The Ultimate 10 Days in China Itinerary: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu & Shanghai
If you’re planning to visit China in 10 days, here is an itinerary our China experts have created that allows you to see the absolute highlights, without a mad rush to squeeze too much in. This 10 day China itinerary covers Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai — history, food, pandas, and modern skylines all in one trip!
At Eventurus, we make personalised, custom itineraries affordable and easy.
Our Custom 10 Day China Itinerary - At a Glance
10-Day China Golden Triangle + Pandas
| Day | Location | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Hutong Rickshaw Tour, and a day trip to the Great Wall. Evening Peking Duck feast. |
| Day 4-5 | Xi’an | High-speed train from Beijing. Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter street food, and cycling the City Walls. |
| Day 6-7 | Chengdu | Bullet train to the home of Giant Pandas. Teahouse culture, Sichuan Hotpot, and Jinli Ancient Street. |
| Day 8-10 | Shanghai | Flight to the "Future." The Bund skyline, French Concession breakfast food tour, and rooftop cocktails. |
Planning 10 days in China is a logistical puzzle. Our free PDF includes our expert designed route and recommendations of what to do and see in each location.
🗓️ Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Beijing
Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel.
Free time to rest & explore Wangfujing Pedestrian Street near your hotel
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Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with a local guide (see details here)
Self explore the old hutongs by rickshaw or on foot.
Enjoy a meal of famous Peking Duck at our recommended restaurants
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Day group trip to the Great Wall of China (see the details here or upgrade to a small group or private tour)
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Take the high-speed train to Xi’an (2nd Class, 6 hours)
Afternoon free time to stroll through the Muslim Quarter, famous for street food (Why not add on our Evening Food Tour by TukTuk!)
Spend the evening sampling Xi’an craft beer and listening to live music.
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Morning visit to the Terracotta Army on a group tour including local lunch.
Afternoon free time to walk or cycle along the Xi’an City Wall.
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High-speed train to Chengdu (2nd Class, 3.5 hours)
Evening free time, try a hotpot dinner at our recommended restaurant and walk down Jinli Ancient Street.
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Half day morning group tour of the Panda Research Base with hotel pick up.
After free time to explore the city center and relax in a local teahouse.
Why not add on an Evening Sichuan opera face-changing show!
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Flight to Shanghai.
Evening free time to walk along the Bund and rooftop cocktails at our recommendation with skyline views.
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Have a great start to the day with a Shanghai Breakfast Food Tour (see details here)
Afternoon free time to explore. Walk along Nanjing Road, visit Yu Garden or one of the many museums or art galleries.
Dinner in the French Concession at our recommended restaurants.
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Free time before transfer to the airport.
Price & Inclusions for 2 people
What’s Included?
Accommodation with breakfast (9 nights)
All Airport Transfers
Train Tickets 2nd Class (Beijing to Xi’an, Xi’an to Chengdu
Domestic Flight with 20kg Hold Luggage (Chengdu to Shanghai)
Forbidden City Guided Tour
Group Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall
Half Day Group Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Lunch
Half Day Group Tour to the Panda Research Base
Shanghai Breakfast Food Tour
Eventurus Planning and Concierge Fee ($85)
Estimated Budget for this Custom 10-Day Route: £1000 – £1150 pp
Based on 2 adults sharing
This is a sample budget based on 3-star, centrally located hotels. As this is a custom itinerary, we can adjust the pace and accommodation to match your specific requirements.
More on China from Eventurus Asia
💡 Why Book With Eventurus?
Many people think hiring a travel company to plan an itinerary is expensive. The truth? It’s not. Eventurus creates affordable, customized trips — with hotels, tours, and transport all arranged so you don’t waste time figuring it out.
👉 For example, this custom itinerary is only from £1000 – £1150 pp
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a visa for this 10 day China itinerary?
If you are eligible for China’s 240-hour transit visa-free policy or the 30 day visa freestay, you don’t need to apply for a standard tourist visa. You must have proof of onward travel to a third country. Eventurus can guide you on the latest rules.
Check the official guidelines for the 240-hour visa free transit policy here
Check the official guidelines for the 30 day visa free stay policy here
2. What level of hotels are included?
This itinerary includes comfortable 3-star tourist hotels — clean, safe, and central, but not luxury. If you’d like to upgrade, we can arrange 4-star, 5-star or boutique options.
3. Are trains and flights included?
Yes. The high-speed trains between Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu, as well as the domestic flight to Shanghai, are included in this example package.
4. Is food included in the price?
Breakfast is included daily at hotels and some food on the included food tours. Other meals are free choice, so you can explore local restaurants. We can recommend restaurants for you based on your preferences.
5. Are the tours private or group?
Most sightseeing is done on small guided tours so you get personal attention but also good value. Private options are available if you prefer.
6. Can this itinerary be customized?
Absolutely! We can adjust it for your interests, add extra days, or swap in other cities.
7. How much does it cost?
Many travelers are surprised how affordable this is. A full 10 day trip with tours and hotels for 2 people is far less than you’d expect, see the price above for this itinerary.
🚀 Ready to Plan Your China Adventure?
This 10 day China itinerary is designed for visa-free transit visitors who want to see the highlights without stress. Send us a message at Eventurus, and we’ll help you make it happen.
Email: hello@eventuruschina.com
