Which Route: Chengdu to Beijing or Beijing to Chengdu

Question

Hi everyone, I need your help for a trip to China.

It will be my first trip (a bit overwhelmed), and I will roughly have 9 days.

I can not decide if I should start in Chengdu, go to Xian, and finish in Beijing, or vice versa.

Reason I'm asking is that I don't want to feel lost (too much) and start with easier city first.

what would you reccomend?

Answer

For a first-time visitor with roughly 9 days in China, the order of cities you visit can make a significant difference in your comfort level and overall experience. Here’s a detailed analysis to help you decide whether to start in Chengdu or Beijing.

Option 1: Start in Chengdu → Xi’an → Beijing

Pros:
- Chengdu is more relaxed and laid-back than Beijing, making it a gentle introduction to China. Streets, food culture, and pace are less overwhelming.
- Visiting pandas first is a highlight and fun for all ages, setting a positive start to your trip.
- Flight or high-speed train from Chengdu to Xi’an is straightforward and comfortable, allowing gradual exposure to busier cities.
Cons:
- Beijing at the end may feel intense after a relaxed start; you may feel more tired as it’s a very bustling city with lots of sightseeing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square).
- If your flight back is from Beijing, you may experience more stress navigating transport and airport logistics at the end of the trip.

Option 2: Start in Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu

Pros:
- Beijing first gives you the chance to see the capital’s major landmarks when you are fresh and have energy. You’ll tackle a city with lots of walking and sightseeing first.
- Moving from Beijing to smaller cities like Xi’an and Chengdu gradually reduces intensity and pace, offering a more relaxed end to your trip.
- Good for easing jet lag — Beijing has more familiar infrastructure, English signage, and metro transport for a smoother initial adjustment.
Cons:
- Beijing can be overwhelming for first-timers; starting here may feel hectic due to its size, crowds, and tourist sites.
- End-of-trip in Chengdu may be more laid-back, but if you have a flight from Beijing, you’ll need to backtrack, which could reduce efficiency.

Other considerations:

High-speed trains between these cities are comfortable and efficient. Chengdu → Xi’an takes about 6-7 hours by train; Xi’an → Beijing is around 5-6 hours.
Flights are quicker, but train travel can give you a better sense of the country’s scenery and pace.
For a 9-day itinerary, you likely will spend 3 nights in Beijing, 2-3 nights in Xi’an, and 2 nights in Chengdu to balance travel and sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Recommendation:

For first-time travelers who prefer a gentle introduction and want to avoid feeling lost early on, starting in Chengdu → Xi’an → Beijing is advisable. It allows you to ease into China with a calmer city, enjoy pandas and cuisine without immediate crowds, and gradually progress to the more intense capital city. Ensure your last city aligns with your departure airport to avoid extra travel.

Which Route: Chengdu to Beijing or Beijing to Chengdu

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