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Optimal 6-Day Itinerary: Exploring Shanghai and Beijing Highlights

Viewed by 113 travelers

Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

Shanghai, China on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fu Chun Restaurant

Start your day with traditional Shanghainese breakfast dishes like steamed buns and soy milk in this popular local establishment open from 7am to 10am.
CNY30, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Bund

Walk along the iconic waterfront promenade to see Shanghai’s famous skyline contrasting colonial-era buildings, perfect for photography and getting a feel of the city’s history.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Shanghai Museum

Explore exquisite Chinese art and historical artifacts in this well-designed museum located in People’s Square, open from 9am to 5pm daily.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) at this internationally renowned chain with quality Shanghai-style cuisine open until 9pm.
CNY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Yu Garden and Bazaar

Wander through the classical Chinese garden and nearby bazaar for souvenirs and snacks. Gardens are open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY40, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Taste Yunnan cuisine in this beautiful restaurant that captures ethnic styles, open 5:30pm–10:30pm.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Shanghai

Shanghai, China on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maan Coffee

Enjoy a western-style breakfast with coffee and pancakes at this cozy café open from 7am to 10pm.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:30am

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Discover Shanghai’s urban development model including a large city model; open 9am–5pm.
CNY30, 1h30m

11:00am

Jing’an Temple

Visit the peaceful Buddhist temple in the heart of the city, typically open 7am–5pm.
CNY20, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Yang’s Dumplings

Try the iconic pan-fried soup dumplings at this famous local eatery with a casual atmosphere, open until 8pm.
CNY40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Experience panoramic views from China’s tallest building, open 9am to 10pm.
CNY180, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tianzifang Art District

Explore narrow alleys filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés, perfect for a leisurely stroll, generally open all day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Xibo Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Xinjiang cuisine with flavorful lamb dishes in a stylish setting, open 5:30pm–10pm.
CNY140, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Shanghai

Shanghai, China on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wagas

Have a healthy and fresh breakfast with salads, eggs, and smoothies in a popular café open 7am–9pm.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:30am

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

View a unique collection of propaganda posters from China’s 20th-century history; open 10am–5pm (closed Mondays).
CNY40, 1h30m

11:30am

French Concession Walk

Enjoy a walk among tree-lined avenues and historic European-style architecture with plenty of cafés and shops.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Indulge in flavorful dishes inspired by Silk Road cultures within an ambient setting, open until 9pm.
CNY150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shanghai Circus World

Watch the world-renowned acrobatic show featuring thrilling performances; shows typically at 3:30pm and 7:30pm.
CNY200, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner near Nanjing Road

Dine at local eateries offering Shanghainese specialties, many open until late night.
CNY100, 1h0m
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Day 4: Beijing Arrival

Beijing, China on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Try Beijing-style roast duck or simple breakfast options in this highly praised spot, open from 7am.
CNY120, 1h0m

9:30am

Forbidden City

Explore the imperial palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open from 8:30am to 5pm (closed Mondays).
CNY60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jingzun Roast Duck Restaurant

Savor classic Peking duck and traditional Beijing cuisine, open until 10pm.
CNY150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tiananmen Square

Visit the world’s largest public square, a symbol of modern China’s history; open throughout the day.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Temple of Heaven Park

Relax and witness traditional activities in this imperial sacrificial site open 6am to 10pm.
CNY15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing Dynasty style garden restaurant offering imperial cuisine, open until 10pm.
CNY180, 1h30m
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Day 5: Great Wall Visit

Beijing, China on August 2, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick and filling breakfast at your hotel before heading out to the Great Wall.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

Spend the day hiking this well-preserved, less crowded section of the Great Wall; open 7am–6pm.
CNY45, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Enjoy Western-style lunch close to the Great Wall providing great views and quality meals, open 11am–3pm.
CNY100, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Beijing city

Travel back and rest before evening plans.
Transport cost included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jin Ding Xuan

Indulge in Cantonese dim sum dishes at this popular restaurant open until 10pm.
CNY120, 1h0m
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Day 6: Historic Beijing

Beijing, China on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Lama Temple area

Eat traditional Beijing-style breakfast including soy milk and fried dough sticks, open from 7am.
CNY25, 1h0m

9:30am

Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Visit one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world, open 9am–5pm.
CNY25, 1h30m

11:30am

Beihai Park

Relax in a large imperial garden with a lake and historical pavilions, open 6:30am–9pm.
CNY15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant

Try another excellent Peking duck feast close to Beihai Park, open until 9pm.
CNY150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Summer Palace

Explore the vast imperial garden, pavilions, and lake with boat rides available, open 6:30am–6:30pm.
CNY60, 3h0m

6:00pm

Final Beijing Dinner at Black Sesame Kitchen

Experience a unique home-style dining with a set menu offering traditional Northern Chinese dishes; reservation needed.
CNY280, 2h0m
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