China in 10 days, the classic route day by day
Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai in 10 days by bullet train. What to see each day, what to book ahead and what it costs, from €623 per person.
The route at a glance
It is three cities and two bullet trains. Four days in Beijing, two in Xi'an and four in Shanghai. Look for an open-jaw flight into Beijing and home from Shanghai, so you never backtrack. It is the route that works best on a first trip, with China's big sights and few hotel changes.
Beijing, days 1 to 4
Stay in Dongcheng, near Wangfujing, a short walk from the Forbidden City. Note that the Forbidden City closes on Mondays, so plan the days around your arrival date.
- Day 1. Arrive and walk along Wangfujing
- Day 2. Forbidden City and Jingshan hill
- Day 3. Great Wall at Mutianyu, with the toboggan ride down
- Day 4. Temple of Heaven early, then the hutong lanes
Xi'an, days 5 and 6
The bullet train leaves Beijing West and takes about 4 h 30. Stay inside the city wall, near the Bell Tower. From there you walk to the Muslim Quarter and take the metro to most places.
- Day 5. Train to Xi'an, the city wall by bike, the Muslim Quarter
- Day 6. Terracotta Army, over an hour from the centre
Shanghai, days 7 to 10
Xi'an to Shanghai is about 6 hours by train. If you would rather save time, you can fly this leg. Stay in Jing'an or near People's Square, with the metro close by.
- Day 7. Arrive and see the Bund at night
- Day 8. Yuyuan Garden early, then the old town
- Day 9. Shanghai Museum East and the French Concession. The museum closes Tuesdays
- Day 10. Flight home
What to book ahead
You can buy most things on the day, but three things sell out. Set a reminder for each one and keep your passport handy, because every ticket carries your name.
- Bullet trains. Sales open 15 days ahead, counting the travel day
- Forbidden City. 7 days ahead, at 8 pm Beijing time
- Terracotta Army. 7 days ahead, online only
- Hotels, Alipay and an eSIM, a few weeks before you go
What it costs
With the prices in this guide, the route starts from €623 per person in a double room, with simple hotels, both trains in second class and the entry tickets. With comfortable hotels, from €834. With special hotels, from €1,695. It does not include your international flight or meals. This is an example for November and it changes with your dates.
10 daysFrequently asked questions
Train or plane between Xi'an and Shanghai?
The train takes about 6 hours and costs 756 yuan in second class, city centre to city centre. Flying saves time, but you add airport transfers and waiting. If you do not mind half a day on the train, it is the easier option.
When is the best time for this route?
April, May, September, October and November. Avoid Golden Week from 1 to 7 October, 1 to 5 May and Chinese New Year, which falls on 6 February in 2027. July and August are hot.
Should I start in Beijing or Shanghai?
Either works, the route runs just as well in reverse. What matters is to fly into one city and out of the other. Beijing has two airports, Capital and Daxing, so check which one is on your booking.
Do I need a visa?
With a passport from most of Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru or Uruguay you get up to 30 days visa-free, for now until 31 December 2026. Mexico and the US need a visa, unless they use the 240-hour transit.
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