If two weeks is all you've got, you won't be able to see much of China, but you can still have some excellent experiences.
Here's an itinerary that I'd suggest starting in the city of Guangzhou in the south, along with a short run-down of each destination from my perspective.
DAYS 1-5: Guangzhou
DAY 6: Transfer to Guilin
DAYS 7-9: Guilin
DAY 10: Transfer to Zhangjiajie, with a stop over in Fenghuang Ancient City
DAYS 11-13: Zhangjiajie
DAY 14: Depart China
Guangzhou City
It's a big, crowded city with lots of traffic, spit and smoke. You may be alarmed at first, but the tasty pastry shops and vibrant night life may win you over.
Let's start with the traffic situation because you'll quickly encounter this upon leaving Baiyun International Airport to go to your hotel. There are lanes, but don't expect drivers to behave the way North Americans do. In short, it's like swimming in a school of fish. They'll rush to get into any open space, then slam on the brakes hard. You'll worry about the urgency and the honking, but nobody gets offended.
Next, the spitting and the smoking - they're accepted everywhere. Just watch where you step and be prepared for second-hand smoking indoors and out.
On to the good stuff. You'll notice that commercialization is next level in China. There are shops everywhere and there are zones dedicated to electronics, toys, clothing and even undergarments, and more. Sprinkled throughout the city are scrumptious bakeries. You'll find traditional Chinese goodies, French-inspired pastries, Japanese-inspired cakes and lots more in between. Just browsing will have you salivating!
Go out in the night and you'll be enamored by the lights, the energy and the late-night eateries. Shop in the massive Jiangnanxi Underground Mall if you want air conditioning, or explore Beijing Road district for a mixture of indoor and lively outdoor vibes.
Visiting our Chinese manufacturing partner was a big part of my trip, and Guangzhou is definitely a major manufacturing hub.
Guilin
I've decided that my favourite part of the trip was in Guilin. The city feels calmer and cleaner, and the buildings are built with height restrictions so you can always see the gentle bumps of the region's famous limestone mountains.
A cruise on Li River starting in Guilin to Yangshuo is a must. You'll see numerous other boats, but that won't matter once you start gazing at the never-ending mountain views all around. Sip on some tea if you're sitting inside, but be sure to get back onto the deck to take photos of the landscape that's printed on the back of the ¥20 bill.
At the Yangshuo port, it'll be easy to be wooed by all of the vendor stalls on the way to the town, but keep going because there are lots more shops up ahead. I didn't come here for the shopping though. Our tour included e-scooters and it was one of our best adventures driving into the countryside with the wind blowing in our faces as we took in the breathtaking karst formations.
Near the end of the afternoon, we headed to Ruyi Peak scenic area where we rode a cable car, climbed to the top viewing platform, walked their suspension bridge and traversed the glass-bottom bridge as the sun started to set. Were we in a painting or a dream?
Longji Rice Terraces was the most unique experience of my trip. It poured rain for 3 days straight so it was a wet time, but the terraces looked like mirrored steps scalloped over the hills. The views were simply stunning. Perhaps it was the season, but it did have a bit of a ghost-town feel, adding to the mystical vibe of the area. The drive there tested our bravery and driving skills - you mustn't get hypnotized by the valleys and waterfalls along the way, because you'll have to pay attention to mini landslides and winding roads (honking was a good practice here).
Fenghuang Ancient Town
We broke up our 7-hour drive to Zhangjiajie by making a couple of stops, including one at Fenghuang Ancient Town, an historical town in Hunan province. From the moment you arrive, you'll find yourself curious to explore all the streets and alleyways that look like an antique Chinese movie set.
We didn't get a chance to do this, but this is a great place to rent traditional Chinese dresses and take professional portraits. You'll see many females walking around with their make-up done and beautiful garments, posing along the river and under charming red lanterns on the ancient streets.
Zhangjiajie
Three days really wasn't quite enough, so if you can afford an extra day or two, do it. The two major attractions are Tianmen Mountain National Park and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Upon arriving in Tianmen, you'll feel like you've shrunk in size because the tall mountains all around you also feel very close. There is lots to see and do here, but do not miss a view of Tianmen Cave, a natural hole or archway in the mountain. If you are able, climb the "Stairway to Heaven" which consists of 999 steps (felt more like 3,000!) to be right in the hole.
From there, you can take transmountain escalators (seven massive escalators), forcing you to marvel at Chinese engineering capabilities. The cable cars and numerous trails and lookout points will keep your eyes feasting the entire day.
Zhangjiajie National Park is a minimum 2-day visit, but your pass allows you 4 days of access to the park. There is so much to see and do, so bring lots of energy, water and sun-screening gear. A long-sleeve shirt was handy to have because it was cooler up in the mountains.
We walked part of the 10 Mile Gallery, viewed the Hallelujah Mountains (the inspiration for Avatar movie's setting), and snapped photos of monkeys who aggressively reach for your food - so be careful! The Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator, is here too.
Heads-up: this place is overwhelmed by large tour groups and tour guides shouting in loud speakers. This is a price you pay for the outstanding scenery that you can't find anywhere else.
On my final day, I went to Baofeng Lake by myself, in the rain. A combination of miscommunication and lack of research resulted in me missing out on a boat ride on the actual lake. But the bit that I did see beyond the entrance was so wondrous it made my visit worthwhile. Towering cliffs, lush greenery and waterfalls, all covered in dreamy mist and clouds was quite the mood.
Everything is bigger in China - including the landscapes, which were what I was looking forward to the most, and they certainly did not disappoint.
If you plan to go, here are two important tips: bring toilet paper everywhere you go and download apps Alipay (for payment) and WeChat (for communication).
My trip was a huge success. I worked and I played, and now have memories to last a lifetime.