Bai (HN), there are flights to Beijing. However, for the most convenience, you should depart from Noi Bai airport and fly directly to Beijing.
The direct flight will take about 3 hours and 35 minutes or longer depending on the airline Vietnam Airlines, China Airlines or Air China. After landing at Beijing International Airport (PEK), you can travel to your hotel in the city center. There are many options such as Airport Express Line subway, bus, taxi, train, or rent a car with driver.
Mainland China Bus & Metro Card
When you arrive at the hotel and check in, take some time to rest and recover from the flight or freely explore a part of Beijing before starting the main activities of the journey.
Day 2: Beijing – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
Your Beijing exploration begins at Tiananmen Square, known as the largest square in the world. From here, you will admire majestic architectural works such as the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. In particular, do not forget to take a photo of the giant portrait of Chairman Mao on the Tiananmen Gate, the entrance leading directly to the Forbidden City.
Private Day Tour: Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall
Continuing the trip, you just need to walk north to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was the royal palace for 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The magnificent architecture and rich history of this place will leave you in awe. Remember to book tickets in advance to avoid the crowded scene, especially during peak season.
Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City)
At the end of the day, visit Jingshan Park right behind the Forbidden City. Climbing to the top of the small hill in the park will give you a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, especially at the beautiful sunset.
14 days in China itinerary: Day 3: Beijing – The Great Wall
The third day in Beijing will be complete when exploring the Great Wall – one of the wonders of the world that everyone who comes to China wants to admire. From the center, there are two sections of the wall that are easy to go and have good infrastructure, suitable for the whole family: Mutianyu and Badaling.
If you want to go to Mutianyu, you need to take the 916 Express bus, and if you go to Badaling, you need to take the 877 bus or high-speed train. Here, you will try to conquer the wall, learn about the symbolic work of China, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
After exploring the Great Wall, the afternoon will be very suitable for walking around Wangfujing Street – a bustling shopping area with many fashion stores, antiques, and street food. There are countless delicious dishes here such as lamb skewers, candied fruit, or fried scorpions. When shopping, pay attention to bargaining and choose food carefully to ensure hygiene.
Beijing Private Transfer to/from PEK Airport
Day 4: Beijing – Xi’an, Muslim Quarter
Leaving the bustling life of Beijing, the journey takes you to Xi’an, the bustling ancient capital on the Silk Road. There are many ways to travel from Beijing to Xi’an, depending on your time and budget:
- Airplane is the fastest option with a flight time of about 2 hours, but the cost will be quite high.
- High-speed train is a more economical option that gives you the opportunity to comfortably sightsee along the way, with a travel time of about 4.5 – 6 hours.
- Normal trains are usually suitable if you want to minimize costs, although the travel time is from 8 – 10 hours. To save on hotel costs and have more time to visit, you should choose the night train.
Upon arrival in Xi’an, check in and explore the bustling Hui District with its delicious food. Rou Jia Mo burger, Yang Rou Pao Mo mutton soup, and Biang Biang noodles are must-try dishes. Don’t forget to shop for unique souvenirs!
2 weeks in China itinerary: Day 5: Xi’an – City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower, Drum Tower
Exploring Xi’an will definitely leave a deep impression if you immerse yourself in the architectural and historical space here. One of the impressive destinations is the Xi’an City Wall, a 13.7 km long military wonder with four main gates: Changle, Anding, Yongning and Anyuan.
Cycling along the wall takes about two hours, allowing you to enjoy the ancient landscape from above. Private bicycles are not allowed on the wall, but bicycle rental services are available at the gates at 45 CNY/2 hours for a single bike, 90 CNY/2 hours for a double bike.
Continuing the journey, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda is a must-see stop. Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, the tower is where the Buddhist scriptures and statues brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang via the Silk Road are kept.
Finally, visit the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower – two long-standing symbols located right in the heart of the city. Originally built to signal the time, they are now attractive tourist attractions where you can see the whole of Xi’an from above. The entrance fee for each tower is 30 CNY.
Xi’an 4-Day 3-Night Guided Tour
Day 6: Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors and Horses Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang
The sixth day of the journey is to explore the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, located about 40km northeast of Xi’an city center. There are many ways to travel such as train combined with taxi or Didi (about 50 minutes), metro and bus (takes 1.5 hours), or go straight by bus. Taxi and car rental service with driver are also options for your convenience.
Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Guided or Transfer Service
At the Terracotta Warriors and Horses site, you should spend at least 3-4 hours to visit the three burial pits with soldiers, horses and terracotta chariots. Pit 1 is the largest and most impressive, followed by pits 2 and 3, which display different types of soldiers. In addition, the side exhibitions displaying bronze chariots and horses, and 360-degree films about the history and excavation process are also very attractive.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will need to walk quite a lot, if you want to save energy, you can rent an electric car to move to the main burial pits. After the tour, you should move back to the city to eat and rest to ensure your health for the next journey.
Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum Ticket
Day 7: Xi’an – Huashan
If you are a team that loves exploration and adventure, Huashan is the ideal destination in your China tour. Huashan is famous for its peaks such as North (Yuntai), West (Lianhua), South (highest), East (Chaoyang), and Central (Yunv). In particular, you will have the opportunity to conquer the Changkong wooden trail built on the towering cliff. Other places such as Black Dragon Ridge or Chess Playing Pavilion are also worth exploring.
Chengdu Panda Base and Local Culture Tour
From Xi’an, there are two ways to get here: by high-speed train or bus. The first way is to take the high-speed train from Xi’an North Station to Huashan North Station, which takes about 30-40 minutes. From the train station, the free bus Huayin 1 or Huayin 2 (green) will take you to Shengtai Square, the tourist center of Huashan. The second way is to take the bus from Fangzhicheng Station, after getting off metro line 1. The journey takes about 2 hours and the ticket price is about 39.5 CNY.
Don’t forget to bring hiking shoes, water and snacks to conquer this mountain!
Day 8: Xi’an – Chengdu
The China tour continues from Xi’an to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, famous for its adorable pandas and spicy cuisine. To get to Chengdu, you can choose to travel by plane or high-speed train from Xi’an. High-speed train is the most convenient means of transport, with a travel time of about 3 – 4.5 hours from Xi’an North Station to Chengdu East Station.
After arriving in Chengdu and checking in, take some time to explore the city. Public transport includes taxis, buses or sightseeing buses (lines 901 and 902). Renting a bicycle or private car is also a great way to explore Chengdu at your own pace.
Day 9: Chengdu – Panda Research Center
The highlight of the trip to Chengdu is the Giant Panda Conservation and Research Center. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the pandas are most active. The panda cub area will surely delight you with the sight of the babies playing with their toys.
The center is located about 10km from the center of Chengdu, very convenient to travel by taxi, metro (line 3, Panda Avenue station) or bus. Private transfers from the airport or train station are also available from local travel companies such as China Discovery.
In addition to pandas, you also have the opportunity to visit the Panda Museum and the red panda breeding area, as well as see other animals such as swans and peacocks. If you want a closer experience, the “Panda Care” program at the Dujiangyan facility is also worth considering.
Chengdu Panda Base & Leshan Giant Buddha One Day Tour
(*) Note: the campus is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes and avoid making noise or using flash when taking photos of pandas.
After a morning of visiting pandas, in the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Xuan Xi Lu in the heart of Chengdu. Xuan Xi Lu is a bustling pedestrian street with countless fashion stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Day 10: Chengdu – Leshan Giant Buddha, Emeishan
After a good night’s sleep in Chengdu, the journey of discovery begins with a visit to Leshan Giant Buddha – the world’s largest stone Buddha. From Chengdu, take the high-speed train to Leshan Station, then take a taxi or bus for about 30 minutes to reach the scenic area.
Standing in front of the majestic 71-meter-high Buddha, you will feel the majestic beauty and sophistication of the ancient drainage system, which has helped protect the statue over the centuries. Don’t forget to explore nearby attractions such as Lingyun Temple, Nine Bends Stone Trail, and Wuyou Temple. You can choose to walk or take a boat to enjoy the Buddha statue from many angles.
Leshan Giant Buddha and Huanglongxi Ancient Town History and Culture Day Tour
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Emeishan, about 2km from Emeishan Station. This is where Buddhism was first spread in China, with more than 30 ancient temples. The cable car system will take you to the top of the mountain to visit the temples and admire the beautiful scenery.
2-Day Private Tour to Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan
Day 11: Chengdu – Guilin
Continuing the tour, Guilin is the destination that promises to give you memorable experiences with the green terraced fields and attractive local culture. To save time, you should take a plane from Tianfu International Airport (CTU) in Chengdu and land at Liujiang International Airport (KWL) in Guilin. The flight time is about 110 minutes with ticket prices from 500 – 1100 CNY.
If you want to save money, the high-speed train will be a reasonable choice. The train departs from Chengdu East Station or Chengdu South Station and will arrive at stations such as Guilin North Station or Guilin West Station. The journey lasts 6 – 7.5 hours, with first-class tickets from 634 – 695 CNY.
