Itinerary Kit
10 Days Classic China Itinerary Kit
A strong first China route: Beijing for imperial history and the Great Wall, Xi'an for ancient heritage, Shanghai for modern China, and Hangzhou for lake scenery.
Duration
10 days
Cities
Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai + Hangzhou
Last updated
July 8, 2026
Quick answer
10 Days Classic China Itinerary is a practical first-trip route for Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Hangzhou with 10 days of planning structure.
Who this itinerary is for
First-time visitors who want a balanced classic route with history, food, modern cities, and scenic downtime.
Route overview
- A strong first China route: Beijing for imperial history and the Great Wall, Xi'an for ancient heritage, Shanghai for modern China, and Hangzhou for lake scenery.
Step-by-step planning flow
- Confirm your arrival point, departure point, and hotel base before adding extra neighborhoods or day trips.
- Save Chinese addresses for each station, airport, hotel, and main attraction you expect to use.
- Book time-sensitive tickets first, then leave meals and low-stakes walks flexible for weather and energy.
- Keep one removable stop each day so the route still works if payment setup, transport, or jet lag takes longer than expected.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Morning: Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon: Light hutong walk or park visit.
Evening: Simple local dinner and early rest.
Transport: Airport Express, metro, or ride-hailing.
Food: Zhajiangmian or dumplings.
Budget note: Central hotels cost more but reduce wasted time.
Day 2
Forbidden City
Morning: Visit Tian'anmen area and the Forbidden City.
Afternoon: Jingshan Park and Shichahai hutongs.
Evening: Peking duck dinner.
Transport: Metro and walking.
Food: Peking duck and Beijing snacks.
Budget note: Book timed tickets early.
Day 3
Great Wall
Morning: Depart for Mutianyu or Jinshanling.
Afternoon: Return to Beijing.
Evening: Pack for Xi'an.
Transport: Private or group transfer.
Food: Bring snacks; eat dinner back in the city.
Budget note: Shared transfers can be the best value.
Day 4
Beijing to Xi'an
Morning: Transfer to Xi'an by train or flight.
Afternoon: Walk Xi'an City Wall.
Evening: Muslim Quarter food walk.
Transport: High-speed rail is comfortable; flights may save time.
Food: Roujiamo and biangbiang noodles.
Budget note: Compare door-to-door time, not only train versus flight duration.
Day 5
Terracotta Warriors
Morning: Visit the Terracotta Warriors.
Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum or Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Evening: Bell Tower area.
Transport: Guided transfer or official tourist bus.
Food: Liangpi and lamb soup with bread.
Budget note: A guide is useful here if you enjoy historical context.
Day 6
Xi'an to Shanghai
Morning: Fly or take a train to Shanghai.
Afternoon: Check in and rest.
Evening: The Bund skyline walk.
Transport: Airport or railway transfer plus metro.
Food: Xiaolongbao or scallion oil noodles.
Budget note: Flights can be more efficient for this long leg.
Day 7
Shanghai Old and New
Morning: Yu Garden and Old City.
Afternoon: Former French Concession.
Evening: Jing'an or Xintiandi dinner.
Transport: Metro and ride-hailing.
Food: Shengjianbao and braised pork.
Budget note: Use lunch specials in business districts.
Day 8
Hangzhou Day or Overnight
Morning: High-speed train to Hangzhou.
Afternoon: West Lake walk and Lingyin Temple or tea fields.
Evening: Return to Shanghai or stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Transport: High-speed rail plus taxi around lake/tea areas.
Food: Dongpo pork and Longjing tea dishes.
Budget note: A day trip saves hotel switching; overnighting feels calmer.
Day 9
Shanghai Culture Day
Morning: Visit Shanghai Museum East, West Bund, or a neighborhood market.
Afternoon: Shopping, cafes, or a final optional water town visit.
Evening: River cruise or farewell dinner.
Transport: Metro and taxi.
Food: Choose one special final meal.
Budget note: Save paid skyline experiences for the clearest day.
Day 10
Departure
Morning: Easy breakfast and final walk near the hotel.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport or railway station.
Evening: Depart China or continue to another region.
Transport: Allow generous time for Pudong Airport.
Food: Have a backup meal plan at the airport or station.
Budget note: Use remaining balance in apps for snacks and airport transport.
Transport between cities
- Day 1: Airport Express, metro, or ride-hailing.
- Day 2: Metro and walking.
- Day 3: Private or group transfer.
- Day 4: High-speed rail is comfortable; flights may save time.
- Day 5: Guided transfer or official tourist bus.
- Day 6: Airport or railway transfer plus metro.
- Day 7: Metro and ride-hailing.
- Day 8: High-speed rail plus taxi around lake/tea areas.
- Day 9: Metro and taxi.
- Day 10: Allow generous time for Pudong Airport.
Estimated budget
USD 1,350-2,650 per person excluding international flights.
What to book in advance
- Open-jaw flights can save backtracking: arrive Beijing and depart Shanghai if possible.
- Use high-speed rail for Beijing-Xi'an or Xi'an-Shanghai only if the schedule and fares make sense; flights may be better for longer hops.
- Add one buffer evening before the international departure.
Troubleshooting
- If transport takes longer than expected, drop the least important optional stop before shortening meals or sleep.
- If payment or mobile data fails, use cash, hotel Wi-Fi, or staff help before moving to the next long transfer.
- If weather changes the main plan, move outdoor skyline, garden, or walking blocks to the clearest day and use museums or malls as buffers.
What to skip
- Skip a second major attraction on arrival day if jet lag is heavy.
- Skip an optional viewpoint or shopping stop if transport takes longer than expected.
- Skip a far-side neighborhood dinner and eat near your hotel when luggage or weather slows the day.
Useful Chinese phrases
Please take me to this address.
请带我去这个地址。
Qing dai wo qu zhe ge di zhi.
Can I pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay?
可以用支付宝或微信支付吗？
Ke yi yong Zhi Fu Bao huo Wei Xin Zhi Fu ma?
I have a train to catch.
我要赶火车。
Wo yao gan huo che.
Less spicy, please.
请少辣。
Qing shao la.
Download PDF Kit
Printable route kit is being prepared
The future PDF version will include the route, booking reminders, Chinese addresses, and a mobile-friendly checklist.