With a 3-week trip to China, you could enjoy a wide range of China's star attractions, including profound history, varied awesome landscapes, great architecture, and rich cultural experiences.
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Where to Spend 3 Weeks in China
With a 3-week trip in China, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai are must-visit cities, especially for first-timers.
Beijing enjoys the most famous attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Xi'an is famous for its Terracotta Warriors and being the best place to learn about China's ancient civilization.
Guilin is best for appreciating China's natural scenery and experiencing its countryside lifestyle. Shanghai is where you can see the collision of Republic-era rapid-rise and mega-city modernity.
Besides these top destinations, you can choose other destinations based on your interests:
- Chengdu is a must if seeing pandas is on your bucket list, especially for a family trip. Yunnan is recommended for those who like fascinating minority villages and natural views.
- If Tibet is on your bucket list, you can fit it in a 3-week itinerary. Tibet's holy Buddhist culture and vibe with its stunning plateau scenery are many a traveler's dream.
- If you would prefer a relaxing experience and pace or seeking out classical Chinese beauty, we recommend a Yangtze Cruise or visiting Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Huangshan — Shanghai's surrounding area.
- Or you can tell us your preferred destinations. Our service is personalized.
See more on How Long to Spend in China: Itineraries from 1 Week to 1 Month
If you don't have any clear ideas yet, have a look at our three sample itineraries below for a starting point that you might like.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Amazing and Effortless Experience Overall!
China Highlights is totally legit and they planned our visit in Beijing perfectly, they were also great with being flexible to meet our unique needs and timelines, with multiple changes on the fly. Our guide in Beijing, William, was amazing as well! William was friendly, kind, thoughtful, funny, and also was great at keeping us on track timing-wise (as we didn’t make this particularly easy for him lol). Cannot recommend both China Highlights and William to anyone else looking to visit China for the first time! more
Jun 2025, jamesrkable
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A culture of hospitality and smiles
Beijing was prettier and far less crowded than anticipated. Colin aka Po Po, our guide, enhanced the experience with his knowledge and wicked sense of humour. He made every moment special for us.We spent about three days in Beijing and surrounds. China highlights offerings were high quality, including accomodation, car, driver, guide and selection of real local restaurants. Being vegetarian wasn’t an issue at all. Visiting historical quarter of Beijing along with Hutong walk and Confucius Beijing temple were unique experiences- which became more special with Colin’s interest in philosophy and wonderful global perspective. Despite language barriers- we were greeted by scores of locals with genuine smile and curiosity. We shall be back (hopefully with Colin) to explore this wonderful culture. more
Jun 2025, Inderjeet
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Beijing group tour
We had a group tour for our clients and William was our guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and flexible throughout the tour. Our clients loved the way he explained diverse topics. We would recommend him for our future groups too.Thank you William and God bless! more
Jun 2025, Prima Rodrigues
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1. A Classic 3-Week China Itinerary for First-Timers
It is a classic itinerary blend of culture and nature, with some hands-on local-culture experiences.
This itinerary includes China's top tourist cities and top Chinese elements like the pandas, the Great Wall, and classical Chinese gardens and water towns:
- Days 1–2: Shanghai
- Day 3: Suzhou
- Day 4–5: Huangshan
- Days 6–7: Hangzhou
- Days 8–10: Guilin
- Days 11–12: Zhangjiajie
- Days 13–15: Xi'an
- Days 16–17: Datong
- Days 18–21: Beijing
Days 1–2: Shanghai
Shanghai is a city where you can feel a strong sense of urban vitality and also see its remarkable past by visiting many old buildings.
The Bund is a must, where you can experience in a turn of the head the contrast between Shanghai's past and present, seeing the old buildings and skyscrapers from the riverside.
Day 3: Suzhou
Suzhou is famous for its classical Chinese gardens. Humble Administrator's Garden is a masterpiece among Chinese gardens. It is a must.
A night tour of the Nets Master Garden is also recommended. You would see a different panorama from a daytime visit and find amazing live traditional Chinese cultural performances staged in the pavilions.
If you want to see authentic Suzhou local life, we can arrange a rickshaw ride through its small alleys to see food markets, ancient wells, and stone pagodas along the way.
