Itinerary ideas
Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
A 10-day China itinerary linking Beijing’s historic sites, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and Shanghai’s riverfront neighbourhoods.
Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai
Plan this tripSee the day-by-day plan
The route
Where you’ll go
- 01Beijing北京Days 1–3
- 02Xi’an西安Days 4–6
- 03Shanghai上海Days 7–10
Route schematic, not a geographical map. The sample day ranges include arrival or transfer time; connections and schedules need confirmation.
Daily plan
Your 10-day China itinerary
This route suits a first visit focused on history and cities. Days 1 and 10 cover arrival and departure; days 4 and 7 are reserved for intercity travel. Compare the destination notes for Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai before selecting timed visits.
The notes below flag walking, steps and travel days. Ask for exact walking distances and access details if these affect your plans.
Keep the first day light. Discuss airport transfer and time to settle in.
Keep plans light around your arrival time.
Allow one day for the historic centre and another for a Great Wall excursion. Add a hutong walk around your interests.
Discuss stairs at the Great Wall, time on foot and breaks.
A proposed high-speed rail transfer; timetable and luggage arrangements need checking for your dates.
Leave room for station procedures and onward transfers.
Plan time for the Terracotta Army, the City Wall and neighbourhood food discoveries.
Discuss City Wall access, museum walking and rest stops.
Compare flight and rail options before choosing the best balance of travel time and cost.
Avoid adding a full sightseeing programme to this transfer.
The Bund, garden traditions and an architecture-led neighbourhood walk, with room for independent exploring.
Choose shorter loops or a slower start around your energy.
Departure arrangements depend on your flight time.
Plan the airport transfer around your flight.
Before booking
Check your quote
Ask for an itemised quote for this 10-day route. Confirm each hotel night, the two intercity connections and any timed attraction reservations using the checklist below.
| Item | Specify in the quote | Check separately |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels | Property, location, room type, nights and breakfast. | Room upgrades, extra beds and early check-in. |
| Guides | Language, sightseeing days and hours of service. | Guide support during station and airport transfers. |
| Transport | Rail or flight sectors, class, luggage and local transfers. | International flights and changes to booked tickets. |
| Attractions | Named entry tickets and reservation arrangements. | Cable cars, lifts, shuttles and optional activities. |
| Meals | Which meals, drinks and dietary arrangements are specified. | Meals at your own choice and additional orders. |
| Price & terms | Currency, group total, per-person basis, room sharing and validity. | Payment schedule, cancellation, changes and any insurance cover. |
Use the final written quote to check what is included and what costs extra.