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Classic China 10-Day Highlights

Beijing · Xi'an · Guilin · Shanghai

10 days4 citiesFirst-timersCulture

Walk through timeless heritage, from ancient capitals to river landscapes and modern skylines.

China Journey
Best for
First-timers
Pace
Relaxed
Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group
Solo, Couple, Friends

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Beijing

Settle into Beijing

Explore the imperial heart and iconic landmarks.

  1. MorningArrive and orient in Beijing

    Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.

    Beijing arrival area
  2. AfternoonForbidden City and imperial axis

    Reserve tickets early and keep the afternoon lighter.

    Forbidden City
  3. EveningBeijing neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Beijing old town or food street

Day 2Beijing

Temple of Heaven and hutong lanes

Explore the imperial heart and iconic landmarks.

  1. MorningTemple of Heaven and hutong lanes

    Pair a major site with a slower neighborhood walk.

    Temple of Heaven
  2. AfternoonTemple of Heaven and hutong lanes

    Pair a major site with a slower neighborhood walk.

    Temple of Heaven
  3. EveningBeijing neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Beijing old town or food street

Day 3Beijing

Great Wall day trip

Explore the imperial heart and iconic landmarks.

  1. MorningGreat Wall day trip

    Use a relaxed out-and-back transfer and return before dinner.

    Mutianyu Great Wall
  2. AfternoonGreat Wall day trip

    Use a relaxed out-and-back transfer and return before dinner.

    Mutianyu Great Wall
  3. EveningPack and prepare the next transfer

    Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.

    Beijing station or hotel area

Day 4Xi'an

Settle into Xi'an

Step into the world of terracotta warriors.

  1. MorningArrive and orient in Xi'an

    Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.

    Xi'an arrival area
  2. AfternoonCity Wall and Muslim Quarter

    A culture-heavy day with short hops inside the old city.

    Xi'an City Wall
  3. EveningXi'an neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Xi'an old town or food street

Day 5Xi'an

Terracotta Army and museum route

Step into the world of terracotta warriors.

  1. MorningTerracotta Army and museum route

    Start early, then keep the old city evening flexible.

    Terracotta Army
  2. AfternoonTerracotta Army and museum route

    Start early, then keep the old city evening flexible.

    Terracotta Army
  3. EveningPack and prepare the next transfer

    Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.

    Xi'an station or hotel area

Day 6Guilin

Settle into Guilin

Cruise the Li River through karst wonderlands.

  1. MorningArrive and orient in Guilin

    Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.

    Guilin arrival area
  2. AfternoonReed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

    A soft landing day before moving deeper into karst scenery.

    Two Rivers and Four Lakes
  3. EveningGuilin neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Guilin old town or food street

Day 7Guilin

Li River cruise setup

Cruise the Li River through karst wonderlands.

  1. MorningLi River cruise setup

    Keep the first day gentle and prepare for the river section.

    Li River pier
  2. AfternoonLi River cruise setup

    Keep the first day gentle and prepare for the river section.

    Li River pier
  3. EveningGuilin neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Guilin old town or food street

Day 8Guilin

Reed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

Cruise the Li River through karst wonderlands.

  1. MorningReed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

    A soft landing day before moving deeper into karst scenery.

    Two Rivers and Four Lakes
  2. AfternoonReed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

    A soft landing day before moving deeper into karst scenery.

    Two Rivers and Four Lakes
  3. EveningPack and prepare the next transfer

    Keep the evening close to the hotel so the next travel day starts cleanly.

    Guilin station or hotel area

Day 9Shanghai

Settle into Shanghai

Experience the blend of old and new.

  1. MorningArrive and orient in Shanghai

    Keep the first block light, confirm tickets and settle bags before the main visit.

    Shanghai arrival area
  2. AfternoonThe Bund and Old City

    Mix classic skyline views with slower historic lanes.

    The Bund
  3. EveningShanghai neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Shanghai old town or food street

Day 10Shanghai

French Concession and museums

Experience the blend of old and new.

  1. MorningFrench Concession and museums

    Leave room for cafes, galleries and an easy final dinner.

    Former French Concession
  2. AfternoonFrench Concession and museums

    Leave room for cafes, galleries and an easy final dinner.

    Former French Concession
  3. EveningShanghai neighborhood dinner

    Finish with a low-pressure dinner area rather than another major attraction.

    Shanghai old town or food street

Editor's note

Editor approved

A classic route loved by millions of travelers. Well-paced and well-reviewed, offering a perfect first journey through China.