10 Day China Itinerary
TL;DR
An efficient 10 days in China itinerary with only public transport – Guilin - Xi’an - Beijing - Shanghai.
We have recently spent 2 weeks backpacking in China. With our personal experience, we have created an efficient itinerary for your 10 day trip to China.
- 10 Days China Itinerary
- Day 1 – Exploring Yangshuo
- Day 2 – Day trip to Xingping
- Day 3 – Yangshuo to Xi’an
- Day 4 – Exploring Xi’an & Terracotta Warriors
- Day 5 – Day Trip to Mount Huashan and the Famous Plank Walk
- Day 6 – Xi’an to Beijing
- Day 7 – Exploring Beijing
- Day 8 – Day Trip to the Great Wall
- Day 9 – Beijing to Shanghai
- Day 10 – Shanghai
10 Days China Itinerary
- Book accommodations in China at booking.com or Agoda
- Book train tickets in China at Trip.com
- Book your China tours at Klook
- Get your mobile data for China at Airalo
- Read our Backpacking China Guide
Day 1 – Exploring Yangshuo
We think Yangshuo is the perfect place to ease into China! It’s a beautiful town with loads of tourist infrastructure set in stunning scenery.
The best way to explore is to rent a bicycle. Our accommodation rented out bikes for 10 RMB per day.
The main highlight of Yangshuo is going on a bamboo raft. Many tourists will choose the Li River as it’s easier to reach and more famous. We suggest to head to Yulong River instead. It’s much less crowded and quieter because the bamboo rafts don’t have motors.
Cycling further along the Yulong River is absolutely stunning. Most tourists choose to cycle the 10 Mile Gallery. If you want even more peace and quiet, head in the direction of Yulong Bridge instead.
Another highlight is climbing one of the karst mountains and checking out the scenery. Many tourists choose Moon Hill. You can also climb “Man Hill” (Xilang Shan) in Yangshuo Park for an easier hike.
In the evening, head to the city centre around West Street. It’s full of tourist infrastructure with shops and restaurants – and even more street food in the evening. You can also get a Chinese massage here.
At night, the Impression Sanjie Liu Show is a highlight.
Where to Stay in Yangshuo
The staff speaks perfect English and is beyond helpful. The dorms and bathrooms are clean – and there’s a swimming pool.
Day 2 – Day trip to Xingping
Today, go on an easy day trip to Xingping. Xingping has two highlights which you can easily visit in one day: The old town which was the largest town along the Li River in ancient times and the stunning scenery with picturesque karst mountains along the Li River. Don’t miss the spot which inspired the 20 Yuan note!
We have written a complete blog post about our day trip to Xingping.
Travel Guides
DIY Xingping Day Trip from Yangshuo (+ Map)
We went on an amazing, budget-friendly day trip from Yangshuo to Xingping.
Carina
Day 3 – Yangshuo to Xi’an
If you want to take a train from Yangshuo to Xi’an, you first have to go to Guilin. Our guesthouse organised our transfer to Guilin for us.
At the time of our visit, there was only one direct train per day from Guilin to Xi’an so we advise you to reserve in advance.
Where to Stay in Xi’an
The dorms and bathrooms were clean. The staff spoke English and the bar and cafe was a nice place to relax.
Day 4 – Exploring Xi’an & Terracotta Warriors
Explore the highlight of Xi’an in the morning: The Terracotta Warriors. The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of terracotta figures, mostly warriors and horses. They were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang around 210–209 BC to protect him in his afterlife.
In the afternoon, head to the city of Xi’an which is worth a visit in itself. Check out the highlights like the Bell and Drum Towers, the Muslim Quarter with Xi’an Mosque, and the city walls which you can circle as a whole. We have written a complete travel guide about Xi’an if you want to learn more.
Travel Guides
Xi’an Backpacking Guide + Map (2024)
Travel guide on how to visit Xi’an, China, on a budget.
Carina
Day 5 – Day Trip to Mount Huashan and the Famous Plank Walk
Today, go on a day trip to the famous Mount Huashan plank walk. Even if you don’t want to do the plank walk itself, there’s some really great hiking here making this trip worth your while.
We have written a complete blogpost about our Mount Hua Shan day trip.
Day 6 – Xi’an to Beijing
Today, hop on a train from Xi’an to Beijing. There are several trains per hour. The fastest trains take around 4.5 hours.
Where to Stay in Beijing
Day 7 – Exploring Beijing
Today, explore the highlights of Beijing. Start on Tiananmen Square, head to the Forbidden City, and check out the views from Jingshan Park.
In the afternoon, check out the Temple Of Heaven and the Qianmen area where you can also enjoy an amazing dinner. We have written a complete Beijing itinerary if you want more details.
Travel Guides
Forbidden City Beijing Cheap Last Minute Ticket Hack
How to Get Cheap Last Minute Tickets for the Forbidden City Beijing.
Carina
Day 8 – Day Trip to the Great Wall
Today is the day to visit what is probably the main attraction of China: The Great Wall. We opted for a day trip as it was convenient and cost-efficient. We have written a complete blogpost about our tour to the Great Wall.
We went to the Mutianyu Section which wasn’t too crowded and offered great views.
Day 9 – Beijing to Shanghai
Today, hop on a train from Beijing to Shanghai. Throughout the day, there are several trains per hour so you can choose if you want to go late or early. The fast train takes 4.5 to 6 hours.
Where to Stay in Shanghai
Day 10 – Shanghai
Start your day in the former French Concession. Afterwards, head to the Old City. From here, it’s a short walk to the Bund. Enjoy the skyline views before you head to one of the biggest shopping streets in the world Nanjing Road.
If you’re in Shanghai on a weekend, check out the Marriage Market in People’s Park. End your day in one of the many rooftop bars.
We have written a complete Shanghai itinerary if you want more details:
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