Can We Help You Win Your Dream Vacation?

Want to travel around China but don’t have the money at the moment? Now’s your chance to plan your perfect China vacation and get it for free from Ctrip.

The China-based travel site's “Win Your Dream Vacation” contest ends this Friday. Ctrip judges will choose 20 itineraries, which will then be put to a public vote.

Now is the time to start thinking of how you would spend two weeks in China (starting and ending in Shanghai, and including up to four cities). To get you started, here are some ideas for all China travelers, from the newest wide-eyed tourist to the more traveled road-warrior looking for a new challenge.

The Newbie
Go for the classic intro to China. Starting in Shanghai, visits to the Bund and Nanjing Lu set the tone for this tour. Head off to Xi’an for the Terracotta Warriors and a cycle on one of the few remaining ancient city walls. To get a glimpse of China’s countryside, opt for an iconic locale like the scenic karsts around Yangshuo or the minority culture of Old Town Lijiang.

The Adventurer
You’ve seen the requisite sights. Now’s the time to break free from the masses and head out west. Trek through mountains and gorges from Yunnan, Western Sichuan, and Tibet. From Shanghai, fly to Lhasa and begin a trek out towards the Himalayas, stopping at Everest Base Camp or any other number of lofty heights. Make your way down into the Western Sichuan Plateau for trekking at Hailuogou National Glacier Forest Park or horse-riding in Mount Siguniang, and finish off at Yunnan’s Tiger Leaping Gorge.

The Artist
Start off in Shanghai, where the mix of museums and galleries will appeal to any aesthetic; include stops at the Shanghai Museum of Art, Shanghai MOCA, and the Minsheng Art Museum. Then head south to a few cities that may not be on your art radar. Check out OCAT, Shenzhen’s contemporary art museum, and revel in the performances on stage at Guangzhou’s Opera House. If you have a non-Beijinger in your group, don't forget to explore Beijing's 798, Caochangdi or any other of our recommended art walks.

The Epicure
Exhausted your travels of China or just need weeks of relaxation and pampering? If you crave nothing more than sun and sand, start off poolside at the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai. Get some rest and relaxation at Hong Kong’s Peninsula Hotel. Live the life of a high-roller at The Venetian Macao and finish off with days of languid lounging on the beach at the Ritz-Carlton Sanya.

So these are a few of the China trips we'd like to take. Now it's your turn. If you enter your ideal China vacation in Ctrip's contest, maybe we can be part of the "shameless self-promotion" that can help you win. Briefly describe your itinerary in the comments below so that your fellow readers can vote for your trip.

Photos: Meet-in-Shanghai.net, photoatlas.com, HikerThinker.com, Lemonwade.com, yeschinatour.com