Trip at a Glance (For Fast Planners)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Route | Beijing (3N) → Xi’an (2N) → Mount Huashan (day trip) → Chengdu (2N) → Chongqing (2N) |
| Best season | April–May, September–October (spring/autumn). Avoid Chinese national holidays. |
| Visa note | Perfectly matches China’s 240-hour visa-free transit. Enter via Beijing, exit from Chongqing—no backtracking. |
| Transport must-know | Beijing–Xi’an high-speed train (4.5–5.5 hrs, book 20 days ahead). Xi’an–Chengdu high-speed train (3.5–4 hrs). Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed train (1–1.5 hrs, departures every 30 min). |
| Budget | Budget-friendly: around ¥3,000 RMB (~420USD)per person. Excluding international flights. Comfortable mid−range: $700–$1,000. |
| Key advance bookings | High-speed train tickets (20 days ahead), hotels in peak season (1 month ahead), Forbidden City tickets (7 days ahead), Xi’an Terracotta Army tickets (online). |
If you’re planning a 10 day China itinerary first time, this route is the one I’d recommend without hesitation. Most China itineraries either rush through 10 cities in 7 days, or only cover one single city. This 10-day route balances 3000 years of ancient history, natural wonders and modern city life perfectly, built for the 240-hour visa-free transit. You start in Beijing—the imperial capital—then head west to Xi’an, the ancient capital of dynasties, climb the death-defying Mount Huashan, slow down in Chengdu’s teahouse alleys, and finally land in Chongqing’s neon cyberpunk skyline. It’s a journey from emperors to electric lights, from terracotta warriors to spicy hot pot, in just 10 days.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve traveled this exact corridor—testing train connections, timing transfers, and eating at every hot pot spot along the way. After dozens of trips with friends, family, and a few paying clients, I know where things go wrong and how to avoid them. This route is designed with zero backtracking, all high-speed rail connections, and every detail field-tested. This isn’t a checklist—it’s a curated journey through China’s past and present.
Who this is for: first-time China visitors looking for the best 10 day China tour for foreigners who want a deep but efficient experience, history lovers, photographers, food enthusiasts, and anyone using the 240-hour visa-free transit.
Who this is NOT for: people who want to visit 6 cities in 7 days, or those who prefer staying in one place for a week.
Before You Go: Essential Planning
Best Time to Visit
- April–May (spring): Warm days, blue skies, fewer crowds than summer. Perfect for walking the Great Wall and Xi’an City Wall.
- September–October (autumn): Crisp air, golden leaves, best photography season. Early October has National Day holiday—avoid that week.
- December–February (winter): Cold but fewer tourists. Xi’an and Chengdu are milder; Chongqing is foggy and moody (great for cyberpunk photos).
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Notes
- The 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit allows you to stay in China for 10 days without a visa, as long as you enter from one city and exit from another (or a third country/region).
- This 10-day route is designed specifically for visa-free transit: Enter via Beijing Capital Airport, exit via Chongqing Jiangbei Airport. Both are major international hubs.
- Important: You must show proof of onward travel (flight ticket out of China) when entering. Make sure your exit flight is within 240 hours of arrival.
- You can travel within the allowed provinces/cities. Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing are all covered by the visa-free policy.
- Pro tip: Book your exit flight from Chongqing in advance, and carry a printed copy of your full itinerary with hotel addresses.
Cross-City Transport Overview
- Beijing → Xi’an: High-speed train from Beijing West Station to Xi’an North Station. Duration 4.5–5.5 hours. Book at least 20 days ahead. Morning G-trains (G87, G91, etc.) are best—you watch the landscape shift from north plains to central mountains. Second-class seat ¥480–¥618.
- Xi’an → Chengdu: High-speed train from Xi’an North to Chengdu East. Duration 3.5–4 hours. Multiple daily departures. Second-class seat ¥263–¥430.
- Chengdu → Chongqing: High-speed train from Chengdu East to Chongqing North or Shapingba. Duration 1–1.5 hours. Departures every 30 minutes—no need to book far ahead, but do book a seat for morning departures. Second-class seat ¥96–¥270.
- Chongqing → Airport: Metro Line 10 or taxi to Jiangbei International Airport.
Avoid This Mistake: Don’t book night trains or sleeper buses to “save time.” Chinese high-speed trains are efficient, clean, and punctual. A 4-hour daytime train is far more comfortable than a 10-hour overnight bus. Book high-speed only.
Day 1–3: Beijing – The Imperial Capital
Beijing is the front door to China’s history. You’ll need 3 full days to cover the essentials without rushing. Here’s how I’d structure it.
