10 Days Enchanting Tour

China’s grandest sights come one after another on this 10-day route from Beijing to Shanghai. You begin with imperial palaces and the Great Wall, continue to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, slow down beside Hangzhou’s West Lake, then finish beneath Shanghai’s glowing skyline. It is a smart first look at four very different Chinese cities.

I especially like the high-speed train connections, which save you from airport waits and give the journey a sense of movement. I also like the balance between famous sights and local texture, from the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an to the Longjing tea fields and Shanghai’s old lanes. The drawback is the pace: several days are tightly packed, and the long train ride to Hangzhou leaves limited time for that city.

Key points to know before booking

• Four major destinations in 10 days: Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and Shanghai each offer a distinct side of China.
• The Great Wall at Badaling: You get about three hours at the most accessible and popular section of the Wall.
• High-speed rail is built in: The Beijing to Xi’an trip takes roughly five to six hours, while the journey onward to Hangzhou is listed at about seven hours.
• Meals are included: The package covers nine breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners.
• A mix of imperial and everyday China: Expect royal compounds, old city walls, tea country, food streets, shopping boulevards, and river views.
• Airport transfers are included: Pickup begins at Beijing Capital International Airport and the final transfer goes to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

What this China itinerary gets right

I like the route because it avoids treating China as one big blur. Beijing gives you courtly architecture and national monuments. Xi’an brings ancient military power and a lively food culture. Hangzhou offers a quieter interlude. Shanghai then shifts the mood to city lights, shopping, colonial-era streets, and futuristic towers.

The order also makes sense. You start in the north, move inland, then head east toward the coast. The trains connect the cities without requiring extra hotel changes within each destination. You still change hotels several times, but the schedule is easier than trying to arrange these places independently.

This is a guided package, not a free-form trip. That matters in China, where language, ticketing, city size, and rail stations can make a short visit harder to organize than it first appears. You trade some independence for a ready-made plan, included admissions, meals, transfers, and local assistance.

The advertised price is $1,588 per person. I view that as a useful value if you intend to see all four cities and want transport and sightseeing arranged in advance. Seven dinners and seven lunches add practical value, as do the airport transfers and 4-star hotels. Still, compare the final booking terms carefully, since the supplied details do not specify room supplements, optional activities, or exactly which hotel properties are used.

Day 1: A simple arrival in Beijing

Your trip begins at Beijing Capital International Airport. A local guide meets you and takes you to the hotel for check-in. The transfer is listed at about 40 minutes, though actual road time can vary.

The first evening is deliberately light. After an international flight, that is welcome. Use the time to rest, adjust to Beijing’s scale, and prepare for a full second day. Since the tour starts with airport pickup, you do not need to arrange your first transfer on your own.

The listed meeting point is Capital Airport, Shunyi, Beijing, with an 8:00 a.m. start time shown in the booking information. Confirm the exact arrival instructions after booking, since confirmation is sent within 48 hours and remains subject to availability.

Day 2: Temple calm, imperial power, and Wangfujing

The Temple of Heaven is a fine opening sight. Its Ming-era buildings were tied to ceremonies for the emperor, and the layout reflects old Chinese ideas about heaven and earth. You have about an hour here, enough to see the main architecture and observe the park’s everyday life.

Then comes Tiananmen Square, one of Beijing’s largest public spaces. The Great Hall of the People and Mao’s Mausoleum frame the square, giving it political weight as well as sheer physical scale. An hour allows time for orientation and photographs, but not a leisurely exploration of every nearby building.

The Palace Museum, better known as the Forbidden City, is the day’s main event. The former imperial compound is enormous, with formal courtyards, ceremonial halls, and layers of symbolic design. The scheduled hour is short for a site of this size. You will see the central highlights, but you should not expect to wander every section at a relaxed pace.

Wangfujing Street changes the tone. International shops, local stores, food stalls, and neon signs create a busy modern center. It is a convenient place to see Beijing’s commercial side, though it feels more polished and tourist-oriented than the city’s older residential lanes.

This day is full of major names, but also full of walking and visual information. Wear shoes you can trust, and keep your expectations realistic about the Forbidden City. The value here comes from having the route and tickets handled, not from having unlimited time at each stop.

Day 3: Badaling’s mountain walls and Beijing’s Olympic buildings

Badaling gives you the classic Great Wall view: stone fortifications climbing over steep mountain ridges. The tour allows about three hours, which is generous compared with the one-hour visits elsewhere in the itinerary.

The section is popular and accessible, so you will not have the quietest possible Wall experience. That is the tradeoff for a well-known section with established access. If this is your first visit to China, I think the dramatic setting is worth it. Bring water, expect uneven and sloping paths, and pace yourself. The Wall is not a flat promenade.

