China is a country steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, and it’s no wonder that it’s become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. With so much to see and experience, planning a trip to China can be overwhelming, but fear not – this 10-day itinerary will take you through some of the country’s most iconic destinations.
Why Visit China?
From the sprawling metropolis of Shanghai to the majestic Great Wall, China is a destination that offers something for everyone. History buffs can explore ancient temples and landmarks, foodies can sample a diverse range of cuisine, and nature lovers can hike through lush forests and sail down picturesque rivers. With a unique blend of modernity and tradition, China is a must-visit for any traveler looking to experience a truly unique culture.
How to Prepare for Your Trip
Before embarking on your journey to China, there are a few important things to consider. First and foremost, you will need to obtain a visa. The application process can take several weeks, so be sure to start early. It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor about any necessary vaccinations.
In terms of packing, it’s important to dress appropriately for the season and activities you have planned. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as there will be a lot of walking involved in this itinerary. It’s also a good idea to bring cash, as many places in China do not accept credit cards.
Day 1-2: Beijing
Arrival in Beijing
Most international flights will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, which is located about 20 miles northeast of the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or the subway to your hotel.
Accommodation Options
Beijing has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular neighborhoods to stay in include the historic hutongs, the bustling Wangfujing area, or the modern business district of Chaoyang.
| Recommended Luxury Hotel in Beijing | The Peninsula Beijing An opulent hotel with a spa, indoor pool, and multiple dining options. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Mid Range Hotel in Beijing | Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel A modern hotel in a central location with comfortable rooms. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Budget Hotel in Beijing | 365 Inn (Beijing Qianmen) A budget hotel with a prime location near the Forbidden City. Check it out on Booking.com |
Top Sights to Visit
No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the city’s most iconic landmarks. Here are a few must-sees:
The Great Wall of China
One of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Great Wall of China stretches for over 13,000 miles and dates back over 2,000 years. There are several sections of the wall that are easily accessible from Beijing, including Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling.
Tiananmen Square
Located in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is a massive public plaza that has been the site of many important events in Chinese history. Here you can see the famous Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall.
The Forbidden City
Once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most popular tourist attractions. With over 9,000 rooms and courtyards, the palace complex is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.
Best Places to Eat
Beijing is famous for its diverse cuisine, with everything from street food to haute cuisine on offer. Some must-try dishes include Peking duck, jianbing (a savory breakfast pancake), and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste).
Transportation Options
Getting around Beijing is relatively easy, with a well-developed subway system, taxis, and buses. However, traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance. Many of the city’s top attractions are also within walking distance of each other, so it’s possible to see a lot on foot.
Day 3-4: Xian
Transportation to Xian
From Beijing, you can take a flight or a high-speed train to Xian, which takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a sleeper train, which takes around 13 hours but can be a fun and affordable way to travel.
Accommodation Options
Xian has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular areas to stay in include the historic Muslim Quarter, the bustling downtown area near the Bell and Drum Towers, or the modern business district of Gaoxin.
| Recommended Luxury Hotel in Xian | Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xian A historic hotel with a central location and elegant rooms. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Mid Range Hotel in Xian | Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square A comfortable hotel with a convenient location. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Budget Hotel in Xian | Hantang House A budget guesthouse with a traditional Chinese design and a courtyard. Check it out on Booking.com |
Top Sights to Visit
Xian is one of China’s oldest cities and is home to a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. Here are a few must-sees:
Terracotta Army
Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is one of the world’s most famous archaeological finds. The army, which consists of over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, was created to protect the tomb of the first emperor of China. The site is located about 30 km east of Xian and can be reached by bus or taxi.
Ancient City Wall
Built during the Ming Dynasty, the ancient city wall is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Visitors can rent a bike and cycle along the wall, or take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the views.
Shaanxi History Museum
Located in the southern suburbs of Xian, the Shaanxi History Museum is home to over 370,000 cultural relics, including pottery, jade, and bronze artifacts. The museum is a must-visit for history and art lovers.
Best Places to Eat
Xian is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, which includes dishes like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), and biangbiang noodles. Some popular food streets to visit include Muslim Street and Xiaozhai Food Street.
Nightlife Options
Xian may not be known for its nightlife, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs to check out. Some popular options include True Color Club, Park Qin, and On the Way Bar.
Day 5-6: Chengdu
Transportation to Chengdu
From Xian, you can take a flight or a high-speed train to Chengdu, which takes around 2 hours.
Accommodation Options
Chengdu has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular areas to stay in include the bustling Chunxi Road area, the historic Jinli Street, or the trendy Taikoo Li shopping district.
| Recommended Luxury Hotel in Chengdu | Waldorf Astoria Chengdu A luxurious hotel with spacious rooms and a central location. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Mid Range Hotel in Chengdu | JW Marriott Hotel Chengdu A reliable chain hotel with comfortable rooms. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Budget Hotel in Chengdu | Anns Go Guesthouse a budget hotel with a central location and a lively atmosphere. Check it out on Booking.com |
Top Sights to Visit
Chengdu is known for its giant pandas, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and vibrant teahouse culture. Here are a few must-sees:
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Located just outside the city center, the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is home to over 100 pandas and is a must-visit for animal lovers. Visitors can watch the pandas play, feed on bamboo, and even hold a baby panda (for an additional fee).
