3-Week China Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 3-week China tour itineraries
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
21 Days in China, incl. Beijing and Hong Kong
A 21-day tour spanning 20 Chinese cities from Beijing to Hong Kong showcases the Great Wall, Li River cruise, and other iconic sites. Features 14 breakfasts, multiple included lunches, and strategic overnight stays, costing approx. $240 per day with comprehensive guided visits.
- Days 1-3
Beijing
Start your journey in China's capital. Visit the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Get to the Forbidden City by 8:30 AM to avoid tour groups. On day 3, visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu and take the cable car up for the best views. A recent visitor shared: "The morning light at Mutianyu is spectacular for photos. Go early before the crowds and heat build up."
- Days 4-6
Eastern China Historical Cities
Take the high-speed train (300km/h) to explore Taian, Qufu, and Xuzhou. Visit Mount Taishan and take the cable car to the "Gates of Heaven." Be ready for some steep stairs at the final stretch. Make time for the fascinating underground Han Emperor Mausoleum in Xuzhou.
- Days 7-8
Shanghai Region
Visit Suzhou's classical gardens in the morning for the best light. Take a relaxing boat ride in Tongli before heading to Shanghai. In Shanghai, start at the Pudong financial district, then take the ferry across the Huangpu River to see the historic Bund and Yu Garden.
- Days 9-11
Ancient Capitals
Stop in Luoyang to see the impressive Longmen Buddhist Caves. Bring water and sun protection since shade is limited. Move on to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors. Get there at opening time (8:30 AM) to beat the crowds.
- Days 12-14
Sichuan Province
Visit the Chengdu panda base early when the pandas are most active. Take a scenic train ride through the mountains to visit traditional Dong minority villages. The long travel times are worth it for the cultural experience.
- Days 15-17
Southern China
See the beautiful karst landscapes near Guilin and take a Li River cruise. Visit the Longji rice terraces early morning or late afternoon for the best photos. Pack good walking shoes for hiking the terraces.
- Days 18-21
Macau & Hong Kong
Travel across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Finish your trip in Hong Kong and take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor at sunset. A previous visitor noted: "The Peak Tram gets incredibly busy - go first thing in the morning or book a fast-track ticket to avoid hour-long queues."
21 Days in China, incl. Beijing and Shanghai
A grand 21-day tour traverses 11 Chinese cities, from 3 days at Beijing's Forbidden City to Shanghai's Yu Garden. Takes in 20+ UNESCO sites, Li River cruise, and Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, while providing 4-star accommodations throughout.
- Days 1-3
Beijing Region:
Start in Beijing exploring Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City complex. Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, getting there by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds. You can take a cable car up and try the fun toboggan ride down. Visit the Summer Palace gardens in the afternoon when the light is perfect for photos.
- Days 4-5
Xi'an:
Take the high-speed train to Xi'an (4.5 hours). See the Terracotta Warriors in the early morning before 10 AM for the best light. Rent bikes at the South Gate to ride the ancient City Wall. The Muslim Quarter comes alive at dusk when food vendors start setting up.
- Days 6-7
Chengdu:
Visit the Panda Breeding Center in the morning when the pandas eat and are most active. The best time to see baby pandas is September through November. Stop by People's Park to enjoy tea with locals.
- Days 8-10
Yunnan Province:
Visit Lijiang's Old Town, then continue to Dali and Kunming. Get to the Stone Forest early before tour groups arrive. Use the high-speed trains between cities instead of regional flights.
- Days 11-14
Guilin & Yangshuo:
Take the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (4 hours). Choose the right side of the boat for the best mountain views. Rent bikes in Yangshuo to explore. As one traveler noted: "The back roads around Moon Hill offered the most authentic glimpse of rural life - we saw water buffalo in the fields and farmers tending rice paddies."
- Days 15-17
Zhangjiajie:
Plan three full days to explore the national park. Take the world's tallest outdoor elevator for great views. Book the glass bridge ahead of time and go early to avoid lines. Bring good hiking shoes since paths can get slippery.
- Days 18-21
Shanghai & Surrounds:
Finish in Shanghai and take a day trip to Suzhou's gardens. See the Bund at dusk when the buildings light up. Take the maglev train to Pudong Airport when leaving - it beats sitting in rush hour traffic.
China Experience (8 destinations)
A 19-day adventure spans 7 major destinations from Beijing to Hong Kong. Three days at Great Wall and Forbidden City, 4-day Yangtze cruise, and Emei Shan monastery visits create perfect balance between iconic sites and authentic experiences.
China 21 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Northern and southern China end Hong Kong (20 destinations)
21 Days Customized China Tour (Private Guide and Driver), Daily Start & No Group
China Experience (8 destinations)
21 Days China Family Cultural Odyssey (private guide & driver）
21 Days Amazing China Kungfu Panda Family Tour (private guide & driver）
Xinjiang Panorama 21 Days
Classic China
Golden Triangle and South of China end Hong Kong (16 destinations)
Best China Attractions
China In-depth 20 Days from Beijing to Guangzhou
What people love about 3-week China tours
- China Unveiled: 18-Day Journey from Hong Kong to Beijing
Fantastic. Guides went overboard to help
- China Minorities Adventure
I found it very complete with numerous sites to enjoy.
- Hong Kong to Beijing Group Adventure 18D/17N
I'm glad that I have visited China and seen for myself this interesting and mysterious country. The tour offered a broad range of activities and trips while also ensuring plenty of free days. Travel between each destination was well organized and we were supported well through the endless passport controls and security checks. Apart from Hong Kong and Beiijing accommodation was comfortable, clean and inviting. All accommodation was located close to main attractions and plentiful restaurants and shops. The trips and activities were reasonably priced until Beiijing. A change in the program on the last two days meant that I missed visiting Tiannemen Square and the Summer Palace. This was disappointing. Most Adventure Leaders were efficient and helpful, but Ping who led us in Yangshuo was exceptional in every way - making sure that you felt supported. Likewise in Chengdu Linda went the extra mile to help you. Communication prior to travel wasn't great - responses to inquiries was slow and it was confusing who you should be dealing with. All in all, a well organized tour, interesting variety of activities and reasonably priced.