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15+ Day China Itineraries
4.24 (56 reviews)
31 Tours
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
The Grand China Journey: 15+ Days Across an Ancient Empire
Go beyond the headline sights, with time for cities, scenery and culture
15+ day China itineraries are ideal for travelers who want ample time for major landmarks, everyday local life, and longer overland journeys without the constant pressure to hurry. Most trips combine classic cities with striking natural scenery, balancing guided sightseeing with pockets of free time so you can linger over meals, browse markets, or simply enjoy a quieter evening. You can expect a compelling blend of old and new, from imperial complexes and historic neighbourhoods to fast-paced streets and glittering skylines. Some routes also connect China with South Korea, Japan, Laos or Hong Kong, while keeping China as the clear center of the experience.
Best 15+ day itineraries
China Discovery & Yangtze Cruise
Discover China on this 15-day tour from Beijing to Shanghai. Explore iconic sites like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall, before heading to Xi’an to marvel at the Terracotta Army and ancient city walls. In Guilin and Yangshuo, soak up spectacular landscapes on a Li River cruise. Meet pandas in Chengdu and cruise through the dramatic Three Gorges on the Yangtze River. Round off your adventure in vibrant Shanghai with a museum visit, Yu Garden and a cruise along the Huangpu River.
Tour Highlights
Beijing - Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Xi’an - Discover the extraordinary Terracotta Army and learn the story of its discovery
Guilin - Cruise the scenic Li River past striking limestone karst formations
Yangshuo - Stroll lively West Street and soak up its vibrant local atmosphere
Chengdu - Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see pandas at their most active
Fengdu - Explore the fascinating Fengdu Ghost City with its temples depicting the afterlife
Yangtze River - Cruise through the dramatic Three Gorges with towering cliffs and misty peaks
Yichang - Admire the immense Three Gorges Dam, a modern feat of engineering
Shanghai - Cruise the Huangpu River for views of the Bund and futuristic skyline
Xi’an City Wall - Ascend this ancient fortification for panoramic views of the old city
Yin and Yangtze
Begin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.
Tour Highlights
Three Gorges/Yangtze River cruise – Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang. Admire breathtaking sunsets and witness the steady flow of history as you sail along this mighty river, referred to as the lifeblood of China
Shanghai – Free time to explore the city or join an optional group tour - highlights include the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund and Old Shanghai
Chengdu - Come face to face with adorable pandas at the cutting-edge Chengdu Panda Research Center
Leshan - Admire the towering Great Buddha, carved into the cliff face and overlooking the rushing rivers of Min, Qingyi and Dadu
Beijing - Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, explore the Hutong area of Beijing, enjoy a Chinese Acrobatic Show and taste the famous peking duck
Huanghuacheng Great Wall - A section of the Great Wall of China, unique for its partially submerged and picturesque portion of the wall
Xi'an - Experience the UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors, Terracotta Warrior Factory, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, City Wall and bike ride and savour a dumpling-making experience
Luoyang - Take a high-speed train to Luoyang, and enjoy a visit to the Longmen Caves, food hunt in Old City Shizi Street and watch Kung Fu at a Shaolin Monastery
Asian Odyssey China, Korea, Japan Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day adventure starting in Beijing and ending in Osaka. Engage with the vibrant culture of China's capital, marvelling at the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Explore Seoul's mix of tradition and modernity as you wander through palaces and bustling districts. In Korea, savour the peaceful charm of Jeonju's historic centre and the serene beauty of Haeinsa Temple. Discover the vibrant city of Busan and the historical treasures of Gyeongju. Cross into Japan for Tokyo's dynamic energy and Kyoto's preserved elegance, finishing with a taste of Nara's heritage and Osaka's lively Dotonbori district. Expect a journey rich in history, art, and unique experiences.
Silk Road Journey China's Cultural Odyssey
Embark on a 15-day adventure across China, starting from the bustling streets of Beijing and concluding in Urumqi. This journey is a feast for the senses, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Kick off in Beijing with visits to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Whiz to Nanjing and Shanghai by high-speed train, uncovering their rich histories. Marvel at the Terracotta Army in Xian. Explore stunning desert landscapes in Dunhuang and Turpan. Finally, relax at the picturesque Tianchi Lake near Urumqi. Expect to explore vibrant cities, ancient wonders, and serene landscapes on this unforgettable Chinese odyssey.
