Skip to main content
nihaovisit

10-Day Classic China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai

The four-city China classic. Beijing + Xi'an for history, Guilin for karst scenery, Shanghai for modern China.

Last updated:

10-Day Classic China 2026: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai cover photo

TL;DR

Ten days covers four regions in one trip. Days 1-3: Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall, hutongs). Day 4: HSR to Xi'an. Days 4-5: Xi'an (Terracotta Army, City Wall). Day 6: Fly to Guilin. Days 6-7: Guilin + Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Day 8: Fly to Shanghai. Days 8-10: Shanghai (Bund, Yu Garden, day trip to Suzhou or Zhujiajiao). Most diverse 10-day China itinerary: history + nature + modern.
Duration10 days
Best forFirst-timers, Nature, History
Pricing$1100 (backpacker) / $2400 (mid-range) / $6000+ (luxury) per person

Day-by-day breakdown

  1. DAY 1

    Beijing arrival

    • Arrive Beijing
    • Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (3-4h)
    • Peking duck dinner
    Stay
    Wangfujing
    Meals
    D
  2. DAY 2

    Great Wall

    • Mutianyu Great Wall (1.5h drive, cable car + toboggan)
    Stay
    same
    Meals
    B, L
  3. DAY 3

    Temples + HSR to Xi'an

    • Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple
    • HSR to Xi'an 4.5h
    • Muslim Quarter evening
    Stay
    Muslim Quarter
    Meals
    B, D
  4. DAY 4

    Xi'an: Terracotta Army

    • Full-day Terracotta Army tour
    • City Wall bike ride
    • Tang show (optional)
    Stay
    same
    Meals
    B, L
  5. DAY 5

    Xi'an → Guilin

    • Morning Shaanxi History Museum
    • Fly to Guilin (2.5h, $150)
    • Evening: Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers Four Lakes walk
    Stay
    Guilin central
    Meals
    B
  6. DAY 6

    Li River cruise to Yangshuo

    • Li River cruise Guilin → Yangshuo (4-5h, ¥450)
    • Bike ride in Yangshuo countryside
    • Impression Liu Sanjie show (¥238)
    Stay
    Yangshuo
    Meals
    B, L
  7. DAY 7

    Yangshuo → Shanghai

    • Morning: Moon Hill or Xianggong Hill viewpoint
    • Drive back to Guilin airport
    • Fly to Shanghai (2.5h)
    • Evening Bund walk
    Stay
    The Bund, Shanghai
    Meals
    B
  8. DAY 8

    Shanghai: classic

    • Yu Garden, Old City Bazaar
    • Nanjing Road, People's Square
    • Pudong skyline at night
    • Acrobatic show
    Stay
    same
    Meals
    B, D
  9. DAY 9

    Shanghai: water town day trip

    • Day trip to Zhujiajiao (1h) or Suzhou (1h HSR)
    • Evening: Tianzifang arts district
    Stay
    same
    Meals
    B
  10. DAY 10

    Depart Shanghai

    • Morning at leisure (French Concession walk)
    • Depart from Pudong airport
    Stay
    —
    Meals
    B

What is included

Included

  • Hotels (9 nights)
  • Beijing-Xi'an HSR
  • Xi'an-Guilin flight
  • Guilin-Shanghai flight
  • Li River cruise
  • Daily breakfast
  • Forbidden City + Great Wall + Terracotta + Yu Garden entrances

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa
  • Most lunches and dinners
  • Acrobatic show, Tang show, Impression show

Frequently asked questions

Is 10 days the right length for first-time China?
Yes — it is the sweet spot. You see the four iconic destinations (history, nature, modern) without rushing. Shorter (7 days) and you have to pick 2-3 cities only. Longer (14-21 days) and you can add Tibet, Yunnan, or the Silk Road.
Is the Li River cruise worth a full day?
Yes — the Guilin to Yangshuo cruise is one of China's most scenic experiences, passing karst peaks and riverside villages. The 4-5h boat is the most popular version. Faster boats (1h) skip the scenery.
When is the best time for the Li River?
April-May and September-October. Spring has misty peaks (most iconic photos), autumn has clear blue skies. Summer is hot and humid. Winter is fine but can be cold on the boat.
Can I add a day at the Great Wall for hiking?
Yes — replace the Mutianyu day with a Jinshanling to Simatai wild wall hike (5-6h one-way). Bring proper hiking shoes, water, and a guide.

References

  1. Li River cruise booking
  2. Trip.com — China package tours
  3. China HSR booking

Written by

NihaoVisit Editorial Team

Travel research team · Regular policy and price audits

Related guides & destinations