10 day visit to china itinerary late April suggestions

Question

Hi, planning 240 hour transit visa to China late April. Iam looking for itinerary suggestions for the following to include where to stay, how many days, best routes, what to see etc

1. Beijing

2. Xian

3. Any where else that you can travel to easily on the high speed train?

4. travel back to Beijing (train only) for the onward flight to Korea.

I do not want to include Shanghai as i have already been there recently.

thanks in advance!

Answer

For a 10-day visit to China in late April under the 240-hour transit visa, you can design an itinerary that maximizes high-speed train travel, giving you a rich experience without needing to rush excessively. Since you want to avoid Shanghai, focusing on Beijing, Xi’an, and another high-speed train-friendly destination is ideal.

Day 1-4: Beijing

Stay in the Dongcheng or Chaoyang districts for convenient access to major attractions.
Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Arrive and settle in, maybe explore Wangfujing or Houhai area. Day 2: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park. Day 3: Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections), Ming Tombs optional. Day 4: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and explore local markets or hutongs in the evening.
Use metro and taxis for local travel; they are reliable and cost-effective.

Day 5-6: Xi’an

Take a high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi’an (approx. 5-6 hours).
Stay near the city center or the Muslim Quarter for easy access to attractions.
Suggested itinerary: Day 5: Arrive and explore the city walls and Muslim Quarter. Day 6: Terracotta Army visit in the morning, Small Wild Goose Pagoda or Shaanxi History Museum in the afternoon.

Day 7-8: Chengdu or Luoyang (optional)

Option 1: Chengdu – high-speed train from Xi’an (approx. 3.5-4 hours). Explore pandas at Chengdu Research Base, Wuhou Shrine, Jinli Ancient Street. Good food scene for Sichuan cuisine. Stay 2 nights.
Option 2: Luoyang – high-speed train from Xi’an (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Visit Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple. Stay 1-2 nights.

Day 9-10: Return to Beijing

High-speed train from Chengdu (approx. 8 hours) or Luoyang (approx. 4 hours) back to Beijing.
Use the final day for light sightseeing, shopping, or revisiting favorite spots.
Ensure to stay close to Beijing Capital Airport or Beijing South Railway Station if your outbound flight requires early transfer.

Additional Tips:

Book high-speed train tickets in advance, especially in April as it is a busy travel season.
For accommodations, mid-range hotels or boutique hotels near metro stations are convenient for quick transit.
Consider allocating more time in Beijing and Xi’an as travel days can be tiring.
Keep local transport apps ready for metro, taxis, and high-speed train updates.

This itinerary gives a balanced mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and efficient travel using China’s extensive high-speed rail network, without needing Shanghai in your schedule.