How many days do you need in China?

This itinerary covers 10 days in China, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for China?

Plan your perfect 10 days trip to China. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

10-Day Cultural Adventure in China

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Beijing, China

10:00AM

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the city centre.

CNY250, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy a delicious meal at this famous Taiwanese restaurant known for its dumplings.

CNY150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast Imperial Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with history.

CNY60, 3 hours

5:00PM

Walk through Tiananmen Square

Take a stroll through the world's largest public square, rich with historical significance.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Peking Duck Dynasty

Indulge in a traditional Peking duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant.

CNY400, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Great Wall & Culture

Beijing, China

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a variety of local and international options.

Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit the Great Wall of China

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded and more scenic.

CNY600, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Savour authentic Chinese dishes at a restaurant near the Great Wall.

CNY120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Return to Beijing

Head back to the city after a day of exploration.

CNY600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Summer Palace

Enjoy the lush gardens and serene lakes of this beautiful royal retreat.

CNY40, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hutong

Delight in a gourmet dining experience with stunning views of the city.

CNY500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 3: Journey to Xi'an

Xi'an, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Begin your day with breakfast featuring local favourites.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to the train station

Transfer to the Beijing West Train Station for your departure to Xi'an.

CNY150, 1 hour

11:00AM

Board High-Speed Train to Xi'an

Experience the comfort of high-speed rail as you travel to another dynamic city.

CNY550, 5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Xi'an hotel

Settle in at your hotel in the vibrant city of Xi'an.

CNY30, 30 mins

5:00PM

Visit the Muslim Quarter

Discover the local culture and try street food delicacies in this lively area.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at De Fa Chang

Indulge in the traditional Yangrou Paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup) famous in Xi'an.

CNY100, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors

Xi'an, China

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast with local Xi'an delicacies.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Terracotta Army

Explore this archaeological wonder and unveil the history of China's first emperor.

CNY700, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Dine on local favourites featuring handmade noodles and lamb dishes.

CNY120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Return to Xi'an

Head back to the city for an afternoon of relaxation.

Included, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Ancient City Wall

Walk or rent a bike to explore the impressive city wall encircling Xi'an.

CNY50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Churrasco Brazilian BBQ

Savour a unique meal with a fusion twist in this popular restaurant.

CNY250, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 5: Head to Chengdu

Chengdu, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a hearty selection before your next adventure.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to the train station

Make your way to the Xi'an Train Station for your high-speed train to Chengdu.

CNY30, 30 mins

10:00AM

Board High-Speed Train to Chengdu

Enjoy the fast journey to Chengdu while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

CNY500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Chengdu hotel

Arrive at your accommodation and relax a bit before your exploration.

CNY20, 30 mins

1:00PM

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Authentically experience the famous Mapo Tofu, a signature dish of Sichuan cuisine.

CNY100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Get up close with adorable giant pandas and learn about their conservation.

CNY50, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Daxiangguan Hot Pot

Savour a traditional Sichuan hot pot experience with a variety of fresh ingredients.

CNY200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 6: Cultural Chengdu

Chengdu, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

A great way to start your day with a buffet breakfast.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Wuhou Shrine

Explore the historic shrine dedicated to one of the greatest heroes of Chinese history.

CNY30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Jinli Ancient Street

Wander through this charming street filled with shops, food stalls, and local snacks.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Huangcheng Laoma

Taste the famous Chengdu-style wontons in this popular spot.

CNY80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Learn Kung Fu at a local school

Engage in a Kung Fu class and experience a striking part of Chinese culture.

CNY200, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Chonqing Liangfen

Enjoy some spicy Liangfen (mung bean jelly) and other local specialties.

CNY60, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 7: Scenic Guilin

Guilin, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Savour the tasty dishes before heading to a beautiful destination.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to the airport

Transfer to the Chengdu airport for your flight to Guilin.

CNY50, 30 mins

10:30AM

Flight to Guilin

Enjoy a short flight amongst stunning views of the countryside.

CNY800, 1 hour

12:00PM

Check-in at Guilin hotel

Arrive and make yourself comfortable in your new hotel.

CNY30, 30 mins

1:00PM

Lunch at Li River Restaurant

Indulge in local fish dishes while enjoying picturesque river views.

CNY150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Elephant Trunk Hill

Visit this iconic landmark and capture stunning photos.

CNY20, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll through Reed Flute Cave

Marvel at the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in this natural wonder.

CNY90, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Tian Xiang Ge

Experience a delightful meal featuring local rice noodles.

CNY100, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 8: Li River Cruise

Guilin, China

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a day full of natural beauty.

Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Li River on a scenic cruise.

CNY400, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Yangshuo riverside restaurant

Dine on local specialties while soaking in stunning river views.

CNY120, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Yangshuo

Stroll through the charming streets of Yangshuo, shop for souvenirs and local crafts.

Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Guilin

Travel back to Guilin after a day of exploration.

CNY50, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at your hotel

Take some time to unwind before dinner.

Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at the local street market

Savour regional delights at this lively outdoor market.

CNY80, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 9: Fly to Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before your journey to the metropolis.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to the airport

Transfer to the Guilin airport for your flight to Shanghai.

CNY30, 30 mins

10:30AM

Flight to Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai, the bustling heart of modern China.

CNY900, 2 hours

12:30PM

Check-in at Shanghai hotel

Arrive and settle in your accommodation amidst the vibrant city.

CNY120, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Revisit this iconic restaurant to enjoy more of their exquisite dumplings.

CNY150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore The Bund

Walk along the waterfront to view Shanghai's stunning skyline and colonial architecture.

Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Yuyuan Garden

Delight in the tranquility and beauty of classic Chinese gardens.

CNY40, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Experience a taste of Yunnan cuisine in an enchanting environment.

CNY300, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 10: Final Day in Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Shanghai with a variety of options.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Shanghai Museum

Discover the rich history and beautiful artifacts of this world-class museum.

CNY40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Tianzifang

A lively arts and crafts enclave where you can shop for unique souvenirs.

CNY40, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Enjoy the best soup dumplings in Shanghai at this popular spot.

CNY80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relaxing time in People's Park

Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the greenery at this central park.

CNY30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Last-minute shopping

Find some souvenirs and gifts to bring back home in Nanjing Road.

Free (only for purchases), 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at M on the Bund

Experience your final meal in China with spectacular views and exquisite cuisine.

CNY600, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Step 1 Outline Preview:

10-Day Cultural Adventure in China

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Great Wall & Culture

7:30AM

8:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 3: Journey to Xi'an

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

4:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors

7:30AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Head to Chengdu

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Cultural Chengdu

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Scenic Guilin

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 8: Li River Cruise

7:00AM

8:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 9: Fly to Shanghai

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 10: Final Day in Shanghai

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

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