China is one of those very interesting yet challenging destinations out there. The language barrier, the fact that they have their own digital space, and the mystery of what it’s like to travel there – China is one for the brave.
China is one of the most fascinating destinations in Asia. It is the second most populated country in the world. Moreover, it is also equally big when it comes to the best tourism spots and meaningful travel opportunities.
Most people recognise China for its modern face, but it is largely tied to its traditional culture and customs. It is the world’s largest continuous civilisation. The wide variety of choices makes China an appealing tourist destination for avid travellers.
If you have 3 weeks in China and are unsure how to spend this, perhaps this itinerary can help you. In this post, you will find tips on how to prepare for your trip, list of where to go, things to do, tours to book, and food to eat.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO CHINA
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When is the best time to go to China
There are several things to see and do in China, no matter what time of year you choose to go. From the heat of the summer to the cold winter, China has plenty of options available.
Shoulder Season: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, from 15-25°C (59-77°F), with fewer crowds and less rainfall. Spring is considered the best time to go to China. Spring is from March to May.
Cherry Blossom Season: Early spring, late March to early April, is best for cherry blossoms, especially in cities like Wuhan and Beijing.
Peak Season: Summer (June-August) is China’s peak tourist season. Temperatures can soar, averaging 25-35°C (77-95°F). Crowds are thick, especially around major attractions.
Summer & Rainy/Typhoon Season: June to early September is also the rainy season in southern and eastern China. The coastal regions (like Shanghai) may experience typhoons, with heavy rains and high humidity. Temperatures during this period vary but often range from 20-35°C (68-95°F).
For winter (December-February), temperatures drop significantly, especially in northern China, reaching as low as -20°C (-4°F), which is ideal for exploring winter festivals and ice sculptures.
- Biggest national holiday: Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day
Are 3 weeks enough for China
20 days in China is a great amount of time for first-timers. It’s enough to see 3-5 cities if they are near one another.
This number of days provides room for error in case you get lost or miss your bus due to a language barrier or the challenge of getting around.
But don’t expect to see everything. Perhaps after this trip, you’ll know if you have funds and decide if you want to revisit in the future.
What to pack
This all depends on when you plan to go. Winter in China can be very cold, but summer can be very humid and hot.
Regardless, you must pack something to cover your shoulders and down to your knees, especially if you plan to visit shrines, temples, and pagodas.
Furthermore, the most important thing to keep in mind when you travel to China is that you should never drink water from the tap.
You can easily purchase bottled water at a convenience store. Be prepared for the serious air pollution problem, too. Always bring a mask with you.
How to get around
Personally, I really think that getting around China is very challenging if you don’t speak Mandarin or Cantonese. Signages are all in local language and finding a local who speaks English is not an easy task.
But if you’re up to the challenge:
Fastest Option: High-speed trains are the fastest way to travel between major cities, reaching speeds up to 350 km/h (217 mph). They connect cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an efficiently, often faster than flights when considering airport procedures.
Cheapest Option: Regular trains and long-distance buses are budget-friendly, though slower. Night trains with sleeper options save on hotel costs, making them popular with budget travelers.
Renting a Car: Renting a car isn’t ideal for most visitors due to strict regulations, traffic, and the need for a Chinese driver’s license. Language barriers and road signs in Chinese can also be challenging.
In Cities: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have extensive metro systems that are affordable, efficient, and well-written in English. Ride-hailing apps like Didi (similar to Uber) are also popular and convenient.
On the other hand, if you want to make your trip a bit easier, you should look into booking a package tour instead. This will save you time and ensure that you get to see all the attractions you are interested in.
Language
The main language in China is Mandarin Chinese, known locally as Putonghua. Mandarin is widely spoken, but regional dialects vary greatly across provinces.
For tourists, getting around with English alone can be challenging, especially outside major cities. In places like Beijing, Shanghai, and tourist-friendly areas, signs in English are more common, and some people, especially younger generations and staff in hotels or attractions—may understand basic English.
However, in smaller cities and rural areas, English speakers are rare, and most people speak only Mandarin or local dialects.
To help bridge the gap, you should use translation apps, carry cards with key phrases in Chinese, or show written addresses. Having hotel or landmark names written in Chinese characters can also be a lifesaver when asking for directions.
