10-Day China Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day China tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day China Itinerary, incl. Beijing and Shanghai

  The cultural route through 4 cities features UNESCO sites like the Forbidden City and Longmen Caves. Watch 3 traditional performances, including acrobatics and shadow puppetry, plus authentic dining experiences from Peking Duck to dumpling-making for approx. $300 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Beijing

    Your China adventure begins in the capital. Take the first day to adjust to the time zone and get familiar with your surroundings. Spend your first full day at the Forbidden City. One visitor advises: "The site is very crowded, so arrive before 9 AM to beat the worst of the tour groups." On day three, visit the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall. This area is special for its partially submerged sections and yellow wildflowers. Bring good walking shoes because the steps aren't always even.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Luoyang

    Take a 4.5-hour high-speed train from Beijing. Visit the Longmen Caves by the Yi River, which holds the world's largest collection of stone statues. Start your second day at Xiyuan Park watching locals practice tai chi, then visit the Shaolin Monastery. A recent visitor noted: "The Kung Fu performance at the Shaolin Temple was incredible. Try to sit in the front rows for the best views."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Xi'an

    Another morning train takes you to Xi'an. Walk or bike the old city walls for great views of the city. The Muslim Quarter's food stalls are a must-visit. Try your hand at making dumplings in a cooking class. Plan a full day for the Terracotta Warriors and go early to avoid crowds. Many visitors skip the factory tour to save time.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Shanghai

    Fly to your final destination, Shanghai. Walk through the French Concession's streets lined with trees and stop by the interesting "Matchmaking Corner." Take a Huangpu River cruise to see the skyline. Time it with sunset for the best views. Use your last day to revisit favorite spots or go shopping. The tour wraps up after breakfast on day 10. Book an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic jams.

    

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• 10 Day China Itinerary, incl. Beijing and Shanghai

  This grand tour covers Beijing's imperial sites, Hangzhou's natural beauty, and Shanghai's urban highlights. Visit 3 major cities, camp on Great Wall, cruise West Lake, and explore French Concession, with average daily activities lasting 6-8 hours.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Beijing

    Start your China adventure in Beijing where old meets new. The first highlight is camping on the Great Wall. Get there by mid-afternoon to walk the unrestored sections before sunset. A recent visitor shared: "Camping on the Great Wall was incredible. Get up early for sunrise - it's chilly but absolutely worth it!" If you're traveling before April or after September, you'll stay in a nearby guesthouse instead of camping due to weather. Pack layers no matter when you visit. For the next two days, focus on Beijing's main sights. Get to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds. Walk up to Jingshan Park for city views afterward. Spend your afternoon exploring the hutongs near Nanluoguxiang where old alleyways mix with modern cafes. Try Peking duck at Siji Minfu restaurant by Dengshikou station - it's a local favorite. Start Day 4 at the 798 Art District. Give yourself 2-3 hours before catching your overnight train to Hangzhou. Try to book a bottom bunk - they're wider and easier to get in and out of.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Hangzhou

    When you arrive in Hangzhou, go straight to West Lake for a morning boat ride. The water looks beautiful in the early morning mist before 10 AM. Later, climb Jiuyao Mountain to watch the sunset. Bring good shoes since the paths can get slippery. The next morning, visit Nine Creeks and Misty Woods before taking the high-speed train to Shanghai.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Shanghai

    Begin your Shanghai visit in the former French Concession. It's perfect for morning walks when you can watch locals doing tai chi in the parks. Visit Yu Garden first thing to avoid the crowds. Walk along the Bund at sunset to see the skyscrapers light up. One visitor recently said: "The night cruise on the Huangpu River offers incredible views - but book the 7:30 PM sailing for the best light." Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town an hour away by metro and bus. Or see modern Shanghai from the Shanghai Tower observation deck. Book observation deck tickets online to save money and skip the lines. For your last night, visit a rooftop bar in Pudong. Vue Bar at the Hyatt on the Bund shows you both sides of the river. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

    

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• Chinese Cuisine & Culture

  Four major Chinese cities unfold over 10 days: 2 nights in Shanghai's Metropolo Jinjiang, 2 in Beijing's Chongwenmen Hotel, 2 in Xi'an's Forest City Hotel, and 2 in Chengdu's Ibis, plus one overnight train adventure. Features UNESCO sites and culinary workshops.

  

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  • Shanghai China

    662 mi

  • Beijing China

    563 mi

  • Xi'an China

    383 mi

  • Chengdu China

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