10 Days in China – Best 10 Days Travel Ideas with Customized Itineraries

Written by Veronica | Updated September 25,2025

Spending 10 days in China will allow you to uncover a lot of things about this country. Whether it is your first or return trip, surely there are regions with culture, scenery, and history you haven’t discovered. It might be a famous ancient capital, a remote mountainous town, or a beautiful alpine village. This article will help you plan your 10-day tour of China.

Here are the best places to visit in China, each with different themes and highlights. Then we’ll move on to some of the most popular itineraries for 10 days in China. Lastly, we’ll give you some of the most important travel tips for planning a China tour. Depending on your interests, we can help you craft the perfect 10-day China itinerary.

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• How to Plan Your 10-Day Trip to China
• Places to Consider for Your 10-Day China Travel Itinerary
• Best 10-Day China Itineraries (Classic & Customizable)
• Tips for Planning Your 10-Day China Trip
• FAQs about 10 Days Tour in China
• Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour

How to Plan Your 10-Day Trip to China

If you don’t know where to start planning your 10 days in China, here are some things to consider. First, consider what kind of travel experience you’re looking for. Would you like to go on a themed tour that fully explores one aspect of China, like culture, nature, or history?

If it’s your first time traveling to China, you might want to consider a destination that has all of these things. Popular destinations like Beijing or Shanghai might be a good idea. If you’re returning to China, you may already have some ideas in mind. You might want to explore the mountains of Sichuan, the culture of Jiangnan, or the landscapes of Yunnan.

Then, also think about what the most suitable travel style is. For example, if you’re going on a family tour in China, you might want to include kid-friendly attractions, museum visits, and less challenging activities. If you’re a hiker going on an outdoor adventure tour, you can look into guided trekking tours with exciting trails.

Places to Consider for Your 10-Day China Travel Itinerary

For History and Culture

Beijing

Beijing is the top destination in China for first-time visitors to witness the country’s history and culture. It is the ancient capital with over 3,000 years of history. There are many must-see attractions, like the Forbidden City. It was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. And the Great Wall of China, the most iconic landmark of the country, will make your journey unforgettable.

Xi’an

As the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, a lot of history can be uncovered in Xi’an. Most famously, the Terracotta Warriors was discovered here. The army made of clay consisted of thousands of soldiers and chariots buried underground to guard the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The city also has many other cultural and historic sites to explore, like the ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarter.

Pingyao

Pingyao is one of the top ancient cities in China. It has a large area of well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture and over 300 historical sites. Walking down the streets lined by traditional houses, you can visit temples, the first modern bank of China, and old family complexes. Pingyao is an important stop on China history tours.

Chengdu

Chengdu is the cultural hub of southwestern China. The locals are known for their laid-back lifestyle with traditions like tea-drinking and hotpot. You must try the famous Sichuan cuisine while you’re there. The city is close to many stunning natural attractions, and the area is the original home of giant pandas. You’ll have many opportunities to see them and interact with them.

For Natural Scenic Wonders

Guilin

Guilin is your top choice for China nature tours. It’s been ranked the most beautiful city in China for its unique karst landforms. The city is cut through by the Li River where thousands of karst hills rise out of the water. You can go on a hike, explore wild caves, and take a river cruise into the surrounding countryside.

Zhangjiajie

The towering pinnacles from the fictional world of Avatar are inspired by no other than the views of Zhangjiajie. The peaks pierce through the clouds, and the canyons are wide and deep. You can take the tallest elevator in the world to the top of the mountain or walk across the world’s longest and highest glass bridge. The wonderful sceneries also provide excellent opportunities for hiking.

Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou is an untouched fairyland near Chengdu, among the most beautiful places in China. Against the blue sky, there are snow-capped peaks in the distance. You can hear the sounds of cascading waterfalls. The clear lakes reflect the colors of the surrounding forests and the sky. It’s definitely worth visiting for your 10 days in China.

