2-Week China Tour Packages
Imagine walking the Great Wall at Mutianyu then discovering Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors - China's scale is hard to wrap your head around. Explore Beijing's Forbidden City that goes on forever, and Lhasa's Potala Palace that dominates the skyline. Visit Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains, Shanghai’s Bund, and the commanding Yangtze River. It’s where ancient meets modern constantly.
Insider tips: Recommended 2-week China tour itineraries
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
14 Day on China's Silk Road Itinerary, incl. Xi'an and Kashgar
An adventurous route through China spans 9 cities from Xi'an to Kashgar. UNESCO sites include Terracotta Warriors, Mogao Caves, and Jiayuguan Fortress. Travel via bullet train and private vehicle, with 13 breakfasts and 12 lunches for around $3,500.
- Days 1-2
Xi'an
Start your journey in Xi'an, China's ancient capital. Get to the Terracotta Warriors before 9 AM to avoid the crowds. The Muslim Quarter is best in the evening. As one traveler said: "The Muslim Quarter comes alive at dusk. Try the local yangrou paomo (lamb soup) from any busy stall." You can bike the City Wall in about 2 hours. Get your bike at the South Gate where the rentals are in better shape.
- Days 3-4
Lanzhou & Xiahe
The bullet train to Lanzhou takes 3 hours. When visiting the Bingling Caves, wear good shoes since the paths get slippery after the ferry ride. If you're staying in Xiahe, pick a spot near Labrang Monastery to catch the 6 AM prayers. Remember you'll be at 2,900m altitude, so take it slow.
- Days 5-6
Zhangye & Jiayuguan
See the Rainbow Mountains at sunrise or sunset for the best colors. Start at the highest viewing platform for great photos. The drive to Jiayuguan Fortress is about 2.5 hours through the desert. Bring something warm since the fortress gets windy.
- Days 7-8
Dunhuang & Turpan
Visit the Mingsha Sand Dunes early in summer before it gets too hot. You'll need to book the English tour at Mogao Caves ahead of time. The fast train to Turpan takes 3.5 hours through the desert.
- Days 9-10
Turpan & Urumqi
Turpan is one of China's hottest spots at 154m below sea level. Plan indoor activities during peak heat from 2-4 PM. Check out the Karez water system to see how people survived in the desert. The Grand Bazaar in Urumqi is better to visit later in the day when temperatures drop.
- Days 11-14
Kashgar & surrounds
The Sunday Animal Market is busy but worth seeing. One traveler noted: "The Old Town feels like stepping back in time. Go early to watch local bakers make naan bread in traditional ovens." If you're heading to Karakul Lake, take it easy since it's at 3,600m altitude.
14 Day China Itinerary, incl. Beijing and Shanghai
The comprehensive 14-day route through 6 cities features 3 nights in Beijing, 2 in Xi'an, 2 in Chengdu, 3 nights on Yangtze cruise, and 2 in Shanghai. Visits include UNESCO sites, traditional shows, and local family encounters.
- Days 1-3
Beijing
Begin your China journey in the capital. Plan to arrive a day early since Beijing is usually 12-13 hours ahead of EST. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City around 8 AM on day 2 to avoid tour groups. In the late afternoon check out the Temple of Heaven where local seniors gather for tai chi and mahjong. Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall on day 3. Take an early morning cable car to beat the crowds and midday heat. Pack sturdy walking shoes for the uneven steps.
- Days 4-6
Xi'an
Fly to historic Xi'an. Visit the Terracotta Warriors at 8:30 AM before tour buses arrive. You can walk or rent bikes to explore the city walls then visit the Muslim Quarter when food stalls open in late afternoon. A visitor shared: "The guides treated us like their best friends. They were all knowledgeable and proud of amazing China."
- Days 7-8
Chengdu
Take the 4-hour high-speed train to Chengdu. Get to the Giant Panda Breeding Center by 8 AM when the pandas are most active. Visit People's Park later to experience authentic tea culture. Try the local Sichuan food but be ready for intense spice.
- Days 9-11
Yangtze River Cruise
Start your 3-day cruise from Chongqing through the Three Gorges. The ship serves both western and Chinese breakfast. Bring non-slip shoes for shore excursions as gangways can be steep. Note: "The cruise came with a barrage of hard selling - from room upgrades to optional tours" so be ready to decline extra offers.
- Days 12-14
Shanghai
Finish your trip in modern Shanghai. Watch the sunset light up buildings along the Bund. Visit Yu Garden right when it opens at 8:30 AM to avoid crowds. Take the faster Maglev train to Pudong airport instead of a rush hour taxi.
Private Impression Tour 14D: Beijing, Xian, Lhasa, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai
The extensive route covers 6 major cities: Beijing's imperial sites, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, Tibet's Potala Palace, Chengdu's pandas, Zhangjiajie's Avatar mountains, and Shanghai's historic Bund, complete with 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 2 dinners.
China 14 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Classical Silk Road 14 Days: Xian, Lanzhou, Labrang, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Kashgar
Two Weeks Impression China Trip: Small Group & Luxury Hotels, All Inclusive
Private Impression Tour 14D: Beijing, Xian, Lhasa, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai
14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Luxury Small Group & Quality Hotels
China Best Scenery Tour 14D Small Group
14 Days Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains & Yangtze River Cruise Small Group Tour
Essential China and Silk Road
Beijing to Kunming: Undiscovered China
CHINA DISCOVERY & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
14 Days Images of China and Tibet with family (private guide & driver）
What people love about 2-week China tours
- Two Weeks Impression China Trip: Small Group & Luxury Hotels, All Inclusive
Well organised and the agent Emily was always available and supportive with requests before and during my trip, good hotels used, guides were friendly and knowledgable.
- 14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Luxury Small Group & Quality Hotels
It was a wonderful tour. We had a very pleasant small group of seventeen people. Our guides were very good, particularly Candy in Beijing, Tracy in Xian and Ocean in Shanghai.
- China Best Scenery Tour 14D Small Group
Some legs of the trip were disorganised and some of the tour guides were hard to understand. Overall however, it was a nice tour and we visited some amazing places. Two of the tour guides were excellent.