China first-timers

Question

My sister and I (both in our 40's) are looking to book an independent China holiday from the UK for late May / June this year on the following itinerary with a mixture of flights and trains.

Beijing - 4 nights

Hong Kong - 4 nights

Chengdu - 2 nights

Xian - 2 nights

Shanghai - 3 nights

Questions we have are:

1) is this the right time of year as we are getting several contradicting reports online about the rainy season

2) are these enough nights in each place if we want to see the main highlights to get a good experience without feeling rushed

3) do we need to add in any other locations?

We have looked at escorted tour options but don't necessarily want to be restricted to trips we aren't keen on and want more flexibility.

We're not hardcore history buffs—so we don’t need to see every historical site in detail.

Answer

Visiting China in late May or June is generally fine, but it’s important to note that the weather varies significantly depending on the region. Beijing, Xian, and Chengdu will be warm, often 25–35°C, and there can be occasional rain, but it’s not the peak rainy season yet. Hong Kong and Shanghai are warmer and more humid, and there is a higher chance of rain as June approaches, sometimes with short but heavy showers.

Regarding the number of nights in each city, your plan is reasonable for a first-time visit if you focus on the main highlights and don’t aim to explore every museum or minor site in detail.

Beijing – 4 nights: Enough for the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and a Great Wall day trip. Consider at least one morning for a leisurely exploration of the hutongs for a cultural experience.
Hong Kong – 4 nights: Sufficient for Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok markets, Lantau Island (Tian Tan Buddha), and perhaps a short day trip to Macau if desired. Hong Kong has excellent public transport, so moving around is easy.
Chengdu – 2 nights: Enough to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and perhaps a leisurely stroll in Jinli Street or Wuhou Temple area. If you like Sichuan cuisine, include a food tour or cooking class.
Xian – 2 nights: Primarily for the Terracotta Warriors and a short exploration of the ancient city walls and Muslim Quarter. Two nights is tight but doable.
Shanghai – 3 nights: Adequate for the Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, a museum or two, and perhaps a day trip to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao or Tongli.

Regarding additional locations, since your itinerary is already packed, it is better to keep it simple to avoid rushing. However, if you are interested in more natural scenery or a different cultural experience, you might consider:

Guilin/Yangshuo for scenic rivers and karst mountains (requires at least 2 nights, can be swapped with Shanghai if desired).
Lijiang/Dali in Yunnan for a picturesque old town and mountain views (requires extra travel time).
Alternatively, a half-day excursion from Chengdu to nearby Leshan Giant Buddha or Mount Qingcheng if you prefer a mix of history and nature.

In summary, your current plan is well-balanced for first-time visitors and allows flexibility. You are covering major highlights without overloading each city, though be prepared for warm weather and some rain. Adding extra locations is optional and would require cutting nights from existing cities or extending your trip.