Modern Metropolises and Water Towns

The Jiangnan region is an interesting part of China where the international metropolis of Shanghai meets traditional water town culture. Visiting these three cities will give you the best travel experience and understanding of the region.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a great destination for your first China trip. You can take a walk along the Bund or take a night cruise to see the famous Shanghai skyline. Aside from its cityscapes, there are also many cultural heritages to discover, from the traditional architecture of Yuyuan Garden to the city’s food culture. You can visit Shanghai Museum to get a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is the most popular Shanghai side trip destination. It is the origin place of many things you may associate China with, like silk and tea. The beautiful West Lake is the center of the city. Its beautiful sceneries have inspired many artworks and poetry throughout history. Around the lake, you can visit tea plantations, temples, and the China National Silk Museum.

Suzhou

Suzhou is most renowned for having a large number of classical Chinese gardens. These gardens were mostly built by retired government officials or families of high social status in Chinese history. Their Jiangnan architecture style, waterscape, and landscaping represent a longing for the pastoral life. Suzhou also has many of the best water towns in China like Tongli Water Town and Zhouzhuang Water Town.

For Ethnic Charm & Plateau Scenery

Yunnan

West China is excellent for in-depth tours with vast plateau landscapes populated by ethnic minority groups. In Yunnan, you’ll see rolling snow mountains with world-class hiking trails. You can visit ancient towns of different ethnic groups like the Bai people, Naxi people, and Hani people. Observe their traditional architecture, costumes, and ways of life.

Tibet

Tibet is known as the roof of the world for being home to Mount Everest. The vast area has many plateau lakes, glaciers, and forests. It is also the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism. Many worshippers make the pilgrimage to Tibet to witness Potala Palace, the highest ancient palace in the world, as well as many other temples and monasteries. You can experience Tibetan life on your China tour.

Best 10-Day China Itineraries (Classic & Customizable)

Beijing-Xi’an-Guilin-Shanghai 10-Day Itinerary – For First-Time Visitors

Day 1: Beijing arrival, Wangfujing Snack Street

Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park, Yonghe Palace, Beijing Hutongs

Day 3: Great Wall hiking tour, Ming Tombs, high-speed train to Xi’an

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter

Day 5: Shaanxi History Museum, flight to Guilin

Day 6: Seven Star Park, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill

Day 7: Li River cruise to Yangshuo, Yangshuo West Street, Countryside cycling

Day 8: Longji Rice Terraces, flight to Shanghai, acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World

Day 9: Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, Lujiazui sightseeing, the Bund, Huangpu River Night Cruise

Day 10: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai departure

Our Top Recommended Itineraries:

• 10 Days Immersive China Tour of Beijing-Xian-Guilin-Shanghai
• 10 Days Private Tour of Shanghai-Guilin-Xian-Beijing

Beijing-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai-Huangshan 10-Day Itinerary – Stunning Mountains of China

Day 1: Beijing arrival, Beijing Hutongs

Day 2: Great Wall hiking tour, Ming Tombs, the Summer Palace, Wangfujing Snack Street

Day 3: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, flight to Zhangjiajie

Day 4: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Golden Whip Stream, Tianzi Mountain

Day 5: Yuanjiajie, Bailong Elevator, Tianmen Mountain, flight to Shanghai

Day 6: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, the Bund, Huangpu River Night Cruise

Day 7: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Old Street, Nanjing Road

Day 8: High-speed train to Huangshan, Hongcun Ancient Village

Day 9: The Yellow Mountain hiking tour

Day 10: Sunrise at the Yellow Mountain, hiking tour, Huangshan departure

Our Top Recommended Itinerary:

• 10 Days China Landscape Tour with Zhangjiajie & Huangshan

Xi’an-Pingyao-Datong-Beijing 10-Day Itinerary – Ancient China History Tour

Day 1: Xi’an arrival, Muslim Quarter

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 3: Shaanxi History Museum, high-speed train to Pingyao

Day 4: Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao City Wall, Qiao Family Courtyard

