Here’s a detailed 8-day itinerary covering Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, three of China’s most iconic cities. This itinerary combines cultural, historical, and modern experiences, offering a deep dive into China’s rich heritage and vibrant urban life.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Morning: Arrival and Check-In
- Overview: Arrive in Beijing, China’s capital, known for its rich history and modern energy.
- Transportation: From the airport, take a taxi or the Airport Express train to your hotel in central Beijing.
Afternoon: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
- Tiananmen Square: Start your trip by visiting Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Explore landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.
- Forbidden City: Enter the Forbidden City from Tiananmen Gate. This sprawling palace complex was home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore the main halls, the imperial garden, and various exhibits showcasing ancient Chinese art and history.
Evening: Wangfujing and Snack Street
- Wangfujing Street: Wander through Wangfujing, Beijing’s most famous shopping street. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs or just enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Snack Street: Visit the nearby Wangfujing Snack Street for an adventurous culinary experience. Try local snacks like candied hawthorns, dumplings, and more exotic options like scorpions on a stick!
Day 2: Beijing – Great Wall and Summer Palace
Morning: Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Mutianyu Section: Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. It’s about 1.5 hours from Beijing by car.
- Cable Car or Hike: Take the cable car up for stunning views, or hike to experience the Wall more intimately. You can also descend by toboggan for a bit of fun.
Afternoon: Summer Palace
- Summer Palace: Return to Beijing and visit the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden and palace. Stroll through the beautiful gardens, cross the 17-Arch Bridge, and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
- Long Corridor: Walk through the Long Corridor, a covered walkway adorned with thousands of paintings depicting Chinese mythology and history.
Evening: Peking Duck Dinner
- Dinner at Da Dong or Quanjude: Try Beijing’s most famous dish, Peking Duck, at a renowned restaurant like Da Dong or Quanjude. The crispy duck is served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
Day 3: Beijing – Temple of Heaven and Hutongs
Morning: Temple of Heaven
- Temple of Heaven: Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the centerpiece, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
- Morning Exercise: Arrive early to watch or join locals practicing tai chi, dancing, or playing traditional instruments.
Afternoon: Hutongs and Lama Temple
- Hutong Tour: Explore Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods, known as hutongs. Take a rickshaw ride or walk through the narrow alleys, visiting local homes, markets, and courtyards.
- Lama Temple: Visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), a vibrant Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its colorful decorations and the giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha.
Evening: Acrobatics or Kung Fu Show
- Evening Entertainment: Enjoy a traditional Chinese acrobatics show at Chaoyang Theatre or a Kung Fu performance at the Red Theatre.
Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an
Morning: Flight/Train to Xi’an
- Overview: Take a morning flight or high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, an ancient capital famous for the Terracotta Warriors.
- Transportation: The flight takes about 2 hours, while the high-speed train takes around 5-6 hours.
Afternoon: Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter
- Xi’an City Wall: Visit the ancient city wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. You can walk or rent a bike to circle the wall and enjoy views of the city.
- Muslim Quarter: Explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, known for its lively markets and street food. Try local specialties like roujiamo (Chinese burger), yangrou paomo (crumbled flatbread in mutton stew), and biang biang noodles.
Evening: Great Mosque and Night Market
- Great Mosque: Visit the Great Mosque, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture, located in the heart of the Muslim Quarter.
- Night Market: Continue to explore the night market, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample more local delicacies.
Day 5: Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Morning: Terracotta Army
- Terracotta Warriors: Spend the morning at the Terracotta Army, one of China’s most famous archaeological sites. The life-sized statues were buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. Explore the three pits and the museum to understand the significance of this discovery.
Afternoon: Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi’an. The pagoda was built in the 7th century to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang.
- Shaanxi History Museum: Learn more about the region’s rich history at the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties.
Evening: Tang Dynasty Show
- Dinner and Show: Enjoy a Tang Dynasty Show, a cultural performance that showcases traditional music, dance, and costumes from the Tang era. Many venues offer a dumpling banquet along with the show.
Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai
Morning: Travel to Shanghai
- Overview: Take a morning flight or high-speed train to Shanghai, China’s largest and most modern city.
- Transportation: The flight takes about 2.5 hours, and the high-speed train takes around 6-7 hours.
Afternoon: The Bund and Nanjing Road
- The Bund: Walk along The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade. Enjoy views of the colonial-era buildings on one side and the modern skyline of Pudong on the other.
- Nanjing Road: Explore Nanjing Road, China’s premier shopping street. It’s a bustling area with a mix of traditional stores, luxury brands, and street food.
Evening: Huangpu River Cruise
- Huangpu River Cruise: Take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River for stunning views of the illuminated Shanghai skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai Tower.
Day 7: Shanghai – Yu Garden, French Concession, and More
Morning: Yu Garden and Old Shanghai
- Yu Garden: Start your day at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the heart of Shanghai. The garden is a peaceful retreat with beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds.
- Yu Market: Explore the surrounding Yu Market, where you can shop for traditional crafts, antiques, and souvenirs.
Afternoon: French Concession and Tianzifang
- French Concession: Stroll through the French Concession, a leafy district filled with colonial architecture, chic boutiques, and cafes. Visit Xintiandi, a pedestrian area with a mix of old and new architecture.
- Tianzifang: Explore Tianzifang, a maze of narrow alleys filled with art studios, galleries, and trendy shops. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and enjoy a coffee or snack.
Evening: Shanghai Circus World or Jazz at Peace Hotel
- Shanghai Circus World: Enjoy a spectacular acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World, known for its jaw-dropping performances.
- Peace Hotel Jazz Bar: Alternatively, visit the Jazz Bar at the historic Peace Hotel on The Bund for live jazz music in an elegant setting.
Day 8: Modern Shanghai and Departure
Morning: Shanghai Museum and People’s Square
- Shanghai Museum: Spend the morning at the Shanghai Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including ceramics, jade, bronzes, and calligraphy.
- People’s Square: Explore People’s Square, the cultural and political center of Shanghai. The square is surrounded by landmarks like the Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.
Afternoon: Pudong and Departure
- Pudong District: Visit the Pudong district to see the futuristic side of Shanghai. Take in panoramic views from the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower or Jin Mao Tower.
- Departure: Depending on your flight time, head to the airport for your departure. Shanghai is served by two major airports, Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), both well-connected to the city center.
Additional Tips:
- Transportation: For domestic travel between cities, high-speed trains are comfortable and efficient. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Accommodation: Stay in central locations in each city to maximize convenience. In
