Here’s a curated 10-day China travel guide tailored for foreign visitors, integrating iconic landmarks, cultural immersion, and practical tips based on trending interests:
10-Day China Itinerary: Culture, History & Natural Wonders 🌏
(Optimized for foreign travelers with visa-friendly policies and seasonal highlights)
Days 1-3: Beijing – Imperial Legacy & Modern Vibes
Day 1: Historic Core
Forbidden City: Walk through 24 emperors’ palace complex (book tickets online).
Tiananmen Square: Capture photos of Mao’s portrait and Monument to the People’s Heroes.
Evening: Roast duck feast at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant.
Day 2: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall: Hike or take a cable car; less crowded than Badaling.
798 Art Zone: Explore contemporary art galleries and cafes.
Day 3: Local Life & Traditions
Temple of Heaven: Watch retirees practicing calligraphy and tai chi.
Hutongs by Rickshaw: Visit a traditional courtyard home for tea-tasting.
Stay: Hotels near Dongcheng District (easy metro access).
Days 4-5: Xi’an – Ancient Silk Road Gateway
Day 4: Terracotta Warriors & Culinary Delights
Terracotta Army: Join an English-guided tour for historical insights.
Muslim Quarter: Try biangbiang noodles and persimmon cakes.
Day 5: Tang Dynasty Heritage
Xi’an City Wall: Rent a bike for panoramic views.
Tang Dynasty Show: Enjoy music and dance performances.
Transport: High-speed train from Beijing (4.5hrs).
Days 6-7: Chengdu – Pandas & Sichuan Spice
Day 6: Panda Conservation
Chengdu Panda Base: Morning visit for active cubs.
Jinli Street: Shop for Shu embroidery and watch face-changing opera.
Day 7: Leshan Giant Buddha Day Trip
Leshan Buddha: Hike or take a boat cruise to see the 71m UNESCO statue.
Hotpot Dinner: Customize spice levels at Haidilao.
Stay: Boutique hotels near Chunxi Road.
Days 8-9: Guilin/Yangshuo – Karst Landscapes
Day 8: Li River Cruise
Guilin to Yangshuo: Sail past limestone peaks immortalized in Chinese art.
Yangshuo West Street: Evening stroll for craft beers and beer fish.
Day 9: Countryside Exploration
Biking/Yulong River Rafting: Pass rice paddies and water buffalo.
Impression Sanjie Liu: Open-air light show on the Li River.
Stay: Riverside guesthouses in Yangshuo.
Day 10: Shanghai – Futuristic Metropolis
Day 10: East Meets West
The Bund: Contrast colonial buildings with Pudong’s skyscrapers.
Yu Garden: Ming-era garden with zigzag bridges and tea houses.
Xintiandi: Trendy dining and nightlife in restored shikumen houses.
Stay: Hotels near Nanjing Road.
Practical Tips for Foreign Travelers
Visa Policies: Utilize 144-hour transit visa exemptions in major cities.
Payment: Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay for cashless transactions (link foreign cards).
Transport: Book high-speed trains via Trip.com; flights save time for long distances.
Season: Visit March-May or September-October to avoid crowds and extreme weather.
This itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic interactions, catering to foreign tourists’ curiosity about China’s ancient heritage and modern dynamism. 🇨🇳✨