Quick Answer
With 7 days in China, do not exceed 2 cities.
The most reliable approach is one primary city + optional second city with a short transfer.
Any route with more than one long transfer will fail.
Route Selection Rules (Non-Negotiable)
Before choosing a route, confirm:
- No more than 1 intercity transfer
- At least 3 full days in your primary city
- No nature destinations that require full extra days
- Arrival and departure cities are practical
If a route breaks these rules, discard it.
Route A: Shanghai Only (Highest Success Rate)
Best for: First-ever visit, low stress, short flights
Day Breakdown
- Day 1: Arrival, hotel check-in, short walk
- Day 2: City core sightseeing
- Day 3: Museums, neighborhoods, evening views
- Day 4: Flexible day (shopping, food, rest)
- Day 5: Optional nearby excursion or lifestyle day
- Day 6: Free exploration or recovery day
- Day 7: Departure
Why This Works
- No intercity transfers
- Easy transport and payments
- Strong indoor options
- Flexible recovery time
If unsure, choose this route.
Route B: Shanghai + Xi’an (Balanced History Route)
Best for: Culture + modern contrast
Transfer Logic
- High-speed train or flight
- One transfer only
Day Breakdown
- Days 1–3: Shanghai
- Day 4: Transfer to Xi’an
- Days 5–6: Xi’an (Terracotta Army + city)
- Day 7: Departure
Why This Works
- Clear contrast
- Predictable logistics
- Xi’an is compact and forgiving
Do not add side trips.
Route C: Shanghai + Beijing (High-Reward, Higher Rules)
Best for: Iconic highlights with preparation
Transfer Logic
- High-speed train or flight
- Expect security and longer days
Day Breakdown
- Days 1–3: Shanghai
- Day 4: Transfer to Beijing
- Days 5–6: Beijing core sights
- Day 7: Departure
Risk Note
- Requires advance bookings
- Security checks consume time
Choose only if you are comfortable with rules.
Route D: Shenzhen Only (Modern, Low Friction)
Best for: Business travelers, simple logistics
Day Breakdown
- Days 1–6: Shenzhen (urban exploration, food, rest)
- Day 7: Departure
Why This Works
- Extremely easy transport
- Modern systems
- Minimal surprises
Less historic, but very smooth.
Routes to Avoid With 7 Days
Avoid:
- 3 or more cities
- Any route with a nature destination
- Long day trips requiring early starts
- Back-to-back transfer days
These routes collapse under time pressure.
Failure Scenarios & Fixes
- Trying to add “just one more city”: remove it immediately.
- Feeling rushed by Day 3: drop a planned activity.
- Transfer delays consume a day: use buffer time, not panic.
- Weather disrupts plans: stay urban and flexible.
Seven days reward restraint.
Reality Check
- Seven days go fast.
- Transfers feel longer than expected.
- One relaxed city beats two rushed ones.
- You can always return.
Success comes from saying no.
What Locals Do Instead
- Locals stay put for short trips.
- Locals avoid unnecessary transfers.
- Locals cluster activities.
- Locals plan buffer time.
Follow their logic.
Checklist
- No more than 2 cities.
- Only one intercity transfer.
- Primary city has 3+ full days.
- No nature destinations added.
- Buffer time included.