Currency
The main currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). Tourists typically can’t use foreign currencies like USD or EUR for direct payments in most shops or restaurants, so exchanging money for Yuan is necessary.
Payment Methods: China is highly digital, with mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay being the most common, but these platforms are often challenging for tourists to use unless they have a Chinese bank account. For foreign visitors, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, but many smaller shops and local eateries are cash-only.
Cash vs. Card: Having cash on hand is essential for local markets, taxis, and smaller vendors, as they usually don’t accept credit cards. Cards are more convenient in larger establishments, but carrying some cash ensures flexibility, especially outside major cities.
Average travel cost for 3 weeks in China
Like most countries in Asia, China can be suited for budget or luxury travellers. There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation and travel destinations.
You can choose whatever suits your budget. It is also important to choose the right time for your trip. Going to China in the off-season enables you to snag great deals on accommodation and flights.
- On the budget: US $65-75 per day
- On the mid-range: US $140-200 per day
- On luxury: US $300+ per day
- Family of four: US $140-200 per day
What to pack
The decision on what to pack for your trip will vary according to a few factors. The first factor that you need to look at is the time of year you are traveling and which geographic region you are going to.
Also, the different regions of China will have extreme climatic differences. One area can be extremely cold, while others are extremely hot. Make sure you pack the right items by knowing what type of climate to expect for each destination.
Visa
The visa policy in China is more stringent than in other countries in the world. They offer visa-free transit policies for many travellers from the US, Canada, and Argentina.
All visas must be obtained before your travel, as China won’t issue visas on arrival. Make sure to check with your embassy about visa policies before heading to China for travel.
Other travel tips
PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN CHINA
Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google
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3 WEEKS IN CHINA ITINERARY
There are a lot of ways to travel and spend your 3 weeks in China. But I think starting your trip to Beijing is crucial. From there, you can come up with an itinerary that fits you better.
My itinerary below is here to help you have some ideas. You can follow it to a tee if you want to use it as a starting point.
Beijing for 4 days
As the sprawling capital city of China, Beijing has a long history that dates back to 3 millennia ago. Today, it is known for its rich and modern architectural landscape.
But there are still a variety of ancient sites that are among the city’s most popular tourist destinations. This great blend of the old and new provides Beijing with its distinctive charm and character.
To get to Beijing from outside of China, you can book a flight to Beijing Capital International Airport. From the airport, you can take the Airport Express line to get to the city. It is about 16 to 20 minutes of travel.
Things to do in Beijing
- Great Wall of China
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
- Temple of Heaven
- Tiananmen Square
- Changli Golden Beach
Accommodations in Beijing
Shanghai for 4 days
Another one of the most sought-after destinations in China is Shanghai. This city is located in the country’s central coast and serves as the financial hub of the country.
Like Beijing, the picture that most people have of Shanghai is modern architecture. However, there are also several colonial-era buildings to be found.
To get to Shanghai, you can fly into one of two main airports: Pudong or Hongqiao. It will be an hour away to get to Shanghai from either of these airports. You can also get to Shanghai by train from other parts of China.
Things to do in Shanghai
- The Bund
- Yu Garden
- Nanjing Road
- Shanghai Disney Resort
- Shanghai Museum
Accommodations in Shanghai
Yangshuo for 3 days
Yangshuo is a resort town located in the Guangxi region of China. This is one of the most visited destinations in China. It is perfect for those who are seeking out the best natural landscapes and scenery.
The town is most famous for the dramatic karst mountain landscape that is found all over this town. It is also a haven for outdoor recreation, and its proximity to the Li River provides a stunning countryside setting.
To get to Yangshuo, you must fly to Guilin Airport (the closest airport to Yangshuo). You can also travel to Yangshuo via bus or train.
Things to do in Yangshuo
- Moon Hill
- Li River
- Shiwai Taoyuan
- Yulonghe Scenic Area
- Yangshuo Park
Accommodations in Yangshuo
Shenzen for 3 days
As a modern metropolis located in the southeastern region of China, Shenzhen serves as the link to Hong Kong from mainland China. This is a popular destination among tourists who want to go shopping, particularly the Luohu Commercial City. Aside from shopping, Shenzhen is known for its contemporary buildings, finance center, and amusement parks.
