Xi'an gives a first China trip ancient capital depth in a compact stop: Terracotta Warriors, the city wall, Tang history, local noodles, and the Muslim Quarter can fit cleanly between Beijing and Shanghai.
The right Great Wall section depends on crowd tolerance, hiking ability, photography goals, hotel location, and how much of the day the traveler can spend outside Beijing.
Beijing is the strongest first stop for China history: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutongs, museums, and a Great Wall day trip work best when the route is planned by district instead of by a long checklist.
