City quick trips
Realistic layover routes for the cities where most travelers land. Each guide assumes you want to maximize a short stop, not tick every box.
- North China
Beijing
Great Wall, imperial sights, first-time China
10+ hours recommended — the airport is far from the center
- Southwest China
Chengdu
Giant pandas, teahouses, Sichuan food
10+ hours — the panda base is outside the center
- South China
Guangzhou
Cantonese food, relaxed pace, warm weather
8+ hours for a solid taste
- East China
Shanghai
First-time layovers, skyline views, food
8–10 hours minimum for a solid taste
- Northwest China
Xi'an
Terracotta Army, city wall, Silk Road history
10+ hours — the Terracotta Army is an hour outside town