Backpacking China

Question

Hello all

We are in the early stages of planning a 3 week backpacking trip in China

We have backpacked Thailand, India and Vietnam extensively and really want to experience the wonders of China as well.

Can anyone direct me towards a starting point or some of the backpacking communities/ highlights

We enjoy culture, food, beaches, natural wonders ... and meeting other backpackers

Answer

Planning a 3-week backpacking trip in China is an exciting challenge, as the country is vast and diverse. Since you already have experience backpacking in Southeast and South Asia, you’ll find that China offers a mixture of urban culture, natural wonders, historic sites, and unique culinary experiences. The key is balancing travel distances with meaningful stops.

Starting Point and Itinerary Ideas:

Beijing (3–4 days): Begin in Beijing to see iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. The city has backpacker hostels and a vibrant expat scene, which makes meeting other travelers easy.
Xi’an (2–3 days): Take a high-speed train or overnight train to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors and explore the ancient city walls. The Muslim Quarter is a great spot for street food and cultural immersion.
Chengdu (2–3 days): For a taste of Sichuan culture, panda research centers, and excellent spicy cuisine. Chengdu is also a hub for organizing trips to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, or other natural wonders if you have a day or two to spare.
Guilin/Yangshuo (3–4 days): Famous for karst landscapes, Li River cruises, and cycling through rural villages. Yangshuo has a well-established backpacker community with hostels and opportunities to meet other travelers.
Shanghai (2–3 days): Modern urban culture, historic Bund, French Concession, and vibrant nightlife. While not as backpacker-heavy as other cities, you can find hostels and meet travelers through social apps or shared accommodations.
Hainan/Sanya (optional 2–3 days): If beaches are a priority, consider flying to Hainan Island. Sanya offers tropical beaches, seafood, and a more relaxed pace for your trip’s latter part.

Backpacker Communities and Resources:

Hostels: Stay at hostels listed on platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com; cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Yangshuo, and Shanghai have well-known backpacker hostels where you can meet fellow travelers.
Online Communities: Use Facebook groups (e.g., “Backpacking China”), Reddit forums, or Couchsurfing events to connect with other travelers and get updated travel advice.
Local Tours: For day trips to natural wonders like the Li River, Jiuzhaigou, or Zhangjiajie, local tour agencies can arrange small group tours, which are great for meeting other backpackers.
Apps and Maps: Download apps like DiDi (for transportation), WeChat (for communication and payments), and Maps.me or Google Maps (offline navigation) to make solo backpacking easier.

Tips for Backpacking in China:

Plan your train or flight routes in advance to maximize time. High-speed trains are efficient for long-distance travel.
Learn basic Mandarin phrases or have translation apps handy, especially in rural areas.
Try local foods in every city—you’ll find street food markets are often the best for cultural immersion.
Carry cash in RMB, as some smaller places do not accept cards.

In summary, a 3-week backpacking trip can combine urban experiences in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai with natural wonders in Yangshuo, Guilin, and possibly Hainan. By staying in hostels and connecting with local tours, you can enjoy culture, food, natural beauty, and meet other backpackers along the way.

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