Leshan Giant Buddha
Located about 2 hours from Chengdu, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Carved out of a cliff face overlooking the river, the statue is an impressive sight to behold.
Jinli Old Street
Located in the heart of Chengdu, Jinli Old Street is a historic pedestrian street lined with traditional Sichuan-style buildings, food stalls, and souvenir shops.
Best Places to Eat
Chengdu is famous for its spicy
and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, including dishes like hotpot, mapo tofu, and kung pao chicken. Here are a few food options to try:
Traditional Tea Houses
Chengdu is famous for its teahouse culture, and a visit to a traditional teahouse is a must-do experience. Some popular teahouses to visit include Heming Tea House, Wenshu Monastery Tea House, and Yuelai Teahouse.
Nightlife Options
Chengdu has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some popular options include Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu, Jellyfish Bar, and Beer Nest.
Day 7-8: Yangshuo
Transportation to Yangshuo
From Chengdu, you can take a flight or a high-speed train to Guilin, which takes around 2-3 hours. From Guilin, you can take a bus or a private car to Yangshuo, which takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Accommodation Options
Yangshuo is a popular tourist destination and has a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular areas to stay in include West Street, Yulong River, or Moon Hill.
| Recommended Luxury Hotel in Yangshuo | Yangshuo Mountain Retreat A boutique hotel with a peaceful location along the Yulong River. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Mid Range Hotel in Yangshuo | Yangshuo River View Hotel A reliable hotel with a scenic location and comfortable rooms. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Budget Hotel in Yangshuo | This Old Place International Youth Hostel A budget hostel with a traditional Chinese design and a lively atmosphere. Check it out on Booking.com |
Top Sights to Visit
Yangshuo is known for its stunning natural scenery, with towering karst mountains, winding rivers, and picturesque countryside. Here are a few must-sees:
Li River Cruise
A leisurely cruise down the Li River is one of the most popular activities in Yangshuo. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the karst landscape, and stop to visit attractions like the ancient fishing village of Xingping.
Moon Hill
Located just outside Yangshuo, Moon Hill is a unique rock formation with a moon-shaped hole in the center. Visitors can hike to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Yangshuo Impression Light Show
Produced by the team behind the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, the Yangshuo Impression Light Show is a stunning outdoor performance that takes place on the Li River. The show combines traditional Chinese music, dance, and acrobatics with modern lighting and special effects.
Best Places to Eat
Yangshuo is known for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes like beer fish, stuffed Li River snails, and Guilin rice noodles. Some popular food options to try include the West Street Night Market and the Yangshuo Cooking School.
Nightlife Options
Yangshuo may not have a bustling nightlife scene, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs to check out. Some popular options include The Brew and Mojo Café & Bar.
Day 9-10: Shanghai
Transportation to Shanghai
From Yangshuo, you can take a flight or a high-speed train to Shanghai, which takes around 2-3 hours.
Accommodation Options
Shanghai has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular areas to stay in include the historic Bund area, the trendy French Concession, or the modern Pudong district.
| Recommended Luxury Hotel in Shanghai | The Peninsula Shanghai An historic 5-star hotel with a prime location on the Bund. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Mid Range Hotel in Shanghai | Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden A comfortable hotel with a convenient location near the famous Yu Garden. Check it out on Booking.com |
| Recommended Budget Hotel in Shanghai | Shanghai Meego Qingwen Hotel A budget hotel located near Jing’an Temple and 1.4 miles from Pedestrian Street of East Nanjing Rd. Check it out on Booking.com |
Top Sights to Visit
Shanghai is one of China’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, with a mix of old-world charm and modern skyscrapers. Here are a few must-sees:
The Bund
Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the Bund is a historic waterfront promenade lined with colonial-era buildings. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and take a Huangpu River cruise.
Yu Garden
Built in the 16th century, Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden with winding paths, rock formations, and beautiful pavilions. The
garden also has a bustling bazaar outside where visitors can shop for souvenirs and try local snacks.
Shanghai Tower
At 632 meters tall, the Shanghai Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world and offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.
Best Places to Eat
Shanghai is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, with everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Some popular food options to try include xiao long bao (soup dumplings), sheng jian bao (pan-fried dumplings), and shanghai-style fried noodles. Some popular dining areas to check out include the Xintiandi and Tianzifang neighborhoods.
Nightlife Options
Shanghai has a bustling nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some popular options include Bar Rouge, M1NT, and The Shelter.
Conclusion
China is a vast and diverse country with a rich history and culture, and a 10-day itinerary can only scratch the surface of what it has to offer. However, by visiting some of the country’s most iconic destinations like Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Yangshuo, and Shanghai, travelers can get a taste of China’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations. With careful planning and preparation, a trip to China can be a truly unforgettable experience.
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