10 Days in China: Golden Triangle & Extension Highlights

A 10-day trip is perfect to discover China's highlights. The classic Golden Triangle, together with Guilin, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, or Hong Kong, makes a well-loved China tour itinerary for first-time visitors. Browse the options below and see which itinerary fits you best.

Itinerary 1: Classic China Tour with Guilin

The Great Wall

Day	Highlights	Place
Day 1 - 4	Forbidden City, Great Wall, Hutongs with Rickshaw Ride, Temple of Heaven	Beijing
Day 5 - 6	Terracotta Warriors, Local Family Visit with Cooking, Shadow Puppet Show at Gao's Courtyard	Xi'an
Day 7 - 8	Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside Tour	Guilin
Day 9 - 10	The Bund, Yu Garden, Dim Sum Meal, Shanghai Tower	Shanghai

This 10-day trip is ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience China's cultural landmarks and beautiful scenery. It includes Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, with an added stop in Guilin to enjoy its famous Karst landscape.

The journey begins in Beijing, a city that blends ancient heritage with modern life. You will visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, and walk along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall to take in the mountain views.

Next, fly to Xi'an, one of China's oldest capitals and home to the Terracotta Warriors. Ride a bicycle on the ancient city walls and visit the bustling Muslim Quarter for a taste of local food and culture.

Continue to Guilin, where the scenery turns tranquil and green. Take a Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave, and enjoy some leisure time in the countryside surrounded by limestone peaks.

Finish the trip in Shanghai, China's modern showcase city. Walk along the Bund, explore Yu Garden, and visit the Shanghai Museum to see how the city connects its past with the present.

Itinerary 2: China's Highlights and the Home of Giant Pandas

Day	Highlights	Place
Day 1 - 4	Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace	Beijing
Day 5 - 6	Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter, Small Wild Goose Pagoda	Xi'an
Day 7 - 8	Giant Panda Breeding Base, Chengdu City Tour	Chengdu
Day 9 - 10	The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Former French Concession	Shanghai

A 10-day journey that links China's historical heart with the gentle pace of Chengdu. You will visit the country's most famous landmarks and end with an encounter of the giant pandas.

Begin in Beijing, where centuries of imperial history still shape daily life. Visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, then take in the scenery from the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

In Xi'an, the story of ancient China continues. The Terracotta Warriors remain the city's signature site, but a walk along the old city walls or a stroll through the Muslim Quarter reveals a living culture that blends tradition and energy.

Next, head southwest to Chengdu. The panda base is the highlight here, yet the city's charm lies in its relaxed atmosphere. Spend time along Jinli Street or Kuanzhai Alley, sip local tea, and try the spicy dishes that make Sichuan cuisine world-famous.

The trip concludes in Shanghai, where old and new coexist with striking contrast. The Bund, Yu Garden, and the city's skyline capture modern China's confidence and creativity.

Itinerary #3: China's Golden Triangle With Avatar Mountains

Stunning Peaks of Zhangjiajie

Day	Highlights	Place
Day 1 - 3	Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace	Shanghai
Day 4 - 5	Avatar Mountains at Wulingyuan and Tianmenshan	Zhangjiajie
Day 6 -7	Terracotta Warriors, Cycling on Ancient City Wall, Taichi Experience, Muslim Quarter	Xi'an
Day 9 - 10	Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace	Beijing

Spend 10 days on a China Golden Triangle tour combined with Zhangjiajie highlights, and see why this itinerary is so popular. From futuristic skylines to timeless traditions, this classic route reveals the many faces of China in one unforgettable journey.

Begin in Shanghai, a city that blends cutting-edge architecture with traditional charm. Stroll along the Bund, explore the old streets of Xitang, and feel the pulse of China's most dynamic metropolis.

Fly to Zhangjiajie, home to the stunning sandstone pillars that inspired the floating peaks in Avatar. Take the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie, admire natural wonders such as the First Bridge Under the Sun, Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers, and Imperial Brush Peak. Enjoy the views by cable car and capture unforgettable memories of this unique landscape.

Continue to Xi'an, one of China's oldest capitals. Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, cycle along the ancient City Wall, and discover the lively Muslim Quarter filled with local snacks and culture.

End your trip in Beijing, where centuries of history meet modern life. Walk through the Forbidden City, explore the Temple of Heaven, and climb the Great Wall for panoramic views of the mountains.

Itinerary #4: Essential China Tour Starting from Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island

Day	Highlights	Place
Day 1 - 4	Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Local Food Market	Beijing
Day 5 - 6	Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Great Tang All Day Mall, Traditional Shadow Puppetry	Xi'an
Day 7 - 8	The Bund, Fuxing Park, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum	Chengdu
Day 9 - 10	Victoria Peak, Tai Kwun, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Flower Market	Shanghai

This 10-day China tour itinerary starts in Beijing and takes you through a mix of ancient and modern cities, ending in Hong Kong.

Start in Beijing, one of China’s ancient capitals. Visit the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and climb the Great Wall to experience the grandeur of China’s imperial history.

Next, fly to Xi’an, another historical city. See the Terracotta Army, explore the old City Wall, and wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter to get a sense of the city’s long history.

Then, travel to Shanghai, a city of modern innovation. Visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Center, stroll through the classical Yu Garden, and walk the stylish streets of the French Concession.

Finish your trip in Hong Kong, a vibrant modern city. Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple to see local worship traditions, explore the lively Bird Market, and enjoy panoramic views of the harbor from Victoria Peak.

So many choices and hard to pick the right one? Why not get help from Odynovo's professional travel consultants? You deserve a tailor-made China tour and a worry-free travel experience.