In Two Weeks

An extra week allows a visitor to head deep into the ancestral heartland of imperial China, and spend some extra time in its two largest cities.

Days 8-9: Extra time in Shanghai & Beijing

A week's extension allows you to spend an extra day in each of the cities. In Shanghai this would allow for a day trip to the Master of the Nets Garden in Suzho. In Beijing, an extra day touring temples would be time well spent. While most would visit the Temple of Heaven, instead head over to Lama Temple in the morning, and follow it up with a stroll among the lakes in Bei Hai Park.

Day 10: The Wild Wall

Another day means more face time with the Great Wall. Jinshanling is still one of the very best hikes, and shows the Wall in a very different perspective to the circus at Badaling.

Day 11: Yungang Caves & the Hanging Temple

Datong is conveniently served by train and plane, and so the Yungang Caves and the amazing Hanging Temple are now well within reach of Beijing.

Day 12: Arrival in Xi'an

Whether you decide to continue your journey by plane or by rail there is ample to see in Xi'an that will easily fill the remaining 4 days. In fact the first point of call should be China's very best museum, the Shanxi History Museum.

Day 13: China's Ancient History

Marvel at the 6,000 Terra-Cotta Warriors at Bingmayong in the morning, and then if your interest in archaeology has been ignited, spend the afternoon at the Banpo Neolithic Village.

Day 14: The Potters of Chen Lu

After so much time at heavily populated tourist sites, a day trip to the Potters of Chen Lu makes a far less strenuous way to wind down your trip.