To get to Shenzhen, you can book a flight to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. There are several domestic and international flights to this airport daily. You can also get here from Hong Kong International Airport. Once you arrive in HKIA, take the train or ferry to Shenzhen.
Things to do in Shenzen
- Windows of the World
- Dameisha Beach
- Splendid China
- Hong Kong Wetland Park
Accommodations in Shenzen
Guilin for 3 days
Another great destination to add to your 3-week itinerary to China is Guilin. It’s dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. Also, the city is known for its limestone karst hills, which provide the city with a stunning landscape.
There are also two main lakes in Guilin: Shanhu and Ronghu. It is possible to travel within Guilin and to other nearby provinces via the lake on a boat.
To get to Guilin, you must book a flight to Liangjiang International Airport. From the airport, you can take a shuttle, bus, or train to Guilin. You can also take a bus to Guilin from Yangshuo or other destinations like Shenzhen or Guangzhou.
Things to do in Guilin
- Elephant Trunk Hill
- Jingjiang Princes’ Palace
- Reed Flute Cave
Accommodations in Guilin
Guangzhou for 3 days
As a port city in China that is thriving and buzzing, Guangzhou is located to the northwest of Hong Kong. It is known for its avant-garde architecture. Indeed, you will find several notable buildings in the city center that are worth adding to your list of things to see when you visit Guangzhou.
To get to Guangzhou, you must book a flight to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. It is the major airport hub in South China. You can also take the train to Guangzhou from Hong Kong or other cities in China.
Things to do in Guangzhou
- Guangzhou Opera House, Guangdong Folk Arts Museum, Canton TV Tower, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Accommodations in Guangzhou
MUST-TRY AUTHENTIC CHINESE DISHES AND DRINKS
Chinese love to eat. And they look to make food. It is no surprise that Chinese cuisine is one of the best in the world. Also, it remains a time-honoured tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation.
Chinese cuisine has deeply influenced global food culture with a focus on balance – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Signature methods like stir-frying, steaming, and braising have become essential techniques worldwide, inspiring everything from wok cooking to dim sum in major cities.
- Peking Duck: A famous Beijing specialty featuring crispy duck skin, served with pancakes, cucumbers, and hoisin sauce.
- Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Steamed buns filled with pork and savory broth, popular in Shanghai.
- Kung Pao Chicken: A spicy stir-fry with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables in Sichuan pepper sauce.
- Mapo Tofu: Silken tofu in a spicy, numbing Sichuan pepper sauce, often mixed with ground meat.
- Hot Pot: A communal meal where meats and vegetables are cooked in a simmering pot of spicy or mild broth.
- Dim Sum: A Cantonese tradition with bite-sized dumplings, buns, and rolls served in bamboo steamers.
- Sweet and Sour Pork: Crispy pork bites in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, loved for its balance of flavors.
- Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat, known for its adaptable ingredients and flavors.
- Spring Rolls: Deep-fried rolls filled with vegetables or meat, known for their crispy wrapper and juicy filling.
- Char Siu: Cantonese BBQ pork with a sweet, savory glaze, often found in dim sum and noodle dishes.
Desserts and drinks:
- Tangyuan: Glutinous rice balls, usually filled with black sesame paste and served in sweet ginger syrup.
- Mooncakes: Rich pastries filled with lotus seed or red bean paste, eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Mango Sago: A refreshing dessert with mango, sago pearls, and coconut milk.
- Egg Tarts: Flaky tarts with a custard filling, a favorite in Cantonese bakeries.
- Red Bean Bun: A steamed or baked bun filled with sweet red bean paste, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
- Baijiu: A traditional Chinese distilled spirit that is strong and often enjoyed during celebrations.
- Bubble Tea: Originating from Taiwan, it’s a sweet tea with tapioca pearls, popular among all ages.
- Soy Milk: Often served warm for breakfast, this drink has a mild, creamy taste and is a staple across China.
SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN CHINA ITINERARY
China is one of my favourite unique destinations. It was so exciting because I pretty much went in with zero expectations. I knew I would have to make some mistakes, such as missing buses or trains, so I didn’t have this pressure to make sure I had the perfect holiday.
I really enjoyed the challenges and frustrations that came withe my 3 weeks in China. I think next time that I visit, I want to book a package tour. In that way, I can compare if an all-inclusive tour is better than DIY for a trip with a destination like China.