Perfect for first-time visitors seeking history, culture, and natural beauty.
Day 1-3: Beijing – Imperial Grandeur
Highlights:
- Day 1:
- Forbidden City: Explore 600 years of imperial history.
- Tiananmen Square: Visit the world’s largest public square.
- Evening: Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude.
- Day 2:
- Great Wall (Mutianyu Section): Hike or cable-car ride for breathtaking views.
- Summer Palace: Stroll through Qing Dynasty gardens.
- Day 3:
- Temple of Heaven: Witness locals practicing tai chi.
- Hutongs Tour: Cycle through traditional alleyways; lunch at a local family home.
Stay: Downtown Beijing (Wangfujing area recommended).
Transport: Metro/taxi for city travel; private car to the Great Wall.
Day 4-5: Xi’an – Ancient Capital
Highlights:
- Day 4:
- Terracotta Army: Marvel at 8,000 life-sized warriors.
- Xi’an City Wall: Bike atop the 14th-century ramparts.
- Dinner: Muslim Quarter street food (try roujiamo/羊肉夹馍).
- Day 5:
- Shaanxi History Museum: Discover Tang Dynasty treasures.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Evening light show.
Stay: Inside Xi’an city walls.
Transport: High-speed train from Beijing (4.5 hrs) or 2-hr flight.
Day 6-7: Chengdu – Pandas & Spice
Highlights:
- Day 6:
- Chengdu Panda Base: Morning visit to see feeding time.
- Jinli Ancient Street: Tea houses and Sichuan opera face-changing shows.
- Day 7:
- Day Trip to Leshan: Hike around the 71m-tall Giant Buddha.
- Dinner: Hotpot experience at Xiaolongkan (adjust spice level!).
Stay: Chunxi Road area for convenience.
Transport: 3-hr high-speed train from Xi’an.
Day 8-9: Guilin & Yangshuo – Karst Landscapes
Highlights:
- Day 8:
- Li River Cruise: Sail past limestone peaks from Guilin to Yangshuo.
- West Street: Evening shopping and beer fish dinner.
- Day 9:
- Bike/Yulong River Bamboo Raft: Rural countryside exploration.
- Impression Sanjie Liu: Outdoor light show directed by Zhang Yimou.
Stay: Yangshuo boutique guesthouse.
Transport: 2-hr flight from Chengdu to Guilin + 1.5-hr drive to Yangshuo.
Day 10: Shanghai – Modern China
Highlights:
- The Bund: Contrast colonial architecture with Pudong’s skyscrapers.
- Yu Garden & Bazaar: Ming Dynasty garden + souvenir shopping.
- Shanghai Tower: 360° city views from the world’s 2nd-tallest building.
- Farewell Dinner: Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung.
Stay: Pudong or the Bund area.
Transport: 2-hr flight from Guilin.
Key Tips:
- Visa: Apply in advance (check requirements for your nationality).
- Apps: Download Didi (ride-hailing), Pleco (translation), and Alipay/WeChat Pay.
- Transport: Book high-speed trains via Trip.com; domestic flights save time.
- Season: Avoid Oct 1-7 (National Day crowds); spring/autumn recommended.
This itinerary blends must-see landmarks with authentic local experiences. Adjust based on your pace – consider adding a day in Hangzhou or Zhangjiajie if time allows! 🌏✨