China trip planner
Start from an idea.We’ll draft the route.
Pick a starting point or write your own. The planner turns it into a route, city stays and daily ideas you can change.
Tap an idea to add it to your brief. Mix as many as you like.
Or write your own below ↓From a few lines to a route you can work with.
The draft is free and has no prices. A specialist only steps in if you ask.
Describe your trip
A sentence is enough. Add dates, travellers or interests if you wish.
Read your draft
A route, city stays and daily ideas on a map. Change a day, the pace or a place in a sentence.
Ask a specialist
Only if you want help. You get a written proposal; nothing is paid until you approve.
A draft you can read, change and share.
First time in China: 9 days, Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai
The classic first route: Beijing for imperial scale, Xi’an by high-speed rail, then Shanghai as the modern finish.
- Beijing · 3 nights
- Xi’an · 2 nights
- Shanghai · 3 nights
- 9 days
- Day 1BeijingArrive in BeijingTransfer to the hotel · Short walk nearby · Early night
- Day 2BeijingImperial scale, carefully timedForbidden City with a guide · Jingshan Park · Hutong
- Day 3BeijingGreat Wall day without the bus-tour rhythmPrivate car to a Wall section chosen for season and pace
- Day 4Xi’anHigh-speed rail to Xi’anBeijing West → Xi’an · Muslim Quarter dinner
- Day 5Xi’anTerracotta Army, then an easy afternoonTerracotta Warriors early · City Wall or Small Wild Goose Pagoda
- Day 6ShanghaiFly or rail to ShanghaiXi’an → Shanghai · Bund night walk
- Day 7ShanghaiShanghai modern finishLujiazui or West Bund · Rockbund or Xintiandi
- Day 8ShanghaiOne flexible daySuzhou, a museum, tea or photography
- Day 9ShanghaiDeparture without a scrambleSlow breakfast · Airport transfer with buffer
Based on our First Time China route.
Your route
- 1. Beijing3 nights
- 2. Xi’an2 nights
- 3. Shanghai3 nights
Numbers show the order of your stops.
Along the way
Forbidden City · Day 2 
Great Wall · Day 3 
Xi’an · Days 4–5 
Shanghai · Days 6–9
Example output. Your draft follows your own brief.
Questions about planning your China trip
How does the China trip planner work?
Describe your trip, then add dates, travellers or interests if you wish. The planner prepares a route, city stays and daily ideas. You can adjust the draft in a sentence.
Is the planner free?
Yes. Create a draft and make three free adjustments. Email yourself the full plan to receive five more adjustments.
What happens when I share my email?
With your consent, we email your detailed plan and share your request with a LocalKey specialist, who can follow up within 24 hours. See our privacy policy for how we use your information.
Who are the LocalKey specialists?
Our team specialises in China travel. A specialist helps refine your route, confirms practical details and can arrange your trip with support on the ground.
Why are there no prices in the draft?
A useful quote depends on your dates, rooms and travel arrangements. Your specialist will discuss those choices with you before preparing a proposal.
Is my draft ready to book?
It is a starting point. Your specialist will review reservations, opening days, transport connections and the details that matter for your trip.