Ten days is the sweet spot for experiencing the depth of China: from ancient ramparts to dazzling modern skylines. The itinerary below connects Beijing – Xi'an – Shanghai – Hangzhou by high-speed train (G-trains) — fast, smooth and punctual, moving you between major cities in just a few hours.
Itinerary at a glance
| Days | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Beijing | Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven |
| 4–5 | Xi'an | Terracotta Army, ancient city wall |
| 6–8 | Shanghai | The Bund, Pudong, Yu Garden |
| 9 | Hangzhou | West Lake, Lingyin Temple |
| 10 | — | Departure |
💡 High-speed train tip: Beijing → Xi'an takes around 4.5–6 hours; Xi'an → Shanghai about 6 hours; Shanghai → Hangzhou only about 1 hour. Book early and bring your passport for the ticket gates.
Day 1 – Arrive in Beijing
Land in Beijing, check in and rest. Take a gentle afternoon stroll through the old hutong alleys to soak up traditional daily life, then enjoy the iconic Peking duck for dinner.
Day 2 – Great Wall & Summer Palace
Set off early for the Great Wall (the Mutianyu section is scenic and usually less crowded). In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace — the imperial summer retreat famous for its Long Corridor along Kunming Lake.
Day 3 – Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Spend the morning at the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace complex in the world. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Rest up for the trip to Xi'an the next morning.
Day 4 – High-speed train to Xi'an & the city wall
Take a morning G-train to Xi'an. On arrival, cycle along the ancient city wall — one of the most complete city walls in China. In the evening, explore the Muslim Quarter and its endless array of tempting street food.
Day 5 – The Terracotta Army
Devote the morning to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang — an archaeological wonder with thousands of clay warriors. In the afternoon, visit the Wild Goose Pagoda or the central Bell Tower. For dinner, try biangbiang noodles or roujiamo (Xi'an's stuffed flatbread).
Day 6 – High-speed train to Shanghai
Travel by G-train to Shanghai. In the afternoon, walk along The Bund and admire the colonial-era buildings facing the glittering Pudong skyline as night falls.
Day 7 – Yu Garden & French Concession
Spend the morning at Yu Garden, a refined classical garden, and the adjacent bazaar. In the afternoon, wander the leafy French Concession, with its creative cafés and boutiques in Tianzifang.
Day 8 – Pudong & food
Explore the Pudong skyline: the Oriental Pearl Tower and the surrounding skyscrapers. Be sure to try Shanghai's famous soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and shengjianbao. In the evening, enjoy some shopping on Nanjing Road.
Day 9 – Day trip to Hangzhou
Catch a high-speed train to Hangzhou (only about an hour). Spend the day around the poetic West Lake, visit the ancient Lingyin Temple and, if time allows, taste Longjing tea among the tea hills. Return to Shanghai for the night.
Day 10 – Departure
Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or a final breakfast before heading to the airport.
A few useful notes
- Best seasons: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are usually pleasant, avoiding the hot, humid summer.
- Book G-trains early: Especially around Chinese public holidays, when demand is very high.
- Visa: Don't forget to apply for a tourist (L) visa before your trip — Vietnamese travellers need a visa to enter China.
- Payments: Set up a mobile wallet (Alipay/WeChat Pay) in advance, as many places accept little cash.
Would you like this itinerary tailored to your interests — food, culture or a slower pace? Let us handle the trains, hotels and guiding for a seamless journey.