China is a country that offers a wealth of unique and unforgettable experiences for travelers.
With 10 days to spare, you could explore 3 or 4 cities. In this article, we'll provide you with five of the best options for a 10-day itinerary in China, including popular combinations and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
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- A Classic Itinerary
- Itinerary with Pandas
- Itinerary with Yangtze River
- Itinerary with Tibet
- Itinerary with Zhangjiajie
- Costs
- How to Travel Around China
1. A Classic 10-Day China Itinerary for Couples and Families
For first-time visitors, we recommend visiting Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Pingyao. These four cities offer the best opportunities to explore China's top attractions, rich culture, and stunning natural scenery:
- Days 1‒3 Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven
- Days 4‒6 Pingyao: Pingyao Ancient City, Shuanglin Temple, Wang's Family Compound
- Days 7‒8 Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, City Walls, Muslim Quarter, Big Goose Pagoda
- Days 9‒10 Shanghai: The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower
In Beijing
You'll explore the most authentically restored section of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu Great Wall. For a special experience, pay a night visit to the Simatai section, which is the only part open at night.
If you love hiking, we can also arrange a Great Wall hike for you. Jinshanling to Simatai is best for hiking.
If you're traveling with kids and want to give them some cultural experience, we can arrange a family tai chi exercise in the morning with a master, or you could learn Chinese calligraphy together.
In Pingyao
You may have heard of Black Myth: Wukong. Many of its scenes are inspired by this ancient town. Here, you'll step into a real-world version of the game.
Visit Shuanglin Temple to see its remarkable painted sculptures, created over 2,000 years ago.
Then walk through the UNESCO-listed Pingyao Ancient City, and explore Wang Family Courtyard. In this grand complex of traditional Chinese courtyard houses, you'll see how wealthy families once lived in China.
In Xi'an
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and try to make your own clay warrior with local artisans. You'll learn about how the Terracotta Warriors were made 2,000 years ago and create your own unique warrior to take home as a souvenir.
Also, enjoy a food tour of the Muslim Quarter and bike around the old city on the ancient city wall.
In Shanghai
Enjoy an in-depth culture discovery tour of the Bund. Step into the Bund's old buildings, where you can touch and feel their charm and learn about the history behind them.
The rest of your time in Shanghai is flexible according to your preferences, whether it's shopping malls, spa treatments, or a visit to some of Shanghai's iconic skyscrapers…
Our tours are ready to be personalized. We can craft a trip based on your interests and needs. Just contact us.
2. A 10-Day China Itinerary with Pandas
If pandas are a must-see for you, and you want to get the most out of your 10-day first China trip, you should check out this itinerary:
This itinerary is more varied. It adds a trip to Chengdu to see pandas, and Guilin for the tranquil countryside exploration.
- Days 1‒3: Beijing
- Days 4‒5: Xi'an
- Days 6‒7: Chengdu
- Days 8‒10: Shanghai
In Chengdu
We can arrange a Panda Keeper Program to let you observe them closer. In the program, you will clean the glass of their enclosures, see them being fed, and make their favorite cakes.
If you want to experience the laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu, go to People's Park, where you can relax in a teahouse, see local people dancing and singing, and explore its interesting "marriage market".
You'll also stroll along Jinli Ancient Street for a food-focused walk, tasting local specialties. After all, Chengdu is recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy.
Finally, explore the Sanxingdui Museum, where you'll discover mysterious bronze trees and golden masks from one of China's most fascinating ancient civilizations.
3. 10 Days with the Yangtze River Cruise
If you want a more relaxed pace of travel, you could consider this combination. This itinerary is especially suitable for families with kids and the elderly:
- Days 1‒3: Beijing
- Days 4‒7: Chongqing
- Days 8‒10: Shanghai
The itinerary not only lets you experience China's cultural treasures, like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing,
You'll also take a 3-day Yangtze River Cruise at a leisurely pace, and witness the amazing Three Gorges Dam.
Before boarding the ship in the evening, you'll have a full day to explore magical 8D Chongqing.
Witness the monorail through residences at Liziba Station, taste local snacks at Ciqikou Ancient Town, and enjoy the city skyline from Eling Park's elevated walkway. You'll love this amazing city.
4. A 10-Day China Itinerary with Holy Tibet
If you have a passion to see Tibet on your first trip to China, then this itinerary is recommended for you. This itinerary covers China's top cities (Beijing and Shanghai) and the heart of Tibet — Lhasa:
- Days 1‒3: Beijing
- Days 4‒8: Lhasa
- Day 9‒10: Shanghai
In this itinerary, besides visiting the top famous cities, you would go to Tibet. The four days in Tibet will allow you to visit its essential highlights.
There, you could visit the famous Potala Palace, the emblem of Tibet. Go to Barkhor Street, where you can watch pilgrims doing their prostrating obeisances. And appreciate a different way of life in a Tibetan folk house.
If you want to explore more unique places in Tibet, you may need 2 or 3 weeks. See our 2-Week China Itineraries for Couples and Families and How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China (Best 3 Options & Costs).
5. 10-Day UNESCO Tour in Zhangjiajie and Guizhou
If you have been to first-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai and want an off-the-beaten-track route this time, you could consider exploring Zhangjiajie and Guizhou province:
- Days 1‒2: Guizhou (visit Guiyang)
- Days 3-5: Guizhou (visit Qian Dongnan)
- Day 6: Guizhou (visit Tongren)
- Days 7-10: Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town
In this itinerary, you will explore deeper into Southwest China to see its spectacular mountain areas and learn about its minority culture.
In Guizhou
Mount Fanjing, listed in UNESCIO siteYou'll marvel at two natural wonders: Huangguoshu Waterfall near Guiyang and Mount Fanjing in Tongren, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guizhou is home to one of China's most diverse minority populations. Rather than visiting commercialized villages, you'll step into authentic local Miao Villages, where people still wear traditional clothing and practice their age-old customs.
You can learn traditional skills, such as papermaking and batik dyeing, and see how these crafts are passed down through generations.
Guizhou is vast. With private transfers and a guide, you can travel across Guizhou easily. Also, chat with local villagers to learn about their daily lives.
In Zhangjiajie
Our guest in Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkWulingyuan Scenic Area is also listed at UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, the two biggest highlights.
In the forest park, you'll embark on an Avatar journey, seeing pillar stones thrusting from the ground. If mist rolls in, you'll spot the very floating Hallelujah Mountains from the movie. Our guide will help you avoid the crowds and find the best photo spots.
Nearby, Fenghuang Ancient Town offers a glimpse into minority culture. Its stilted wooden houses are especially magical at night, giving you the feeling of stepping into a fairy-tale world.
Ready for China's Natural Wonders Tour?
Join our 10-Day Fanjing Mountain, Zhangjiajie, and Minority Village Tour. Book early for the guides and the best hotels.
Costs for 10 Days in China
For a private tour in China, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person, including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.
Thus, a 10-day tour for two people would cost about US$4,500–7,000. A tour for a family of four may cost US$8,000–10,000 (kids under 10 get 30–50% off). These prices do not include international flights.
How to Travel Around China
Air travel and high-speed rail are the main modes of travel and also the most convenient options for intercity connections. Almost every major city is connected by high-speed rail and an airport.
When booking with us, let us know your travel preferences, and we will arrange the best travel routes for you, seamlessly booking the flight/train tickets you need. Just contact us.
Tour China with Us
Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, there's something for everyone in China. Let's create your dream trip! All our tours can be customized.
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