4-Week China Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 4-week China tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar

• 28 Days in China, incl. Beijing and Shanghai

  A grand 28-day Chinese adventure spans 9 major cities, from Hong Kong to Beijing. Stay 27 nights in varied accommodations, including Great Wall camping, while visiting UNESCO sites like Terracotta Warriors and Fujian Tulou. All transportation included for around $3,300 total.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Hong Kong

    Begin in Hong Kong and make your way to Victoria Peak for an unforgettable sunset view of the skyline. A local tip: "The Symphony of Lights show from Avenue of Stars is best viewed around 8pm - get there 30 minutes early to grab a prime spot." End your nights exploring Temple Street Night Market for authentic local food.

    
  • Days 3-6

    Yangshuo

    Take a bullet train to this region known for its stunning karst mountains. Float down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft and bring a waterproof camera. Go biking through quiet villages and try climbing the limestone peaks. The best time for cycling is early morning when it's cool and less crowded.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Chengdu

    Head to the Giant Panda Breeding Center early to see the pandas at their most active during feeding time. Try the local Sichuan hot pot but be ready for serious spice. You can visit the Leshan Buddha but plan for a 6-hour round trip.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Xi'an

    See the famous Terracotta Warriors and take a bike ride on the ancient city walls. The best bikes are available near the South Gate. Visit the Muslim Quarter at night when the street food vendors set up shop.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Beijing

    Sleep on an unrestored section of the Great Wall if you visit between April and September. Watch the sunrise for an incredible experience. Visit the Forbidden City through the south gate before 9am to avoid the crowds.

    
  • Days 20-23

    Shanghai

    Start with a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the Bund. Walk through the former French Concession in the morning before it gets hot. Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River to see the city lights.

    

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• 26 Days in China, incl. Hong Kong and Beijing

  The extensive 26-day route covers 8 major Chinese cities across 4 distinct regions. The tour features 3 days in Yangshuo's karst mountains, 2 days exploring Xi'an's ancient walls, and 3 nights in Shanghai's modern skyline and historic Bund.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Hong Kong & Journey to Yangshuo

    Start at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong for stunning sunset views. "Watching the sunset paint the skyline from Victoria Peak was an unforgettable introduction to Hong Kong." Take the bullet train to Guilin the next day (6 hours), then transfer to Yangshuo. Book morning trains to avoid the Hong Kong rush hour.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Yangshuo Adventures

    Use Yangshuo as your base for outdoor activities around the karst mountains. Go kayaking on the Li River ($25), join a cooking class, or try rock climbing. "The bike ride through the local landscape followed by bamboo rafting on the Yulong River was a highlight - just remember to bring a waterproof case for your camera!" Make time for Moon Hill and the local mud baths.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Chengdu & Panda Experience

    Take an early train to Chengdu (6-7 hours). Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center right when it opens to see the pandas at their most active. You can take a side trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha UNESCO site. If you like spicy food, try the famous Sichuan hot pot.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Xi'an Culture

    Visit the Muslim Quarter and bike around the ancient city walls. Rent bikes near the South Gate. See the Terracotta Warriors early before the crowds arrive. "The Muslim Quarter is best experienced at dusk when food stalls are bustling. Try the hand-pulled noodles near the Drum Tower."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Beijing & Great Wall

    Plan your Beijing visits carefully. Start with Tiananmen Square early, then go to the Forbidden City (closed Mondays). You can camp at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Bring warm clothes for cold nights. "Watching sunrise from our Great Wall campsite was humbling, despite the basic camping conditions. Bring a good sleeping bag."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Hangzhou's Natural Beauty

    Take a morning high-speed train to Hangzhou. Go boating on West Lake in the early morning light. Walk through Nine Creeks Misty Forest but wear good shoes on the slippery paths. Visit the National Tea Museum to learn about Chinese tea culture.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Shanghai Exploration

    Finish your trip in Shanghai. Walk along the Bund after dark when it's lit up. Get to Yu Gardens early to avoid crowds. "Take the ferry across Huangpu River at dusk for the best skyline views - it's cheaper and more authentic than expensive observation decks."

    

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• 25 Day Tibet Itinerary, incl. Lhasa and Mount Kailash

  An immersive 25-day tour through China's Tibet, visiting 6 major destinations including Lhasa's Potala Palace and Mount Kailash. Participants trek the 51km sacred kora, visit Guge Kingdom ruins, and watch Everest sunrise from Rongbuk at 5,000m. Features 7 hotel nights, 9 guesthouse stays, and camping experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-5

    Lhasa Acclimatization & Cultural Immersion

    Start in Lhasa (3,600m) and take time to adjust to the altitude while exploring key sites. Visit the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang Temple early in the morning to see local pilgrims at their most active. Plan your Potala Palace visit for the afternoon when the altitude makes climbing stairs more manageable. Take a day trip to Drak Yerpa monastery (4,400m) to help your body prepare for higher elevations.

    
  • Days 6-9

    Journey to Everest Region

    Travel along the Friendship Highway and stop at Yamdrok-Tso (Scorpion Lake) for stunning views. The road to Everest Base Camp goes up to 5,000m. Pack plenty of warm layers since temperatures can drop below freezing even during summer months. As one traveler shared: "The sunrise view of Everest from Rongbuk Monastery was worth the cold night in the tent camp. Bring a serious sleeping bag!"

    
  • Days 10-14

    Western Tibet Exploration

    Cross the Tibetan plateau to Lake Manasarovar and visit the ancient kingdoms of Guge and Shangshung. Be prepared for rough roads and 6-7 hour drives each day. Take time to relax in the Tirthapuri hot springs. The clear high-altitude air makes camping nights perfect for stargazing.

    
  • Days 15-20

    Mount Kailash Kora Trek

    The 3-day kora around Mount Kailash reaches 5,636m at Drolma La pass. This is the most challenging part of the trip and you should have previous high-altitude trekking experience. Day two involves 9-10 hours of hiking. Make sure to bring hiking poles and comfortable broken-in boots.

    
  • Days 21-25

    Return Journey

    Head back via Sakya Monastery and Shigatse. The gradual descent gives you time to reflect on your journey. Book afternoon flights from Lhasa to minimize altitude-related discomfort.

    

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