Day 1: The Iconic Highlights
Morning: Start at Tiananmen Square early (before 8 AM to avoid long security lines), then walk north into the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). Book tickets online 7 days in advance—same-day tickets are almost impossible. Allocate 3–4 hours. Don’t just walk the central axis; detour to the eastern and western side halls for quieter courtyards and better photos.
Lunch: Exit through the north gate and walk to Jingshan Park (景山公园). Climb the hill for the classic panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s golden roofs. Then find a local noodle shop nearby—try Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) for under ¥30.
Afternoon: Take the subway to the Temple of Heaven (天坛公园). Go late afternoon (3–5 PM) when the light is warm and local retirees are practicing tai chi and choir singing under the ancient cypress trees. It’s more atmospheric than mid-morning.
Evening: Skip the touristy Peking duck chains. Head to Qianmen Street or Ghost Street (簋街) for local dinner. Try Beijing hot pot—my pick is Donglaishun (东来顺) for authentic copper pot lamb.
Local Pro Tip: Download Amap (高德地图) before arriving. Google Maps doesn’t work accurately in China. Amap has an English interface and gives you precise public transit directions.
Day 2: The Great Wall & Ming Tombs
Morning: Take an early bus or private car to Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城)—less crowded than Badaling, with a cable car and toboggan ride down. Arrive before 9 AM. Walk from tower 14 to tower 20 for the best views; the restored section ends there, but you can continue on the wild wall if you’re fit.
Lunch: Eat at one of the small restaurants at the Mutianyu base—they’re overpriced but convenient. Or pack sandwiches from Beijing.
Afternoon: Head back toward Beijing and stop at the Ming Tombs (明十三陵) if you have energy. The Dingling Underground Palace is cool but can be crowded. If you’re short on time, skip the tombs and return to the city for a hutong rickshaw tour near Shichahai Lake instead.
Avoid This Mistake: Don’t join a “Great Wall + Ming Tombs + tea ceremony” group tour. You’ll spend more time in jade shops than at the Wall. Book transport only, or take the tourist bus yourself.
Day 3: Hidden Beijing & Departure Prep
Morning: Visit the Summer Palace (颐和园) or Lama Temple (雍和宫). I prefer the Summer Palace—walk the Long Corridor, take a boat on Kunming Lake, and climb Longevity Hill for the view. Allocate 3 hours.
Lunch: Try Sichuan or Yunnan cuisine in the hutongs around Gulou. Dali Courtyard (大理院子) is a lovely Yunnan spot.
Afternoon: Explore the 798 Art District if you like contemporary art, or the National Museum of China (free but must book online) if you want more history.
Evening: Pack your bags. Tomorrow morning you’ll catch the high-speed train to Xi’an.
Local Pro Tip: Beijing West Railway Station is huge and security can take 30–40 minutes. Arrive at least 1 hour before departure. Your passport is your ticket—no paper needed.
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Day 4–5: Xi’an – Ancient Capital & Mount Huashan
Xi’an is the heart of ancient China. It deserves two full days—one for the Terracotta Army and city wall, another for Mount Huashan.
Day 4: Terracotta Army & Ancient City Wall
Morning: Take the early high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi’an North (G87 at 07:00 arrives 11:29, or similar). Book 20 days ahead—morning trains fill fast. At Xi’an North, take Metro Line 2 to the city center, drop bags at hotel, then catch the public bus (No. 306 or 914) or a taxi to the Terracotta Army Museum (秦始皇兵马俑博物馆). It’s 1 hour east of the city. Arrive by 1 PM to avoid afternoon tour bus crowds.
Inside the museum: Visit Pit 1 first (the huge main pit), then Pit 3 (command center), then Pit 2 (cavalry and archers). The bronze chariot exhibition is excellent but often skipped—don’t miss it.
Afternoon: Return to Xi’an around 4 PM. Walk the Xi’an City Wall (西安城墙) from the South Gate (永宁门). Rent a bike and cycle the full 14 km loop—takes about 90 minutes at a leisurely pace. Stay for sunset; the view of the old city against the modern skyline is magic.
Evening: Head to the Muslim Quarter (回民街) for dinner. It’s touristy but fun. Try roujiamo (肉夹馍) from a stall, yangrou paomo (羊肉泡馍) at Lao Sun Jia (老孙家), and finish with persimmon cakes (柿子饼).
Local Pro Tip: The Terracotta Army is at its best on weekday mornings. Weekends and Chinese holidays are chaotic. If you can, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Day 5: Mount Huashan (Day Trip)
Morning: Catch the 07:30 high-speed train from Xi’an North to Huashan North Station (华山北站)—only 30 minutes, second-class seat ¥54.5. Then take a free shuttle or taxi to the Mount Huashan Scenic Area (华山风景区). This mountain is famous for its death-defying plank walk and stunning granite peaks.
