First time trip to China. China had been on our list for years, but like many first-time visitors, we weren’t quite sure where to start. It’s a vast country with an overwhelming number of must-see places. After a fair bit of research, we settled on what I’d now confidently call one of the most efficient and rewarding first-time routes: Shanghai → Xi’an → Beijing, all connected by China’s high-speed rail.
Travelling this route with family turned out to be the right balance of modern China, ancient history, and iconic landmarks. It gave us a structured, manageable way to experience the country without feeling rushed or constantly in transit.
What follows is exactly how we did it—what worked, what surprised us, and what you should know before going.
Shanghai – Where Modern China Comes to Life
Shanghai is often described as China’s most international city, and that’s immediately obvious the moment you arrive. After a long flight, it felt like the perfect soft landing—clean, efficient, and surprisingly easy to navigate. What stood out most was the contrast: futuristic skyscrapers sitting alongside colonial-era architecture, all connected by an incredibly well-run metro system.
One thing we underestimated slightly was just how long the flight to China would feel—especially travelling with family. To keep everyone entertained (and avoid too much screen time), we brought along a few puzzle and activity books, which turned out to be a great decision. Things like Sudoku, word searches, and colouring books were surprisingly effective at passing time and keeping everyone engaged without relying on Wi-Fi or devices. If you’re planning a similar trip, it’s worth picking up a few in advance—you can also check out some good options here before you go.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Shanghai
We started along The Bund, which quickly became one of our favourite spots. Walking along the waterfront at sunset, with the skyline of Pudong lit up across the river, gave us that “we’ve finally made it to China” moment.
Just across the river, Lujiazui is where you really feel the scale of modern China. Going up the Shanghai Tower (or even the Shanghai World Financial Center) gives you a perspective that’s hard to grasp from the ground.
Yu Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar offered a completely different experience—traditional architecture, narrow lanes, and plenty of street food. It’s touristy, but still worth it.
We also spent time wandering through the Former French Concession, which felt calmer and more European in character, with tree-lined streets and small cafés—ideal when travelling with family and needing a slower pace.
The kids enjoyed Shanghai Disneyland, which is genuinely impressive even if you’ve been to other Disney parks—it’s bigger, newer, and less crowded than we expected.
Other highlights included Nanjing Road for sheer scale and energy, the Jade Buddha Temple for a quieter cultural stop, and Tianzifang for small shops and souvenirs.
To wind down, we visited Century Park, which was a nice break from the intensity of the city.
High-Speed Rail: Shanghai to Xi’an (via Luoyang)
One of the best decisions we made was travelling by high-speed rail instead of flying. The trains are fast (often 300–350 km/h), clean, punctual, and far more comfortable than we expected. The stations are more like airports—large, structured, and requiring early arrival—but once onboard, it’s smooth and efficient. We chose to break up the journey with a stop in Luoyang to visit the Longmen Grottoes, which ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Longmen Grottoes (Luoyang Stop) – A Hidden Highlight
This wasn’t originally on our radar, but it should be. The Longmen Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of Buddhist carvings etched into limestone cliffs along a river. Walking along the pathways, seeing these ancient sculptures carved directly into rock, felt surreal—especially given how relatively uncrowded it was compared to other major attractions. It’s an easy stop if you plan your train journey properly, and well worth the effort.
Xi’an – Ancient China at Its Best
Xi’an felt completely different from Shanghai. Less polished, more traditional, and deeply historical—it was the kind of place that gives context to everything you’ve read about China’s past.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Xi’an
The obvious highlight is the Terracotta Warriors, and despite the hype, it absolutely delivers. Seeing thousands of life-sized soldiers—each with unique features—lined up in massive excavation pits is hard to describe until you’re there in person.
Back in the city, the Ancient City Wall was a standout. We rented bikes and rode along the top, which gave us a great view and a fun way to explore. The Muslim Quarter was one of the most vibrant areas we visited—packed with street food, markets, and energy. It’s busy, but that’s part of the experience.
We also visited the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is both historically significant and visually impressive, especially in the evening. Other notable stops included the Shaanxi History Museum, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower, all of which help tell the story of Xi’an as a former capital.
We also explored the Great Mosque of Xi’an, which blends Chinese and Islamic architecture in a way that’s quite unique. For something a bit more immersive, we attended the Tang Dynasty Show, which added a cultural layer to the trip, especially for the kids.
High-Speed Rail: Xi’an to Beijing
By this point, the train system felt familiar. Booking tickets in advance is important, especially during peak periods, but the process is straightforward once you get used to it. The journey to Beijing was longer, but still comfortable. Plenty of legroom, space for luggage, and the ability to move around made it far more relaxing than a domestic flight.
Beijing – Culture, Scale, and the Great Wall
Beijing is where everything comes together—history, politics, culture, and some of China’s most iconic landmarks. It’s busier and more intense than Xi’an, but also incredibly rewarding.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Beijing
The Great Wall of China was the highlight of the entire trip. We chose the Mutianyu section, which is less crowded and more family-friendly. Standing on the wall, looking out over the mountains, is one of those rare moments that actually lives up to expectations.
In the city, the Forbidden City is immense. You could easily spend half a day here, walking through centuries of imperial history. Just outside it, Tiananmen Square is equally significant, both historically and politically.
We also visited the Temple of Heaven, which felt more relaxed and was surrounded by locals exercising and socialising. The Summer Palace was another standout—beautiful, expansive, and a good place to slow down after the intensity of central Beijing.
We explored the Hutongs (old alleyways), which gave us a glimpse into traditional Beijing life. Other highlights included the Lama Temple, Jingshan Park (for one of the best views over the Forbidden City), and Wangfujing Street for food and shopping. Getting between sites I’d recommend hiring a taxi as this is the easiest and most often affordable way to travel with a large group.
Practical Tips You Need to Know Before Going
1. Payments – Cash Is Not Common
One of the biggest surprises was how little cash is used. Almost everything is paid digitally, so you should set up:
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
Make sure these are linked to your card before arriving. It will make your life significantly easier.
2. Language Barrier Is Real
English is not widely spoken outside major hotels. We relied heavily on translation apps. Before travelling, download:
- Google Translate (with offline Chinese)
- A secondary app like Pleco or Microsoft Translator
It made ordering food, asking for directions, and even reading menus far more manageable.
3. High-Speed Rail Tips
- Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early
- Bring your passport (required for ticketing and check in)
- Travel light where possible—luggage space is limited but manageable
- Food is available onboard, but bringing snacks is a good idea
4. Travelling with Family
- Plan for breaks—China can be intense, especially in large cities. Book tickets in advance if you can.
- Expect crowds at major attractions
- Early starts help avoid peak congestion
Final Thoughts
Looking back, this route gave us exactly what we needed for a first trip to China. Shanghai eased us in. Xi’an gave us history and depth. Beijing delivered the iconic moments. The high-speed rail connected everything seamlessly, turning what could have been a complicated trip into something surprisingly efficient. If you’re planning your first visit to China, this itinerary is difficult to beat. It covers the essentials, flows logically, and—most importantly—feels achievable without being overwhelming. It certainly worked for us.
