How Many Days Should You Spend in China?

For first-time travelers, a 10-14 day trip is ideal to explore China’s top destinations. This allows enough time to see the country’s major cities, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders.

📌 Recommended Trip Duration:

• 7 Days: Beijing + Xi’an
• 10 Days: Beijing + Xi’an + Shanghai
• 14 Days: Beijing + Xi’an + Guilin + Shanghai (or Chengdu, Hangzhou, or Zhangjiajie)

Classic 10-Day China Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Day 1-3: Beijing – The Heart of China

📍 Highlights: The Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace

• Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
• Day 2: Visit the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling section) in the morning. In the afternoon, stroll through the Summer Palace and experience a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
• Day 3: Discover the Temple of Heaven in the morning. Explore Beijing’s Hutongs (traditional alleys) via rickshaw and enjoy a tea ceremony. Take a high-speed train to Xi’an in the evening.

✈️ Transportation: Take a bullet train from Beijing to Xi’an (4.5 hours).

Day 4-5: Xi’an – Ancient History & Terracotta Army

📍 Highlights: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter

• Day 4: Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in the morning. After lunch, explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall, where you can cycle along the top for stunning views.
• Day 5: Walk through the Muslim Quarter, known for its street food and local culture. Fly or take a bullet train to Shanghai.

✈️ Transportation: Xi’an to Shanghai by flight (2.5 hours) or high-speed train (6 hours).

Day 6-8: Shanghai – The Modern Face of China

📍 Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Shanghai Tower

• Day 6: Start your day at Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden, and explore the nearby Old Town. Stroll along The Bund for a breathtaking skyline view of Pudong.
• Day 7: Visit Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world, for panoramic city views. Walk through the French Concession, known for its European-style architecture and cafés.
• Day 8: Enjoy a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town, often called the “Venice of China.” Return to Shanghai for a high-speed train or flight to Guilin.

✈️ Transportation: Flight or high-speed train to Guilin (2.5 hours by plane, 9 hours by train).

Day 9-10: Guilin & Yangshuo – Breathtaking Landscapes

📍 Highlights: Li River Cruise, Longji Rice Terraces, West Street

• Day 9: Take a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, famous for its karst mountain scenery. In the evening, explore West Street, a lively pedestrian area with bars and restaurants.
• Day 10: Visit the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon’s Backbone. Fly back to Shanghai or Beijing for your return journey.

✈️ Transportation: Guilin to Beijing/Shanghai by flight (2.5 hours).

Alternative Destinations for a 14-Day Itinerary

If you have two extra days, consider adding one of the following:

• Chengdu (Pandas & Sichuan Cuisine) – Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and try authentic Sichuan hotpot.
• Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains) – Explore Zhangjiajie National Park and walk across the Glass Bridge at Tianmen Mountain.
• Hangzhou (West Lake & Tea Culture) – Enjoy the scenic beauty of West Lake and visit the famous Longjing Tea Plantations.

Why Choose a Customized Tour for Your China Trip?

For first-time visitors, navigating China’s language barrier, complex transportation, and cultural differences can be challenging. Most first-time travelers prefer customized tours to make the most of their trip.

At HelloChinaTrip.com, we provide:
✔ Personalized Itineraries – Tailored to your interests, schedule, and budget.
✔ Hassle-Free Travel – We handle hotels, tickets, guides, and transportation.
✔ Local Expertise – English-speaking guides to enhance your cultural experience.
✔ Affordable Packages – Competitive pricing without compromising quality.

🚀 Plan your perfect China trip today! Visit HelloChinaTrip.com for a free consultation.