Which route? If you’re fit and want the full experience, take the Yuquan Yuan trail and hike up (6–8 hours round trip). If you’re like most travelers, take the North Peak cable car up, then hike across the peaks to the West Peak cable car down. This gives you the best views without exhaustion. The plank walk (长空栈道) is optional and costs extra—it’s thrilling but not for the faint-hearted.
Afternoon: Enjoy the mountain. The South Peak is the highest point (2,154 m). The Chess Pavilion is a classic photo spot.
Evening: Take the last high-speed train back to Xi’an (around 8 PM). Have a simple dinner near the hotel.
Avoid This Mistake: Don’t climb Mount Huashan on a rainy or foggy day. The mountain becomes dangerously slippery and the views disappear. Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared to swap days if needed.
Tired of figuring out cross-city train connections and station transfers on your own? Explore all our self-guided China travel guides—covering Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing and more. Browse the collection
Day 6–7: Chengdu – Slow Living & Sichuan Culture
Chengdu is all about slowing down. Tea houses, pandas, spicy food, and a relaxed pace that’s a welcome break after Xi’an’s intensity.
Day 6: Pandas & City Vibes
Morning: Take the high-speed train from Xi’an North to Chengdu East (around 3.5 hours). Book a morning train (G2201 at 08:00, or similar). Arrive by noon, check into hotel, then head straight to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (成都大熊猫繁育研究基地). Go immediately—pandas are most active in the morning and early afternoon. Spend 2–3 hours watching the pandas eat bamboo, play, and nap.
Late Afternoon: Visit Renmin Park (人民公园)—the heart of Chengdu’s teahouse culture. Order a cup of jasmine tea, get your ears cleaned (a local tradition), and watch the old men play cards. Dinner at a nearby hot pot restaurant—Chengdu hot pot is numbing spicy (麻辣). Try Shu Daxia (蜀大侠) or Xiaolongkan (小龙坎) for a good intro.
Evening: Walk around Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子) or Jinli Ancient Street (锦里古街) for night atmosphere. Both are commercialized but fun for a wander.
Local Pro Tip: The best hot pot in Chengdu isn’t in the tourist district—head to the Yulin area (玉林) near Sichuan University. Local students eat there; the prices are lower and the flavors are more authentic.
Day 7: Dujiangyan – My Pick for a Day Trip
If you’ve had your fill of pandas, take a day trip to Dujiangyan Irrigation System (都江堰)—a 2,300-year-old engineering marvel still in use today, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s 1 hour by high-speed train from Chengdu. Walk along the ancient water diversion channels, cross the suspension bridge, and climb to the temple for a panoramic view. It’s less crowded than Leshan and more relaxing.
Alternatively, if you’re keen on giant Buddhas, Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) is 1.5 hours by train. The stone Buddha is the largest in the world, carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers. I prefer Dujiangyan for its park-like atmosphere and engineering history.
Afternoon: Return to Chengdu. If you didn’t get enough hot pot, try a different style—Chuan Chuan Xiang (串串香) is a street-food version of hot pot where you pick skewers from a giant fridge.
Evening: Pack and prepare for tomorrow’s short hop to Chongqing.
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Day 8–10: Chongqing – Cyberpunk Mountain City
Chongqing is China’s most surreal metropolis. Neon lights, stacked buildings, monorails through apartment blocks, and hot pot so spicy it’ll reset your palate.
Day 8: Arrival & Jiefangbei
Morning: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East to Chongqing North (1 hour). Check into hotel. Chongqing has no “flat” streets—be ready for stairs.
Afternoon: Explore Jiefangbei (解放碑) and Hongyadong (洪崖洞). Hongyadong looks like a scene from the anime Spirited Away—especially at night when the lights come on. Go early afternoon to beat the evening crowd.
Evening: Dinner at a local Chongqing hot pot restaurant. The best hot pot in Chongqing isn’t in the tourist district—head to Nanshan area (南山) or the Jiaochangkou (较场口) neighborhood. Try Pipashan Hot Pot (琵琶山火锅)—a local favorite with rich broth and fresh ingredients. If you can’t find it, any busy street-side hot pot place will do.
Local Pro Tip: Chongqing is a great city for night photography. The Liziba Station (李子坝站) monorail that passes through a residential building is a classic shot. Go at dusk for the perfect lighting.