Tongli Water Town near Suzhou is also a recommendation if you want to see ancient architecture and the traditional culture of South China.
Days 4–5: The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)
The Yellow Mountains is one of the most famous mountain areas in China. Spring is best for rape flower vistas. Pine trees and seas of clouds are best seen in summer, and red leaves feature in autumn. Winter can display magical scenes of frost flowers and rime.
Bishan Village is the best choice if you want to enjoy some quiet moments in the Huangshan countryside with your partner. Stay in a typical Hui-style inn, feel the freshness of the air on an early morning walk, and drink a coffee while enjoying nature in its unspoiled beauty.
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China Highlights Huangshan
Many years ago I asked my dearest Chinese professor in Australia where was the prettiest place to visit in China, he said "Yellow Mountain"...well we made it there in May this year. And to have also met with and had our amazing guide Suki to look after us and share her beautiful Huangshan with us was a treasured memory never to be forgotten. What a stunning experience, not for the faint hearted in regard to climbing, however there are options which Suki found for us as my knee injuries were not up to excessive steps etc so changes were made to accomodate my capacity. Thank you so much Suki for an exquisite stay. Tunxi Ancient Street, overnight on Yellow Mountain, Xidi Village and Hongcun Village, everything was superb. Robyn and Patrick more
Jun 2025, Robyn W
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Ann in Zhang jia jie
We travelled to Zhangjiajie in May 2025 . We are pleased to have Ann as our tour guide. She accommodated to our requests and guided us to shopping in the market and other places which were not part our original plan. I highly recommend her to anyone visiting here. more
May 2025, Stein J
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Huangshan with our guide April. If you want to hear more just facts about places. She adds her unique perspective....What fun
Our guide was April. She was exceptional. She shared so much knowledge about herbs..nature..and Chinese traditional medicine. She has a great respect for nature and has great knowledge about the region. We visited the ancient city of Hongcun and then went up the yellow mountain. The home of the inspiration behind Chinese mountain landscapes. What a magical journey we had! more
Apr 2025, Tamara A
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Days 6–7: Hangzhou
West Lake and a famous tea experience are the highlights of Hangzhou. A boat ride on West Lake is one of the best ways to enjoy its views. We can also arrange a bike ride around the lake if you prefer.
Meijiawu Tea Plantation is the place of origin of the best 'Dragon Well' tea in China. There you can see how farmers pick tea leaves, learn the process for making tea, and taste a cup of China's most-adored tea.
If you want to learn still more about Chinese culture, we can arrange many more experiences for you, such as taking you to visit a century-old Chinese medicine shop to learn about Chinese herbs, painting your own oiled-paper umbrella, or enjoying a Southern Song Dynasty Snacks Banquet in a pavilion.
Days 8–10: Guilin
Guilin is a city where you can see pastoral landscapes and enjoy the relaxing pace of countryside life.
You would spend one day on a leisurely Li River Cruise to take in some of the best of Guilin's celebrated karst landscape.
The other two days are given to Yangshuo, a much-loved town near Guilin. It's a place where you can cycle around the paddy fields and pointy hills with your children, walk the field paths with your partner, and talk with friendly local people.
If your kids like adventure, we can arrange to explore a less-traveled cave and many more exciting activities.
Days 11–12: Zhangjiajie
Spend two days to explore the highlight of Zhangjiajie, the National Forest Park. The iconic sandstone pillar is the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Ride the Bailong Elevator to the top for panoramic views.
Take a cable car ride up to Tianmen Mountain, known as the "Heaven's Gate Mountain." Walk along the glass skywalk and experience breathtaking views.
You could also enjoy a leisurely walk along a crystal-clear stream, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering sandstone cliffs.
Days 13–15: Xi'an
Xi'an's main attraction is the Terracotta Warriors. Besides a regular visit, we would arrange a hand-made clay-warrior experience with local artisans. You would better understand the process of making the Terracotta Warriors and could take your creation home as a souvenir. It's recommended for both couples and families.
Days 16–17: Datong
The highlights of Datong are the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery. By visiting these attractions, you could learn about elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism and see many superb craftsmanship.
Days 18–21: Beijing
With 4 days in Beijing, you can spend one day on the Great Wall. We recommend the Mutianyu Great Wall section, which is the most family-friendly one and a less-crowded section. If you like hiking, we can also arrange some Great Wall hiking for you.
