10-Day China Highlights Tour
The essential first-time China itinerary — imperial Beijing, ancient Xi'an, pandas in Chengdu, and skyline Shanghai, connected by high-speed rail.
Book this tour
10-Day China Highlights Tour · 10 days · Beijing · Xi'an · Chengdu · Shanghai
Pick your preferred start date below to see a suggested Air China round-trip schedule from Amsterdam (AMS).
Suggested schedule via Beijing (PEK). Final flight times, fares and cabin class are confirmed at booking.
Day-by-day itinerary
Airport transfer, welcome dinner.
Imperial walk and Jingshan sunset.
Cable car up, toboggan down.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda evening.
Full-day excavation site.
Jinli old street, hotpot dinner.
Morning feeding and bamboo forest walk.
French Concession stroll.
Yu Garden, Bund river cruise.
Transfer to Pudong airport.
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before embarking on your 10-Day China Highlights Tour journey across the Middle Kingdom.
Visa & Documents
Most EU travelers currently benefit from China's 15-day visa-free stay (extended through 2025). Passport must be valid 6+ months with two blank pages. We handle invitation letters when needed.
Connectivity (SIM / VPN)
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and most Western apps are restricted. Install a reputable VPN before departure, or use an international eSIM that roams via a foreign carrier.
Money & Payments
China is nearly cashless. Link your Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Keep some CNY cash for small vendors, temples and rural stops.
Climate & Best Time
Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) offer the mildest weather across most of the itinerary. Summers are hot and humid; winters are dry with striking light in the north.
Health & Safety
No mandatory vaccinations for EU citizens; keep routine shots up to date. Drink bottled or filtered water only. Streets are exceptionally safe, day and night — just watch traffic in big cities.
Language & Culture
Mandarin is the official language; English is common in hotels but rare on the street. Your guide translates on-tour. A translation app with camera-scan mode is invaluable for menus and signs.
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying regions, a light rain shell, universal adapter, portable power bank, and modest cover-ups for temples and monasteries.
Electricity & Time
220V, 50Hz. Sockets accept Type A, C and I plugs. All of mainland China uses one time zone — Beijing Time (GMT+8), no daylight saving.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is required for all Mandarin Discoveries tours. We can recommend trusted EU-based providers on request.
Still have questions? Our China specialists are here to help with your pre-trip prep.
Contact a specialistAdvisory content © Mandarin Discoveries — verify visa & health rules with your government before travel.