Help me plan the number of days in each place for a China trip
Hi everyone! I’m trying to plan my first trip to China and would really appreciate some advice from people who have traveled these places.
I’m flying from Houston (IAH) to China in late October/early November, most likely on United. I’m pretty flexible with the total length of the vacation, so I’m not trying to squeeze everything into a fixed number of days. I’d rather spend the right amount of time in each place and avoid rushing.
The places I’m currently considering are:
Shanghai
Zhangjiajie
Fenghuang Ancient Town
Furong Ancient Town
Chengdu
Chongqing
What I’m trying to figure out:
1. How many days would you recommend for each place?
For example, is Shanghai worth 3–4 full days, or is 2–3 enough? How about Chengdu and Chongqing?
For Fenghuang and Furong, would you stay overnight in both, or would you visit one as a day trip from the other?
2. What order makes the most sense geographically?
I’m thinking something along the lines of:
Shanghai → Zhangjiajie → Furong → Fenghuang → Chongqing → Chengdu
…but I’m not sure if this is the most efficient and economical route.
3. I’m also considering Seoul.
I may add Seoul before China or after China, then fly back to Houston.
Would it make more sense financially/logistically to do:
IAH → Seoul → China → IAH
or
IAH → China → Seoul → IAH
4. Which places exceeded expectations, which felt overrated, and where do you wish you had stayed **longer/**shorter?
I’d especially love recommendations from people who have actually done this route.
Thanks!