First-trip route · Updated August 7, 2026
Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing in 10 days: a first China itinerary
A realistic 10-day China itinerary for first-time visitors: three days in Shanghai, three in Xi'an and four in Beijing, with two manageable transfers.
Quick answer
This is the strongest first-trip classic when you want modern Shanghai and two historic capitals without adding too many transfers. Keep three nights in Shanghai, three in Xi'an and four in Beijing, then protect the attraction reservations and travel days that cannot move.
A practical way to plan it
- 01
Days 1–3 · Shanghai
Arrive gently, then pair the Bund and skyline with Yu Garden or a neighbourhood walk. Do not turn arrival day into a full sightseeing day.
- 02
Days 4–6 · Xi'an
Fly or take a carefully timed transfer, then reserve the Terracotta Warriors and any museum time slot before the city-wall and food-street plans.
- 03
Days 7–10 · Beijing
Use four days for imperial sights, a Great Wall day and a slower hutong or park evening. Put the Forbidden City reservation at the centre of the Beijing plan.
- 04
Transfer rule
Keep the day after a long-haul arrival light and avoid stacking an intercity transfer with a non-refundable timed entry.
Official and practical sources
Rules, availability and app flows can change. Recheck the relevant official channel before relying on a booking or time-sensitive claim.