Day 9: Old Chongqing & Ropeways
Morning: Take the Yangtze River Cableway (长江索道) across the river—a must-do. Then visit Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇) for old streets, snacks, and tea houses.
Afternoon: Explore the Shibati (十八梯) old street, a recently restored area that shows Chongqing’s traditional side. Then head to Eling Park (鹅岭公园) for a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Evening: Final dinner—splurge on a river-view restaurant or another round of hot pot. Then pack.
Day 10: Departure
Depending on your flight time, you can do one last walk along the Nanbin Road (南滨路) riverside promenade for morning photos of the city. Then take Metro Line 10 or a taxi to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (重庆江北国际机场). Allow at least 1.5 hours for the journey.
Avoid This Mistake: Chongqing’s airport is far from the city center. Don’t leave only 1 hour before an international flight—you’ll be stressed.
Cross-City Transport Cheat Sheet
| Route | Train | Duration | Book? | Second-Class Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing West → Xi’an North | G87, G91, etc. | 4.5–5.5 hrs | 20 days ahead | ¥480–¥618 |
| Xi’an North → Chengdu East | G2201, G2203, etc. | 3.5–4 hrs | 10 days ahead | ¥263–¥430 |
| Chengdu East → Chongqing North | G8501, G8503, etc. | 1–1.5 hrs | same-day OK | ¥96–¥270 |
| Xi’an North → Huashan North | G1900, G1902, etc. | 30 min | same-day OK | ¥54.5 |
Booking tip: Use Trip.com or 12306 (official). If you can’t read Chinese, Trip.com is easier. You need your passport number—no paper ticket, just scan your passport at the gate.
Full Budget Reference (Per Person)
Here are two versions: a budget-friendly breakdown and a comfortable mid-range option. All prices in USD; 1 USD ≈ 7.2 RMB.
Budget-Friendly Option (~¥3,000 RMB / $420 USD)
| Category | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | 150–220 | Hostels, budget hotels, or shared rooms |
| High-speed trains | 120–190 | All four train legs (second-class) |
| City transport | 40–60 | Metro, buses, occasional taxi |
| Food | 100–150 | Street food, small local restaurants |
| Attraction tickets | 80–120 | Major sights (skip some optional) |
| Total | 490–490–490–740 | Averages around 420–420–420–600 |
Comfortable Mid-Range Option
| Category | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | 250–400 | 3-star/4-star hotels, well-located |
| High-speed trains | 120–190 | Second-class or first-class |
| City transport | 60–100 | More taxis and private transfers |
| Food | 200–300 | Mix of street food and nice restaurants |
| Attraction tickets | 150–250 | All major sights, cable cars, etc. |
| Total | 780–780–780–1,240 | Comfortable, no compromises |
The complete money-saving tips and spending-avoidance guide is in the PDF—from how to snag high-speed train tickets to which attractions you can skip, every penny is accounted for.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to spend 10 days in China? Follow a 5-city route: Beijing (3 days), Xi’an (2 days), Mount Huashan (day trip), Chengdu (2 days), Chongqing (2 days). This covers ancient history, natural wonders, and modern city life with minimal backtracking.
2. Is 240 hours enough for China? Yes, 240 hours (10 days) is enough for a 5-city route if you use high-speed trains and don’t rush. This 10-day itinerary is designed exactly to fill the visa-free window.
3. What cities to visit in China for history? Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall), Xi’an (Terracotta Army, City Wall), and Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes) are the top three. This route includes the first two and adds Chengdu’s ancient irrigation system and Chongqing’s WWII history.
4. Is Beijing to Xi’an easy to travel? Yes, high-speed trains run every 30–60 minutes, taking 4.5–5.5 hours. Book 20 days ahead, especially for morning departures. The train is comfortable and scenic. Second-class seat ¥480–¥618.
5. Do I need a visa for this route? If you use the 240-hour visa-free transit, you can do this entire route without a visa. Enter via Beijing Capital Airport, exit via Chongqing Jiangbei Airport, and show proof of onward travel.
6. How far in advance should I book hotels and train tickets? High-speed train tickets: 20 days ahead for Beijing–Xi’an, 10 days for Xi’an–Chengdu. Hotels: 1 month ahead in peak season (April–May, September–October). Attraction tickets: 7 days ahead for Forbidden City, online for Terracotta Army.
Final Thoughts: Should You Do This Route?
If you want to experience China’s full spectrum—from imperial palaces to neon cyberpunk—in one efficient trip, yes. Walk the Great Wall at dawn, stand before the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, climb Mount Huashan’s peaks, sip tea in Chengdu, and end with hot pot under Chongqing’s neon skyline. It’s a journey that will change how you see China.
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