China in 10 Days: Best Itineraries for First-Time Visitors

For a first trip to China, 10 days is best used to focus on 3 to 4 destinations instead of covering too much of the country. A classic Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai route covers classic China, while destinations such as Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, or Chongqing can be added to match your interests.

If you want to explore more regions or stay longer in each destination, a longer trip will give you more flexibility. To make planning easier, we've put together five 10-day China itineraries for first-time visitors, each with a different mix of destinations and experiences.

The Classic Framework for 10 Days in China

For a first trip, this framework balances imperial history, traditional neighborhoods, ancient culture, modern city life, and also includes a few days to add one destination that reflects your personal interests.

Destination	Typical Stay	What to Prioritize
Beijing	3 to 4 days	Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutongs
Xi'an	2 days	Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
Optional Add-on	2 days	Customized based on your personal interests
Shanghai	1 to 2 days	The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum

Choose Your Extra Destination

China offers a wide variety of destinations. Drawing on our experience planning China tours, we've selected some of the most popular and representative destinations to help you narrow down your options and find the places that best match your interests and travel style.

If You Want More Of	Add	Notice
Dramatic mountain scenery	Zhangjiajie	More physically active itinerary, flights & transfers
Pandas, food, and local life	Chengdu	Fewer major sights in 2 days
Distinctive cityscapes & night views	Chongqing	Expect hilly terrain, more slopes & stairs
Rivers, karst scenery & countryside	Guilin	Less focus on major sights in the city
Different urban culture	Hong Kong	Visa-free transit eligible routes; higher overall cost

Itinerary 1: Add Zhangjiajie for Natural Adventure

Stunning Peaks of Zhangjiajie

Choose Zhangjiajie if the Avatar mountain scenery is one of your main reasons for visiting China. Keep in mind that this route involves more flying, along with 2 relatively active sightseeing days through the floating mountains, which is less relaxed compared with the other recommended itineraries.

It is a good fit if you enjoy nature and adventure; families and senior travelers can still include Zhangjiajie, and a well-paced schedule, seamless transport, and careful planning can make the extra walking and transfers easier to manage.

Days	Place	How to Use Your Time
1 - 3	Shanghai	Day 1: Arrival; Day 2: The Bund, Yu Garden; Day 3: Xitang Ancient Town & flight to Zhangjiajie
4 - 5	Zhangjiajie	Day 4: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park; Day 5: Tianmen Mountain & flight to Xi'an
6 - 7	Xi'an	Day 6: Terracotta Warriors; Day 7: Ancient City Wall & high-speed train to Beijing
8 - 10	Beijing	Day 8: Forbidden City, Summer Palace; Day 9: Mutianyu Great Wall; Day 10: Departure

Because Zhangjiajie involves more walking and time outdoors, consider placing it before Beijing and Xi'an, which can be more helpful to avoid ending the trip with the most physically active sightseeing days. You can start in Shanghai, which can also make the first two days easier to pace.

Leave enough time for the airport transfer on Day 3. Flights to Zhangjiajie usually depart from Pudong International Airport (PVG), which is relatively far from central Shanghai. An evening flight works well if you would like to add a water-town experience this day.

Allow at least two days for Zhangjiajie. Its main sights are spread across different scenic areas, and trying to fit both Wulingyuan and Tianmen Mountain into one day would be rushed. Though cable cars and shuttle buses can reduce some uphill walking, two days give you more time in each area and make the schedule more manageable for kids and seniors.

Flying to Xi'an is a more comfortable transition after the mountain sightseeing. Keep the first Xi'an sightseeing focused on the Terracotta Warriors, which deserve a full morning, while the city center can be enjoyed at a slower pace afterward.

For the Beijing portion, avoid trying to fit too many major sights into a single day. Give the Great Wall a full day and consider Mutianyu, where cable cars can make the visit easier. In central Beijing, allow around half a day for the Forbidden City, leaving some flexibility for Summer Palace, Jingshan Park, or the hutongs.

Itinerary 2: Add Chengdu for Pandas & Local Life

Giant Pandas in Chengdu

If you want to break up several days of major historical sightseeing in Beijing and Xi'an, Chengdu is a good optional stop to fit into a 10-day itinerary. The slower pace is suitable for families and older travelers who prefer a balance of sightseeing and downtime. However, with only one full day, you can combine pandas with a taste of local life first.

Days	Place	How to Use Your Time
1 - 4	Beijing	Day 1: Arrival; Day 2: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven; Day 3: The Great Wall; Day 4: Summer Palace & high-speed train to Xi'an
5 - 6	Xi'an	Day 5: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter; Day 6: Ancient City Wall & high-speed train to Chengdu
7 - 8	Chengdu	Day 7: Giant Panda Breeding Base, Chengdu City Tour; Day 8: Flight to Shanghai
9 - 10	Shanghai	Day 9: The Bund, Shanghai Museum; Day 10: Departure

It is better to save the Great Wall for Day 3, after a full night's rest and a more relaxed day in Beijing. You can visit the Summer Palace as an option before taking the high-speed train to Xi'an. To make this transfer day easier, your luggage can stay in the trunk of your private vehicle while you explore, with your driver taking you and your bags directly to the train station afterward.

