For a first trip, Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guilin, and Chengdu cover history, food, and iconic skylines in one tight loop. Pick three to five and plan for 2–3 days each — rushing six cities in a week is the classic first-timer mistake.

The classic first-timer route covers history, food, and iconic skylines in one sweep. Here are the top cities and a realistic way to string them together.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s Forbidden City, red walls and golden roofs under a clear blue sky.
The Forbidden City — Beijing’s imperial heart, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years.

1 The first-timer shortlist

If this is your first trip, these five cities give you the most comprehensive taste of the country with the least fuss:

  • Beijing: The Great Wall, Forbidden City, historic hutongs, Summer Palace, and the main high-speed rail (HSR) hub for the north.
  • Xi’an: The Terracotta Army, a wonderfully walkable ancient city wall, and a vibrant street food scene (4–5 hours from Beijing by HSR).
  • Chengdu: Giant pandas, legendary Sichuan cuisine, and a relaxed teahouse culture — easy to pair with Xi’an.
  • Guilin & Yangshuo: The iconic karst landscape straight out of traditional landscape paintings; explore via river cruises and countryside bike rides.
  • Shanghai: The futuristic face of modern China, world-class dining, and the primary international flight hub.

2 A realistic 10-day loop

DaysBaseHighlights & what to do
1–3Beijing (北京)Great Wall (Mutianyu), Forbidden City, historic hutongs, and Summer Palace.
4–5Datong (大同)Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple, and a restored ancient city wall.
6–7Chengdu (成都)Chengdu Panda Base, Sichuan hotpot, and traditional teahouses.
8–10Guilin → Shanghai (桂林→上海)Yangshuo countryside, then fly (or take the high-speed train) to Shanghai.
The Bund and Pudong skyline at night, neon-lit towers reflecting on the Huangpu River.
The Bund and Pudong skyline — Shanghai at night, where Art Deco facades meet the neon towers of Lujiazui.

3 Pick by interest

  • Food: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Shanghai.
  • Nature: Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, Jiuzhaigou.
  • History: Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang, Pingyao.
  • Nightlife & Design: Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen.

4 When to go

  • Best Weather: April–May and September–October.
  • Dates to Avoid: National Day “Golden Week” (early October) and Spring Festival (late January to February) — trains and hotels sell out quickly and prices surge.
  • Winter Travel: Cold but crisp and clear; the Harbin Ice & Snow Festival is a major highlight if you pack proper cold-weather gear.
Fact-checked for 2026 Last updated July 2026 Written by expats in China