2 weeks China - the ultimate guide for your trip
Planning a trip to China can be overwhelming, we know... In this article, we'll give you an overview of things that should be on your bucketlist, and places you definitely shouldn't skip. So let's get started!
5/8/202419 min read
Introduction:
A two-week trip through China offers you the opportunity to experience a diverse range of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. This itinerary covers key highlights across several major destinations, providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s rich heritage and modern development
General information:
Here some important information, to avoid unwanted surprises during your visit in China!
Try to learn how to eat with chopsticks. During our two weeks in China, I don’t think we ever got a fork or a knife with our meals. So, teach yourself some chopstick skills to make life easier during your travels
When you visit major tourist attractions, always take your passport with you. Usually, you don’t get a ticket, but you need to scan your passport for entry
Be prepared for long queues. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit—there will always be queues. Depending on the time, there might be fewer people, but it’s always crowded.
Be prepared to have a hard time getting around. English is rarely spoken in this vast country, so even ordering food can be challenging
For China, you need to have an adapter. China mainly uses three adapter types: A, C, and I. If you’re traveling a lot, we recommend buying a travel adapter to make your life easier. In many hostels and hotels, you might be able to use a USB plug-in, but there’s no guarantee it will be available, so come prepared and get a travel adapter.
Apps to download:
We recommend to download these apps in advance to make your life easier.
WeChat/Alipay
We found Alipay easier to set up than WeChat. WeChat didn’t seem to work with our foreign credit card. With Alipay, you do need to have a Chinese number to set it up. As soon as we had our Chinese SIM card installed, we opened Alipay and it basically did everything automatically. Our number got connected, and then we manually added our credit card information. We also enabled the transportation function. With that function, you can access Didi and there is no need to download the Didi app. (For the Didi app to work, you need to download the Chinese version, for which you need to change your App Store/Play Store settings to the China region.)
How do payments with Alipay work?
You have the option to either show a code to the vendor, which they scan, or you scan the QR code from the vendor. And believe me, you need Alipay—there are rarely places where you can pay with a regular credit card, and a lot of places don’t accept cash anymore.
Maps:
Google Maps doesn’t work in china except if you have installed a VPN but it is easier to just download Apple Maps or Maps Me which works fine without an extra application.
Translator :
Believe me, you are lost without a translator. In China, very few people can communicate in English. The general answer, if you ask whether they speak English, is usually “no,” so be prepared for a lot of communication difficulties.
VPN:
To use WhatsApp, Instagram, or Google during your stay in China, it is necessary to download a VPN. Don’t make the same mistake as us and get scammed at the airport by buying the first SIM card you see and getting overcharged for an application that is actually free and available to everyone. We used the free application VPN Cat, available in the App Store and Google Play. This app has a free version that worked perfectly fine, as well as a paid version. For the destination, just choose any country other than China (we primarily used Australia and the United States).
Klook:
We also downloaded Klook, where you can book tickets for attractions (the sooner you book, the more discounted they are). This app is designed for Chinese users but has an English version, and we never experienced any issues with the vouchers we received through the app.
DIDI:
It is also recommended to download Didi. However, for Didi to work in China, you need the Chinese version of the app. We found it quite a hassle to change our App Store/Play Store settings to the China region and then change them back, so the easy solution is to use the Didi function in Alipay, which works without changing any country settings. Didi is recommended because it offers fair prices, and sometimes taxi drivers may try to overcharge you, which can be quite annoying. Use Didi to get safe and fair rides to your desired destination.
Days 1-3: Hong Kong
The journey begins in Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic skyline and blend of Eastern and Western influences.
General information: Hong Kong is divided into Hong Kong Island and the Mainland. The island part is more expensive than the mainland.
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar. Payment with common (foreign) credit cards is no problem and is widely accepted.
Language: The main language is Cantonese, but English is also quite common.
Things to do at Hong Kong Island:
Ngong Ping 360: Visitors can take a ride on the famous cable car to Lantau Island, where the Tian Tan Buddha sits amidst lush surroundings, offering panoramic views.
