10 Days in China: Our Recommendations
From modern cities that are speckled with ancient temples to spectacular natural scenery, it is possible to experience the best of China in a little over a week’s time. Although 10 days in China may sound too short, travelers can explore the highlights of the country and a few other hand-picked attractions at a reasonable pace. To help you plan the perfect trip to China, here are our suggested China itineraries for 10 to 12 days.
- Marcal
1. A LOCAL TOUCH: 10- DAY CHINA TRIP
| Day 1 | Explore Beijing at your own leisure |
| Day 2 | Visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and more |
| Day 3 | Cable car ride to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall |
| Day 4 | Rickshaw tour of Hutong. High-speed train ride to Xi'an |
| Day 5 | Visit the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Mosque and more in X'ian |
| Day 6 | Bike ride on the Xian City Wall and cook a meal with a local Chinese family |
| Day 7 | Cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, visit a local home |
| Day 8 | On a Guilin tour, explore the Reed Flute Cave and more. Take a flight to Shanghai |
| Day 9 | City tour of Shanghai. Cruise on the Huangpu River |
| Day 10 | Depart from Shanghai |
If you want to include the most-loved attractions of China in a single trip and season it with a local touch, this itinerary is for you. Explore Beijing and go on a cable car ride to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Take a rickshaw tour of Hutong then get on a high-speed train to Xi’an — two very authentic yet very different experiences in China — on the same day. While you trace the country's enthralling history at world-famous sights such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, also take a sneak-peek into everyday life with a bicycle tour of Xi’an. End the visit with a home-cooked lunch at the home of a local Chinese family. Then, hop on a Li River cruise in Guilin and another cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai. End your 10 days in China, exploring the Bund at your own leisure. See tours.
2. AN ADVENTURE FIT FIR FAMILY: 12 DAYS IN CHINA
| Day 1 | Arrive in Beijing |
| Day 2 | See Beijing's highlights, including Hutong by rickshaw and Tiananmen Square. Lunch with a local family. |
| Day 3 | Beijing tour continues: Visit the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace |
| Day 4 | A day at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China |
| Day 5 | Travel to X'ian and bicycle on the city walls. Enjoy a traditional Hui Muslim meal |
| Day 6 | Terracotta Warriors, X'ian tour and end-of-day light show |
| Day 7 | Take a high-speed train to Chengdu |
| Day 8 | Pay respect at Leshan Giant Buddha |
| Day 9 | Visit the Chengdu Giant Pandas Research Centre |
| Day 10 | Fly to Shanghai. Cruise the Huangpu River |
| Day 11 | Enchant yourself at Yu Garden |
| Day 12 | Leave for home |
With a couple of extra days, this 12-day itinerary takes you to visit some of China’s biggest, most exciting and modern cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and also immerses you in the country’s rich and fascinating history with visits to historical and archeological gems like the Great Wall of China and the Leshan Giant Buddha. Mix in a few local insights and experiences, and you’ve got a trip fit for anyone looking for the best of China. See tours.
3. SANYA, BEIJING AND XIAN: CHINA IN 10 DAYS
| Day 1 | Welcome to China’s ancient capital city |
| Day 2 | Witness tombs, mountains and the Great Wall |
| Day 3 | Explore the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park |
| Day 4 | Say goodbye to Beijing and take a high-speed train to Xi’an |
| Day 5 | Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum |
| Day 6 | Fly to Sanya and relax on its white sandy beaches |
| Day 7 | Explore Sanya’s best spots at your own pace |
| Day 8 | Enjoy Sanya at your leisure |
| Day 9 | Experience watersports, traditional restaurants and tasty flavors |
| Day 10 | Say goodbye to Sanya |
Soak up everything from the ancient vibes of Xi’an to the tranquil tropical environment of Hainan during this 10-day trip. See the massive Great Wall before heading off to discover the mysteries that lay behind the walls of Beijing's Forbidden City. Take in some of Beijing's finest art and architecture during a visit to its magnificent temples, palaces, and pavilions. Then travel in one of China’s famous high-speed trains to explore the Terracotta Warriors. After a few days in China’s jam-packed cities, it is time to explore Hainan Island on your own. You can trek through the forests of Nanwan Monkey Island, take a dip in the waters at one of Sanya’s breathtaking bays, or discover the island's tasty offerings at an authentic local restaurant. Describe your ideal 10-day China tour on a tailor-made vacation package.
So, what are you waiting for? Book one of the 10-day China trips recommended above and experience some of the country's most magnificent wonders. Or, get in touch with one of our travel experts in China for a customized itinerary for 10 days in China.