In Xi'an, you can try cycling the Ancient City Wall on the departure morning, and the roughly one-hour South Gate to West Gate section can be a more manageable option.

With only two days in Chengdu, make the Giant Panda Breeding Base your first stop and visit in the morning, when the pandas are generally more active. For the afternoon, you could visit Wenshu Temple, relax in a traditional teahouse, explore Jinli Old Street or local neighborhoods, or simply enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner depending on your interests.

If you prefer, you can also use the morning before your flight to Shanghai for a low-key taste of everyday Chengdu, such as People's Park, local snacks, or its famous Matchmaking Corner.

Finally, if Chengdu offers a more convenient international connection, an itinerary arrangement from Chengdu → Xi'an → Beijing → Shanghai according to your flight is also possible.

Itinerary 3: Add Chongqing for 8D Cityscapes

Hongya Cave in Chongqing

For a more dramatic urban experience, Chongqing stands out for its layered buildings, steep streets, and spectacular night views, making it a great choice if you enjoy distinctive cityscapes, photography, and exploring a city with strong local character.

Chongqing's hilly terrain means that some sightseeing involves stairs, slopes, and more walking than you may encounter in Chengdu. The good news is that elevators, cable cars, ferries, and well-placed vehicle transfers can take care of some of the more demanding sections, while a carefully planned route can avoid unnecessary backtracking and adjust the day around your walking ability and energy level.

Days	Place	How to Use Your Time
1 - 4	Beijing	Day 1: Arrival; Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City; Day 3: The Great Wall; Day 4: Temple of Heaven & high-speed train to Xi'an
5 - 6	Xi'an	Day 5: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter; Day 6: Ancient City Wall & HST to Chongqing
7 - 8	Chongqing	Day 7: Liziba, Hongya Cave, Two Rivers Cruise; Day 8: Flight to Shanghai
9 - 10	Shanghai	Day 9: The Bund, Unitree Robotics; Day 10: Departure

Keep Beijing as the starting point, planning each day around one major highlight, with the Forbidden City and Great Wall each taking center stage. For your Great Wall choice, consider Jinshanling if you prefer hiking, while Huanghuacheng is more leisurely with waterfront scenery.

The Terracotta Warriors are ideal for your first morning in Xi'an, and visit the lively Muslim Quarter in the late afternoon for the best atmosphere. Before flying to Chongqing, the following morning can be kept lighter with a cycle along the Ancient City Wall, a good choice to take in the city when crowds are relatively lighter.

For Chongqing, start with Liziba to experience the city's unusual vertical layout, watching the metro train pass through the residential building. As sunset approaches, head to Hongya Cave to explore the area as the lights gradually come on. If photography is your priority, we can also recommend a viewpoint suited to the kind of cityscape or night shots you want to capture.

In the evening, take a Two Rivers cruise for a more relaxed way to enjoy Chongqing's spectacular night scenery, offering another way to capture the illuminated Hongya Cave and its reflections on the river, without having to navigate through the crowds on foot.

For your time in Shanghai, spend half a day at Unitree Robotics interacting with robot dogs and humanoid robots. Then leave some time for a relaxed city walk and local specialties such as soup dumplings. The Bund makes a natural final stop, especially in the evening when the skyline lights up.

Itinerary 4: Add Guilin for Idyllic China

Li River in Guilin

If you want to add natural scenery without the more demanding mountain walks of Zhangjiajie, consider Guilin. The focus here is on karst peaks, river scenery, tranquil countryside, and village life, making it a more relaxed choice for families with kids or older travelers. With only two days, however, there is little room for Guilin's other attractions, so it is better to focus on the Li River and Yangshuo on your first trip.

Days	Place	How to Use Your Time
1 - 4	Beijing	Day 1: Arrival; Day 2: Forbidden City, Hutongs; Day 3: The Great Wall; Day 4: Temple of Heaven & high-speed train to Xi'an
5 - 6	Xi'an	Day 5: Terracotta Warriors, Great Tang Mall; Day 6: Local family visit, Shadow Puppet Show & flight to Guilin
7 - 8	Guilin	Day 7: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo West Street; Day 8: Yangshuo Countryside & Flight to Shanghai
9 - 10	Shanghai	Day 9: The Bund, Fuxing Park; Day 10: Departure

Start in Beijing with the essentials, then add a few slower-paced local experiences along the way. In the hutongs and at the Temple of Heaven, you can see everyday life beyond the major sights, from Tai Chi and morning exercise to people chatting and socializing. In Xi'an, a local family visit for noodle or dumpling making, or a traditional activity such as shadow puppetry, adds a more hands-on cultural experience before your flight south.

Take the Li River Cruise to Yangshuo on Day 7, with time to enjoy the karst peaks and river scenery along the way. After arriving in Yangshuo, keep the rest of the day easy with a walk around West Street, a café, or a drink rather than adding another major attraction.