After Badaling, the tour returns to Beijing’s modern era at Olympic Park. The Bird’s Nest stadium and Water Cube provide a sharp contrast to the imperial sites from the day before. The open setting makes for easy photographs and a less demanding walk after the Wall.

The contrast is one of the itinerary’s strengths. In two days, you see sacred imperial architecture, a former royal compound, a symbolic civic square, a mountain fortification, and 21st-century sports buildings. You also get a clear sense of how quickly Beijing shifts between old and new.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by high-speed train

After breakfast, you board a high-speed train to Xi’an. The journey takes about five to six hours and is listed as a scenic transfer, so this is a substantial travel day rather than a sightseeing day.

High-speed rail is a major advantage here. You avoid another airport transfer and arrive directly in the next city with your guide and hotel transfer arranged. Still, five to six hours is a long sitting period. Bring reading material, snacks if you prefer your own choices, and patience for a day that gives you little time in Xi’an.

After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is free. That flexibility is useful after the train. You can rest, walk near the hotel if convenient, or save your energy for the Terracotta Warriors and city sights that follow.

Day 5: The Terracotta Army and Lishan

The Terracotta Warriors are one of the strongest reasons to choose this route. Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers were created for Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China. The figures differ in facial features and details, which makes the huge underground display feel less like a repeated pattern and more like an army of individuals.

Two hours is a sensible amount of time for the main museum area. The scale can be difficult to grasp in photographs, so the experience depends on standing before the excavation pits and seeing the ranks stretch across the building.

Lishan follows, with about two hours at a site connected to the Qin era, Huaqing Hot Springs, local legends, and hilltop views. It adds scenery and stories after the enclosed museum halls. The stop gives you a broader sense of the area around Xi’an instead of limiting the day to one archaeological site.

The day has a clear rhythm: a major ancient achievement in the morning, then hills, springs, and legend. I would keep the schedule flexible in your mind, since large archaeological sites can take more energy than expected.

Day 6: Xi’an’s wall, towers, food streets, and Tang-era lights

Xi’an’s City Wall is one of the best ways to understand the city’s shape. The preserved wall forms a 14-kilometer loop, and the tour gives you about an hour. That is enough for a walk and views from the ramparts, but not enough to circle the whole route.

Next come the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, each scheduled for an hour. The Bell Tower occupies the city center and offers views from above, while the Drum Tower contains large drums and traditional performances. Together, they show how old city timekeeping and civic ceremony once worked.

The Muslim Quarter is where the day becomes more sensory. Food stalls and narrow streets offer local specialties such as lamb skewers and roujiamo, a filled flatbread sandwich. Your included meals may not cover every snack you want here, so set aside some spending money for small tastes.

The final stop is Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a free-entry pedestrian zone with lighting and cultural performances. It is designed as an evening recreation area rather than an untouched historic district, but it offers an entertaining look at how Tang-era themes are presented to a modern audience.

Xi’an is perhaps the most varied stop on the tour. You get archaeology, military defenses, city landmarks, Muslim food culture, and a theatrical night district in a single day. The risk is fatigue. Five stops leave little room for a slow meal or long independent wandering.

Day 7: A long move to Hangzhou and an evening by West Lake

The train to Hangzhou is listed at about seven hours. This is the itinerary’s longest transfer and its clearest pacing concern. High-speed rail makes the move far easier than a road journey, but you still lose much of the day to transportation.

Once in Hangzhou, the mood changes immediately. West Lake is known for its water, wooded hills, pagodas, temples, and carefully balanced views. The tour allows an hour, enough for a first look and a short walk, but not enough to see the lake at an unhurried pace.

Hefang Street adds an older commercial flavor. Preserved Ming and Qing-era buildings house shops and food businesses, and the pedestrian setting makes it easy to browse. It is a good place for small purchases and snacks, though it can feel commercial rather than purely local.

The best way to approach Hangzhou is as a pause between two very large cities. Do not expect a full retreat into quiet countryside. Instead, you get a brief introduction to the lake, a historic shopping street, and a taste of the city’s tea culture the next day.

Day 8: Longjing tea, Shanghai’s skyline, and the Huangpu River

The Longjing tea fields are set in the hills west of West Lake. This is one of the tour’s most pleasant changes of pace. You see where Dragon Well tea is grown and connect a famous Chinese drink with the fields that produce it.

The stop lasts about an hour, so it is an introduction rather than a full tea-country visit. If you like tea, pay attention to the setting and ask your guide about the local tradition. The itinerary does not state that a formal tasting is included, so do not assume one.

The route then reaches Shanghai and the Oriental Pearl Tower. At 468 meters, its stacked spheres make it one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. The visit is listed at an hour, but admission is shown as free in the supplied details, so confirm whether the schedule includes viewing platforms or simply an exterior visit.

