China 2026
โ€”

Summer 2026

China Awaits

A 16-Day Family & Friends Journey Through 8 Iconic Cities

๐Ÿ“… July 10 โ€“ July 25, 2026

16

Days of Adventure

8

Cities & Regions

~$3,800

Budget Per Person

104

Days Until Takeoff

The Experience

What You'll Discover

From ancient imperial palaces to futuristic skylines, this journey spans 5,000 years of history โ€” and the world's most exciting modern city.

Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong

Skyline, dim sum, and the Star Ferry. One of the world's great cityscapes.

Chongqing

Chongqing

Mountain city. 32 million people. The food capital of China.

Chengdu

Chengdu

Giant pandas, tea houses, and the world's most laid-back city vibe.

High Speed Train

Bullet Train Network

350 km/h across China. Faster, cheaper, and more scenic than flying.

Shanghai

Shanghai

The Bund, Pudong skyline, Yu Garden, and 1930s French Concession charm.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou

West Lake. Tea gardens. One of China's most beautiful cities.

Beijing

Beijing

Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace. 5,000 years of history.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou

Cantonese cuisine, Pearl River, and China's southern gateway.

Hong Kong

Where the journey begins โ€” and ends.

Your Roadmap

Preparation Timeline

Starting from today โ€” March 28th, 2026 โ€” here's everything you need to do, broken into easy steps.

Today โ€” March 28
๐ŸŽฏ Confirm You're In!
Let the group know you're committed. This helps us lock in group rates on hotels and trains. Fill out the form at the bottom of this page!
April โ€“ May
๐Ÿ“„ Apply for Your Visa + Book Flights
Flights to China are cheapest in spring (~$900-1,200 roundtrip from LAX in April/May vs $1,400+ in summer). Book by May to save. The China visa (L-visa) is ~$140 for US citizens, valid 10 years โ€” apply at your nearest Chinese consulate.
May โ€“ June
๐Ÿจ Book Hotels & Confirm Train Tickets
We'll coordinate hotels across all 8 cities as a group. Budget ~$80-150/night for comfortable 3-4 star hotels. Book bullet train tickets on Trip.com or 12306.cn โ€” book 2-3 weeks ahead for best availability in peak summer.
June
๐Ÿ“ฑ Get Your Tech Ready
Download Alipay/WeChat Pay (link a US credit card), set up an eSIM (Airalo or Nomad โ€” ~$20 for China data), install a VPN (essential for Google Maps and WhatsApp), and download offline Google Translate with Chinese.
July 5 โ€“ July 9
๐Ÿงณ Pack & Prepare
Hot and humid everywhere in July (80-95ยฐF). Pack light, breathable layers, umbrella, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Download offline maps for each city. Make copies of your passport and visa.
July 10, 2026
๐Ÿ›ซ Adventure Begins โ€” Hong Kong!
Meet up in Hong Kong. 16 days, 8 cities, one incredible journey through China. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Day by Day

Your Itinerary

A balanced pace across 8 cities โ€” iconic sights, local food, and time to wander. Each city is a world unto itself.

๐ŸŒƒ HONG KONG

Days 1โ€“2 โ€ข Start with the Skyline

Hong Kong Skyline

Day 1: Arrival & Victoria Harbour

  • Land at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
  • Check into hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui or Central
  • Evening: Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour ๐ŸŒƒ
  • Night market in Temple Street โ€” great food stalls

Day 2: Victoria Peak & Dim Sum

  • Morning: Victoria Peak โ€” best views of the skyline
  • Brunch: Classic dim sum at a local teahouse
  • Afternoon: Walk through Central's colonial streets
  • Evening: Dinner in Soho/Pottinger Street area
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ CHONGQING

Days 3โ€“4 โ€ข The Mountain City

Chongqing

Day 3: Fly In, Explore the River

  • Morning flight from Hong Kong to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport
  • Afternoon: Walk along the Yangtze River at Jiefangbei
  • Evening: Hot pot dinner โ€” Chongqing is the hot pot capital of China ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ

Day 4: Ciqikou & City Lights

  • Morning: Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town โ€” 1,700 years of history
  • Lunch: Locals' favorite noodles in the old town
  • Afternoon: Hongya Cave (ๆดชๅด–ๆดž) โ€” stunning cliffside stilt architecture at night
  • Evening: Cable car across the river for panoramic city views
๐Ÿผ CHENGDU

Days 5โ€“6 โ€ข Pandas & Tea Houses

Chengdu

Day 5: Panda Base & Jinli Street

  • Bullet train from Chongqing to Chengdu (~1.5 hrs, ยฅ165)
  • Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding ๐Ÿผ
  • Afternoon: Walk Jinli Ancient Street โ€” souvenir shopping and street food
  • Evening: Traditional Sichuan opera with face-changing show

Day 6: Day Trip to Leshan or Free Day

  • Option A: Day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha (80m, carved in 713 AD)
  • Option B: Explore People's Park โ€” tea houses, mahjong, people-watching
  • Afternoon: Sichuan cuisine cooking class โ€” mapo tofu, kung pao chicken
  • Evening: Chill at a local tea house ๐Ÿต
๐Ÿ™๏ธ SHENZHEN

