If it's your first time in China and you don't have much time (about 10 days), we recommend this classic route: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai. These three cities represent China's past, present, and future—Beijing is the ancient capital, Xi'an is the capital of 13 dynasties, and Shanghai is the showcase of modern China.
Days 1-3 in Beijing: Arrive and rest on day 1. Day 2: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park. Day 3: Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tombs. Evening: wander Nanluoguxiang or Shichahai hutongs. Beijing subway is very convenient, most attractions are accessible.
Take the high-speed train to Xi'an on the evening of day 4 (about 5.5 hours). Day 5: Terracotta Warriors (definitely hire a guide, otherwise they're just clay figures), afternoon: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum. Day 6: rent a bike on the city wall, evening: Muslim Quarter for street food. Xi'an's roujiamo (meat burger), lamb paomo, and liangpi (cold noodles) are all delicious.
Take the high-speed train to Shanghai on day 7 (about 6 hours). Day 8: the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, evening: Lujiazui night view. Day 9: Disney, or Shanghai Museum, Wukang Road stroll. Day 10: departure.
This is the classic first-timer route to China. Transportation is convenient (high-speed rail connects all three cities), attractions are concentrated, perfect for travelers with limited time. Budget: about 10,000-15,000 RMB per person (excluding international flights), flexible to your budget.
