Settle into your hotel and grab a classic Beijing jianbing (savory crepe) or hotel buffet to fuel the day; jianbing stalls typically open from early morning. Good quick option: local jianbing ~CNY10; hotel buffets ~CNY60. Check hotel check-in policy (often 2:00pm) and ask for early luggage hold if needed.
Walk across Tiananmen Square then tour the Forbidden City to see China's imperial palace complex — book timed tickets in advance. Palace Museum opening hours are roughly 8:30am–5:00pm (last entry earlier); closed Mondays some seasons — verify before you go.
Try Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodles or a casual Peking duck spot (smaller portions) near Qianmen for authentic flavors; many restaurants open 11:00am–9:00pm. Good mid-range option: a duck appetizer or noodle dish.
Explore historic hutongs to see courtyard homes and local life — excellent for photos and tea houses; most shops open 10:00am–8:00pm. A guided rickshaw tour helps you cover more alleys and hear local history.
Stroll the park where locals practice tai chi and singing; the park gates open early and close late but the Hall of Prayer has more limited hours (approx 8:30am–5:00pm), while the park grounds are accessible earlier/later.
Experience Beijing's signature dish — Peking duck at an iconic restaurant such as Da Dong (modern approach) or Quanjude (classic). Both open for dinner roughly 5:00pm–10:00pm; reservations recommended.
Early hotel breakfast or quick breakfast box, then drive ~1–1.5 hours to Mutianyu section (less crowded than Badaling). Mutianyu village and access open roughly 7:30am–5:30pm (seasonal).
Hike along restored wall sections with towers and sweeping views; cable car and chairlift reduce uphill effort. Cable car hours are typically ~8:00am–4:30pm — check season schedule and book transfers in advance.
Wander the lakes, pavilions and the Long Corridor — Summer Palace grounds are usually open around 6:30am–6:00pm, with main halls having more limited hours. Boats on Kunming Lake operate seasonally.
Take a 1.5–2 hour flight from Beijing to Xi'an (CA or MU carriers common). Allow 2.5–3 hours for airport check-in and transit time. Typical flight time ~2h.
Check into your Xi'an hotel and head to the Muslim Quarter for famous street food like yangrou paomo (lamb soup with pita) — most food stalls operate until late evening.
Visit the UNESCO-famous Terracotta Warriors and learn about Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum — the museum typically opens 8:30am–5:30pm; arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.
Return to the city to cycle on the well-preserved city wall for panoramic views — the wall is open roughly 8:00am–10:00pm and bike rental is available at gates.
Have a relaxed hotel breakfast then transfer to Xi'an Xianyang Airport for a mid-morning flight to Shanghai; allow 2–3 hours for check-in and security.
Morning flight to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao (approx 2 hours) — arriving early afternoon gives you time to explore the city. Flight times and prices vary by airline.
Walk the Bund for skyline views across the Huangpu River and stroll Nanjing Road for shopping and city energy; street access is open 24/7, shops vary by hours (usually 10:00am–10:00pm).
Choose a riverside restaurant on the Bund or a French Concession bistro to sample modern Shanghainese dishes; dinner service commonly from 5:30pm–10:30pm.
Take a 45–60 minute drive/train to Zhujiajiao to see canals, stone bridges, and traditional shops; the town is generally open to visitors 8:30am–5:30pm. Boats and teahouses may have separate hours.
Head back to the city and visit Shanghai Tower's observation deck for sweeping views — observation deck hours typically 9:00am–9:30pm; purchase tickets in advance for best times.
Dine in the leafy French Concession district for a relaxed evening with international or Shanghainese options; many restaurants open until 10:30pm or later.
Take an evening river cruise to see the Bund and Pudong illuminated skyline; cruises usually run from about 7:00pm–9:30pm depending on season and operator.
Visit the Shanghai Museum for Chinese art, bronzes, ceramics and calligraphy — museum hours commonly 9:00am–5:00pm; entrance may be free or require an advance ticket depending on exhibitions.
Wander tree-lined streets, boutique shops and art studios in the French Concession and Tianzifang alleyways for last-minute souvenirs; shops typically open 10:00am–7:00pm.
Allow ample time (2–3 hours) for transfer, check-in, and security when leaving Shanghai — Hongqiao is closer for high-speed trains, Pudong for international flights.