Our interests are cultural/historic sites, great food. Budget not an issue. Is this too much? If so, what would you omit? We would fly into Beijing, out of Shanghai. We would fly between locations unless overnight train would work .

Beijing- 4 nts including day at Mitianyu
Dunhunag- 2 nts
Xian- 1 nt
Chengdu- 2 nts
Yangshou- 2 nts for a break from the cities
Shanghai- 3 nts including day trip to Hangzhou
This would be from 12/6-21

Thanks

What are you planning to do with your 2 days in Chengdu? You don't have much time to do anything outside the city where most of the interesting stuff are. If you're just going to the city, then skip it. Add at least a night in Xian, perhaps two.

Visit the Panda Center, eat spicy Sichuan food.

I agree with rkkwan that you need at least two nights in Xian. Of course, you'll visit the Terracotta Warriors, but you also have to spend time in the Muslim District, and, ride a bike around the city's wall!

ok, I've been checking on flights to Dunhuang and I think they are too expensive and limited. I may skip that, add a day onto Xian, Shanghai (for a day trip) or Chengdu.

What did your final itenerary look like?

It is almost identical to what I am planning:

Arrive Beijing 3:00 stay for 3 nights. On the fourth night take the train to Xi'an. Spend the day and night there and then leave for Dunhuang. Spend one day/night there and then fly to Chengdu for the next morning with the pandas.Yangshuo for 3 nights and then onto Shanghai for 3 nights before leaving for home.

I too wonder if I am nuts, but dunhuang looks really incredible.

I hope you have a great trip and look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Eyeski,
Very good plan:

Beijing- 4 nts including day at Mitianyu
Sacred road
Forbidden city
Hutong
Summer palace
798 art Site
Kungfu show
acrobatic show
etc

Dunhunag- 2 nts

Xian- 1 nt
Terra cotta
Hangyang tomunder floor)

Chengdu- 2 nts
panda reserve
Sanxingdui
Dujiang river
Leshan Buddhas
Face show and tea at night

Yangshou- 2 nts for a break from the cities
Terraced field
Li River
Reed flute cave
Impression show at yangshuo

Shanghai- 3 nts including day trip to Hangzhou
Normal sites

Have a nice trip.

If I were you, I will not omit Dunhuang, for it is quite different and special. Chengdu is not really a place worth visiting.

More time in Beijing, since the Great Wall takes up one day. Again, I think this is too much for just 14 days.
Is this your first trip?

I agree with lollylo. You really are trying to squeeze a lot into 2 weeks. You may find yourself spending a lot of time in airports or bus & train stations waiting around.
I know it's tempting with so much to see but you also need time to really explore the places you have chosen
Good luck with your planning,
Annie