There are two stations for entry and exit. We took the metro from Hong Kong Island to the station and then enjoyed a 25-minute cable car ride to the top. From there, we hiked to the Big Buddha and strolled around Ngong Ping Village, which has plenty of coffee and food options and great views. We took the cable car back down, but you can also take a bus (which is much cheaper) or even hike up or down. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance. You can choose between two cabin options: the regular cabin or the crystal cabin, which has a glass floor and offers a 360-degree scenic view. When choosing your package, you can tailor it to your needs—select a one-way or round-trip ticket, or mix and match cabin types. I booked through Klook.com and got a discounted price.
The Peak Tram provides access to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, with sweeping views of the cityscape below. The tram has two stations, one at the bottom and one at the top, there are no stops in between. If you book a return ticket you can get a cheaper price. At the top is a Mall, with food options, some souvenir shopping and even a little art gallery. But the must do at the top is the loop walk around which awards you with scenic views. It is flat and if you don´t feel like walking all the way around the mountain, you can turn around at any point.
Things to do in Hong Kong Mainland:
Visit a local night market, such as the Mong Kok street market, where street food and shopping are popular activities. You can try local foods - don’t miss out on the famous bubble waffle or egg waffle, which originated in Hong Kong. They come in a variety of flavors, ranging from mango and strawberry to matcha.
The Symphony of Lights show at Victoria Harbour, held at the promenade, provides a spectacular display of lights and performances against the backdrop of the city’s illuminated skyline. We only heard good things about this show which is performed nightly at the Harbour, but unfortunately we had a cloudy sky and except for the music we didn’t really saw anything, so check out the weather in advance to avoid disappointment. The show runs daily at 8pm, we recommend to be there a couple minutes early to secure a spot, since it can get crowded.
Stroll alongside the Avenue of Stars, we would recommend doing this before or after you watch the light show, since it is only a five minute walk away. The avenue of stars itself is a “copy” of the avenue of stars in Hollywood, but this one features mainly artists from Hong Kong.
Take a Sunset Cruise along the River and enjoy Hong Kong´s skyline from a boat. The cruise we chose took us for around 45 minutes along the river and they even provided us with some information about the buildings we were encountering. It was a smooth experience to round up an exhausting day full of walking.
Night Market
Bubble Waffle
Take the Peak Tram and enjoy this view from up above
Days 4-6: Shanghai
Shanghai is renowned for its futuristic skyline and historic sites.
Things to do in Shanghai:
The city’s famous Bund area showcases colonial-era architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. Have a stroll alongside the city’s waterfront and enjoy (on a clear day) a fantastic view over the city’s skyline. It is also recommended to visit it as night as well when the skyline lights up. There are some vendors along the promenade selling drinks and some snacks. If you want to cross the river to visit the oriental pearl tower, we recommend taking the boat which leaves at the Bund and takes you for 2 Yuan to the other side of the river.
The Oriental Pearl Tower offers panoramic city views, but be prepared for long queues. Buy your ticket in advance, and remember that with a foreign passport, you can’t book through the official channel - use sites like Trip.com instead. To enter, you need your passport, so remember to bring the physical copy with you. There are several ticket options depending on what you want to see, and you’ll need to queue according to your booking type. We chose the “basic” entry, which took us by standard elevator up to 253 meters, where we enjoyed great views, then walked down the stairs to the lower level to experience the glass floor all around the tower. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth it! We had a great day and could see really well. If you want, you can also dine at one of the three restaurants while enjoying the fantastic view.
Yu Garden provides a glimpse into traditional Chinese landscaping and design. Right after entering the garden you are out of the city’s hustle and bustle. Stroll around the park and enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature. It costs 30Yuan to enter. When you leave the garden you should end up in a big shopping area of the city where you will find a great selection of street food vendors.
A day trip to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town near Shanghai, presents a picturesque setting with winding canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture, exemplifying China’s historic water towns. This town is a 2 hours straightforward subway journey from Shanghai’s city center. It costs you less then 12 yuan one way. Zhujiajiao is also known as “Venice of Shanghai” and with it´s many bridges, waterways and boats it definitely reminds you of Venice in Italy. Cross the famous Fangsheng Bridge, try some of the local specialties and visit one of their iconic gardens.
Nanjing Road, Shanghais famous street food and shopping street. Handy located next to the east nanjing subway station it is a great stop to get a taste of Shanghai’s busy shopping district. Try some local delicious food and soak in the atmosphere.
