10 Days Classic China Itinerary
This 10-day itinerary explores the highlights of China, focusing on Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. You'll experience historical sites, cultural performances, and delicious cuisine, all while staying within a moderate budget. The trip balances iconic landmarks with local experiences.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1000-2000
Best Time
The best times to visit China are generally spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant, and skies are clearer, ideal for sightseeing
Activities
40
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Beijing (3d), Xi'an (2d), Shanghai (5d)
Pace
Moderate
China offers a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and modern marvels. From iconic landmarks like the Great Wall to bustling cityscapes and serene natural landscapes, China provides an unforgettable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 10 must-have experiences
Ancient Walled City / Water Town
Day 2: Forbidden City
Imperial Palace & Garden
Day 2: Forbidden City
Iconic Natural Landscape
e.g., Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Hunan), Huangshan (Yellow Mountain, Anhui)
Great Wall Section
Day 3: Great Wall at Mutianyu
Street Food & Local Market
Day 1: Wangfujing Snack Street Dinner
Ancient Temple or Grottoes
Day 2: Temple of Heaven
Modern City Viewpoint
Day 6: Check into Hotel near The Bund
Historical Museum & Artifacts
Day 1: Tiananmen Square & National Museum of China (Exterior)
Giant Panda Sanctuary
e.g., Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Bifengxia Giant Panda Base (Ya'an)
Traditional Performance & Opera
e.g., Sichuan Opera (Chengdu), Impression Liu Sanjie (Yangshuo/Guilin)
Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, varying significantly from region to region. Expect bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a wide range of cooking techniques. Be adventurous and try new things!
Must-Try Dishes
Thinly sliced roasted duck with crispy skin, served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. The crispy skin is the highlight!
📍 Specialized Peking Duck restaurants in Beijing
Steamed dumplings filled with hot soup and flavorful meat. A delicate and delicious experience. Eat carefully to avoid squirting!
📍 Din Tai Fung (international chain), local dumpling shops in Shanghai
Silken tofu in a spicy and savory sauce made with fermented black beans, chili oil, and ground meat (often pork or beef). A Sichuan classic.
📍 Sichuan restaurants nationwide
Diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy-sweet sauce. A popular and widely available dish.
📍 Most Chinese restaurants
Food Neighborhoods
Touristy but offers a wide variety of local snacks.
Known for its halal food and vibrant street food scene.
Traditional snacks and local delicacies.
Local snacks and traditional restaurants
Vegetarian options are becoming more prevalent, but it's helpful to learn a few phrases in Mandarin to communicate your needs. "Wo chi su" (我吃素) means "I am vegetarian." Vegan options are less common. Halal food can be found in Muslim neighborhoods. Be aware of potential allergens like peanuts, soy sauce, and shellfish. Cross-contamination is common.
It's customary to use chopsticks and to share dishes. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense offerings for the deceased. Slurping is acceptable, especially when eating noodles. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate is considered polite, indicating that you've had enough to eat. Tipping is generally not expected.
Chinese New Year
ChunjieMost important Chinese holiday with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions.
Note: Book flights/hotels 2 months ahead
Mid-Autumn Festival
Zhongqiu JieHarvest festival with mooncakes, lanterns, and moon viewing.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)$5
2:00 PM - Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Take the Airport Express train to the city center. Purchase a Yikatong card for easy transportation.
- 🚆Take the Airport Express train to Dongzhimen station, then transfer to subway line 2 to Wangfujing station. Walk to hotel.$30
4:00 PM - Check into Hotel near Wangfujing
Settle in and leave your luggage. Opt for a budget-friendly hotel or hostel in the Wangfujing area.
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- 🚶Walk from hotel to Tiananmen Square.FREE
6:00 PM - Tiananmen Square & National Museum of China (Exterior)
Walk through Tiananmen Square and admire the surrounding buildings. Note that the National Museum of China requires advance booking.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Tiananmen Square to Wangfujing Snack Street.$15
8:00 PM - Wangfujing Snack Street Dinner
Sample local snacks like Peking duck pancakes and candied hawthorns. Be prepared for tourist prices.
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Wangfujing
Central location, close to major attractions, shopping, and dining.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit China are generally spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant, and skies are clearer, ideal for sightseeing. Summers (June-August) can be hot and humid, especially in the south, while winters (November-March) bring cold temperatures and snow to the north, offering unique experiences like the Harbin Ice Festival. Avoid major national holidays like Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Labor Day (early May), and Golden Week (early October) as tourist sites become extremely crowded and transportation/accommodation prices surge.
During the shoulder seasons, expect comfortable temperatures with sunny days. Rainfall is possible, so packing an umbrella is advisable. Humidity levels are generally moderate.
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and clearer skies, making them ideal for sightseeing.
Avoid traveling during Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Labor Day (early May), and Golden Week (early October) due to overcrowding and price surges.
Getting Around
Extensive high-speed rail and metro systems in major cities
City-specific transit cards or Alipay QR codes
Download DiDi for ride-hailing. Book train tickets in advance on 12306 or Trip.com.