Day 5: Shuanglin Temple, high-speed train to Datong

Day 6: Yungang Grottoes, Shanhua Temple, Huayan Temple, Nine-Dragon Screen

Day 7: Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, high-speed train to Beijing

Day 8: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park, Yonghe Palace, Beijing Hutongs

Day 9: Great Wall hiking tour, Ming Tombs, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, Wangfujing Snack Street

Day 10: Beijing Zoo, Beijing departure

Our Top Recommended Itinerary:

• 10 Days Historic China Tour of Xi’an-Pingyao-Datong-Beijing

China Silk Road 10-Day Itinerary – Trace the Ancient Trade Route across West China

Day 1: Xi’an arrival, Bell Tower and Drum Tower

Day 2: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter

Day 3: High-speed train to Zhangye, Giant Buddha Temple

Day 4: Rainbow Mountains, Matisi Temple

Day 5: High-speed train to Dunhuang, Shazhou Night Market

Day 6: Mogao Grottoes, Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, high-speed train to Turpan

Day 7: Karez Well, Sugong Pagoda, Tuyu Valley, Flaming Mountains, Jiaohe Ruins, drive to Urumqi

Day 8: Heavenly Lake and Tianshan Mountain, Xinjiang Regional Museum

Day 9: Flight to Kashgar, Kashgar Old Town

Day 10: Id Kah Mosque, local markets, Kashgar departure

Recommended Silk Road Itineraries:

• 10 Days Ancient China Silk Road Tour from Xian to Kashgar
• 10 Days China Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou to Urumqi
• 10 Days China Silk Road Tour to Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai

Beijing-Xi’an-Chengdu-Shanghai 10-Day Itinerary – Classic Major City Family Tour

Day 1: Beijing arrival, Wangfujing Snack Street

Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Beijing Hutongs

Day 3: Great Wall visit, high-speed train to Xi’an

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter

Day 5: Shaanxi History Museum, high-speed train to Chengdu

Day 6: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Pedestrian Street, Kuanzhai Alley

Day 7: Leshan Giant Buddha, flight to Shanghai

Day 8: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, the Bund, Huangpu River Cruise

Day 9: Shanghai Disneyland Park

Day 10: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai departure

Our Top Recommended Itineraries:

• 10 Days Beijing Xian Chengdu Shanghai Family Tour
• 10 Days China Tour of Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Shanghai

Yunnan-Tibet 10-Day China Itinerary – Journey to Explore Ethnic Cultures

Day 1: Kunming arrival, Dianchi Lake, Flowers and Birds Market

Day 2: Kunming Stone Forest, high-speed train to Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool Park

Day 3: Lijiang Old Town, Dongba Cultural Museum, Baisha Ancient Town

Day 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge, drive to Shangri-La

Day 5: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Ancient Town

Day 6: Flight to Lhasa (take the day to adjust to the altitude)

Day 7: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Day 8: Norbulingka Park, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Day 9: Namtso Lake, Tashi Dor Peninsula

Day 10: Lhasa departure

Our Top Recommended Itinerary:

• 10 Days Yunnan and Tibet Tour

Tips for Planning Your 10-Day China Trip

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China?

China currently has a number of visa-free travel policies that may allow you to visit without a visa like the 30-Day Visa-Free Policy and the 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy. Depending on where you’re from and your travel plans, you may meet the requirements. If not, make sure you apply for a Chinese visa before your 10-day trip.

Transportation

For first-time visitors, it’s recommended that you start your 10 days in China from a gateway city like Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. These cities have direct flights to most major ports in the world. Then you can travel to your other destinations by high-speed train or domestic flight. The railway system is very convenient for traveling between nearby cities.

For getting around within cities, the metro is the most convenient option and is very easy to navigate, but it is only available in major cities. You can get around by taxi in most places for a fairly cheap price. However, in more rural or mountainous areas, it’s best if you book a tour or arrange private transportation beforehand, as communication and navigation may be different.

