Comprehensive 5-6 Days China Itinerary Guide
Planning a 5-6 day trip to China? Let us help you create the perfect itinerary. As China travel specialists with nearly two decades of experience, we’ve crafted thousands of successful short-stay itineraries combining ancient wonders with modern marvels. Whether you’re extending a business trip or planning a focused exploration of China’s highlights, our comprehensive guide will show you how to make the most of your 5-6 days.
Drawing from our extensive experience guiding travelers through China’s most iconic destinations, we’ve optimized these itineraries to maximize your limited time. From walking the Great Wall in Beijing to watching the sunset over Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we’ll help you experience China’s remarkable contrast of old and new. Our tried-and-tested routes, time-saving tips, and real traveler insights ensure you’ll get the most out of your short stay in the Middle Kingdom.
Table of Contents
Is 5-6 Days Enough for China?
With alomost two decades of experience planning China tours, we can confirm that 5-6 days allows for exploring either one city in depth or combining two major cities. While you won’t see everything, you can experience China’s contrast between ancient and modern.
Perfect for:
- First-time visitors wanting key highlights
- Business travelers with extended free time
- Stopover tourists using 144-hour transit visa
- Those combining China with other Asian destinations
- City enthusiasts seeking cultural experiences
Best City Combinations
Beijing + Shanghai
Why Choose This Combination:
- China’s two most important cities
- Contrast of ancient and modern
- Connected by 4.5-hour bullet train
- Most popular first-time visitor choice
- Efficient use of 240-hour transit visa
Key Highlights:
- Great Wall
- Forbidden City
- The Bund
- Yu Garden
- Modern skyscrapers
Beijing + Xi’an
Why Choose This Combination:
- Two most historically significant cities
- Complete ancient China experience
- Connected by overnight train
- Rich cultural heritage
- Diverse food scenes
Key Highlights:
Shanghai + Suzhou
Why Choose This Combination:
- Easy 30-minute train connection
- Ancient gardens and modern cityscape
- Relaxed pace possible
- Rich cultural experiences
- Shopping opportunities
Key Highlights:
- Classical Gardens
- Ancient water towns
- The Bund
- Traditional silk culture
- Modern architecture
Detailed Itineraries
Transportation Between Cities
Beijing to Shanghai
- High-speed train: 4.5 hours (recommended)
- Flight: 2 hours (plus airport transfers)
- Best trains: G1/G2 series (morning departures)
- Approximate cost: ¥550-1,100 ($80-160)
Beijing to Xi’an
- High-speed train: 5.5 hours
- Overnight train: 11-12 hours
- Flight: 2 hours
- Approximate cost: ¥500-1,200 ($75-180)
Shanghai to Suzhou
- High-speed train: 30 minutes
- Regular train: 1.5 hours
- Approximate cost: ¥40-80 ($6-12)
Expert Travel Tips
Time Management
- Book morning trains between cities
- Stay in central locations
- Pre-book major attractions
- Use subway during rush hours
- Consider private transfers for tight schedules
Accommodation Strategy
- Stay near subway stations
- Beijing: Wangfujing/Forbidden City area
- Shanghai: People’s Square/The Bund
- Xi’an: Muslim Quarter/Bell Tower
Cultural Experience Tips
- Try local breakfast options
- Visit markets in early morning
- Join free walking tours
- Learn basic Chinese phrases
- Experience evening activities
Costs & Budget
6-Day Budget Breakdown
Budget Travel (Per Person)
- Accommodation: ¥200-300/night
- Food: ¥100-150/day
- Transportation: ¥100-150/day
- Activities: ¥200-300/day
- Inter-city Travel: ¥600-800
- Total: ¥4,200-5,400 ($600-800)
Mid-Range Travel (Per Person)
- Accommodation: ¥500-800/night
- Food: ¥200-300/day
- Transportation: ¥150-250/day
- Activities: ¥300-400/day
- Inter-city Travel: ¥800-1,200
- Total: ¥8,000-12,000 ($1,200-1,800)
Luxury Travel (Per Person)
- Accommodation: ¥1,500+/night
- Food: ¥500+/day
- Transportation: ¥300+/day
- Activities: ¥500+/day
- Inter-city Travel: ¥1,500+
- Total: ¥20,000+ ($3,000+)
Real Traveler Experiences with Our China Itinerary
Beijing & Shanghai 6-Day Itinerary Review
“Following this China itinerary for our 6-day trip made everything so smooth. The Beijing to Shanghai train journey was actually a highlight – so efficient! Our kids loved the contrast between the Great Wall and Shanghai’s skyscrapers.”
