Sample Itineraries
First Time China: 10 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Yangshuo + Shanghai
Imperial Beijing, the Terracotta Army, Yangshuo's river countryside and modern Shanghai, linked by rail and short flights.
- Duration
- 9 nights / 10 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Beijing → Xi'an → Yangshuo → Shanghai
- Best for
- First-timers who want the classics plus countryside
Who this route is for
This route suits first-time travellers who want the big names in one trip without moving every day. Beijing and Xi'an cover history, Yangshuo's karst valleys give a slower countryside stretch, and Shanghai makes an easy final city. The pace is steady, with lighter afternoons after the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army and the river.
Reference prices
Price checked: 22 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. Yangshuo2 nights
- 4. Shanghai2 nights
High-speed rail
Domestic flight
Domestic flight
Day by day
01
Arrive in Beijing, go slowly
Beijing
Morning
Arrive at Beijing Capital or Daxing airport and head to your hotel, with the morning kept clear for delayed flights.
Afternoon
A short walk around the hotel neighbourhood, with a stop at a park or teahouse to ease into the time zone.
Evening
An early dinner nearby and a good night's sleep, since jet lag will matter more than any sight today.
02
Imperial scale, carefully timed
Beijing
Morning
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City at an unhurried pace, timed entry booked in advance with your passport; the palace is closed on Mondays.
Afternoon
Jingshan Park for the view back over the palace roofs, then a quieter hutong stroll or museum visit.
Evening
Roast duck at a well-run restaurant in the hutong district, with a walk beside Houhai lake afterwards.
03
The Great Wall, then a lighter evening
Beijing
Morning
Head out early by road to Mutianyu, a less crowded Great Wall section, with cable car and toboggan options for tired legs.
Afternoon
A late lunch back in the city, then a rest at the hotel to recover from the early start.
Evening
Light snacks around Wangfujing or the hutongs, or an early night before tomorrow's morning train.
04
Rail to Xi'an
Xi'an
Morning
Morning high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North, about four and a half hours, with the rest of the day kept easy.
Afternoon
Check in, then walk the flat top of Xi'an's Ming city wall, a good first look at the city.
Evening
Dinner in the Muslim Quarter, choosing between street stalls and sit-down restaurants depending on your appetite and patience for queues.
05
Terracotta Army and the old city
Xi'an
Morning
An early start to the Terracotta Army, about an hour out, arriving ahead of the tour groups.
Afternoon
Rest at the hotel, then an easy walk to the Bell and Drum Tower area as the day cools.
Evening
A simple Shaanxi noodle dinner nearby, then an early night before tomorrow's flight.
06
Fly to Guilin, on to Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Morning
Fly Xi'an to Guilin, about two hours, and meet your road transfer at the airport.
Afternoon
A short stop at Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin, then the road to Yangshuo, around ninety minutes, through the karst hills.
Evening
Beer fish or Guilin rice noodles for dinner, with lively West Street optional or a quieter riverside table instead.
07
Countryside by bamboo raft or bike
Yangshuo
Morning
A Yulong River bamboo raft or an easy bike ride through the valley lanes, past rice fields and villages.
Afternoon
A long lunch and an unstructured afternoon to rest, read or wander near your hotel.
Evening
Dinner at a countryside restaurant serving local dishes, then an early night before tomorrow's morning flight.
08
Fly to Shanghai
Shanghai
Morning
Early road transfer from Yangshuo to Guilin airport, about ninety minutes, for a morning flight to Shanghai of roughly two hours.
Afternoon
Check in and settle into the city along the French Concession's tree-lined streets, small shops and cafes.
Evening
Dinner nearby and a first walk along the Bund, looking across the Huangpu River to the Pudong skyline.
09
A full day in Shanghai
Shanghai
Morning
Yu Garden and the old city lanes early, before the crowds, with soup dumplings for a late breakfast.
Afternoon
Pudong's riverside and a viewing deck, or the Tianzifang and Xintiandi lanes, depending on weather and energy.
Evening
A Huangpu River evening cruise or a final Bund walk, then a farewell dinner of Shanghainese dishes.
10
Last morning and departure
Shanghai
Morning
A final breakfast and a short walk along Suzhou Creek or the Wukang Road area before check-out.
Afternoon
Transfer to Pudong or Hongqiao airport, allowing three hours before an international flight; the maglev from Pudong is an option.
Evening
Departure flight home or onward, with the evening held clear for delays.
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.
Related itineraries
A few more starting points.
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Per person · 2026 reference price for 2 sharing · excl. international flights
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.