Journey Through China's and Japan's Wonders
Embark on a captivating 15-day adventure that takes you from the vibrant streets of Beijing to the poignant history of Hiroshima. Your journey begins in Beijing, where you’ll stroll along the iconic Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City’s grandeur. Experience the high-speed marvels of China with a swift train ride to Nanjing and marvel at Suzhou’s exquisite gardens. As you reach Shanghai, expect futuristic skylines and a glimpse into ancient traditions. Crossing over to Japan, dive into Tokyo’s bustling energy, then find serenity at the foot of Mount Fuji. Discover Kyoto’s unmatched heritage before witnessing the resilient spirit of Hiroshima. This tour’s blend of history, culture, and modern marvels promises unforgettable memories.
Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise
Delve into a thrilling adventure across China, starting in Shanghai. From here, fly to historic Beijing, and explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and embark on a Great Wall hiking experience. Explore Luoyang's Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get up close and personal with China's beloved pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. As the grand finale, set sail on a Yangtze River cruise, where you'll be spellbound by breathtaking landscapes and historic wonders. Your journey concludes back in the bustling streets of Shanghai.
Tour Highlights
Three Gorges/Yangtze River cruise – Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang. Admire breathtaking sunsets and witness the steady flow of history as you sail along this mighty river, referred to as the lifeblood of China
Shanghai – Free time to explore the city or join an optional group tour - highlights include the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund and Old Shanghai
Chengdu - Come face to face with adorable pandas at the cutting-edge Chengdu Panda Research Center
Leshan - Admire the towering Great Buddha, carved into the cliff face and overlooking the rushing rivers of Min, Qingyi and Dadu
Beijing - Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, explore the Hutong area of Beijing, enjoy a Chinese Acrobatic Show and taste the famous peking duck
Huanghuacheng Great Wall - A section of the Great Wall of China, unique for its partially submerged and picturesque portion of the wall
Xi'an - Experience the UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors, Terracotta Warrior Factory, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, City Wall and bike ride and savour a dumpling-making experience
Luoyang - Take a high-speed train to Luoyang, and enjoy a visit to the Longmen Caves, food hunt in Old City Shizi Street and watch Kung Fu at a Shaolin Monastery
Central Asia to Far East Adventure
Set off from Beijing and finish in Tokyo on a 16 day adventure that stitches together China, Korea and Japan with big hitters and insider moments. You’ll explore the Forbidden City and the Great Wall at Mutianyu – wander hutongs, the Temple of Heaven and a buzzing art district. In Seoul, expect royal palaces, Bukchon’s lanes and Suwon’s walls, plus gochujang making, bamboo forests and sea temple views near Busan. Japan brings Miyajima and Hiroshima, Matsuyama castle, onsen time, Ritsurin Garden and island spanning bridges to Kobe. A monastery stay on sacred Mount Koya sets the tone for Kyoto’s classics before Tokyo’s shrines, Skytree panoramas and neon.
China to Laos
PRIVATE TOUR: Embark on an epic adventure through China and Laos, retracing the historic routes of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. From the grandeur of Beijing's imperial past to the serene landscapes of Pu’er, the birthplace of tea, and the cultural richness of Luang Prabang, this tour offers a rare glimpse into Asia's ancient heritage.
Tour Highlights
Beijing - Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, explore the Hutong area of Beijing, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
Xi'an - Discover the UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors, Terracotta Warrior Factory, Muslim Quarter and the historic City Walls
Chengdu - Watch curious and clumsy giant pandas at the Panda Research base, also home to other rare Chinese wildlife
Kunming - Marvel at the unique limestone formations and natural sculptures of the Black Stone Forest
Pu'er - Hike the ancient Tea Horse Road and discover the historic Nakeli Village
Jingmai - Immerse in Lahu culture at Laodabao Village, explore the UNESCO-listed Jingmai Mountain, and visit Wengji Village, home of the Jinuo people.
Xishuangbanna - Explore Guangmangshan Tea Plantation, join in tea leaf picking and processing, and savor a traditional tea ceremony.
Luang Prabang - Discover the city with a guided tour of the morning market, ancient temples, war relics, local arts and crafts, and the national museum
Vientiane – Enjoy time to explore Vientiane at leisure, consider visiting the majestic Pha That Luang, the serene Buddha Park, or the bustling Talat Sao Morning Market
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travelers
Yin and Yangtze - 15 daysBegin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.Signature Journeys15Seeing the Great Wall in an area without the crowds was fabulous! Our guides were knowledgeable and enriched our experience. Food was on point, something for everyone!