Day 7 โ€ข The New City

Shenzhen

Day 7: Windows on the World

  • Bullet train from Chengdu to Shenzhen (~8 hrs, ยฅ778 second class) or fly (~3 hrs)
  • Afternoon: Shenzhen Museum โ€” free and air-conditioned, great intro to the city
  • Evening: Walk through Dongmen Pedestrian Street โ€” incredible energy and street food
๐Ÿœ GUANGZHOU

Day 8 โ€ข Cantonese Soul

Guangzhou

Day 8: Food, Food, Food

  • Short train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou (~30 min, ยฅ74)
  • Morning: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street
  • Lunch: Dim sum feast โ€” Guangzhou invented it and does it best
  • Afternoon: Canton Tower (Canton Tower) โ€” 600m, best views of the Pearl River
  • Evening: Pearl River night cruise ๐ŸŒ‰
๐ŸŒ† SHANGHAI

Days 9โ€“12 โ€ข The Grand Finale

Shanghai

Day 9: The Bund & French Concession

  • Train from Guangzhou to Shanghai (~8 hrs high speed, ยฅ793 second class, ยฅ1462 first class)
  • Afternoon: Walk The Bund โ€” the best people-watching in China
  • Evening: Nanjing Road โ€” neon, crowds, energy

Day 10: Yu Garden & Old City

  • Morning: Yu Garden (Yuyuan) โ€” 400-year-old classical garden
  • Lunch: Xiaolongbao at the famous Nanxiang mantou shop nearby
  • Afternoon: Shanghai Tower โ€” world's second tallest (632m)
  • Evening: Tianzifang โ€” art galleries, boutiques, cocktails ๐Ÿธ

Day 11: Disney or Water Town

  • Option A: Full day at Shanghai Disney Resort โ€” TRON Lightcycle Power Run is world-class ๐ŸŽข
  • Option B: Day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town โ€” 1,700-year-old canals and stone bridges

Day 12: Free Day & Farewell Dinner

  • Sleep in, explore the French Concession at a leisurely pace
  • Last-minute shopping on Huaihai Road
  • Evening: Group farewell dinner ๐Ÿฅ‚
๐Ÿฏ HANGZHOU

Days 13โ€“14 โ€ข West Lake Paradise

Hangzhou

Day 13: West Lake by Boat

  • Train from Shanghai to Hangzhou (~45 min, ยฅ73 second class)
  • Morning: West Lake boat ride โ€” 2,000-year-old UNESCO site ๐ŸŒฟ
  • Afternoon: Walk the Su Causeway and visit Leifeng Pagoda
  • Evening: Hefang Street night market โ€” Hangzhou snacks

Day 14: Tea Country & Lingyin Temple

  • Morning: Day trip to Longjing Tea Village โ€” pick and taste famous Longjing (Dragon Well) green tea ๐Ÿต
  • Lunch: Authentic Hangzhou food at a local farm-to-table restaurant
  • Afternoon: Lingyin Temple โ€” 1,700-year-old Buddhist temple, incredible carvings
  • Evening: Return to Shanghai for final night
๐Ÿ›๏ธ BEIJING

Days 15โ€“16 โ€ข The Grand Finale

Beijing

Day 15: The Great Wall

  • Bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing (~4.5 hrs, ยฅ553 second class, ยฅ933 first class)
  • Full day at the Mutianyu Great Wall โ€” cable car up, toboggan down!
  • Evening: Peking Duck farewell dinner ๐Ÿฆ† โ€” the ultimate Beijing experience

Day 16: Imperial Beijing & Departure

  • Morning: Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
  • Afternoon: Quick stop at Jingshan Park for the classic bird's-eye palace view
  • Late afternoon: Transfer to Beijing Capital Airport โœˆ๏ธ
  • Fly home โ€” or extend to Thailand, Japan, or beyond!

The Food Alone is Worth the Trip

Eight cities means eight different cuisines. From Chongqing fire to Cantonese subtlety โ€” every meal is a revelation. And incredibly affordable.

๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Chongqing Hot Pot
๐Ÿผ Sichuan Cuisine
๐ŸฅŸ Xiaolongbao (Shanghai)
๐Ÿฆ† Peking Duck (Beijing)
๐Ÿœ Cantonese Dim Sum
๐Ÿต Longjing Tea + Hangzhou

Budget Reality: $30-50/day covers amazing meals. Street food = $2-5. Nice restaurant = $15-25. Fine dining = $40-60. Hot pot for 4 = $30-50 total.

Peking Duck Xiaolongbao
Real Talk

What It Actually Costs

Honest estimates per person for 16 days across 8 cities. Your biggest expense is the flight โ€” trains and food in China are remarkably affordable.

