A foreign passport holder’s two-week China honeymoon is best as five romantic bases: three nights in Beijing, two in Xi’an, three in Shanghai, three in Yangshuo, and three on Sanya’s beach. Each base has licensed hotels with proper double suites and registers foreigners cleanly — book the honeymoon suites and the beachfront room in advance, and confirm the foreigner policy in writing.
Bases built for a slow, pretty trip
A honeymoon wants fewer check-ins and more atmosphere, so the plan favors long stays and one pure-relax finish. Beijing and Xi’an bring history; Shanghai brings skyline glamour; Yangshuo brings karst romance; Sanya brings the sea. Staying put in each city keeps registration simple and lets you actually enjoy the room you booked.
Hotels must register every foreign guest with public security. Licensed hotels do this at check-in; small guesthouses may not be licensed for foreigners. Confirm before paying — see can foreigners stay in Chinese hotels. For the Shanghai side, see best area to stay in Shanghai, which lists the districts with the best honeymoon towers.
Day 1–3 — Beijing, Dongcheng base
Arrive PEK/PKX. Settle in a Dongcheng hotel near the Hutongs or Wangfujing. Forbidden City at dawn, a Hutong dinner, and the Summer Palace. Sleep in Dongcheng three nights.
Day 4–5 — Xi’an, inside the wall
High-speed train to Xi’an. Base in Beilin or Lianhu. Terra-cotta Army and a lantern-lit cycle on the city wall. Sleep inside the wall two nights.
Day 6–8 — Shanghai, Huangpu or Lujiazui
Train to Shanghai. Base in Huangpu (Bund romance) or Lujiazui (tower suite). Bund, French Concession, and a Zhujiajiao day. Sleep three nights. For river-view picks, see where to stay near the Bund.
Day 9–11 — Yangshuo, countryside base
Fly to Guilin, cruise to Yangshuo, and stay on the Yulong River or West Street. Sleep three nights among the karsts.
Day 12–14 — Sanya, beach finish
Fly to Sanya (SYX). Base on Yalong Bay or Haitang Bay for the best beachfront suites. Sleep three nights, then fly home. Fourteen nights, five bases.
Night-by-night base plan
| Night | Base area | Why here | Transfer note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Beijing (Dongcheng) | History, Hutongs | Airport Express |
| 4–5 | Xi’an (Beilin) | Wall, Terra-cotta | HSR from Beijing |
| 6–8 | Shanghai (Huangpu) | Bund, towers | HSR from Xi’an |
| 9–11 | Yangshuo (Yulong) | Karst romance | Flight to Guilin |
| 12–14 | Sanya (Yalong Bay) | Beach finish | Flight to Sanya |
Honeymoon booking notes
Ask for a honeymoon or suite package when you book — many hotels add flowers, cake, or late checkout. International hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, and Sanya are the safest for foreign cards and English service. In Yangshuo, confirm the foreigner licence before paying, and book the river-view room early in peak season.
Payment and registration notes
International hotels take foreign cards; smaller ones may not. Pre-book and confirm the policy via confirm hotel accepts foreign guest. At each check-in, present both passports; the desk logs you as a couple.
Frequently asked questions
Is two weeks enough for a honeymoon?
For five bases at a calm pace, yes. Trim Xi’an if you want more beach.
Do Yangshuo hotels take foreigners?
The licensed ones do; many small river inns don’t. Confirm. This is the one spot to watch.
Will my card work?
At international hotels, yes. Carry cash for small spots.
Is Sanya worth the flight?
If you want a real beach finish, yes — Yalong and Haitang bays have the best foreigner-licensed resorts.
Do hotels do honeymoon perks?
Often, if you ask at booking. International brands are most reliable for this.
When is best for a honeymoon?
April–May and September–November for the cities; Sanya is best in autumn and winter when the north is cold.
Should we book suites ahead?
Yes — the best Bund towers and Sanya beachfront rooms sell out months ahead in peak season.