Guilin Li River 3-Star Cruise, Yangshuo Yinyan Cave, Ruyi Peak, Yulong…
After checking in at the hotel, don’t forget to visit the Sun Moon Twin Pagodas in the Tong Lake tourist area. The world’s tallest bronze Sun Tower and the brilliant enameled Moon Tower create a stunning picture, especially at night. Here, explore the architecture, the Buddha statues and enjoy the panoramic view of Guilin city at night from the top of the tower.
Day 12: Guilin – Yangshuo
Day 12 of your China exploration journey will bring you a wonderful experience on the Li River and visit the beautiful Yangshuo town. In the morning, you will take a cruise along the Li River to admire the scenery between the green limestone mountains, blending with the small villages along the river.
The cruise departs from Zhujiang Wharf, only about a 40-minute drive from Guilin city. The trip lasts for 4 to 5 hours, leading you to the ancient town of Yangshuo. During the journey, you will encounter famous sights such as Elephant Trunk Mountain, Daxiu Ancient Town, and Crown Cave.
Guilin One-day Mountain & River Tour
Guilin Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Xiang Gong Mountain One-Day Tour (Private Group)
In Yangshuo, you will have the opportunity to explore the Western Town with its rich architecture and culture. In addition, interesting activities such as bamboo boating on the Jade Dragon River, cycling to explore the countryside, or taking a Chinese cooking class are also very attractive.
Day 13: Yangshuo – Longji
Located in the majestic nature, Longji terraced fields, also known as “dragon’s spine”, are a destination you cannot miss in Guilin. Located 77km from Guilin city, you can easily get here by bus from Guilin Qintan bus station (about 1.5-2 hours).
Longji Rice Terraced Fields and Minority Villages Tour
Longji is divided into three main areas: Jinkeng, Ping’an and Longji ancient village. Jinkeng area is famous for three great sightseeing spots such as West Hill Music, Thousand-Story Terraced Fields and Golden Buddha Peak. Ping’an offers idyllic scenery with two sightseeing spots: Seven Stars and Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers. Longji ancient village is notable for its Zhuang stilt house architecture.
In addition, Huangluo Yao Village, famous for the long hair of Yao women, is also an interesting place to learn about local culture. Participating in festivals such as the Rapeseed Flower Festival or the Spring Plowing Festival will help you feel more deeply about the life and customs here.
Day 14: Guilin – Beijing – Vietnam
Since there are no direct flights from Guilin to Vietnam, you should fly from Guilin to Beijing and then fly straight back to Vietnam. If you have time, take the opportunity to visit some other famous places such as the Summer Palace, Bird’s Nest Stadium, Hutong Ancient Town, Madame Tussauds Beijing Wax Museum, or go shopping at shopping malls.
Madame Tussauds Beijing Ticket
Cost of Self-sufficient 2-Week Trip to Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin
To better prepare for a 14-day trip to China, you need to plan your entertainment and budget accordingly. Below is the estimated travel cost for 2 weeks of visiting Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin for your reference:
| Category | Detail | Estimate (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Airline Tickets | International (round trip) + domestic (between cities) | 23,500,000 - 35,250,000 |
| Accommodation | 3-4 star hotel | 16,450,000 - 24,675,000 |
| Traveling | High-speed train, bus, taxi, metro | 7,050,000 - 11,750,000 |
| Food | 3 meals/day, combining restaurant meals and snacks | 11,750,000 - 17,625,000 |
| Tickets | The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, etc. | 4,700,000 - 7,050,000 |
| Souvenirs & Other | Shopping, other incidental charges | 4,700,000 - 7,050,000 |
| Total | 77,150,000 - 116,350,000 |
(*) If you want to save money, you should book air tickets 2-3 months in advance, book hotels, sightseeing tickets and choose the right time to travel.
China, with its long history and modern development, possesses countless attractive attractions and interesting activities waiting for you to explore. Two weeks of traveling to Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin will show you part of the unique beauty of this country. The majestic Great Wall, the mysterious Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the poetic scenery of Guilin, or the modern bustle of Chengdu all bring unforgettable experiences.
Plan your trip to Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin now!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to
- Shanghai Museum Half Day Tour
- Shanghai Disneyland Admission Ticket
- Huangpu River Cruise（Qingjiang Line）
- Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
- Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Observation Deck Ticket
- Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Ticket
- [World Highest Skywalk] Shanghai Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Exclusive Skywalk Experience
- Oriental Pearl Tower
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Read more: Shanghai travel blog — The fullest Shanghai travel guide for first-timers.
