However, there are also challenges and a fair few frustrations that most travellers aren't really prepared for.I'm here to talk about how to make a classic China itinerary, with the AI trip planner, iMean AI, that helped me understand the flow between cities and turn scattered ideas into something I could actually follow. Now let's proceed.
Why This Route Works: Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai
This route works because the rhythm of the cities builds on itself. This "golden triangle" tour begins in the nation's capital of Beijing, where you'll visit the most incredible historical landmarks like the Imperial City and the Great Wall of China.Then you're off to Xi'an to see how Xi’an deepens that foundation through ancient stories and archaeological discoveries, especially the famous Terracotta Army, before finishing the trip in the metropolitan playground of Shanghai.As the terminal of the journey, Shanghai brings everything into the present and leaves you with a sense of how China moves forward. Plus, it's convenient to travel between the three cities by high-speed train and plane. The route is both logical and beginner-friendly.
How to explore each city
How Many Days to Spend
The amount of time you should spend in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai depends on the pace of your trip and your preferences. I recommend you spend at least 3-5 days in one city to deeply experience these cities' cultures and attractions. If you have around 9–10 days for your trip to China, you would ideally spend 3 days in each of these three cities.However, if you have less time, you may need to prioritise which activities and landmarks you want to see or consider just visiting one or two cities in more depth.For a richer experience and a level of comfort that is better than plane travel, we recommend you take a bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an or Shanghai, which takes about 4½ to 5 hours. It is better to take a flight between Shanghai and Xi'an as it takes about 6–7 hours by train. If you would prefer the quickest transport, flights between any of the three cities take about 2–4 hours. However, you may spend a significant amount of time on the road to/from airports, especially during rush hours.
Beijing
Beijing is a city divided by ring roads, with a total of 6 ring roads. The area within and including the 2nd Ring Road corresponds to the old urban area, while the area outside the 2nd Ring Road is the new urban area that has been continuously developed and expanded with the development of the times. Therefore, if you want to experience the historical charm, being inside the 2nd Ring Road is the most concentrated and quickest way.Regarding unique experiences, here are a few for you to refer to: Watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square; cycle from Tiananmen to China World Trade Centre (about 5km); go for a citywalk in the hutongs near the Drum Tower; go shopping at Xidan and Wangfujing; eat roast duck in a siheyuan (Huajia Yiyuan); experience a traditional teahouse near Qianmen (Lao She Teahouse).
Xi’an
Xi’an was the capital longer than any other city (Luoyang comes second) and preserves that legacy well with the city walls, Great Mosque, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, etc. The Terracotta Army is nearby, and Huashan offers spectacular nature, while the food is still solid.Expect Terracotta Warriors + city wall, I’d add that there is a lot more to Xi'an than just those two attractions. The Muslim Quarter is one of the coolest ethnic/historic neighbourhoods in China, and the Great Mosque of Xian at its heart is, imo, the absolute highlight of the city, better than the more famous Terracotta Warriors. Also, the Shaanxi Museum is world-class, and the Great Wild Goose Pagoda is another highlight, especially if you’re interested in the Tang Dynasty.
Shanghai
It is considered the international city of China, in that it's the least Chinese of Chinese megacities. Don’t be afraid to go into lane complexes and have a look. Despite being overrun by wanghong suckers, Wukang Lu is still beautiful. Go to Ferguson Lane along there for a coffee or a glass of wine.If you want to go to a bar/restaurant area, try Shankang Li on Shaanxi Bei Lu/Kangding Lu. Yuyuan Lu, from the junction with Beijing Lu, has lots of interesting cafes and restaurants and other stuff along it.Shanghai is a hard city if you don’t know it or have a guide, but there are lots hidden away if you look.
Get Your Perfect Itinerary with an AI Trip Planner
Step-by-Step: How to Use iMean AI to Build the Route
You can just simply start by telling iMean AI my dates, destinations, and the personal preferences you usually juggle in your head. It understands plain language like an empathetic friend. Within seconds, it will give you a realistic day-by-day plan, complete with activities, hotels filtered by price, location, and facilities, plus flight options that match your schedule, all with valid booking links.From there, you can adjust anything in the chat. The 12 travel agents behind the AI trip planner can fine-tune everything. In the end, the itinerary felt fully personal, built around your own pace instead of a generic list.
