A short trip is won or lost by what you leave out. Pick one city, do a few things well, and resist the urge to “see everything”.
The core rule
One city, two neighbourhoods, three experiences. Not three cities.
For a first visit, the easiest base cities are Shanghai (most international), Beijing (history, and easy from the airport), or Xi’an (compact, world-famous sights).
A three-day shape
Day 1 — land and settle
- Get data and payment working.
- Check in; walk your neighbourhood.
- One easy sight near the hotel; early dinner.
Day 2 — the one thing you came for
- Do the headline sight first thing (fewer crowds).
- One local meal you researched.
- Rest in the afternoon; evening walk.
Day 3 — depth, not distance
- A second neighbourhood or a short day trip within the city.
- Souvenirs; head to the airport with a buffer.
Mistakes that waste a short stay
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too many cities | Travel and check-in eat the days | One base city |
| No data on day 1 | Can’t map or pay | Sort connectivity before you fly |
| Booking the headline sight for late morning | Peak crowds | Go at opening |
| Underestimating distances | Big cities are big | Cluster by neighbourhood |
| Paying cash only | Many places prefer QR | Set up Alipay/WeChat |
| Tight airport buffer | Missed flight | Leave 2–3 hours |
If you’re transiting only
- Stay near the airport or a rail hub; don’t cross the city for one sight.
- Confirm your visa-free transit conditions first (see the entry guide).
- Keep your onward ticket handy.
Pick your base
| If you want… | Base |
|---|---|
| Easiest first trip | Shanghai |
| History and icons | Beijing |
| Compact, food + sights | Xi’an |
| Nature close to a city | Guilin / Yangshuo |
Once you pick a city, use its city guide for a day-by-day plan.