Sample Itineraries
Family China: 10 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Chengdu + Shanghai
Giant pandas in Chengdu, the Great Wall, Xi'an's terracotta warriors and Shanghai's skyline on a route paced for families.
- Duration
- 9 nights / 10 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Beijing → Xi'an → Chengdu → Shanghai
- Best for
- Families with school-age kids on a first China trip
Who this route is for
This route suits families travelling with school-age children who want landmark sights alongside wildlife and open spaces. Spacing out travel legs by rail and air leaves relaxed afternoons for park walks, bike rides and hotel breaks. Moving from north to south balances ancient imperial history with panda encounters and modern riverfronts.
Reference prices
Price checked: 23 October 2026
- Independent
- From $2,700per person
- Private Guided
- From $4,300per person
2026 reference prices · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Beijing3 nights
- 2. Xi'an2 nights
- 3. Chengdu2 nights
- 4. Shanghai2 nights
High-speed rail
High-speed rail
Domestic flight
Day by day
01
Arrive in Beijing, go slowly
Beijing
Morning
Arrive at Beijing Capital or Daxing airport and meet your transfer to the hotel, keeping the morning open for delayed flights.
Afternoon
Take an easy walk around the hotel neighbourhood or a nearby garden to stretch your legs and ease into the new time zone.
Evening
A simple welcome dinner near the hotel and an early night, letting kids recover from the flight before sightseeing begins.
02
Forbidden City and Jingshan Park
Beijing
Morning
Explore the courtyards of the Forbidden City at a family pace, timed entry booked in advance with your passport; closed Mondays.
Afternoon
Walk up Jingshan Park directly behind the palace to view the golden roofs from above, followed by a shaded garden rest.
Evening
Roast duck dinner at a hutong restaurant, followed by a calm evening stroll near the lakeside.
03
Mutianyu Great Wall adventure
Beijing
Morning
Drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, riding the cable car up to explore the stone towers together.
Afternoon
Take the toboggan ride down the hillside weather permitting, then return to Beijing for a late lunch and hotel downtime.
Evening
A light noodle dinner near your hotel, keeping the evening calm before tomorrow's rail transfer.
04
Rail to Xi'an and city wall
Xi'an
Morning
Board the high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North, about four and a half hours through northern plains.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel, then rent tandem bicycles or walk along the wide, flat top of Xi'an's Ming city wall.
Evening
Dinner near the South Gate, watching lanterns illuminate the ramparts as dusk settles.
05
Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Morning
Travel an hour out to the Terracotta Army pits early in the day, seeing thousands of life-sized clay warriors and cavalry horses.
Afternoon
Return to the city for lunch and an afternoon break at the hotel to recharge tired legs.
Evening
Walk through the lively lanes of the Muslim Quarter to sample fresh flatbreads, skewers and fruit sweets.
06
Rail to Chengdu and People's Park
Chengdu
Morning
Take the morning high-speed train from Xi'an North to Chengdu East, around three and a half to four hours through the Qinling mountains.
Afternoon
Unwind in People's Park, watching locals play chess and practice calligraphy by the pond while kids enjoy the open paths.
Evening
Try kid-friendly options like boiled dumplings or zhong dumplings without chilli on request, alongside sweet-spicy water noodles for older tastes.
07
Chengdu giant pandas and face-changing show
Chengdu
Morning
Arrive early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, when giant pandas and red pandas are usually at their most active.
Afternoon
Return to your hotel for an afternoon rest or a swim, staying out of the midday heat.
Evening
Watch an optional short Sichuan opera performance featuring quick face-changing stunts, followed by a mild family dinner.
08
Fly to Shanghai and Bund stroll
Shanghai
Morning
Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai, about two and a half to three hours, meeting your road transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Afternoon
Check in and keep the afternoon completely light, letting everyone rest, unpack and recharge at the hotel.
Evening
A short stroll along the Bund to see the historic stone facades lit up across from the Pudong skyscrapers.
09
Old town, a family museum and river cruise
Shanghai
Morning
Wander the bridges and koi ponds of Yu Garden early, stopping for steamed soup dumplings in the old town lanes.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at either the Shanghai Natural History Museum or the Science and Technology Museum for hands-on galleries.
Evening
Take an evening cruise on the Huangpu River to see the skyline reflections, followed by a farewell family dinner.
10
Departure from Shanghai
Shanghai
Morning
Enjoy a slow hotel breakfast and pack, with time for a short walk along leafy neighborhood streets if flight times permit.
Afternoon
Transfer to Pudong or Hongqiao airport, allowing three hours before international departures.
Evening
Board your homeward or onward flight.
2026 reference prices
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $2,700
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $4,300
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. 2026 reference prices.