3 Weeks through China 2026 - A Travel Guide through Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xi’an & Beijing
#china #chinatravel #travel
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Three weeks, five destinations, and an entire journey across China by high-speed train.
In this documentary, I travelled from Shanghai to Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Beijing — experiencing the country through its futuristic skylines, creative neighbourhoods, local food, ancient streets, mountain landscapes, and some of its most iconic historic sites.
From Shanghai’s cafés, small local restaurants, and Zhujiajiao water town, I continued south to Shenzhen before taking the train to Chongqing. There, I explored the city’s steep, layered streets, its night views, and the dramatic landscapes of the Wulong Karsts. In Xi’an, I visited the Muslim Quarter, cycled along the ancient city wall, and spent time in its quieter, creative corners before continuing to Beijing for the final part of the journey.
Along the way, I travelled entirely by high-speed train, stayed in different hotels, tried as much local food as possible, and experienced how different each city could feel from the next.
At the end of the video, I also share everything you should know before travelling to China, as well as a detailed breakdown of what I spent during all three weeks.
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Hotels I stayed at and can recommend:
Tours:
Things I recommend before traveling to China:
Download and register before arriving: Amap, Alipay, WeChat, DiDi
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Chapter
00:00 Intro
00:24 Trip Overview
01:15 5 Days in Shanghai, China – Best Things to do in Shanghai
21:34 4 Days in Shenzhen, China – Best Things to do in Shenzhen
37:04 4 Days in Chongqing, China – Best Things to do in Chongqing
57:05 3 Days in Xi'An, China – Best Things to do in Xi'An
01:09:58 4 Days in Beijing, China – Best Things to do in Beijing
01:26:23 Things to know & Essential Apps to download for China
01:27:38 Budget Breakdown for 3 Weeks in China
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Links:
Shot on Sony A7C II & DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Music I use from:
Disclaimer: The links in our description are affiliate links, if you use them we will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Questions answered in this video:
How to plan a three-week trip through China
Is three weeks enough to travel across China?
How to travel around China by high-speed train
What is it like travelling from Shanghai to Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Beijing?
Which cities should you visit on your first trip to China?
Is China easy to travel independently as a foreign visitor?
How much does a three-week trip to China cost?
What should you know before travelling to China?
Is Shanghai worth visiting beyond the skyline and The Bund?
What are the best places to visit in Shenzhen?
Is Chongqing worth visiting?
What are the Wulong Karsts like, and are they worth the trip from Chongqing?
Is Xi’an worth visiting for more than the Terracotta Army?
What are the best food and historic areas to explore in Xi’an?
What are the best things to do in Beijing for first-time visitors?
Is the Great Wall worth visiting from Beijing?
What is the best China itinerary for Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Beijing?
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