China landscape

Updated August 2026

Your first China trip, made simpler.

Where to go, how long to stay, visas, payments, and route ideas for a confident first visit.

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Designed in China

When to go

China is vast — spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are widely comfortable for first trips combining Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.

Summer is hot and busy but fine for Yunnan or Guilin. Winter is cold in the north yet excellent for fewer crowds at major sites if you pack layers.

How many days

Ten to twelve days fits a classic triangle: capital history, ancient army, modern skyline, often with a river or countryside interlude.

Two weeks lets you slow down — add Chengdu pandas, Yunnan highlands, or Guilin without daily hotel changes.

Where to start

Beijing is the natural entry for Great Wall and imperial sites. Shanghai works well for departures and food-focused endings.

We design around your international flights — there is no single mandatory order when travel is private.

Getting around

High-speed rail connects major cities in hours and is often faster door-to-door than flying. Private drivers handle countryside and hotel transfers.

You will not need to navigate alone — every ROOYEE journey includes meet-and-greet, timed tickets, and English support on the ground.

Practical essentials

Verify visa rules for your passport before booking. Mobile payments are dominant — we send a pre-trip setup guide for Alipay/WeChat Pay.

Download VPN only if you rely on specific blocked apps; most travelers use email, WhatsApp with our team, and local SIM or eSIM data.

Sample route ideas

A route that makes sense geographically and feels comfortable day by day.

Interactive route map

Map view shows day-by-day geography — your designer shares a live version with your proposal.

10 days

10-Day Classic Route

Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin/Yangshuo, Shanghai — balanced first-timer arc with one countryside pause.

14 days

14-Day Deeper Route

Adds Chengdu or Yunnan, slower pacing, and more local meals.

7 days

7-Day Highlights

Beijing + Shanghai with a Great Wall day — tight but doable for repeat Asia travelers.

12 days

Family First Trip

Shorter driving days, pandas, interactive food, and hotels with connecting rooms.

Practical Essentials

A curated starting point — each option can be tailored.

Visa & entry

Passport validity, visa types, and invitation letters when required.

Payments

Mobile pay setup, cash backup, and cards that work in China.

Connectivity

eSIM, VPN decisions, and offline maps before departure.

Transport

High-speed rail booking, airport transfers, and city navigation.

Health

Insurance, clinics, and medications to discuss with your doctor.

Etiquette

Tipping, dining customs, and respectful photography.

Continue planning

Share your ideas and we will take care of the details.

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Turn what you learned into a private journey.

Share your dates — we shape a proposal around this guide's advice.

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