Tour China: wich itinerary choose?
Hi everyone, I need your help for a trip to China. Starting from Hanoi (in Vietnam) I was thinking of visiting Hong Kong (for 2 days) and this is where my doubts arise...
- itinerary 1: go to Chongqing (for 2 days), visit Chegdu (for 1 and a half days), move to Xi'an and finally reach Beijing (for 4 days).
- itinerary 2: from HK move to Shanghai (for 4 days) and then reach Beijing.
In the first case I think I would visit both technological cities and historical/naturalistic cities, while in the second case I would visit Shanghai and would have fewer trips. In the first scenario I am very worried about the distances and the many means of transport and I don't know if it is a feasible itinerary in 10 days. Considering these doubts of mine, I would like to know what you recommend... better Chongqing, Chengdu and Xi'an or Shanghai? Which is the best itinerary?
For a 10-day trip to China starting from Hanoi, both itineraries have their merits, but they cater to different interests and travel styles. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Itinerary 1: Hong Kong → Chongqing → Chengdu → Xi’an → Beijing
This itinerary offers a mix of modern urban experiences and historical/natural attractions:
- Chongqing (2 days): A rapidly developing city known for its urban landscape, hot pot cuisine, and proximity to natural attractions like the Three Gorges. Two days is enough to see the main city highlights.
- Chengdu (1.5 days): Famous for pandas and Sichuan cuisine. You can visit the Panda Base, explore the old town, and sample local food. 1.5 days is tight but manageable if you plan efficiently.
- Xi’an: Home to the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls. It requires at least 1.5–2 days to explore key sites comfortably.
- Beijing (4 days): Ample time to see the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and other cultural highlights.
Pros:
- More diverse experiences: modern cities, historical sites, and natural scenery.
- Opportunity to try regional cuisines across several provinces.
Cons:
- Longer travel times between cities; some train or flight connections may cut into sightseeing time.
- More logistics to manage in terms of transfers and hotel check-ins.
Itinerary 2: Hong Kong → Shanghai → Beijing
This itinerary is simpler and focuses on two of China’s most iconic cities:
- Shanghai (4 days): Modern skyline, historic Bund, Yu Garden, and museums. 4 days is enough to cover major attractions and even a day trip to nearby water towns.
- Beijing: 4 days allows you to see all main historical sites.
Pros:
- Less travel stress; fewer flights/trains to worry about.
- More time to explore each city in depth without feeling rushed.
Cons:
- Less diversity; focuses mainly on urban and historical attractions, missing natural landscapes and regional culture like Sichuan cuisine and pandas.
Recommendation:
If your priority is to experience a wide range of Chinese culture, cuisine, and landscapes, and you don’t mind a busy travel schedule, itinerary 1 is feasible but tight. Make sure to book high-speed trains or flights in advance and limit sightseeing to key highlights.
If you prefer a more relaxed trip with fewer transfers and more time to enjoy each city, itinerary 2 is the better choice. Shanghai and Beijing together still give a good mix of modern and historical China.
Given the 10-day timeframe, many travelers find itinerary 2 more practical, while itinerary 1 suits those who are comfortable with fast-paced travel and want a broader experience.
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