Which cities for first trip to China

Question

Beijing > Chengdu > Shanghai > Beijing (return flight)

Beijing > Chongqing > Shanghai > Beijing (return flight)

For a first trip to China, Nov 30 to Dec 13.

Answer

For a first-time trip to China from Nov 30 to Dec 13, both itineraries you suggested are feasible, but the choice depends on your interests, pace, and what you want to experience in your first visit.

Here’s a breakdown of the two options:

Option 1: Beijing → Chengdu → Shanghai → Beijing

This route gives you a mix of history, culture, and natural attractions:

Beijing (3–4 days): Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace. A must for history and culture.
Chengdu (2–3 days): Giant Pandas, Jinli Street, Wuhou Shrine. Offers a relaxed pace, Sichuan cuisine, and the chance to see pandas up close.
Shanghai (3–4 days): Modern city skyline, Bund, French Concession, shopping, museums. Great for contrast with Beijing and Chengdu.

Pros:

Good cultural and historical balance.
Chengdu is less hectic than Chongqing, easier for a relaxed first-time visit.
Direct flights available from Chengdu to Shanghai.

Cons:

Chengdu is inland and doesn’t offer major natural scenery besides pandas and nearby mountains.

Option 2: Beijing → Chongqing → Shanghai → Beijing

This route is slightly more adventurous and focuses on modern and scenic experiences:

Beijing (3–4 days): Same as above.
Chongqing (2–3 days): Hilly city, spicy food, Yangtze River scenery, nearby Dazu Rock Carvings. More urban adventure than Chengdu.
Shanghai (3–4 days): Same as above.

Pros:

Chongqing offers dramatic cityscape and river views.
Good option if you prefer urban exploration and scenic rivers.

Cons:

Chongqing is very hilly and humid, can feel chaotic and less relaxing.
Travel to and from Chongqing may be slightly more time-consuming than Chengdu.

Additional considerations:

Weather in early December: Beijing will be cold and dry, Shanghai milder, and Chengdu/Chongqing humid but less cold. Pack layers.
Flights and trains are efficient between all these cities. High-speed trains are often preferable between Beijing-Shanghai.
If this is your first visit and you want a comfortable introduction to China, the Beijing → Chengdu → Shanghai → Beijing itinerary is generally recommended for a good mix of culture, cuisine, and relaxation.

Summary: For first-time travelers, Option 1 (Beijing → Chengdu → Shanghai → Beijing) is slightly easier and more balanced, while Option 2 is better if you prefer more dramatic urban and river landscapes but may feel more hectic.

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