Maglev Train: If you arrive or depart from the Shanghai Pudong Airport we highly recommend riding the MAglev to or from the City. It is one of the first commercial maglev train known for it´s high speed and smooth ride. It takes you only about 8 to 9 minutes into the city center, while it will take you about an hour with metro.
The Bund
Venice of Shanghai
Days 7-9: Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain (Tianmen Mountain)
Tianmen Mountain is a natural wonder characterized by towering cliffs, lush forests, and unique geological formations.
The mountain features the Tianmen Cave, a natural arch carved into the mountain, accessible via cable car rides. The glass skywalk provides an exhilarating view of the surrounding scenery, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Important Reminder:
It is absolutely necessary to pre-purchase your ticket for the forest park. We didn’t, and it took us over an hour to get our tickets. Save yourself the wait and the overpriced tickets at the gate by booking in advance—sometimes your accommodation can help with this as well.
Bring your passport with you, to be able to enter the Park you will need it.
When you plan on how to get to the park, make sure you get to the right entrance (west, south, north or east). The park itself is huge and it is impossible to see everything in one day, so decide beforehand what you want to see and choose your point of entrance accordingly. The recommended entrances are either south or east.
The Park is divided into different sections each has its own unique and beautiful attractions and landscapes.
Ticket Options:
You can get a couple different ticket options for the park, we will have a brief look at them, all of them suit a different budget and travelers type, so choose carefully.
Ticket 1: Basic Option
This basic ticket option costs 277 Yuan and covers the entrance to the park for four full days. Included are as well the green buses operating throughout the park. It does not include the use of cable cars and the Bai along elevator. You can always buy the cable car rides for additional costs at the station directly.
I would only recommend this ticket if you maybe only want to see one section of the park and love hiking. But be prepared the distances where the cable car is going up or down the mountain in under 20mintes, it could take you a couple hours of hiking.
Ticket 2:
This options costs 465 Yuan and includes basic entrance to the park for four days as well as 4 cable car Rides. The green Buses are also included. This options is recommended if you only want to see a specific section of the park.
Ticket 3:
This ticket option is the most common one and also the most convenient, if you really want to to explore the park. It costs 499 Yuan and allows you to enter the park for four full days. It also includes unlimited cable car rides, the use of the green Buses and entrance of the Bai Long elevator.
What to do and see:
How to explore the park in 2 days:
On day one you will explore all the absolute highlights in the park and in day two you visit a less crowded section where you enjoy the quiet nature and stunning landscape this park has to offer. For this intinerary Ticket Option 3 would be recommended.
Day 1
Start your day early and head to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Enter the park through the South Gate. Start by riding the Bai Long elevator (the worlds tallest outdoor elevator) to reach Yuanjiajie. Here you can enjoy the scenic views which inspired the movie Avatar. Continue to explore the hallelujah mountain and again prepare yourself for breathtaking views (and an absolute overcrowding). With that your morning is packed and after nice lunch continue to the Yuanjiajie scenic area, explore the viewpoints and follow the trails which lead you to unique rock formations. Take the Bus to tianzi mountain and enjoy its panoramic views. Take the cable car up to its top and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
Day 2 is gonna be packed as well, but a little less crowded. You actually have two options and can choose whatever suits you more. You could either enter the park again from a different entrance, for example north gate and explore a whole different section of the park. We went into the north gate and from there it was pretty straight forward, you follow the route consisting out of buses cable cars and watch all the scenic spots the west section has to offer. You get to cross a beautiful boardwalk, you hike up and down a mountain and get to enjoy views of scenery similar to the avatar mountain displayed in the movie, but less crowded.
Option 2 would be of visiting the Tianmen Mountain a beautiful mountain which offers scenic views over the area. Take the cable car up the mountain and walk the 999 stairways to heaven down. Don’t forget to take an iconic picture of the famous “heaven door”.
If you choose to take this option you need to keep in mind that this is not located directly in the national park, but near the central bus station where the bus takes you to the entrance of the cable car station. Also keep in mind that you need to buy a different ticket for that option.
Or if you want to see both, get up early head to the forest park spend half the day there then head to the Tianmen Mountain.
