Dragon and red lanterns over Ciqikou old street in Chongqing
Real trip · August 2026

China trip: everything we needed

In August 2026 we crossed China as a couple in 18 days: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai, with 4 high-speed trains and one domestic flight. Here is the full itinerary plus the three practical guides we wish we had read before leaving.

This itinerary isn't AI-generated: it's the 18 days we actually spent in China, with the real expenses we logged.

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18-day China itinerary from Beijing to Shanghai

18-day China itinerary

Beijing to Shanghai, day by day, with real train times.

Practical guides

Hongyadong lit up at night on the Jialing River in Chongqing

Best time to visit China

Why August is a last resort and which periods to avoid. China trip summary in Itinero: 18 days, 146 events, 3 flights

China trip cost

All our real costs: flights, trains, hotels, tours. Line 2 monorail entering a building at Liziba station in Chongqing

Useful apps for China

Payments, eSIM, maps, taxis: what to install first.

Open our trip in Itinero

See the interactive itinerary → Download on the App Store

FAQ

How much does an 18-day China trip cost?

Ours cost €6,911 for two, about €3,456 each, flights included.

Do you need a visa for China?

Italian citizens don't, for tourism up to 30 days (visa-free policy valid until 31/12/2026). Rules depend on nationality: check your Chinese embassy's website.

Which apps do you need in China?

We used Alipay and WeChat Pay, a Saily eSIM, Apple Maps, Didi and Klook.