Description

The Middle Kingdom on a Backpacker’s Budget – From Beijing to Shanghai

Backpacking China: The Classic Route is the ultimate 2–4 week travel guide for adventurers who want to see the country’s greatest hits without wasting time, money, or sanity. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, this book connects China’s must-see landmarks into a logical, affordable, and unforgettable journey.

Designed specifically for first-time and intermediate backpackers, this guide assumes you have limited Mandarin, a modest budget, and a big appetite for adventure. Learn exactly how to navigate China’s unique travel landscape: the high-speed rail network, hostel culture, food safety, and the essential apps (WeChat, Alipay, and VPNs) you cannot live without.

Follow the classic route step by step:

Beijing: The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and a Great Wall hike at Mutianyu or Jinshanling.

Xi’an: The Terracotta Warriors, the ancient City Wall by bicycle, and the Muslim Quarter’s street food explosion.

Chengdu: Giant pandas, hot pot feasts, and the gateway to Tibet or the Buddhist mountains.

Yangtze & Zhangjiajie: The stunning Avatar Mountains (Zhangjiajie National Forest) and a Yangtze River cruise alternative.

Guilin & Yangshuo: Iconic karst landscapes, bamboo rafting, and rock climbing.

Shanghai: The Bund, French Concession, and a high-speed farewell.

This guide covers budgeting for China’s rising costs, train station survival, squat toilet etiquette, visa applications, and cultural dos and don’ts. With sample itineraries for 14, 21, and 28 days, packing lists, and a Mandarin phrasebook appendix, Backpacking China turns a daunting giant into an accessible adventure. Your classic route through the Middle Kingdom starts here.