How to get there:
When you stay in Zhangjiajie downtown the best way to get to the mountain park is to get a public bus which takes you about one hours and departs every 20 minutes from the main Bus station. From our experience buying a ticket in advance is not necessary. When you enter the station you can buy a ticket at the sales desk. It is 12 Yuan per way and a comfortable air conditioned Bus.
At the same point where the bus drops you off, it will also be waiting to bring you back into the city.
You could also hire a Taxi, recommend either through the Didi app or directly through Alipay. This might get you there a little faster, but it would set you down to at least 150-300 Yuan.
Also possible stay at one of the few accommodations directly at the park and then walk into the park itself.
Where to stay:
When planning your trip you have to make the choice of either staying in Zhangjiajie downtown or next to the national forest park. Both options have accommodations suitable to every budget.
We choose to stay in downtown, since we arrived by airplane late at night and
can highly recommend Patio Spring Holiday Inn -- Free Round Trip pick-up Service --Panoramic View of Tianmen Mount they had beautiful Rooms, you can get a taste of Chinas modern facilities by using their futuristic toilets, the staff is absolutely gorgeous and they can even buy you discounted Tickets to the national Park.
National Forest Park
Bai Long elevator
Days 10-11: Xi’an
Xi’an is one of China’s ancient capitals and a major archaeological site.
We arrived afternoon at Xian and took the AirPort Express bus into the city. It cost 25 Yuan each and takes around an hour (depending on traffic). The bus leaves every 30-40min and departs as soon as it is full. You can easily obtain a ticket inside the terminal right at the exit. With a non Chinese passport you need to see the counter as they have to manually enter your passport number.
The Bus drives you to the bell tower, which is the city center of Xian.
If you need to go the other direction you can also take the airport bus it starts at 08.20am and leaves every 40minutes, the departure stop is next to Bell tower. Walk to the bell tower hotel, when you’re standing in front facing the tower walk to your right and turn into the parking lot. At the left handed site at the far back is the ticket counter and the bus leaves just outside the counter.
What to do in Xian:
Terracotta Warrior:
The Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most famous attraction, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
How to get there:
We took the public tourist bus, which was surprisingly convenient. We made our way towards the bell tower, and just when we reached it we were already greeted by a lady wearing a red vest directing us to the Bus. We paid 30 Yuan each and it took us about an 1 hour to reach the Site.
Pit 1:
Pit 1 is the main attraction, that is where you can see the army consisting out of thousands of soldiers and horses. We found all the pictures on the internet a little bit misleading. After another long queue to enter the site you get directed into a large room and in the middle is the army itself, you can only walk around it. You can’t get near the statues itself and it’s absolutely crowded. To get a good view you will have to push your way through to the front line.
Pit 2 & 3:
Pit 2&3 are both smaller and hosting a vairety of different statues, animals and other funds. Some of the statues here are under restoration and you can take pictures with some statues in really good condition, please note that this service requires a fee.
Recommendation:
Take your passport with you. You will need it to enter the site and all the separate attractions.
Always book your ticket ahead. As a non Chinese passport holder you can’t book through the official website and it will direct you to trip.com. When you buy a ticket online you can go directly to the entry and scan your passport to enter.
Choose the time of the year if you can. We went in late may which is apparently the best time to visit cause it’s less busy and good weather. On average we had about ten minutes queuing at the entrance and for each site. If you go in peak season this can vary up to a couple hours, just standing in queue.
During booking process you also need to enter a time slot and plan ahead when you book that. The first public bus arrives at the site around 9am and the first to leave back to the city goes at 1pm. Plan queuing time.
Visit Bell Tower:
The Bell Tower in Xián is one of the best preserved of its kind in China, made out of wood, it marks Xián´s center. Back in the days it was a important military lookout, nowadays it is situated in the middle of a huge rundabout and it lights up at night. It is also possible to go into the tower and have a look at the two story high building and the big bell inside.
Stroll along the City Wall:
The City Wall of Xián is the largest and best preserved ancient city wall in China. And let me tell you, it is definitely worth a visit. The wall is 14km long and winds itself around the city center of Xián. It is rougly 12m in height and you can walk on top of it. At night it lights up too. If you want to walk on top of the wall you need to purchase a Ticket online, while doing so you need to choose one of the entrance gates. Up on the wall are a couple different activites you can participate in. We did the basic one and just strolled along it, but you could also rent bicyles or even dress up in one of their traditional clothes (Hanfu). For those activities it is recommended to book online beforehand, while doing so you need to seect an entrance gate (north, south, east and west). Just choose the one nearest to you.