The Huangpu River cruise offers the city’s signature contrast. On one side, The Bund’s older waterfront buildings; on the other, Pudong’s tall modern towers. The one-hour cruise is especially well suited to an evening, when the skyline lights reflect on the water.

This is a strong introduction to Shanghai because it gives you the city from several angles: tea hills, a landmark tower, and the river between old and new.

Day 9: French Concession streets, old Shanghai, and The Bund

Wukang Road begins the final full day with a quieter walk. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and cafés show a more residential side of Shanghai. It is a welcome change from major attractions and shopping districts.

Sinan Mansions continues that architectural story with restored garden villas from the 1920s. The area is associated with figures such as Zhou Enlai and Mei Lanfang, and its restored buildings offer a look at Shanghai’s early modern upper-class neighborhoods.

Nanjing Road then turns the volume back up. This 5.5-kilometer shopping boulevard runs from The Bund toward Jing’an Temple and mixes luxury stores, traditional shops, and large commercial centers. One hour gives you a taste of the central section, not a full walk from end to end.

Chenghuang Miao, also known as the City God Temple area, brings you into Shanghai’s old city. The Taoist temple has ornate decoration and a long connection to local worship. The surrounding area is also useful for browsing traditional-style shops and food businesses.

Finally, The Bund supplies the grand finish. Historic buildings line the river while Pudong’s towers rise across the water. The view is easy to enjoy, but it can be crowded, especially at popular times. Stay aware of your meeting point and keep your phone, wallet, and documents secure in busy areas.

This is a packed day, yet it has a sensible visual progression: quiet streets, restored villas, a major shopping road, old religious architecture, then the riverfront panorama.

Meals, hotels, and the value of the package

The tour includes nine breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners. That covers most mornings and many main meals, which can reduce the daily work of choosing restaurants in unfamiliar cities. You should still ask for details about menus and dietary arrangements before departure.

One especially thoughtful service detail is worth noting for anyone with dietary needs. A family booking reported receiving a card reminding people about diabetes-related food care, along with a clean hotel room and a useful travel gift. That does not guarantee identical treatment for every booking, but it suggests you should share medical and food requirements early.

The hotels are described as 4-star properties. The exact names are not provided, so I would request them before paying if location matters to you. A central hotel can make free evenings much more useful, while a distant property can add time to every transfer.

The package also offers pickup, mobile ticketing, and group discounts. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The stated maximum group size is 9,999, which tells you little about the usual group size, so ask how many people are expected on your departure if that affects your decision.

Who should book this China tour?

I would choose this tour if you want China’s main highlights without arranging four cities, rail tickets, hotels, meals, and admissions separately. It suits first-time visitors who value structure and want local guides to handle the complicated parts.

It is also a good fit if you want variety. You will see imperial buildings, a major archaeological site, a mountain fortification, a preserved city wall, tea fields, shopping streets, and a modern skyline.

I would hesitate if you prefer slow mornings, long museum visits, or several free days in each city. The schedule allows only about an hour at many sites, and the Beijing to Xi’an and Xi’an to Hangzhou train days take up a large part of the timetable.

The cancellation terms are fairly strict close to departure. Cancel at least six full days before the start for a full refund. Cancellation two to six days ahead allows a 50 percent refund, while cancellation less than two days ahead brings no refund. Make sure your international flights and personal plans are firm before booking.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is efficient coverage of China’s essential sights, with transport, hotels, meals, guides, and airport transfers bundled together. The strongest parts are Badaling, the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an’s food quarter, West Lake, and the Huangpu River cruise.

Skip it if you want a slow, independent trip or need extra time at major museums and scenic areas. At $1,588 per person, the package offers solid practical value for a 10-day, four-city journey, but its real strength is convenience. You are paying to keep a complex China itinerary moving, not to linger in every place.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 10 days, beginning with arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport and ending with a transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Which cities does the tour visit?

The route includes Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered at Beijing Capital International Airport at the beginning of the tour, and the final transfer goes to Pudong International Airport in Shanghai.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $1,588 per person.

How far in advance is the tour usually booked?

The experience is booked an average of 21 days in advance.

Are high-speed trains included?

Yes. The itinerary uses high-speed trains between Beijing and Xi’an and between Xi’an and Hangzhou.

How long is the train ride from Beijing to Xi’an?

The journey takes approximately five to six hours.

How long is the train ride from Xi’an to Hangzhou?

The journey is listed at approximately seven hours.

Which meals are included?

The package includes nine breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least six full days before the experience start time. A cancellation two to six full days ahead receives a 50 percent refund, while cancellation less than two full days ahead is not refundable.