Overview
Ten days is enough time to comfortably cover three cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. This is one of the most popular first-trip combinations and works well because each city has a distinct character and the connections by high-speed train are straightforward.
Suggested breakdown: Beijing 3 nights, Xi’an 3 nights, Shanghai 4 nights.
Days 1–3: Beijing
Day 1: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (full day). Arrive and settle in on Day 1 morning if flying in.
Day 2: The Great Wall at Mutianyu (full day). Book a car or join a small group tour.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven in the morning, hutong area (Nanluoguxiang or Shichahai) in the afternoon. Evening: Wangfujing or Sanlitun.
Days 4–6: Xi’an
Take a morning G train from Beijing to Xi’an (about 4.5 hours). Arrive early afternoon.
Day 4: Afternoon: Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque. Walk the city walls at sunset.
Day 5: Full day at the Terracotta Army. This is a half-day journey outside the city center — allow the full day.
Day 6: Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the morning. Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum (book tickets in advance). Evening: try local food including rou jia mo and biangbiang noodles.
Days 7–10: Shanghai
Take a G or D train from Xi’an to Shanghai (about 6–7 hours, or take an overnight option).
Day 7: Arrive, settle in, walk the Bund in the evening.
Day 8: Yu Garden, Old Town, Xintiandi.
Day 9: French Concession by foot. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon: contemporary art at Power Station of Art or West Bund Museum.
Day 10: Morning free. Pudong skyline observation deck (Shanghai Tower) if not done earlier. Head to Pudong Airport with plenty of time.
Practical tips
- Book trains early, especially Beijing–Xi’an and Xi’an–Shanghai.
- The Terracotta Army requires a separate day trip — do not underestimate travel time.
- Xi’an is more compact than Beijing or Shanghai, making walking and cycling practical.
- Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before leaving home if possible.