Arrive at Beijing Capital/Pudong (if alternate) and transfer to central hotel; rest and freshen up after the flight to beat jet lag and prepare for light sightseeing.
Famous Peking duck restaurant offering classic roast duck in a historic setting; great introduction to Beijing cuisine. Open generally from 10:00am to 9:30pm.
Walk across Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City to see imperial halls and courtyards; a must-see for Chinese history and architecture. Palace Museum hours generally 8:30am–5:00pm (last entry earlier—book timed tickets in advance).
Climb Jingshan Park hill behind the Forbidden City for a panoramic skyline and sunset view over the imperial rooflines—excellent photography spot. Park typically open early morning to dusk.
Try local street snacks and small plates along Wangfujing Snack Street for an informal dinner and to sample Beijing flavours and night atmosphere. Stalls operate into the evening (hours vary by vendor).
Visit the Temple of Heaven complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests and locals practise tai chi; the park is lively in the morning. Park open from early morning to around 8:00–9:00pm, temple halls about 8:30am–5:00pm.
Explore narrow Hutongs by foot and rickshaw to see traditional courtyard life and boutique shops; gives a contrasting, local perspective of Beijing. Tours run throughout the day; typical duration 1–2 hours.
Wander the lakes, Long Corridor and palace pavilions of this imperial garden for scenic views and calm after the city bustle. Generally open from 6:30am–6:00pm; allow 2 hours to explore.
Attend a short Peking opera performance (Liyuan Theatre) for classical culture or choose a modern craft-beer bar in Sanlitun for relaxed evening socialising. Theatre shows usually in the evening; bars open late.
Drive ~1–1.5 hours to the Mutianyu section (less crowded, scenic restored stretches); arrive early to avoid crowds. Mutianyu open roughly 7:30am–5:30pm; cable car times similar.
Hike along restored battlements with forested vistas; take the cable car up/down or toboggan down for variety—excellent all-round photo opportunities. Entrance + cable car typically ~CURRENCY180 total.
Simple northern-style set lunch near the Mutianyu entrance featuring noodles and stir-fry; fuel up before the return drive. Local eateries generally open midday.
Early breakfast at the hotel and check-out; transfer to Beijing West / South Railway Station for the high-speed train to Xi'an. Allow time for luggage and security.
Take a G-train to Xi'an (approx 5–6 hours high-speed); enjoy countryside views and arrive mid-afternoon. Typical second-class fares around CURRENCY553; book in advance.
Sample Xi'an specialities like roujiamo (meat sandwich) and liangpi noodles in the bustling Muslim Quarter; lively food scene and snacks open from late morning.
Rent a bike or stroll on the well-preserved city wall for panoramic views of the old city and bell tower; often open 8:00am–8:00pm depending on season.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors museum to see thousands of life-sized figures guarding Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum; a world-class archaeological site. Museum hours roughly 8:30am–5:30pm—arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
Arrive in Shanghai, check-in and dine at Lost Heaven for Yunnan cuisine in a stylish setting near the Bund—perfect for first-night flavours. Restaurant hours normally until late evening.
Walk along the Bund waterfront to view colonial architecture and skyline, then shop along Nanjing Road—iconic Shanghai urban contrasts. Open access; shops generally 10:00am–10:00pm.
Take the world-class elevators up Shanghai Tower for sweeping city views (observation deck open approx 9:00am–9:30pm). Book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Enjoy an evening river cruise for illuminated skyline views of Pudong and the Bund; evening cruises usually operate around 7:00–9:30pm depending on season.
Short drive or metro+bus to Zhujiajiao, a preserved canal town with stone bridges and waterways—ideal for relaxed photography and boat rides. Town attractions typically open from 8:30am–5:30pm.
Wander the cobbled lanes, visit ancient bridges and take a short wooden-boat ride for a peaceful, historic contrast to Shanghai’s skyscrapers. Boat rides and small museums have modest fees.
Return to Shanghai and enjoy a late lunch at Din Tai Fung for consistent xiaolongbao or choose a local Shanghainese restaurant for steamed and braised classics.
Visit Shanghai Museum (if open) for strong ancient Chinese art collections or use this time for last-minute shopping in Nanjing Road/People’s Square area; museums usually open 9:00am–5:00pm (closed Mondays—check date).
Collect luggage and transfer to Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao for international flight home or onward connections; allow ample time for international check-in and security.