Best Time to Visit China for a 10-Day Trip​​

Depending on where you’re going and the views you wish to see, the best time to visit China can vary. In general, spring and autumn are considered the best for most places. The weather tends to be suitable for outdoor exploration, and the sceneries are at their best. It’s highly suggested that you avoid summer and China public holidays because those are the peak tourist season.

Related reading: Worst Times to Visit China: Dates to Avoid for Your China Tour

Cost for a 10-day China Tour

Depending on the time of year and personal preferences, the cost for 10 days in China can vary by a lot. For your reference, here’s a list of essential estimated costs to include in your China tour budget:

Transportation

• • Flights to and from China (round trip): CNY 5,000-10,000 between China and the US or Europe; CNY 1,000-5,000 between China and Southeast Asian countries
  • Traveling between cities in China: CNY 200-800 for flights or bullet trains
  • Daily travels: CNY 20-80 per day

Accommodations

• • • CNY 200-400 per day for budget hotels; CNY 500-1200 per day for higher-end options

Attraction Tickets

• • CNY 40-150 on average per attraction

Dining and Entertainment

• • CNY 150-300 per day

Making Payments in China

Electronic payment has almost completely replaced cash and card payments in China. Although cash will still be accepted, merchants sometimes may not have enough change, and card payment is not accepted a lot of the times by private vendors. It’s recommended that you set up one of the most prevalent payment apps, WeChat Pay or Alipay. It will save you a lot of time and trouble.

FAQs about 10 Days Tour in China

Can I visit China for 10 days without a visa?

Based on the latest 240 hour visa-free policy, tourists from 54 countries can have a China tour without a visa for 10 days, including the US, UK, Austria, etc. This new policy has covered almost all major tourist cities in 24 provinces in China. The materials you should provide are your passport with a validity period of over 3 months and a connected international flight to the third country.

Is China expensive to visit?

The travel cost largely depends on the destination, accommodation, transportation and personal consumption. To enjoy a comfortable trip, it may take about CNY 1,000 + for hotels, about CNY 500 + for meals, and about CNY 200 + to get around the city. After plus the price for inter-city transportation and the tickets for tourist attractions, the total cost will be about CNY 10,000. And it does not include the international flights and shopping. The cost in first-tier cities will be higher.

Is it better to travel independently or with a tour group?

You can choose according to your needs. For first-comers, tourists with a limited time or tourists who want to save worry, travelling with a tour group is a better choice. Since the travel agency will arrange the itinerary, accommodation, transportation and some meals for you, so you do not need to plan by yourself. But if you prefer a personalized and abundant travel experience, choose the independent travel. You can explore the scenic spots and take part in the activities as you like.

Do I need to carry cash?

Although mobile payment has been the main payment method in China, it is also necessary to take a small amount of cash, because some street stalls and remote areas also do not support mobile payment. And in attractions with a lot of tourists, the network connection may be unstable.

What’s the best way to get around cities and between different regions?

In most cities, subway or bus system is well-developed, so they are the top choices to get around cities. Taxi or online hailing is also convenient with reasonable price. For travel between different regions, the high-speed train is highly recommended. It is beloved by many travelers because it is fast, comfortable and punctual. Flights also cover a wide range and are more suitable for a long-distance travel.

What should I pack for a 10-day trip in China?

The most important are your valid passport and a connecting flight. And prepare suitable clothes and shoes according to the climate of cities you plan to tour. To protect your health, some common drugs are also necessary, such as cold medicine and gastrointestinal medicine. Before your departure, download the translation app, map app and other essential apps. Besides, the plug in China may be different from your country, so check if a changeover plug is needed.

Plan Your China Tour with China Xian Tour

Choose us for your 10-day China tour and you will have the best travel experience. With our professional local guides and experienced travel experts, we can help you customize your itinerary and take care of all the logistics for you so that you can immerse in the unforgettable China tour. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time. Here are some of our best 10-day China tour packages.