10 days, 3 cities & no time wasted.
I’ve lived in China for three years now, and in that time I’ve planned this trip for more friends, family members and randomly enthusiastic strangers than I can count. After all that trial and error, I’ve landed firmly on this: anything less than 10 days in China is a waste of a flight and anything more starts to feel exhausting unless you’re genuinely settling into the pace of a longer trip. Ten days is the sweet spot, and the cities? Beijing → Shanghai → Chengdu.
Now that visa-free entry stretches to 30 days, there’s no excuse not to make the most of it — you’ve got the time, so use it properly rather than cramming everything into a long weekend!
If you’ve got extra time to play with, my 2-week itinerary could be the perfect fit, or even take a peak at my 3-week China itinerary builds on this exact route with a nature leg and a regional add-on.
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Before you go
A few essentials to sort before you land:
- VISA — Most nationalities need a visa in advance, though China has expanded visa-free transit for some countries. Check current requirements for your passport before booking flights.
- ESIM — Grab a China-compatible eSIM before arrival so you’re connected from the airport onward, if you get one from Trip.com you may not need a VPN.
- ALIPAY — China is largely cashless. Set this up in advance and link an international card, again before you fly.
- CHINA DAPTOR — China uses Type A, C and I sockets which often catch travellers out. Pack a universal adaptor rated for China before you go rather than trying to find one locally.
- BEST TIME TO VISIT — Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the mildest weather and avoid the worst of the summer crowds and heat.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE— The best travel insurance for China in my opinion is Safetywing who I’ve used many a time and specifically for a trip this longer over multiple cities, it’s worth getting emergencies covered in advance.
The 10 Day Itineray
Day 1-3 Beijing
Making the most of 3 days in Beijing looks like landing into Beijing jet-lagged and getting stuck in — you don’t get much time here so it’s worth hitting the ground running.
- Day 1 – Forbidden City in the morning (7am) before the crowds build, then a wander down to Tiananmen Square. Afternoon in the hutongs around Nanluoguxiang for tea and people-watching.
- Day 2 – The Great Wall, no question. We did Mutianyu over Badaling — fewer crowds and the cable car up, toboggan down is genuinely one of the best things we did in China. Give the whole day to it.
- Day 3 – Temple of Heaven early, then the Summer Palace in the afternoon — both are big enough to fill a day between them, so don’t try to cram in anything else. Evening train to Shanghai if you can get a late one, otherwise first thing the next morning.
Read the full breakdown in my Beijing Guide for accomodation and attraction info.
Day 4-6 Shanghai
Shanghai is a total gear change from Beijing — glossier, faster, and honestly a bit of a relief after three days of history and walking.
- Day 4 – The Bund in the afternoon and again at night, because it genuinely looks like a different city once the skyline lights up. Nanjing Road for a wander in between.
- Day 5 – Yu Garden and the old town in the morning, then Tianzifang or Xintiandi in the afternoon for a slower pace among the lanes and boutiques.
- Day 6 – Day trip out to Zhujiajiao water town — it’s an hour or so outside the city and feels like stepping back a few hundred years. Fly to Chengdu in the evening.
See the complete Shanghai Guide for accomodation and detailed itinerary.
Day 7-9 Chengdu
Chengdu is a reward for the two fast-paced cities that came before — this is where you finally slow down to an iconic panda pace.
- Day 7 – Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, and go early morning— the pandas are most active (and least sleepy) in the morning.
- Day 8 – Jinli Street and Wuhou Shrine in the morning, then set the evening aside for Sichuan hot pot — book somewhere properly spicy, it’s the whole point of being in Chengdu.
- Day 9 -People’s Park for tea and people-watching, the way locals actually spend a Sunday, plus time to just wander — Chengdu rewards having nothing planned.
- Day 10 — Departure. Keep this one light. Depending on your flight time, a last wander round your neighbourhood or a final tea house stop before heading to the airport.
Full details in the Chengdu Guide including accomodation and attractions.
Budget for 10 Days
| Category | Budget Traveller | Mid-Range Traveller |
| Accommodation | $15–30/night | $50–100/night |
| Food | $10–20/day | $30–50/day |
| Domestic Transport (trains & flights) | $180–260 total | $280–380 total |
| Attractions & Entry Fees | $90–130 total | $130–180 total |
| Total (excluding international flights) | $500–750 | $1,050–1,500 |
How to Get Around China
- High Speed Rail – the most efficient way to move between cities on this route
- Domestic Flights – worth it for longer hops like Zhangjiajie to Hong Kong or Yunnan
- Didi – works like Uber and is essential within cities
- Metro – cheap, extensive and easy to navigate in Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu
Essential Apps to Download Before You Go
Looking for the essential travel tips for China as a whole – the apps, the gadgets and everything else you’re gonna need to optimise your time? You can read my first-timer guide here.
Packing List Essentials
- Portable charger (long train days)
- Universal adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll rack up serious daily step counts)
- Layers — this itinerary spans very different climates
- A physical copy of your visa and passport, plus digital backups
FAQS
Is 10 days enough in China?
Yes — personally I’ll be recommending 10 days in China to everyone I meet. It’s the perfect amount of time to see the highlights, get the culture shock, eat the food and not be exhausted at the end. It may leave you wanting more if anything but it won’t make you sick of it and I think that’s imporant.
Is China safe for travellers?
China is generally considered very safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. Standard travel precautions still apply like grabbing insurance before you go and using common sense.
Can I use Google in China?
No. Google, along with many other Western apps, is blocked. An esim installed before arrival is essential.
Do I need cash in China?
Mostly no — the country runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay — but it’s worth carrying some RMB for smaller vendors or rural stops.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather across this route.
Should I book trains in advance?
For popular routes, especially around Chinese holidays, book a few days ahead where possible to secure seats.
Final Thoughts
10 days is the sweet spot if you want real time in each city rather than a whistle-stop tour. Beijing for history, Shanghai for the skyline, Chengdu for pandas and hot pot — three completely different sides of China and by the end of it you’ll wish you’d booked longer. If you have got longer, check out my 2-week or 3-week itineraries for how I’d extend this exact trip.
Where to Next? Your China City Guides
To help you decide your next Chinese adventure, I’ve written detailed guides for every city I’ve loved and hated from my very own archives. Including where to stay, the best hotels, top things to do, eat and a 3 day itinerary, check them out below.