Travel
$200-400 (includes train tickets between cities)Accommodation
$300-500Food
$300-500Activities
$200-400Eat at local eateries and street food stalls (choose busy ones for freshness). This is often delicious and significantly cheaper than tourist-oriented restaurants.
Utilize China's excellent public transportation (subways, buses). It's efficient, inexpensive, and a great way to experience local life, especially in major cities.
Invest in high-speed rail for inter-city travel. While pricier than long-distance buses, it's incredibly fast, comfortable, and a key part of China's modern infrastructure.
Consider a reputable, high-quality tour for specific cultural experiences like a multi-day Yangtze River cruise or a guided Great Wall hike away from the most crowded sections.
Always pay with WeChat Pay or Alipay using your phone. This is the norm for virtually everything, offers the best exchange rates, and avoids the hassle of cash.
When shopping in markets, especially for souvenirs or clothing, don't be afraid to bargain politely. Start at 30-50% of the asking price and negotiate towards a mutually agreeable figure.
- Download and test your VPN *before* arriving in China; many popular international apps and websites (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked.
- Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are dominant. Cash is rarely accepted, and credit cards are often not supported outside major hotels/international establishments. Set up your mobile payment apps and link an international card if possible before your trip, though a local SIM often makes this easier.
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases like 'Ni hao' (hello), 'Xie xie' (thank you), and 'Bu yao' (I don't want it) for easier interactions, especially outside major tourist hubs.
- Be prepared for squat toilets, which are common in public restrooms and smaller establishments outside of modern hotels and major city centers. Carry your own tissues or toilet paper.
- Always carry your passport. It's required for hotel check-ins, high-speed rail travel, and some attractions or security checkpoints.
- Bargaining is expected in markets and smaller shops; do so politely and with a smile.
- Tipping is not customary in China and can sometimes be seen as an insult, though it's becoming more accepted in some high-end tourist services.
- Use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps like Didi. Avoid unofficial taxis or 'black cabs' to prevent scams.
- 1Pre-installed and tested VPN subscription (on phone, tablet, laptop)
- 2Portable power bank (high capacity for multiple charges)
- 3Universal travel adapter with Type A/C/I plugs (China uses 220V)
- 4Comfortable walking shoes (you'll do a lot of walking)
- 5Travel-size hand sanitizer and personal toilet paper/tissues
- 6Light layers of clothing (for temperature changes and air conditioning)
- 7Reusable water bottle (refill stations are common, tap water is not potable)
- 8Basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications (with doctor's note)
- 9Small padlock (for hostel lockers or luggage security)
- 10Offline translation app (e.g., Pleco or Google Translate with downloaded packs)
China Visa Application
Apply well in advance (at least 1-2 months before travel) through your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Requirements can be strict.
International Flights
Book as early as possible (3-6 months out) for best prices and availability, especially during peak seasons.
Accommodation
Book hotels/hostels ahead of time, particularly if traveling during peak holidays or to popular cities. Many international booking sites work best with a VPN.
High-Speed Rail Tickets
For popular routes and long distances, book 1-2 weeks in advance. Tickets can be purchased via official apps (12306) or third-party agents.
Popular Attractions/Tours
Many major sites like the Forbidden City (Beijing), Shanghai Museum, and Terracotta Army (Xi'an) require advance booking (often 3-7 days) with timed entry slots. Check official websites.
VPN Subscription & Installation
Subscribe to a reputable VPN service and install it on all devices *before* you leave home. Test its functionality.
eSIM or International SIM Card
Arrange your data connectivity before departure for immediate use upon arrival. eSIMs are convenient, or plan to buy a physical SIM at the airport.
Setting up WeChat Pay/Alipay
Download the apps and attempt to link an international credit card (e.g., Visa/Mastercard) before you arrive. Some foreign cards may encounter issues, but it's worth trying.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website/app
📍 China Unicom stores at airports or in cities (requires passport)
📍 GlocalMe website or at some airports
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and some public areas. However, access to certain websites and apps (e.g., Google, Facebook, Instagram) is often restricted due to the Great Firewall. A VPN is highly recommended to bypass these restrictions.
Useful Apps
Download a VPN *before* arriving in China, as it may be difficult to download one once you're there. Consider setting up a WeChat Pay or Alipay account for convenient mobile payments. Familiarize yourself with basic Mandarin phrases, especially for directions and ordering food. Be aware of internet censorship and plan accordingly.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two angled flat pins + ground
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — may be refused
Not expected; round up fare if desired
Not expected in most hotels
Tipping is not part of Chinese culture. High-end international hotels may accept tips.
Safety & Travel Advisories
China is generally a safe country for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas and scams targeting tourists.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
120
119
Limited English support — have your hotel address written in Chinese
Payments
China is nearly cashless — mobile payment dominates
International cards rarely accepted outside luxury hotels
WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential; some now allow foreign card linking
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Carry some cash for rural areas.
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How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit China are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) due to pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to summer and major holidays. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, be aware that some regions may experience occasional rainfall.
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