Expense Budget Comfort Notes
โœˆ๏ธ Flights (roundtrip, LAX) $900 โ€“ $1,500 $1,200 โ€“ $1,800 Summer peak โ€” book by May for best rates
๐Ÿš… Trains (all legs) $250 โ€“ $350 $400 โ€“ $600 Second class throughout; ~8 train legs total
๐Ÿจ Hotels (15 nights) $1,200 โ€“ $1,800 $1,800 โ€“ $2,400 $80-120/night budget; $120-160/night comfort
๐Ÿœ Food & Transport $600 โ€“ $900 $800 โ€“ $1,200 $40-60/day covers great meals + metro + taxis
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Attractions & Activities $200 โ€“ $400 $400 โ€“ $600 Disney, Panda Base, Great Wall, boat rides

What's Included: Round-trip flights โ€ข 15 nights hotel โ€ข All bullet train tickets between 8 cities โ€ข ~$50/day for food, local transport & attractions

Prep Guide

What You Need to Know

Quick practical info to make your trip as smooth as possible.

๐Ÿ“„ Visa Info

Cost: ~$140 (US citizens)

Process: COVA form online, visit Chinese consulate

Validity: 10-year multiple entry

Note: 240-hour transit (10 days) won't cover this 16-day trip โ€” apply for the L-visa

๐Ÿ“ฑ Essential Apps

Alipay/WeChat Pay: Link your US card

Didi: Chinese Uber (English mode available)

Trip.com / 12306: Book bullet train tickets

Google Maps: Works with a VPN

Google Translate: Download Chinese offline pack

๐ŸŒ Internet Access

eSIM: Airalo or Nomad โ€” ~$20 for China data

VPN: Essential โ€” needed for Google, WhatsApp, YouTube

WiFi: Available in all hotels and most restaurants

Reality: Most locals use VPNs too โ€” it's normal

โ˜€๏ธ July Weather (All Cities)

Hot & humid everywhere: 80-95ยฐF

South (HK, Shenzhen, Guangzhou): 85-92ยฐF + possible typhoons

Central/West (Chongqing, Chengdu): Hot, 85-95ยฐF, very humid

North (Beijing, Hangzhou): Hot, 82-92ยฐF

Pack: Light layers, umbrella, sunscreen, small fan

๐Ÿ”Œ Practicalities

Power: US plugs fit โ€” 220V, bring adapter if needed

Language: Limited English outside big cities โ€” apps help

Safety: Extremely safe for tourists

Currency: Yuan (ยฅ) โ€” $1 โ‰ˆ ยฅ7.2

Mobile Pay: Alipay/WeChat Pay accepted everywhere

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips

Cash: Barely needed โ€” mobile pay rules in all 8 cities

Metros: World-class in all cities, English signs

Tipping: Not expected

Water: Drink bottled only

Train tickets: Book 1-2 weeks ahead during peak summer

๐Ÿ›‚ Travel Documents

Getting ready for China starts with the right paperwork.

โœจ 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Most Travelers)

Great news! As of December 2024, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to 240 hours (10 days) for 55 nationalities including US, UK, Canada, and Australia. This covers Hong Kong and the mainland separately.

Important: Our trip is 16 days, so you'll likely need the L-visa (tourist) for ~$140 โ€” valid for 10 years once issued. The good news: you only need to apply once and it's valid for all future China trips!

L-Visa (Tourist)

~$140 ยท 10-year validity ยท Recommended for this trip

240-Hour Transit

FREE ยท 10 days max ยท Works if splitting China into separate legs

๐Ÿ“‹ Apply for Visa Here

Visa Application Checklist

  • ๐Ÿ“„ Complete COVA Online Form before appointment
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Recent passport photo (white background)
  • ๐Ÿ“• Valid passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages)
  • ๐Ÿจ Hotel confirmations for your stay
  • โœˆ๏ธ Flight itinerary (round-trip)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Visit nearest Chinese consulate/embassy
  • โฑ๏ธ Processing: 4-7 business days
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost: ~$140 (US citizens)

New US Passport Guide

First time applicant? You must apply in person using Form DS-11.

  • 1. Gather Documents

    Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate) + ID (Driver's License) + Photocopies of both.

  • 2. Complete Form DS-11

    Fill it out online or print it. Do not sign it until instructed at the facility.

  • 3. Get a Photo

    One color photo (2x2 inches). No glasses. White background.

  • 4. Calculate Fees

    Application Fee: $130 (Check/Money Order to "U.S. Department of State")
    Execution Fee: $35 (Card/Cash to the facility)

Keep Going

Optional Extensions

Already flying all the way to China? Add a few more days before or after the trip!

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ Thailand

+$600-900
  • โœˆ๏ธ Flight from Beijing: ~$400-600
  • ๐Ÿจ 3-4 nights in Bangkok or Phuket
  • ๐Ÿ–๏ธ Beaches, temples, legendary street food
  • ๐Ÿ’† World-famous $10 Thai massages

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan

+$800-1,200
  • โœˆ๏ธ Flight from Beijing: ~$350-550
  • ๐Ÿจ 3-4 nights in Tokyo or Osaka
  • ๐Ÿฃ Sushi, ramen, izakaya hopping
  • ๐ŸŽŒ Shibuya Crossing, temples, anime culture

Ready to Make This Happen?

16 days. 8 cities. One group of people who want to see China together.

Early commitment = better group rates on hotels and trains!

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Confirm interest by April 15th, 2026