China City Guides

The cities a first trip is built around: how long to spend, what to see, and how to get around, with links to tickets, tours, and routes.

Golden rooftops and red walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing under a clear blue sky

Beijing Itinerary and First-Timer's Guide: How Many Days You Need

A practical Beijing guide for first-time visitors: how the city fits together, how many days to plan, getting around, payments, and tips to skip the rookie mistakes.

Cyclists riding along the top of the ancient Xi'an City Wall above the lit South Gate at dusk

Xi'an Itinerary for First-Timers: How Many Days and What to Plan

A practical Xi'an itinerary for first-time visitors: how to pace 2 to 3 days, where to stay, how to reach the Terracotta Army, what to eat, and the scams to skip.

Shanghai Bund waterfront at dusk with the illuminated Lujiazui skyscrapers across the river

Shanghai Itinerary for First-Timers: How to Plan 2 to 3 Days

A practical, first-timer guide to Shanghai: how the Bund, Pudong, the old town, and the French Concession fit together, plus pace, payments, and getting around.

A giant panda sitting and eating bamboo at the Chengdu panda breeding base

Chengdu Itinerary for First-Timers: Pandas, Hotpot, and a Slower Pace

How to plan a first-time trip to Chengdu: how many days you need, where to stay, getting around, the best day trips, and practical payment and online tips for 2026.

Misty karst peaks rising along the Li River near Guilin with a bamboo raft on the calm water

Guilin Itinerary: How to Plan a Karst-Country Trip

A first-timer's plan for Guilin and Yangshuo, with how many days you need, where to base yourself, getting around, and the practical tips that matter on the ground.