The ultimate 12-day China itinerary: top sites and hidden gems

If China’s been on your bucket list for a while then consider this a sign from the universe – BOOK THAT TRIP NOW, BABE! From bustling and neon cities to absolutely jaw-dropping natural landscapes, China has it all. Some may even say that China is that girl – some, being us. 

So, if you want to walk along the Great Wall or discover even greater temples, or just totally pig out on dim sum and char siu, then we’ve got the trip for you. It’s called China Adventure (click that link to read all about it), and we’re going to break down the iconic 12-day China itinerary on offer right here for you. And if that doesn’t get you throwing all your clothes in a suitcase half-way out the door, then I don’t know what will.

Day 1 – Beijing

Where else would we start our China itinerary but in the capital city itself? Beijing is a city from the past and the future. You’ve got impressive skyscrapers – the Bvlgari Hotel is kind of giving Avengers Tower vibes – and trendy nightlife spots, but you’ve also got deep traditional locations and cultural pockets. 

Get here, meet the Contiki crew, and sleep restlessly like you’re waiting for Christmas morning because tomorrow is going to be a gift.

Day 2 – Beijing

Okay, so you’ve met the gang, maybe went out the night before, and now you’re ready to take on the city. Good attitude. And where better to get going than with a visit to the Forbidden City. You’ll be in awe of the architecture, history, and artistry of this grandiose palace. 

You’ll also get the chance to tour Tiananmen Square which is the world’s largest city square and also the scene of important Chinese history. And then you can visit 798 Art Precinct which is a decommissioned military factory turned art community where you’ll be able to admire old and modern artworks. 

This is truly a day full of culture, and to top it all off, feast on a classic and gorgeous peking duck dinner with the Contiki fam! There’s nothing like crispy duck pancakes to bring a family together.

Day 3 – Beijing

Yeah, it’s Beijing again, she’s iconic and not done with you yet. The city is just that big that you need 3 days to explore it and you’ll be glad for the time because today we’re heading to Mutianyu, aka the Great Wall. I mean, of all the historical walls to see, this one is kind of the best. Take a cable car up and down and prepare to snap all the pics of these very old bricks and the magical views all around. 

You’ll also get to visit the Sacred Way which is a tree and statue-lined road with camels, elephants, and Ming Dynasty warriors, leading to the regal Ming Tombs. This is another history filled day which will leave you in total awe of China’s grandeur – if you weren’t already.

Day 4 – Beijing to Xi’an

Free day in Beijing baby, you know what that means! Visit the Silk Market to buy some beautiful handcrafted goods (which will make for the best souvenir from China), and stop at all the street food stalls and fill your belly with xian bing (pork pancakes), jiaozi (chinese dumplings), and bing tanghulu (sugar-encased hawthorn skewers).

Need a way to get around? The trusty rickshaw is sure to become your new favourite mode of transportation as you zoom through the narrow streets. If you’d like some more regalness in your life – and I mean, who doesn’t – then pop into the glorious Summer Palace where you’ll be met with ornate gardens, rainbow-coloured dragon boats, and impeccable views of the city.

We’re not sleeping in Beijing tonight however – we’re heading to Xi’an for the next portion of this epic China itinerary. How are we getting there you ask? On the overnight bullet train! Japan isn’t the only country with high-speed futuristic trains.

Day 5 – Xi’an

Ready for more history and more delicious eats? Xi’an’s got you covered. After we hop off the train we’ll visit the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army. You’ve probably seen pictures of this before, thousands of terracotta statues depicting warriors and their steeds, but nothing beats seeing it in person. To accompany this, we’ll also visit the TangBo Art museum where we’ll discover the beauty of ancient Chinese printing and calligraphy – time to let your creative side shine!

When your belly starts rumbling that’s when you know it’s time to hit up the tour of the night market where you can sample the best of Chinese street food. BBQ, beef, pork, beer, and oodles of noodles, you just can’t go wrong and you’re guaranteed to find some new favourites.

Day 6 – Xi’an to Chengdu

Before we depart Xi’an, take a freewheel ride along the city walls! Feel the wind in your hair, and the sun on your face, as you view the city from above. Take lots of mental pics ‘cos we’re leaving and making our way to charming Chengdu.

We’ll take a speedy train journey to the next portion of this China itinerary, arriving in Chengdu which is filled with traditional tea houses and loads more history and innovation. Get to know the city with the crew as you’ve got some time for yourself. You could head to Qingcheng Shan temple or visit the Wenshu Yuan Monastery for a glimpse into Buddhist traditions.

Day 7 – Chengdu

Now, day 7 is a very special day. Why? Because it involves a day spent with the cuddliest and silliest bears ever. Pandas! We’ll head to the Panda Sanctuary as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn more about these friend-shaped cuties – from a respectable distance, of course – and watch them chomp on some bamboo. 

For the second half of the day, feel free to sign up for an authentic Sichuan cooking class where you’ll learn all about the local flavours and techniques and make your very own meal to absolutely devour like the cuddly beasts from earlier. Make sure to take notes as well, you’ll want to bring these skills back home to impress all your friends.

Day 8 – Chengdu to Yangshuo

Right, you’ve had your fill of cityscapes, now is the time to truly lose your mind and confront China’s unbeatable natural beauty. We’re taking a train out to Yangshuo which is probably the closest thing to heaven on earth.

The village is surrounded by limestone pillars, covered in lush greenery, and giving the whole area an air of total grandeur. Get to know the town by shopping the late-night markets, sipping on local beer, and then prepare yourself for the show of your life. You’ll have a chance to witness the beyond epic ‘Impression of Liu Sanjie’, a light show and live performance set on the Li River. 

Day 9 – Yangshuo

A free day in Yangshuo means only one thing: strolling amongst the rocky hills where sleeping dragons probably lie. It’s true main character vibes honestly and prime photo time. Get those gorgeous selfies ready for your Insta photo dumps or Hinge profile and just soak in all the glory of Mother Nature.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try your hand at rock climbing on the Yangshuo Feilada Experience. Vertical climbing, side climbing, rope climbing – whatever makes you feel most comfortable! With the Yulong River Ecological Park as your backdrop you’ll feel like Lara Croft and Nathan Drake in no time.

Day 10 – Yangshuo to Shanghai

We’re nearing the end of our China itinerary but there’s no time to be sad because Shanghai is up next! A glitzy city with buzzing culture and nightlife, there’s just so much to do here and it’s the perfect place to spend your last few days in China.

Starting off epic, rise to the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower for a total 360° of the city where you can spot all the shimmering lights and fall totally in love – with the city, or a member of your Contiki crew, who knows! 

One thing China is famous for is acrobatics, I mean have you ever watched Olympic gymnastics? So, you can’t very well travel all the way here without witnessing an acrobatics show for yourself. You’ll be totally hypnotised, but just remember not to attempt any of their moves at home or your China trip may be your last…

Day 11 – Shanghai

This is your last full day in China, or, with your Contiki crew at least, we’re not in charge of your life, stay as long as you want without us, whatever. We’re going to celebrate by cramming the day with tours of the city, a wonderful visit to Chenghuang Miao for teahouses, temples, and local shops, then a stop at the extraordinary Silk Factory and Museum where more beautiful souvenirs can be purchased, and finally a riverside promenade of Bund where you can take in the skyline and replay all your Contiki memories.

Spend the last night going all out with your bestest friends in the whole wide world and, I don’t know, book another Contiki trip afterwards if you’re so inclined? I mean, how great was this one? You’re going to be craving more…

Day 12 – Shanghai

We say goodbye and farewell to Shanghai and China. But chin up, wasn’t it just fantastic?