2 weeks Itinerary help please

Question

We are in Shanghai next Friday.

Should we do day trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou?

Or stay overnight for both?

Or just day trip from Shanghai to Suzhou and stay 1-2nts in Hangzhou?

We are thinking also:

3nts Zhangjiajie?

1nt Xian?

3nts Beijing? before flying home to Sydney.

Have only 2 weeks total. My husband and I are travelling with my 81 year old Mum, who is Chinese, hence fluent in Mandarin.

Please feel free to make any suggestions.

Thank you.

Answer

With only 2 weeks for your China trip, you will need to balance travel time with sightseeing, especially considering you are traveling with your 81-year-old mother. Here’s a suggested approach for your itinerary.

Shanghai and nearby day trips:

Suzhou: Suzhou is very close to Shanghai (about 30–45 minutes by high-speed train). A day trip is entirely feasible and comfortable for your mother, allowing you to see the classical gardens, canals, and silk museums without needing an overnight stay.
Hangzhou: Hangzhou is slightly further away (1–1.5 hours by high-speed train). If you want a more relaxed pace and to enjoy West Lake without rushing, staying 1 night in Hangzhou is recommended. This avoids long return trips and allows you to experience evening lake views and morning strolls.

Zhangjiajie:

Three nights in Zhangjiajie is ideal because the area requires at least two full days to explore the scenic parks (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie) plus travel time. This duration will be comfortable for your mother.

Xi’an:

One night in Xi’an is tight. You will likely need most of a day to visit the Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, and maybe the Muslim Quarter. If possible, consider 2 nights to avoid feeling rushed, but 1 night is doable with careful planning and early arrival.

Beijing:

Three nights in Beijing is sufficient to cover major sights like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and a visit to the Great Wall. Plan an early morning visit to the Great Wall to avoid crowds and make it easier for your mother.

Suggested itinerary:

Shanghai: 3 nights (including 1 day trip to Suzhou)
Hangzhou: 1 night (West Lake, Lingyin Temple)
Zhangjiajie: 3 nights (explore all main scenic areas)
Xi’an: 1–2 nights (Terracotta Army, city wall, Muslim Quarter)
Beijing: 3 nights (major attractions and Great Wall)

Additional tips:

Use high-speed trains where possible to reduce travel fatigue, especially for your mother.
Consider direct flights for longer legs, e.g., Shanghai → Zhangjiajie, to save time.
Plan sightseeing in the mornings when energy levels are higher and attractions are less crowded.
Allow some buffer time for rest, especially after long train or flight journeys.

In summary, a day trip to Suzhou, 1–2 nights in Hangzhou, 3 nights in Zhangjiajie, 1–2 nights in Xi’an, and 3 nights in Beijing provides a balanced itinerary with manageable travel for an elderly traveler while still covering your main destinations.

2 weeks Itinerary help please

More Shanghai Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions