25 days in China Itinerary

As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing stands at the heart of Chinese history, buzzing with the energy of its high population density and centuries of importance.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to 798 Art Zone and Meridian Gate (Wu Men). Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Mutianyu Great Wall and Back Lakes (Hou Hai). Spend the 22nd (Wed) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of The Palace Museum, see the interesting displays at Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum, get to know the fascinating history of Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), and don't miss a visit to Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang).

For photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Beijing itinerary maker app.

San Francisco, USA to Beijing is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to China Standard Time (CST) is 16 hours. Traveling from San Francisco in March, things will get slightly colder in Beijing: highs are around 58°F and lows about 33°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Xi'an.

Historians often describe Xi'an, capital city for over a dozen dynasties, as the birthplace of Chinese civilization.

Get a sense of the local culture at The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses and Small Goose Pagoda. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Forest of Stone Steles Museum and Tang Bo Art Museum. The adventure continues: delve into the distant past at Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang), steep yourself in history at Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), indulge your thirst for a good beer at Near Wall Bar and Xian Brewery, and stop by Muslim market.

To see reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Xi'an trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Beijing to Xi'an takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In March in Xi'an, expect temperatures between 61°F during the day and 38°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Chongqing.

With one of the most populated and largest metropolitan areas in the world, Chongqing was the de facto capital of China during World War II. Its wartime political importance and post-war economic boom have left a number of attractions in Chongqing, including war memorials and museums, government buildings, and thriving commercial districts with a wealth of malls and more traditional market areas.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Three Gorges Museum and Spas. Get a sense of the local culture at Ciqikou (Porcelain Port) and ChongQing DaZu ShiKe YiShuPin ChenLieShi. And it doesn't end there: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Chongqing South Mountain, witness a stunning natural landmark at Haitang Xiaoyue Hot Springs, see the interesting displays at Madame Tussauds Chong Qing, and admire the landmark architecture of St Joseph's Cathedral Chongqing.

For more things to do, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read our Chongqing route planning app.

Fly from Xi'an to Chongqing in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Xi'an in March, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Chongqing, with lows of 53°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Thu) so you can catch the flight to Shanghai.

With a nickname like the "Pearl of the Orient," it's not surprising Shanghai offers some of the most rewarding attractions and activities in the Far East.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Tian Zi Fang and Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan). Head to Former French Concession and Shanghai International Glasses Mallfor some retail therapy. Change things up with these side-trips from Shanghai: Suzhou (Landscape Architecture, Suzhou Garden Museum, &more). And it doesn't end there: get to know the fascinating history of The Bund (Wai Tan), shop like a local with Three on the Bund, admire the natural beauty at Yu Garden (Yuyuan), and don't miss a visit to Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road).

For photos, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Shanghai tour builder.

You can fly from Chongqing to Shanghai in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Chongqing in March: high temperatures in Shanghai hover around 60°F and lows are around 45°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can fly back home.