PRACTICAL GUIDANCE
How much time should you allow?
Give each journey enough time to include the parts between the highlights.
Count usable days
Arrival and departure days often include airport formalities, transfers and fatigue. Count them separately from full sightseeing days. A train ride also includes getting to the right station, security, boarding and the transfer at the other end.
Choose a pace before choosing cities
Use these starting points to choose a comfortable pace.
- 7 days: one strong city base plus a nearby excursion, or two close bases if the connection is easy.
- 10 days: two or three bases with one main theme in each.
- 14 days: three or four bases, with a slower stop between larger cities.
- 21 days: add depth, a second region or rest days before adding long transfers.
Leave one part flexible
A free afternoon helps when weather changes or a place deserves longer. If every missed connection would ruin the following day, remove a stop before booking. Check the immigration allowance separately; a sample itinerary does not grant permission to stay.
Useful questions
Can I see Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu in one week?
It is possible to move between them, but the route leaves limited time for each city and involves substantial transfers. Consider choosing two for a calmer first visit.
Do visa-free days and itinerary days mean the same thing?
No. Immigration counting rules depend on your entry scheme. Confirm the official calculation and departure deadline independently.