2 Weeks in China | Itinerary Advice

Question

Hi All,

I'm based in the U.S. and traveling to China for the first time in May for 2 weeks. It's overwhelming because China is such a large country and everything is so spread out. Planning on flying in/out of Hong Kong because flights are much shorter and more cost effective. I've listed my top destinations below, however these are all spread out and it's unrealistic to fly between them all so I'm hoping to narrow this down what's feasible.

-Hong Kong

-Beijing

-Lhasa

-Chongqing (this is my #1 pick)

-Yunnan Province

-Hangzhou

-Fenghuang Ancient Town

What advice do you have for how to see a lot without being in transit the entire time? Or are there specific regions I can focus on and spend more time in without getting bored?

Here is my tentative itinerary below but it might be too much flying around:

Day 1: Hong Kong

Day 2: Hong Kong

Day 3: Hong Kong

Day 4: Fly to Lijiang

Day 5: Lijiang

Day 6: Shangri-La

Day 7: Shangri-La

Day 8: Fly to Chongqing

Day 9: Chongqing

Day 10: Chongqing

Day 11: ? Maybe fly back to Shenzhen or Guanzhao

Day 12: ? Maybe fly back to Shenzhen or Guanzhao

Day 13: ? Maybe fly back to Shenzhen or Guanzhao

Day 14: Departure from Hong Kong

Let me know if you have any suggestions or advice. My favorite things when traveling include great food, awesome architecture / vibes, rich culture, beautiful scenery, etc. I don't HAVE to visit the great wall as Beijing area seems like a detour however I could be convinced.

Thanks!

Answer

For a first-time visitor to China with only 2 weeks, your original itinerary is very ambitious. China is vast, and flying between many distant cities can eat up a lot of your time, leaving you exhausted and with little chance to enjoy the destinations. Here’s a detailed breakdown and some advice on how to optimize your trip.

General Advice:

Focus on one or two regions rather than trying to cover the whole country. Each region has plenty to offer in terms of culture, food, and scenery.
Flying frequently is possible, but consider the time spent on airport transfers, check-ins, and security—it can easily take half a day per flight.
High-speed trains are an option in some areas (e.g., Yunnan to Chongqing), but distances like Lhasa → Chongqing are best by air.
Consider what type of experiences you want most: urban culture and food, natural scenery, or Tibetan culture. This will help prioritize destinations.

Suggested Itinerary Options:

Option 1: Focus on South & Southwest China (Hong Kong, Yunnan, Chongqing/Fenghuang)

Day 1–3: Hong Kong – Explore the city, food markets, Victoria Peak, and culture.
Day 4: Fly to Lijiang – Old Town exploration, local Naxi culture.
Day 5: Lijiang – Day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or nearby villages.
Day 6–7: Shangri-La – Tibetan culture, Songzanlin Monastery, stunning mountain scenery.
Day 8: Fly to Chongqing – Explore city vibes, hotpot, Yangtze River views.
Day 9: Chongqing – Day trip to Dazu Rock Carvings or Ciqikou Ancient Town.
Day 10: Fly to Fenghuang Ancient Town – Explore the riverside old town, Ming/Qing architecture, and local culture.
Day 11–12: Continue in Fenghuang or nearby countryside, relaxing and photography.
Day 13: Return to Hong Kong via flight (or via Changsha if connecting).
Day 14: Departure from Hong Kong.

This itinerary avoids Lhasa, which is logistically difficult with mandatory acclimatization and limited flights, while still offering diverse experiences: urban life, Tibetan culture, riverside towns, and scenic landscapes.

Option 2: Focus on Tibet + Hong Kong

Day 1–3: Hong Kong – Urban experience, food, shopping.
Day 4: Fly to Lhasa – Settle in and rest for altitude adjustment.
Day 5–7: Lhasa – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, local Tibetan culture.
Day 8–10: Fly to Chongqing – Explore city, Yangtze River, or nearby Wulong Karst for scenery.
Day 11–13: Optional nearby scenic towns or return to Hong Kong via flight.
Day 14: Departure from Hong Kong.

This is more challenging physically but gives the iconic Tibetan experience.

Tips for Your Travel Style:

Focus on fewer cities and explore them in depth rather than rushing.
Yunnan province offers mountains, old towns, and ethnic diversity—excellent for scenic and cultural experiences.
Chongqing is great for food (hotpot!) and urban architecture, and Fenghuang offers picturesque river towns.
Flights: Domestic Chinese airlines are generally punctual but expect minor delays. Booking in advance is advised, especially for Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Chongqing flights.
Accommodation: Consider hostels or boutique hotels in smaller towns; in major cities like Hong Kong and Chongqing, hotels near metro stations are safest and convenient.
Traveling light: Minimize luggage for domestic flights and transfers.

In summary, for 2 weeks, focusing on Hong Kong + Yunnan + Chongqing/Fenghuang will allow you to see a lot without being constantly in transit. Adding Lhasa is possible but requires careful planning and adds significant travel fatigue.

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