Cities guides
Choose the right cities, routes, and seasons for a first trip.
6 guides available
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First China City Route
Choose cities by trip length, friction, and transfer load so the route works on the ground, not just on a map.
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- Chongqing for First-Time Visitors: A 3-Day Plan for China's Vertical City
A practical Chongqing guide for foreign visitors covering the best base area, vertical navigation, a realistic 3-day route, heat, crowds, rail stations, and transit rules.
- Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, and Changsha: A Practical 6-Day Hunan Route
A realistic Hunan itinerary linking Changsha, Zhangjiajie, and Fenghuang by rail, with guidance on route order, hotel moves, station names, and where not to rush.
- Jiuzhaigou for First-Time Visitors: Train, Tickets, Altitude, and a 3-Day Plan
Plan a Jiuzhaigou trip from Chengdu with realistic rail and road transfers, passport ticketing, seasonal prices, altitude cautions, park buses, and a weather-aware itinerary.
- Zhangjiajie for First-Time Visitors: Park Areas, Hotels, and a 3-Day Plan
Plan Zhangjiajie without confusing Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, and the Grand Canyon, with practical advice on hotel bases, transfers, tickets, weather, and timing.
- Shanghai for First-Time Visitors: Arrival, Transport, and Daily Planning
A practical Shanghai setup guide covering airport decisions, hotel-location checks, current metro payment options, exact rail stations, and a low-friction first day.
- Xi'an for First-Time Visitors: Plan the City and Terracotta Army Separately
Build a first Xi'an itinerary around the historic center and a separate Lintong day, with current tickets, passport, transport, food, and pacing checks.