For the return to Shanghai, allow a generous transfer window from Yangshuo to Guilin Airport. Since there is no direct high-speed rail or metro connection to the airport, a private car can simplify the transfer. You can keep your luggage with you and travel directly from Yangshuo to the airport. With pickup arranged around your flight, you can still use the morning for a countryside walk, a nearby village, or a short bike ride before heading to the airport.

Finish in Shanghai with a mix of classic and local city experiences. Slow down in Fuxing Park and explore the markets around Bugaoli and Sipai Road for a more everyday feel of the city, while capturing the stunning night view with a stroll through the Bund.

Itinerary 5: Add Hong Kong for a Different Urban Aesthetic

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong is a good way to add a distinctive urban experience to your China itinerary. This extension fits particularly well if you enjoy skyscrapers with historic neighborhoods, food, shopping, temples, street markets, and a mix of Chinese and international influences. It can also count as part of a 240-hour visa-free transit itinerary if your nationality and overall route meet the relevant requirements.

Two days are not enough to explore Hong Kong in depth, but grouping nearby attractions can help you experience the city without spending too much time crossing it.

Days	Place	How to Use Your Time
1 - 4	Beijing	Day 1: Arrival; Day 2: Forbidden City, Jingshan Park; Day 3: The Great Wall; Day 4: Local food market & high-speed train to Xi'an
5 - 6	Xi'an	Day 5: Terracotta Warriors, Great Tang Mall; Day 6: Gao Family Courtyard, Shadow Puppet Show & flight to Shanghai
7 - 8	Shanghai	Day 7: The Bund, French Concession, Shanghai Tower; Day 8: Flight to Hong Kong
9 - 10	Hong Kong	Day 9: Victoria Peak, Central Market, Tai Kwun; Day 10: Departure

Give the Great Wall a full day so you can enjoy the scenery and walk at your own pace. Then return to the city in the evening and take your time over a Beijing roast duck dinner instead of rushing to another attraction. A food market visit in the morning is an easy way to sample local snacks and everyday food culture before your train to Xi'an. You can also pick up snacks for the journey.

In Xi'an, still keep the Terracotta Warriors as the main priority. If the Great Tang Mall is also on your list, arrive earlier in the evening to find a good viewing spot for its nighttime atmosphere and performances.

In Shanghai, use your flight schedule to Hong Kong to decide how much time to spend in the city. On the first day, combine the Bund and French Concession, with a water-town visit as an alternative. If your flight to Hong Kong is later the next day, you can use the extra time for museums, architecture, or contemporary neighborhoods instead.

With only one full day in Hong Kong, choosing one side of Hong Kong allows you to experience it more fully rather than rushing between highlights.

For iconic city views, focus on the Central District. Let the Peak Tram whisk you to Victoria Peak to capture its iconic skyline during daytime, and add Tai Kwun if you want to include some history and culture. For a leisurely way to capture the night view, take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.

For a more local side of Hong Kong, stay in Kowloon and combine Wong Tai Sin Temple with Mong Kok. The Ladies' Market, Flower Market, and Bird Garden offer a chance to browse local shops and see a more authentic side of the city.

More FAQs About 10 Days in China

Is Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai enough for 10 days?

Yes. Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai make a well-paced 10-day first trip to China. Around 8 days can cover the key attractions, while 10 days gives you more time for additional sites, local experiences, and a less rushed pace.

Can I add Wangxian Valley with Zhangjiajie?

A 10-day China itinerary is too short to comfortably combine both Wangxian Valley and Zhangjiajie. Allow about 2 days for Wangxian Valley and another 2 days for Zhangjiajie, as the two destinations are not close to each other and getting between them involves additional train or road transfers.

If both are high on your list, consider extending the trip beyond 10 days so you can include them without cutting too deeply into the rest of your itinerary.

Can I add a Yangtze River Cruise with Chongqing?

A Yangtze River Cruise works well with Chongqing, but it is difficult to fit leisurely into a 10-day itinerary that also includes Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.

A Three Gorges cruise is not a one-day add-on that you can simply squeeze between Xi'an and Shanghai. The cruise itself typically takes several days, and the one-day cruise also requires days to complete the transfer.

If both the cruise and Chongqing are important parts of your China trip, consider extending the itinerary. A practical plan would be to allow around two days in Chongqing and three days for the cruise, with additional time for the necessary transfers.

How to Add Hong Kong in a 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Tour?

Depending on your international flights, you can add Hong Kong before entering mainland China or after leaving it. However, China's 240-hour visa-free transit eligibility depends on your nationality, the countries or regions you travel from and to, your entry and exit points, and the exact routing. Simply adding Hong Kong to your trip does not automatically make you eligible for visa-free transit.

For a 10-day trip departing from the US, for example, you could consider either of these route structures:

• Hong Kong first, then mainland China: Days 1 to 2 in Hong Kong, Days 3 to 9 exploring mainland China, and Day 10 departing for the US.
• Mainland China first, then Hong Kong: Days 1 to 8 in mainland China, Day 9 visiting Hong Kong, and Day 10 departing for the US.

When planning your China trip with Odynovo, our travel specialists can help design a route that takes the 240-hour visa-free transit requirements into account, while tailoring the destinations and pace to your available time, interests, and other travel preferences to make the most of your time.