Sarah and Lola, USA (Friends Travel)
Key Highlights from their China itinerary:
- Great Wall morning visit avoided crowds
- Evening Bund visit perfect for photos
- Hutong tour gave authentic experience
- High-speed train was very comfortable
Beijing & Xi’an 5-Day China Itinerary Experience
“As a history buff, this China itinerary was perfect. Seeing both the Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall in one trip was incredible. The overnight train to Xi’an saved both time and money.”
David, UK (Solo Traveler)
What worked best in his China itinerary:
- Early morning Terracotta Warriors visit
- Muslim Quarter food experience
- City wall cycling in Xi’an
- Local guide in Beijing
Shanghai & Suzhou 5-Day Trip Review
“This China itinerary perfectly balanced city excitement with garden tranquility. The short train ride between Shanghai and Suzhou made it very convenient.”
Marie & Pierre, France (Couple)
Highlights from their China travel itinerary:
- Morning in Suzhou gardens
- Evening on the Bund
- Traditional tea ceremony
- Local market visits
Tips from Recent Travelers
Most Popular China Itinerary Adjustments
Based on feedback from over 1,500 travelers who used our China itinerary in 2024/2025:
- Morning Schedule Adjustments
- Evening Activities Added
- Night markets exploration
- Rooftop bar visits in Shanghai
- Evening cultural shows
- Transportation Tips
Seasonal Itinerary Modifications
Recent travelers’ suggestions for different seasons:
China Itinerary Success Stories
Business Extension Trip
“Turned a 2-day business trip into a 5-day China itinerary. The structured schedule helped me maximize my limited time in Beijing and Shanghai.”
James, Australia
Itinerary Highlights:
- Early morning sightseeing
- Evening cultural activities
- Efficient city transfers
- Combined business and leisure
Family Reunion Trip
“Our multi-generational family followed this China itinerary with grandparents and children. The pace was perfect for everyone.”
The Chen Family, Canada
What Worked Best:
- Flexible schedule
- Mix of activities
- Convenient hotel locations
- Family-friendly restaurants
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we visit three cities in 6 days?
A: While technically possible, we don’t recommend it as you’ll spend too much time in transit. Two cities maximum is ideal.
Q: Which combination is best for first-time visitors?
A: We recommend Beijing + Shanghai as it offers the best contrast between ancient and modern China.
Q: Is the 240-hour transit visa suitable for this itinerary?
A: Yes, perfect for Beijing + Shanghai combination if you’re entering through one city and exiting through another.
Q: What’s the best season for a 5-6 day trip?
A: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather and optimal sightseeing conditions.
Q: How flexible is this China itinerary? .
A: Our itinerary can be easily adjusted based on your interests and energy levels. Many travelers modify the schedule while keeping the core attractions
Q: What do most travelers change in this China itinerary?
A: Based on recent feedback, travelers often adjust morning start times, add evening activities, and modify the itinerary based on seasonal conditions.
About Our Expertise
This guide is created by our team of China travel specialists, based on:
- 18+ years organizing multi-city China tours
- Feedback from 10,000+ travelers
- Local expert insights
- Regular site visits and updates
- Current 2025 travel conditions
Plan Your Trip
Need help planning your 5-6 day China adventure? Our team of travel experts is ready to assist with customized itinerary planning and practical advice.