China JourneyYour China, your way
← Back to roadbooks

roadbook · Beijing · Xi'an · Guilin · Shanghai

Classic China 10-Day Highlights

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

First-timersCulture
Best for
First-timers
Pace
Relaxed
Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Risk
Solo, Couple, Friends
More actions

Roadbook preview · generated from verified route assets

Day-by-day route

10 days · Beijing · Xi'an · Guilin · Shanghai · relaxed pace

Day 1

Roadbook day 1

Settle into Beijing

Explore the imperial heart and iconic landmarks.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Arrive and orient in Beijing

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

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    Forbidden City and imperial axis

    Reserve tickets early and keep the afternoon lighter.

  3. AttractionEvening
    Beijing neighborhood dinner

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

Day 2

Roadbook day 2

Temple of Heaven and hutong lanes

Explore the imperial heart and iconic landmarks.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Temple of Heaven and hutong lanes

    Pair a major site with a slower neighborhood walk.

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    Temple of Heaven and hutong lanes

    Pair a major site with a slower neighborhood walk.

  3. AttractionEvening
    Beijing neighborhood dinner

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

Day 3

Roadbook day 3

Great Wall day trip

Explore the imperial heart and iconic landmarks.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Great Wall day trip

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

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    Great Wall day trip

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

  3. AttractionEvening
    Pack and prepare the next transfer

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

Day 4

Roadbook day 4

Settle into Xi'an

Step into the world of terracotta warriors.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Arrive and orient in Xi'an

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

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    City Wall and Muslim Quarter

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

  3. AttractionEvening
    Xi'an neighborhood dinner

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

Day 5

Roadbook day 5

Terracotta Army and museum route

Step into the world of terracotta warriors.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Terracotta Army and museum route

    Start early, then keep the old city evening flexible.

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    Terracotta Army and museum route

    Start early, then keep the old city evening flexible.

  3. AttractionEvening
    Pack and prepare the next transfer

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

Day 6

Roadbook day 6

Settle into Guilin

Cruise the Li River through karst wonderlands.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Arrive and orient in Guilin

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

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    Reed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

    A soft landing day before moving deeper into karst scenery.

  3. AttractionEvening
    Guilin neighborhood dinner

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

Day 7

Roadbook day 7

Li River cruise setup

Cruise the Li River through karst wonderlands.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Li River cruise setup

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

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    Li River cruise setup

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

  3. AttractionEvening
    Guilin neighborhood dinner

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

Day 8

Roadbook day 8

Reed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

Cruise the Li River through karst wonderlands.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Reed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

    A soft landing day before moving deeper into karst scenery.

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    Reed Flute Cave and lakeside walk

    A soft landing day before moving deeper into karst scenery.

  3. AttractionEvening
    Pack and prepare the next transfer

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

Day 9

Roadbook day 9

Settle into Shanghai

Experience the blend of old and new.

  1. AttractionMorning
    Arrive and orient in Shanghai

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

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    The Bund and Old City

    Mix classic skyline views with slower historic lanes.

  3. AttractionEvening
    Shanghai neighborhood dinner

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

Day 10

Roadbook day 10

French Concession and museums

Experience the blend of old and new.

  1. AttractionMorning
    French Concession and museums

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

  2. AttractionAfternoon
    French Concession and museums

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

  3. AttractionEvening
    Shanghai neighborhood dinner

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

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.