Your iMean AI Trip Planner Result Here
Here is a sample itinerary I got, which I've checked is ideal for first-time visitors who are keen to absorb as much as possible in 10 days. And of course, you can make your own ideal itinerary by chatting with iMean AI.
Extra Tips for First-Time Travelers to China
- The most important thing is to set up both WeChat and Alipay before you leave for China, as you may need a Chinese phone number for setup. Additionally, Alipay enables you to book taxis (or Didi) at a significantly reduced rate.
- Get a good (prob paid) vpn. Just make sure to have downloaded it on your phone and your laptop (the Chrome extension does not count), and try to be flexible with the places it connects to, aka South Korea, Thailand, etc.
- Get a good translation app. I used Google Translate, and it worked accurately, but it only really works with data. So make sure to have an offline one just in case.
- For navigation, use Google Maps and amap. Google Maps is good because it gives reviews of places like Google Maps does and shows pictures for places like restaurants, beauty places, etc but Amap is definitely better for navigation and public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do in Shanghai?
Shanghai is great for slow wandering and neighborhood hopping. Visit main places like Nanjing road (west and east), Lujiazui, Xintiandi, French Concession, Jing'an Temple, etc. Try different styles of Chinese food, but also other Asian and Western food. There are lots of excellent restaurants in Shanghai these days for all cuisine types.
Top 10 tourist attractions in Beijing?
While the exact “top 10” varies by person, most travelers agree that the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, 798 Art District, the hutongs, and the National Museum form the core list. To view local life, you can visit some parks. An easily accessible one is Xihai or Shichahai park.
Unusual things to do in Shanghai?
Shanghai has plenty of surprises if you look beyond the big landmarks. The Propaganda Poster Museum (near Yan'an / Jiangsu Rd) will certainly not disappoint. They also have a good selection on Shanghai specific books, from architecture to history. The river promenade from the Bund at Hongkou to Yangpu is also nice. Not too busy during the day, and a nice stroll.
Is Xi’an worth visiting?
Absolutely yes. Many travelers go for the Terracotta Army but end up loving the city itself. Xi’an has an easy pace, a walkable old town, and excellent street food. The mix of ancient walls, local markets, and friendly neighborhoods makes it feel warm and approachable even on a short trip.
What is special about Xi’an?
Xi’an is one of China’s oldest capitals and the eastern end of the Silk Road, which gives it a blend of cultures you won’t find elsewhere. There is the Muslim Quarter, and the city’s charm also includes its food culture, the way ancient and modern life coexist in a compact, lively center.
Is it safe to travel to Beijing right now?
Beijing is generally very safe for travelers. Public transportation, tourist areas, and major landmarks are well-managed, and petty crime rates are low. Like any major city, it’s smart to be aware of your surroundings, but most international visitors feel comfortable moving around on their own.
What is inside the Forbidden City in China?
The Forbidden City is a massive palace complex filled with ceremonial halls, imperial gardens, throne rooms, living quarters, museums, and thousands of architectural details that show how emperors lived and ruled. It sserved as the home of Chinese emperors and their households and was the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government for over 500 years.
What is the nicest month in China?
April, May, September, and October are often considered the most pleasant months. Temperatures are mild, skies are clearer, and outdoor sightseeing is comfortable in most major cities, including Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.
Final Thoughts
Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai form a route that feels complete from start to finish. The sequence builds from imperial history to archaeological depth and finally to modern energy, giving you a wide yet approachable introduction to China. The problem left is how to plan the classic China itinerary.Using the AI trip planner to organise the trip doesn’t replace the experience itself, but it does make the planning stage far less overwhelming. If you want a smooth, meaningful, and beginner-friendly way to explore the country, this route is one I would confidently recommend to anyone.
