10-Day China Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day China tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day China Silk Road Itinerary, incl. Xi'an and Kashgar

  A grand expedition through 7 major cities, from Xi'an's Terra Cotta Warriors to Kashgar's Idkar Mosque. Highlights include UNESCO sites like Jiayuguan Fortress and Mogao Caves, plus Turpan's ancient ruins. Features 9 nights in 4-star hotels, domestic flights, and bullet train travel.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Xi'an

    Start your journey in the ancient capital where the Silk Road began. Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors early on day 2 around 8:30 AM before the tour buses arrive. Later you can bike or walk the 14km city wall. Bike rentals are available at the South Gate. The Muslim Quarter comes alive after 5 PM when food vendors fill the narrow lanes with local delicacies.

    
  • Day 3

    Xi'an to Zhangye

    Choose between a morning flight (2 hours) or bullet train (6 hours) to Zhangye. "The Dafo Temple's massive reclining Buddha is incredible - go late afternoon when the lighting is best for photos." If you take the train sit on the right side for the best mountain views.

    
  • Day 4

    Zhangye to Jiayuguan

    Visit the Rainbow Mountains (Danxia Landform) early. The colors look best before 10 AM or around sunset. The drive to Jiayuguan takes about 2.5 hours. You'll see the fortress that marks the western end of the Great Wall. Pack warm clothes since the fortress area gets very windy.

    
  • Day 5

    Jiayuguan to Dunhuang

    The 5-hour desert drive shows you what ancient traders dealt with. You can ride camels at the Singing Sand Dunes but book through your hotel for better prices. Visit the Crescent Moon Spring in late afternoon for the best photos.

    
  • Day 6

    Dunhuang to Turpan

    See the UNESCO Mogao Caves in the morning. Book tickets ahead since they limit daily visitors. Take the afternoon bullet train (3 hours) to Turpan and watch the landscape change from desert to oasis.

    
  • Day 7

    Turpan

    Start early to see the ancient ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang before it gets too hot. Cool off at the Karez underground irrigation system. The Emin Minaret looks beautiful at sunset when shadows play on its brick patterns.

    
  • Day 8

    Turpan to Urumqi

    Drive 4 hours to Heavenly Lake going from below sea level to 6,000 feet up. Watch for altitude sickness and drink lots of water. The blue lake waters next to snowy peaks create an amazing contrast to your desert experiences.

    
  • Day 9

    Urumqi to Kashgar

    Fly to Kashgar China's westernmost city. The Old Town feels more like Central Asia than China. "The Sunday Market was the highlight - arrive by 10 AM to see livestock trading in full swing. The smells and sounds transport you back centuries."

    
  • Day 10

    Kashgar

    End your Silk Road adventure in this historic trading city. Visit Id Kah Mosque early to avoid crowds. Shop for authentic souvenirs on the handicraft street but remember to negotiate starting at half the asking price.

    

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• 10 Day China Itinerary, incl. Beijing and Shanghai

  This grand tour covers Beijing's imperial sites, Hangzhou's natural beauty, and Shanghai's urban highlights. Visit 3 major cities, camp on Great Wall, cruise West Lake, and explore French Concession, with average daily activities lasting 6-8 hours.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Beijing

    Start your China adventure in Beijing where old meets new. The first highlight is camping on the Great Wall. Get there by mid-afternoon to walk the unrestored sections before sunset. A recent visitor shared: "Camping on the Great Wall was incredible. Get up early for sunrise - it's chilly but absolutely worth it!" If you're traveling before April or after September, you'll stay in a nearby guesthouse instead of camping due to weather. Pack layers no matter when you visit. For the next two days, focus on Beijing's main sights. Get to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds. Walk up to Jingshan Park for city views afterward. Spend your afternoon exploring the hutongs near Nanluoguxiang where old alleyways mix with modern cafes. Try Peking duck at Siji Minfu restaurant by Dengshikou station - it's a local favorite. Start Day 4 at the 798 Art District. Give yourself 2-3 hours before catching your overnight train to Hangzhou. Try to book a bottom bunk - they're wider and easier to get in and out of.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Hangzhou

    When you arrive in Hangzhou, go straight to West Lake for a morning boat ride. The water looks beautiful in the early morning mist before 10 AM. Later, climb Jiuyao Mountain to watch the sunset. Bring good shoes since the paths can get slippery. The next morning, visit Nine Creeks and Misty Woods before taking the high-speed train to Shanghai.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Shanghai

    Begin your Shanghai visit in the former French Concession. It's perfect for morning walks when you can watch locals doing tai chi in the parks. Visit Yu Garden first thing to avoid the crowds. Walk along the Bund at sunset to see the skyscrapers light up. One visitor recently said: "The night cruise on the Huangpu River offers incredible views - but book the 7:30 PM sailing for the best light." Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town an hour away by metro and bus. Or see modern Shanghai from the Shanghai Tower observation deck. Book observation deck tickets online to save money and skip the lines. For your last night, visit a rooftop bar in Pudong. Vue Bar at the Hyatt on the Bund shows you both sides of the river. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

    

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• Chinese Cuisine & Culture

  Four major Chinese cities unfold over 10 days: 2 nights in Shanghai's Metropolo Jinjiang, 2 in Beijing's Chongwenmen Hotel, 2 in Xi'an's Forest City Hotel, and 2 in Chengdu's Ibis, plus one overnight train adventure. Features UNESCO sites and culinary workshops.

  

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  • Shanghai China

    662 mi

  • Beijing China

    563 mi

  • Xi'an China

    383 mi

  • Chengdu China

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