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 Adventure Through China: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Arriving in Beijing

Beijing, China on March 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wudakou Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast of congee and steamed buns, famous among locals.

CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tiananmen Square

Visit one of the world's largest public squares, significant for its historical and political importance.

CNY0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Forbidden City

Explore the grand imperial palace, home to emperors for centuries, showcasing stunning architecture and artefacts.

CNY60, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck

Famous for its Peking duck, the restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience in a traditional setting.

CNY200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Summer Palace

Stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its beautiful gardens and lake views.

CNY70, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Da Dong Roast Duck

Enjoy another round of exquisite Peking duck, prepared with a modern twist at this popular restaurant.

CNY180, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Great Wall and Cultural Insights

Beijing, China on March 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast including both Western and Chinese options available at the hotel.

Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu)

Explore one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, offering stunning views and fewer crowds.

CNY100, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local eatery near the wall

Savour local dishes like dumplings and fried noodles before heading back.

CNY80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Museum of Chinese History

Learn about China’s rich history through engaging exhibits that display ancient artefacts.

CNY50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Check out this iconic structure built for the 2008 Olympics, known for its innovative architecture.

CNY0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Siji Minfu

Indulge in more local dishes, with the highlight being the delectable Peking duck served expertly.

CNY200, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 3: Journey to Xi'an

Xi'an, China on March 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a variety of Chinese breakfast options before checking out.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Xi'an

Board a high-speed train to Xi'an, experiencing comfortable travel while enjoying beautiful scenery.

CNY600, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bian Yi Fang

Try the famous Xi'an biangbiang noodles, known for their thick, hand-pulled texture.

CNY50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Terracotta Army

Visit this unique archaeological site housing thousands of life-sized clay soldiers.

CNY150, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at De Fa Chang

Experience the famous Xi'an dumplings banquet offering a variety of delightful dumpling dishes.

CNY180, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 4: Explore Xi'an Highlights

Xi'an, China on March 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Indulge in a selection of both Chinese and Western breakfast options.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Xi'an City Wall

Walk or cycle around one of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering panoramic views of the city.

CNY54, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Liang Pi Restaurant

Feast on hand-pulled cold noodles, a local specialty that is both refreshing and filling.

CNY30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Muslim Quarter

Explore this vibrant area packed with street food stalls, shops, and the Great Mosque.

CNY0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Great Mosque of Xi'an

Visit this stunning mosque reflecting the cultural blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

CNY25, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Shaanxi Folk Restaurant

Delight in traditional Shaanxi dishes, discovering the rich flavours of the region.

CNY100, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 5: Chengdu delights

Chengdu, China on March 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with an authentic Sichuan breakfast including steamed buns and spicy tofu.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Chengdu

Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu, renowned for its easygoing lifestyle.

CNY400, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Don't miss tasting the signature mapo tofu, a spicy, flavour-packed dish.

CNY70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Have an unforgettable experience observing giant pandas in their natural habitat.

CNY60, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at People’s Park

Dine in a restaurant nestled in the park and enjoy local snacks in a chill atmosphere.

CNY80, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 6: Cultural Explorations

Chengdu, China on March 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Take your pick from a buffet featuring both local and International options.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Wuhou Shrine

Visit this historic shrine dedicated to the heroes of the Three Kingdoms Period.

CNY50, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Jinli Ancient Street

Stroll through this lively street, filled with shops, food stalls, and cultural exhibits.

CNY0, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Yulin Chasheng

Enjoy a delightful meal featuring hot pot, a Sichuan signature dish to warm your soul.

CNY120, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, an exemplary ancient irrigation system founded in 256 B.C.

CNY80, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Spicy Fish Restaurant

Relish a local hot pot experience with a variety of fresh ingredients to choose from.

CNY150, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 7: Scenic Guilin

Guilin, China on March 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a mix of Western and Chinese breakfast options before checking out.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Guilin

Take a scenic train ride to Guilin, famed for its stunning karst landscape.

CNY250, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tian Tian Restaurant

Savour authentic Guilin rice noodles, a local culinary staple.

CNY40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Li River Cruise

Experience breathtaking views on a cruise along the Li River, one of China's most scenic watercourses.

CNY250, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rice Noodle House

Indulge in more rice noodle dishes, prepared fresh and served with local ingredients.

CNY70, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 8: Adventure in Yangshuo

Yangshuo, China on March 31, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up at your hotel with a hearty breakfast before venturing out.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Yangshuo Countryside Cycling

Discover rural landscapes while cycling through serene villages and stunning karst formations.

CNY80, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Lazy Days

Relax and enjoy a mix of International and local cuisine in a charming atmosphere.

CNY100, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

Enjoy a peaceful bamboo raft ride on the scenic Yulong River, an unforgettable experience.

CNY150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Stone Bridge Cafe

Dine while enjoying a beautiful river view, known for its fresh ingredients and local flavours.

CNY90, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Yangshuo

Day 9: Exploring Shanghai

Shanghai, China on April 1, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet with options from various cuisines.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Shanghai

Catch a morning flight to Shanghai, the bustling metropolis.

CNY800, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Famous for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), this restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers.

CNY120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

The Bund

Stroll along this iconic waterfront area, enjoying views of Shanghai's impressive skyline.

CNY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Nanjing Road

Explore one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, filled with shops and local markets.

CNY0, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at M on the Bund

Dine with spectacular views of the skyline while enjoying modern international cuisine.

CNY300, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 10: Departure from Shanghai

Shanghai, China on April 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy another wonderful breakfast before checking out of your hotel.

Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shanghai Tower

Visit the observation deck for stunning views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the world.

CNY180, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Yang's Fry-Dumpling

Savour these popular fried dumplings, beloved by locals and visitors alike.

CNY60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shanghai Museum

Explore the extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artefacts within this renowned museum.

CNY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure from Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Head to the airport to catch your flight home, concluding your incredible journey.

CNY0, N/A

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Step 1 Outline Preview:

10-Day Adventure Through China: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Arriving in Beijing

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 2: Great Wall and Cultural Insights

7:00AM

8:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

5:30PM

Day 3: Journey to Xi'an

7:00AM

9:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Explore Xi'an Highlights

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Chengdu delights

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:30PM

Day 6: Cultural Explorations

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Scenic Guilin

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Adventure in Yangshuo

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

Day 9: Exploring Shanghai

7:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 10: Departure from Shanghai

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

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