From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to Shanghai’s dazzling cityscape, China emerges as a multi-faceted destination. A 10-day itinerary covering Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai is ideal for first-time visitors. It’s enough time to experience China’s top highlights without feeling rushed as you travel between cities or overwhelmed by trying to see too much at once. Here’s a closer look at what each of these cities has to offer.

Beijing
At first glance, Beijing is a modern megacity with soaring skyscrapers, trendy bars, and hip art galleries. Yet a walk through its narrow hutongs, alive with Mahjong games, reveals a city deeply connected to its past.

The Forbidden City is undoubtedly one of Beijing’s most celebrated landmarks. This beautifully preserved royal palace complex illustrates traditional Chinese architecture and the opulence of imperial dynasties. The Temple of Heaven is equally striking. Despite its name, the site is better known for its symbolic design than a place of popular worship. Every element of the complex reflects the ancient relationship between heaven and earth, and the emperor’s role as the link between the two.

A few hours’ drive from Beijing brings you to some of the most well-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. The section at Badaling is the easiest to access-and, as a result, the most crowded. For a quieter and more rewarding experience, head to Jinshanling, where restored sections blend with rugged, ‘wild’ stretches.

Xi’an
Once a powerful ancient capital and gateway to the Silk Road, Xi’an is a haven for history enthusiasts.

The Terracotta Warriors Museum is usually at the top of every visitor’s to-see list. This vast collection of life-size warriors is remarkable for its scale and intricate detail. The clay figurines of the Hanyangling Mausoleum offer a compelling contrast. While they are smaller, they reveal much more about everyday life in ancient China. Xi’an’s City Wall is another defining landmark. Once central to Ming Dynasty defences, its broad ramparts now draw visitors for leisurely walks and scenic bike rides.

Within the city, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a symbol of Xi’an’s spiritual heritage. The square, seven-story pavilion’s structure and story are as impressive as the panoramic views seen from the top. The bustling Muslim quarter stands in sharp contrast to the pagoda’s peaceful surroundings. Its narrow lanes, lined with traditional shops and food stalls, are the perfect place to soak in Xi’an’s vibrant street culture.

Chengdu
Chengdu’s laid-back charm offers a refreshing change of pace after Beijing and Xi’an. Commonly known as the Panda Capital, it is home to the world's largest population of captive-bred pandas. The best place to see these adorable animals is conservation centres like the Dujiangyan Panda Base. Here, you don’t just watch pandas amble about; you can volunteer as a panda caretaker for the day.

Back in the city, the historic Kuan Zhai Alley provides a glimpse into old Chengdu. These restored lanes are lined with traditional courtyard houses, teahouses, boutiques, local eateries, and more.

The teahouses and theatres in Chengdu are also known as the best places to see Sichuan face-changing opera (Bian Lian). Set to dramatic music, the performances weave storytelling with quick, near-magical mask changes.

Shanghai
Shanghai’s modern skyline is layered with history and old-world charm. On one hand is the iconic Shanghai Tower promising a bird’s eye view of the city. On the other hand, are the colonial-era buildings along the Bund and the tree-lined boulevards of the Former French Concession. After taking in the European influence on the architecture, pause for a cup of coffee at one of the cafés in the Former French Concession.

This city is also a great place to shop. In addition to the malls, stop by the Yuyuan Bazaar to bargain for ceramics, jade jewelry, and other souvenirs. At the heart of this market lies the tranquil Yuyuan Garden - a beautifully preserved classical garden with pavilions, halls, rockeries, and ponds.

Before you leave, make sure you visit the Shanghai Circus World. This indoor circus is best known for its 100-minute acrobatic show. Featuring an array of breathtaking stunts and aided by modern technology, the show depicts a romantic journey exploring Shanghai's culture. It’s a beautiful way to round off your visit.

Helpful Tips for a Memorable Holiday
It’s not just about what you see in China, but how you experience it. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind.

• Plan your trip at least a month in advance, as visa processing can take 3-4 weeks.
• Download apps like Google Translate, as English isn’t spoken everywhere.
• Try the local food, especially Jianbing in Beijing and Sichuan hotpot in Chengdu.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best months to visit China?
April, May, June, September, and October are ideal months to explore China.

Do the Chinese speak English?
English is not widely spoken everywhere, so using translation apps can be very helpful.

How many days should first-time travelers spend in China?
8-10 days is ideal for first-time visitors. This gives you enough time to explore key highlights in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai.

Planning a Holiday in China
While the major cities in China are well-connected, language barriers and limited access to global apps can make independent travel challenging. In addition, China visa requirements can be quite complex, and processing takes up to a month. The simpler way would be to join an organized group tour.

Having curated tours across China, Japan and South Korea, Odyssey offers thoughtfully designed journeys shaped by local expertise. The Legends of China tour is ideal for first-time visitors. This 10-day tour takes you around Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai and gives you VIP access to unique cultural experiences. You’ll also be travelling with a small group of people thus ensuring a more personalized experience and the chance to come back with new friends along with lifelong memories.

Not only do Odyssey tour packages cover your accommodation, city transfers, meals and monument entrance fees, they also give you access to English-speaking local guides. Need help with flight tickets and visas? We can help you with that too. Let us handle all the logistics so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday. Connect with us to start planning today.