Forbidden City, Great Wall (Badaling), Bird's Nest — all for ¥7640.
Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai: 10-Day China Itinerary & Cost (October)
The Great Wall, Terracotta Army, and Shanghai skyline—all for just ¥12781.
This 10-day standard trip covers Beijing (4 nights), Xi'an (3 nights), Shanghai (3 nights) — connected by domestic flights.
Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall (Badaling), Prince Gong's Mansion; flight to Xi'an (1h 54m, ¥900). Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Museum, Huaqing Hot Springs, Xi'an Ancient City Wall; flight to Shanghai (2h 23m, ¥1070). Shanghai: The Bund, Shanghai Disney Resort, Oriental Pearl Tower.
Estimated total: ¥13,260 for one traveler on a standard budget — hotels average ¥462/night, with meals, inter-city transport, and attraction tickets included.
Cost breakdown (1 traveler, standard)
| Category | CNY |
|---|---|
| Hotels | ¥4,618 |
| Food | ¥2,607 |
| Inter-city transport | ¥1,970 |
| Local transport | ¥660 |
| Attractions | ¥1,195 |
| Total | ¥13,260 ($1,500) |
What to eat
- Peking roast duck北京烤鸭 · Běijīng kǎoyā
- Noodles in fried bean sauce炸酱面 · Zhájiàng miàn
- Stewed offal with flatbread卤煮火烧 · Lǔzhǔ huǒshāo
- Braised pork in flatbread肉夹馍 · Ròujiāmó
- Cold skin noodles凉皮 · Liángpí
- Lamb stew with torn flatbread羊肉泡馍 · Yángròu pàomó
- Soup dumplings小笼包 · Xiǎolóngbāo
- Pan-fried pork buns生煎包 · Shēngjiānbāo
- Shanghai-style braised pork belly本帮红烧肉 · Běnbāng hóngshāoròu
中国之旅
Beijing
4 nightsXi'an
3 nightsShanghai
3 nightsFrequently Asked Questions
Is $1,500 enough for a 10-day Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai trip?
Yes, $1,500 is a realistic budget for 10 days on a standard tier. This covers accommodation, food, inter-city transport, and major attractions.
What is the best time to visit Beijing and Xi'an?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit. Avoid Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October and May) as crowds and prices surge.
How many days do I need for this Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai route?
This route is designed for 10 days: Beijing (4 nights), Xi'an (3 nights), Shanghai (3 nights).
Is oct a good time for this route?
oct is a recommended time for this route. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) generally offer the best conditions across China.
What visa do I need for this trip?
Most visitors need a Chinese tourist (L) visa. Many nationalities qualify for 72/144-hour visa-free transit through major hubs — check your passport's eligibility.
How does this route compare to a longer version?
Adding 3 more days typically adds about $600–$900 for extra nights and one more high-speed rail leg.
More routes from Beijing
Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tianjin Eye — all for ¥7720.
Great Wall (Badaling), Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven — all for ¥5385.