KatherineYin and Yangtze - 15 daysBegin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.Signature Journeys15Organization of the trip was very well done, although we would have preferred to receive the detailed info before the welcome meeting. Hotels were good!
CornelisYin and Yangtze - 15 daysBegin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.Signature Journeys15The sights were definitely amazing. Small group of very pleasant travellers made the trip very enjoyable. The guides were all friendly, engaging and helpful as were the drivers. To many amazing things to see to pin down just one.
DonnaYin and Yangtze - 15 daysBegin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.Signature Journeys15When we did the cruise there was an option for us to to go to a show Roger our guide highly recommended this to us so we went He was so right it was a high worldwide quality show that had to be seen Roger was a very good hide and the tour group fully enjoyed having him I was a bit disappointed in the Great Wall of China When we started walking to where we started I thought oh my god what have they done They are building like a theme park down there and it takes all the hype away from seeing such a wonder of the world being turned into like a lesser attraction
DanielleYin and Yangtze - 15 daysBegin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.Signature Journeys15We enjoyed the culture with it's rich history and vibrant modern society...highlights were the Great Wall, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, Pandas, historical sector walks, many Bhuddist temples, Yangtse River Cruise and Three Gorges note: National Tour Guides- Michael and Roger were truly amazing! some times it seemed like a tough schedule with little time to rest and recover..but there's so much to see, so we were happy to make the effort
Emma
Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise - 16 daysDelve into a thrilling adventure across China, starting in Shanghai. From here, fly to historic Beijing, and explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and embark on a Great Wall hiking experience. Explore Luoyang's Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get up close and personal with China's beloved pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. As the grand finale, set sail on a Yangtze River cruise, where you'll be spellbound by breathtaking landscapes and historic wonders. Your journey concludes back in the bustling streets of Shanghai.Signature Journeys16Highlights visiting the Iconic sites. The Shanghai part of the tour was a complete waste of time. It was our first point of entry to China, English was not spoken, Mastercard and Visa cards not widely accepted and all our devices would not work, so we had no communication methods. The hotel was extremely poor, we had to wait 30 mins on arrival for our booking to be found, the hotel had no facilities and there was nothing in close proximity to get a meal or drink, poor choice by OTG, would have been better in People’s square area. The additional tours at extra cost offered on return to Shanghai were expensive. Waste of time visiting the High end shopping area in Beijing- can do that anywhere, missed opportunity not going to the Temple of Heaven. Rather than recommending WeChat, visitors would be best supported by being advised to load and activate ESIMs and Alipay before entering China. Too often felt we were let loose to visit Chinese shopping streets to fill time. The Yangtze cruise was very good
China 15+ day itineraries at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips in the 15+ day range explore China in real depth, and you can choose the guiding style that best matches how you like to travel. Many itineraries use local guides for key highlights, while some include independent travel between cities, with transport and timings arranged in advance.
Accommodation
Where you stay depends on the trip, with accommodation ranging from simple guesthouses and hostels to 3, 4 or 5 star hotels, depending on the route and the destination. Some itineraries also feature camping, a Yangtze River Cruiser, or an overnight cruise, and star ratings may vary between regions.
Trip pacing
Many 15+ day China trips follow a medium pace, combining full sightseeing days with time to explore on foot at your own rhythm. You should plan for a few early starts and occasional long travel days, although the overall schedule is designed to feel steady and manageable.
More 15+ day tours itineraries
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in China on a tour of 15 days or more?
Trips of 15 days and up cover China in greater depth. Routes link Beijing and the Great Wall with Xi'an, Chengdu, a Yangtze cruise and Shanghai. The extra days add scenery and a river leg to the classic cities.
Is 15 days or more enough to see China properly?
This length covers the main cities plus added regions such as the Yangtze or Chengdu. It allows a fuller picture than the two week routes. China's scale still leaves more to return for.
Are 15 day plus China tours guided?
They run as fully guided, semi independent and partially guided trips. Larger bus, group and private formats are all offered. A guide covers the main sites where included.
How active is a long China tour?
The activity level is easy, with walking at the Great Wall and city sites. Internal flights, trains and a river cruise cover the distances. The pace is steady over the longer route.
How big are the groups on a long China tour?
Larger bus trips run up to around 65 travelers, with smaller group and private options. Routes link the cities with a Yangtze cruise. Around 30 trips sit in this band.
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