Planning your first trip to China? The "Golden Triangle" — Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai — is the classic route for a reason. In 10 days, you'll experience China's ancient imperial capital, its most famous archaeological site, and its dazzling modern metropolis. Here's the perfect day-by-day plan.
Arrive in Beijing. Check into your hotel and shake off the jet lag with an evening walk through the Nanluoguxiang hutongs. Grab your first jianbing (savory crepe) from a street vendor. If you have energy, head to Houhai Lake for dinner by the water.
The ultimate Day 2 activity — hit the Great Wall before jet lag fully wears off. Take our Mutianyu bus tour (8am departure). Spend 3-4 hours hiking and taking photos. Ride the toboggan slide down for the most fun way off the wall. Back in Beijing by 4pm for a well-deserved Peking duck dinner.
Morning: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (book tickets in advance!). Afternoon: Jingshan Park (climb the hill for the iconic Forbidden City panorama with the modern CBD skyline behind). Evening: Wangfujing Night Market for adventurous snacking.
Morning: Temple of Heaven (go early to see locals practicing tai chi). Late morning: Summer Palace. Afternoon: Hutong rickshaw tour through the old alleyways. Evening: High-speed train to Xi'an (4.5 hours).
The main event. Take our Terracotta Warriors day tour. The museum has three excavated pits — spend at least 3 hours here. Afternoon back in the city: walk the Muslim Quarter for lamb skewers, yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), and persimmon cakes.
Morning: Xi'an City Wall — rent a bike and cycle the 13.7 km loop on top of the ancient fortification. Afternoon: Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Evening: Fly to Shanghai (2.5 hours).
Morning: Yu Garden and the surrounding old town bazaar. Afternoon: French Concession walking tour — tree-lined streets, Art Deco mansions, and the best coffee in China. Evening: The Bund at sunset for the iconic Pudong skyline view.
Escape the city for a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town — Venice of the East with canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses. Afternoon back in Shanghai for Nanjing Road shopping.
Shanghai Tower (world's second-tallest building — the observation deck at 562m is breathtaking). Afternoon: Tianzifang arts and crafts district. Evening: rooftop bar on the Bund for a farewell cocktail with the best view in Asia.
Last-minute souvenir shopping, then head to Pudong Airport. Don't forget to try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) one last time!
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (9 nights) | $270 | $630 |
| Tours & Tickets | $180 | $350 |
| Food | $150 | $300 |
| Transport (trains/flights) | $200 | $350 |
| Total | ~$800 | ~$1,630 |
A 10-day China trip can be done comfortably for $800-1,600 per person excluding international flights. Book your tours now and we'll help you plan the rest.