10 Days in China: Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai

The classic first-time China route. Three cities, three flavours, one easy loop.

By HappyChinaTrip · Last updated 20 May 2026

Length

10 days

Cities

Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai

Best for

First-time visitors with 10–12 days who want history, food and a modern skyline.

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Day by day

1
Beijing
Arrive in Beijing
Land at PEK or PKX. Hutong hotel near Qianmen. Evening walk at Tiananmen.
2
Beijing
Forbidden City + Jingshan
Book Forbidden City ahead. Jingshan sunset. Peking duck dinner.
3
Beijing
Great Wall — Mutianyu
Quieter than Badaling. Cable car up, toboggan optional.
5
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors
Morning warriors, afternoon city wall, Muslim Quarter food at night.
7
Shanghai
The Bund + French Concession
Classic skyline walk and café afternoon.
10
Shanghai
Fly home
Tianzifang last-minute gifts, Maglev to PVG.