The imperial north
Most first trips begin in Beijing, the capital for most of the last eight centuries. The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the old hutong lanes and restored sections of the Great Wall within a couple of hours' drive make it the essential first stop. Give it four days at least.
The ancient heartland
About four and a half hours by high-speed train from Beijing, Xi'an was the starting point of the Silk Road and the capital of thirteen dynasties. The Terracotta Warriors are the headline, but the city walls, the Muslim Quarter's food streets and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda deserve time too.
The modern coast
Shanghai is China at its most cosmopolitan: the colonial Bund facing the towers of Pudong, leafy lanes in the former French Concession, world class museums and quick trips to canal towns such as Zhujiajiao, Suzhou and Hangzhou. It is also the easiest city in China for a first night.
Karst hills and rivers
In the south, Guilin and Yangshuo are the China of scroll paintings: limestone peaks above the Li River, rice terraces at Longji and quiet cycling lanes along the Yulong River. It is where many travellers slow down.
Pandas and spice
Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, is relaxed, green and famous for teahouses, hotpot and the giant panda breeding base. It is also the gateway to Leshan's Giant Buddha, Mount Emei and, further afield, the valleys of Jiuzhaigou.
Putting it together
The classic first route is Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, linked by high-speed train, in ten days. Add Guilin and Yangshuo or Chengdu for a two week trip. Short domestic flights connect the south and west quickly when train journeys get long. Use the free trip planner to fit it to your dates, and browse our places to visit for food, culture and stays in each city.