A sunset visit to the Great Wall would allow you to see and snap postcard-perfect dusky Wall views. There would also be fewer people around at this time. This is especially recommended if you want to have a romantic moment with your partner.
Two days would be for Beijing's city-sightseeing highlights, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc.
If you want to experience the bustling (or leisurely retired) life of Beijingers, you could spend a day exploring local culture, perhaps visiting a Beijinger family in the hutongs or walking around a local community with markets and parks.
2. 3 Weeks in China including Tibet
- Days 1–3: Beijing (The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven)
- Days 4–5: Xi'an (the Terracotta Warriors with a related hands-on experience, a food tour, the city wall)
- Days 6–9: Tibet (the Potala Palace, monasteries, and local-life experience)
- Days 10–12: Chengdu with a panda volunteer program
- Days 13–15: Zhangjiajie (the national forest park, mountains, and canyons)
- Days 16–18: Guilin with nearby towns (a cruise, biking, bamboo rafting)
- Days 19–21: Shanghai city sightseeing (or you can also choose to go to Hong Kong)
If you are dreaming of a Tibet tour as part of your China trip, you could consider this itinerary.
A classic Tibet tour (Lhasa + Lake Yamdrok) takes about 4 to 5 days. If you want to go to Everest Base Camp, you would need another 4 days.
In Tibet, the Potala Palace is a must. Our guide would take you to the four best angles to see the palace.
Barkhor Street is the best place to see devout Buddhists praying and catch a glimpse of the buzz of local Tibetan life.
For a deeper understanding of local rural life, you could be a Tibetan Nomad for a day. We would take you to a village in the hills to experience horse riding, milking yaks, printing prayer flags, and other things that the nomads do.
All our tours are customizable and can be adjusted based on your needs. Just contact us.
3. A 3-Week China Itinerary including Yunnan
- Days 1–3: Shanghai sightseeing
- Days 4–12: Yunnan (Erhai Lake, mountains, old towns, ethic culture experiences, lamaseries, a local Tibetan family visit)
- Days 13–14: Chengdu with a panda encounter
- Days 15–16: Xi'an sightseeing
- Days 17–21: Beijing sightseeing
Shaxi Ancient Town, DaliBesides the classic golden-triangle-panda-city combination of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai, in this itinerary Yunnan is added in.
Yunnan is a southwestern province with picturesque scenery and diverse local ethnic culture. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La are its top cities to visit, each taking about 2 to 3 days.
Kunming is known for its stone forest. Dali and Lijiang are famous for a romantic atmosphere and natural views like Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
These places are also best for having a leisurely outdoor family time, whether biking, hiking, or making delicious local cakes at a flower farm.
Shangri-La is best for experiencing Tibetan culture and plateau scenery. There, you could a visit a Tibetan family on a pasture, try on traditional Tibetan dress, and enjoy a starry night with a bonfire on the grassland.
Just contact us if you are interested in the itinerary.
Costs for a 3-Week Tour in China
For a private tour in China, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person, including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.
Thus, a 3-week tour for two people would cost about US$9,500–15,000. A tour for a family of four may cost US$16,000–20,000 (kids under 10 get 30–50% off). These prices do not include international flights.
The peak season times in China are the first week of May (Labor Day holiday), the summer vacation (July to August), and the first week of October (National Day holiday). During these holidays, airfares and hotel prices can double or triple.
If you are planning a trip to China, please book it at least 3 to 6 months in advance for the best deals and availability. We offer a free cancellation policy: you'll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to three weeks before departure. (See more details.)
How to Travel around China
Air travel and high-speed rail are the main convenient ways to travel long distances in China.
For most travel between cities, air travel is the most recommended option, such as Beijing to Shanghai, Chengdu to Lhasa, etc.
But for some relatively close cities, such as Beijing to Xi'an, high-speed trains are more recommended. Moreover, China's high-speed rail itself is part of the Chinese travel experience.
When booking with us, let us know your travel preferences, and we will arrange the best travel options for you, seamlessly booking the flight/train tickets you need.
Tour China with Us
All our tours can be customized based on your interests and needs. You can use our Create My Trip service to tell us your requirements. Our travel consultant will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you.