10-Day Itineraries in China: 3 Essential Travel Ideas

If you want to cover China's highlights in 10 days, here are three meticulously crafted itineraries for you, which the most well-known cities or scenic spots, like the Great Wall, the Terra-cotta Army, the Bund, and a boat ride down the Li River; or an exploration of ancient civilizations - a visit to the Silk Road; or simply nature excursions to the fairyland of Yunnan. Consult us to pick one that best suits you.

Itinerary #1 Fantastic Yet Distinct

China is a vast country possessing incredibly diverse landscapes, cultures, customs, traditions, and dialects. Over the centuries, China has witnessed numerous dynasties and cultural shifts, leaving behind a wealth of historical relics and cultural heritage. This 10-day itinerary covers four disparate cities from the North to the South, bringing travelers entirely different experiences.

This program is perfect for first-time visitors who want to check out the major cities, the classic historical sites, and the unique landscapes of China; The best months for this tour are April, May, September, October, and November.

Li River at Dawn

Begin the tour in Shanghai, which showcases a blend of tradition and modernity. Yu Garden is a tranquil oasis of calm nested within the vibrant city with a history of over 400 years. The Bund and Lujiazui offer unparalleled views of the city's skyline, where skyscrapers stand over the Huangpu River and the bustling financial district.

Continue to Guilin, a picturesque city in southern China known for its breathtaking landscapes: unique Karst mountains, meandering rivers, terraced rice paddies, cascading waterfalls, idle buffalos, and black cormorants perching on the bamboo rafts, never disappoints people who yearn for idyllic life.

Then, arrive in Xi'an, which is home to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum and these life-size statues are a stunning testament to ancient Chinese pottery and sculpture skills. The city walls, constructed during the Ming Dynasty, are over 6000 meters in circumference and provide a perfect point to appreciate the city's layout and scenery. Another must-visit is the Muslim Quarter, where you can explore the narrow lanes and alleys, and sample delicious Islamic cuisine.

Finish in Beijing, the capital city of China which has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties. The Forbidden City boasts 8600 rooms. The Temple of Heaven is one of the largest surviving ancient sacrificial architectural complexes in the world. The Great Wall extends far and wide, being a legend past and present, of which a stroll atop the ramparts is never to be missed.

Recommended Extensions Based on This Tour:

Chengdu: 2-3 days, visit pandas, Leshan Giant Buddha, and Sanxingdui archaeological site
Huangshan: 2-3 days, visit the Yellow Mountain, Hongcun Village
Zhangjiajie: 2-3 days, visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area and Avatar Mountain

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Itinerary #2 Pursuing the Silk Road

The Silk Road, named after the lucrative silk trade that traced back to 2000 years ago, was an ancient commercial route connecting China with the West, and it was also a major exchange of ideas, technologies, and cultural and religious practices. This 10-day trip will take you from Xi'an to Lanzhou, via Tianshui, and finally end in Dunhuang, allowing you to discover the historical grandeur and cultural diversity of this captivating route.

This tour is recommended for history or cultural lovers, especially those interested in the ancient Silk Road or religious art, and those looking for a deeper exploration on their 2nd or 3rd time visit to China. The best months for this tour are between May and October.

Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

Pursue the ancient Silk Road from Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road, and the hometown of the world-renowned cultural relics such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. As the intersection of multiple civilizations, the millenarian city was an important destination for merchants, missionaries, and scholars heading westward. The Muslim Quarter has always been an authentic reflection of its rich cultural diversity.

Arrival in Tianshui by high-speed train, you will marvel at the time-honored Fuxi Temple and the prestige Maiji Mountain Grottoes, and understand how the Silk Road helped the spread of religions like Buddhism.

Then, in Lanzhou, check out the symbolic waterwheel park, iron bridge, and Yellow River Mother Sculpture. Straddling the Yellow River, the mother river of Chinese people, Lanzhou served as a transportation hub along the Silk Road and a gateway for goods for thousands of years.

There is also an extension tour to the Tibetan town Xiahe, to discover the mysterious Labrang Monastery, beautiful Sangke Grassland, and a devotional Tibetan family.

Further west, you will see the impressive gate tower of this celebrated frontier fortress - Jiayuguan and the Hanging Great Wall. Jiayuguan was an ancient military outpost along the Silk Road that worked as a protective barrier against invasions from the West and was instrumental in maintaining safe trade routes between China and Western countries.

Continue your journey to Dunhuang - a city rich in Buddhist culture and art. Visit the world-renowned Mogao Caves, which contain thousands of Buddhist figures and paintings dating back over 1600 years and are a priceless cultural heritage site.

Recommended Extensions Based on This Tour:

Luoyang: 2-3 days, visit the Longmen Grottos and Shaolin Temple
Xinjiang: 5 -7 days after Dunhuang, discover the exotic Turpan and Kashgar, two other vital hubs on the ancient Silk Road

Itinerary #3 Lost Horizon: Shangri-La

Yunnan, located in the southern part of China, whose average elevation lies about 2000 meters, is a province with diverse natural landscapes and cultural heritages. It is home to many ethnic groups, like Yi, Dai, Naxi, and the Lisu.

This proposal is for natural lovers, ethnic culture seekers, or those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. You can visit here all year round, but better to avoid the crowds between July and August.

Natural Beauty of Pudacuo National Park

Kunming, the gateway of the Yunnan tour, enjoys a mild climate all year round. The unique topography and karst landform give rise to such beautiful natural landscapes as stone forests and diverse fauna and flora. Here, you will visit the Stone Forest and Bird & Flower Market and glimpse into its biodiversity.

West to Kunming, the time-honored Dali, and Lijiang have been important commercial and cultural centers on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, which starts from the green lowlands and then rises amidst the misty mountains till the snow-capped peaks.

Browsing the old towns, dignified Three Pagodas, quaint ethnic villages, majestic Cangshan mountain, and picturesque Erhai Lake, you can still track how goods and stories were exchanged and how the gap between cultures was bridged along the way.

Then, traveling along the winding gorges of the Yangtze River and skipping over the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge, we arrive in Shangri-La, a haven of peace and tranquility, a land of legend and myth, a place where time stands still. Relish in the natural beauty of Pudacuo National Park, cense at the Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, hike through scenic grassland, and plateaus, and talk to a local Tibetan family.

Recommended Extensions Based on This Tour:

Tibet: 3-4 days, visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Yamdrok Lake, Tashilumpo Monastery
Chengdu: 2-3 days, visit pandas and Sanxingdui archaeological site & enjoy hotpot and Sichuan Opera