Ideal length
10 days / 9 nights
Main transfers
2 high-speed trains
Walking level
Moderate to high
Best seasons
Spring and autumn

Who this route works for

  • First-time visitors
  • History and city contrast
  • Families with older children

Day-by-day route

  1. 1
    Beijing

    Arrive and reset

    Check in, set up payments and take a low-pressure neighbourhood walk rather than booking a major sight after the flight.

  2. 2
    Beijing

    Imperial Beijing

    Visit the Forbidden City area with timed entry confirmed in advance, then continue through Jingshan or nearby hutongs at a comfortable pace.

  3. 3
    Beijing

    The Great Wall

    Make a full-day Great Wall excursion with transport matched to the section, weather and walking ability of the group.

  4. 4
    Beijing

    Temple and local life

    Pair the Temple of Heaven with a market, park or neighbourhood food experience, leaving time to pack for the train.

  5. 5
    Xi'an

    High-speed rail to Xi'an

    Take a daytime direct train, settle near the city wall or metro, and spend the evening around the illuminated old city.

  6. 6
    Xi'an

    Terracotta Army

    Use most of the day for the museum and transfer, with a guide or strong audio context to make the archaeological site understandable.

  7. 7
    Xi'an

    City wall and food streets

    Explore the city wall and historic core, choosing food stops with dietary needs clearly communicated rather than relying on assumptions.

  8. 8
    Shanghai

    Rail to Shanghai

    Travel east by high-speed train and keep the first Shanghai evening flexible for the Bund or a riverside walk.

  9. 9
    Shanghai

    Old and new Shanghai

    Contrast a historic lane or garden area with Pudong or a contemporary district, using timed tickets only where needed.

  10. 10
    Shanghai

    Departure day

    Leave a realistic airport-transfer buffer and keep purchases, tax documents and payment fallbacks accessible.

Keep the route realistic

Transport schedules, attraction access and weather vary by date. Confirm the exact stations, opening arrangements and ticket conditions before treating this framework as a booked itinerary.