Inside Pit 1
Bell Tower
Day 12-13: Beijing
Beijing - Welcome to China´s Capital:
Embarking on a two-day adventure in Beijing offers a captivating glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.
Day 1:
Start your journey at Tiananmen Square, the heart of the city, where you can admire the monumental Gate of Heavenly Peace and the iconic portrait of Chairman Mao.
From there, a short walk takes you to the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace that once housed Chinese emperors. After exploring its magnificent halls, take a short taxi ride to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Day 2:
On the second day, head to the Summer Palace, situated a little further out of the city center. The Summer Palace in Beijing is a magnificent destination, perfect for spending half a day immersed in nature and culture. To get there, you can take the subway to Beigongmen Station or take a taxi / DIDI, which ensures a convenient arrival. Once inside, explore the vast 700-acre grounds featuring stunning landscapes, traditional pavilions, and the picturesque Kunming Lake. A leisurely stroll along the Long Corridor offers breathtaking views and artistic murals. Don’t miss the iconic Marble Boat and the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which provides panoramic views of the palace and surrounding areas. Entry prices are quite reasonable, generally around 30 RMB during the off-peak season, with additional fees for certain attractions. Enjoy a delightful afternoon lunch at one of the lakeside teahouses, where you can unwind while taking in the serene surroundings.
This two-day itinerary highlights some of Beijing's most significant landmarks in a coherent and enjoyable manner, ensuring a memorable experience of China's vibrant capital.
Our Food recommendation:
Vege Tiger:
Vege Tiger is a Buffett Restaurant open for Lunch and Dinner with a huge selection of dishes, from all over the world. The restaurant has a friendly atmosphere and altough packed at any times they have a lot of space, so don´t worry there will be space for you. The Location is conveniently near the Temple of Heaven if you want to built it into this intinerary.
The Forbidden City
Summer Palace
Day 14: The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, a monumental feat of engineering and architecture, has stood the test of time as a testament to human ingenuity. Spanning thousands of miles across northern China, this ancient structure is more than just a wall; it embodies centuries of history, culture, and determination. From its origins as a series of fortifications to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall attracts millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its breathtaking vistas and rich stories. In this blog entry, we will explore its fascinating history, the diverse cultures it represents, and the enduring legacy it leaves in today's world. Join us as we embark on a journey along this iconic symbol of China.
The Wall itself is divided into many sections, some more popular than others. In the more famous sections like Badaling or Mutianyu, it will be absolutely crowded. It doesn’t matter the time of year; you will be waiting in queues and will always be part of one big crowd. Those two sections are so popular with tourists because they are restored and well maintained. For us, that sounded like too many people, too much waiting time, and stress, so we decided to visit an unrestored section of the Wall, and it was the best decision we could have made.
We settled on Gubeikou, a section known for its lack of tourists and beauty. Even though it is an unrestored section of the Wall, we found it really accessible. The towers are mostly intact, and you can walk inside and enjoy the view from there.
The hike on the Gubeikou section is roughly a three-hour hike and takes you to the Jinshanling section of the Wall. We left our hostel early in the morning to catch the sunrise and hiked along the wall.
How to get there:
To reach the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall from Beijing, start your journey by taking the suburban railway, which operates twice daily. Trains usually depart at around 7:00 AM and 2.00 PM. They leave at Beijing Bei Railway Station (Beijing Railway Station North) and tickets cost around 12 RMB one way. You might find information online, telling you that you can just treat it like a regular subway and it´s not necessary to prebook. Don´t listen to that! It's essential to prebook your tickets at least 1 to 2 days in advance, as the train sells out fast. When we took the train there were people standing for almost the whole 2.5hrs journez. Also note that you don´t need to take the main entrace to the staion, but the escalator down towards the suburban railways. Upon arrival at Gubeikou train station, you have the option to take a Didi ride (usally under 20RMB) or catch a bus to town.
Make sure to plan ahead to enjoy your visit to this less-crowded, breathtaking section of the Great Wall!
Gubeikou section