Morning: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, transfer to your centrally located hotel and unwind after the flight. Take a short walk around the neighborhood to get a feel for the city’s rhythm.
Afternoon: Visit the expansive Tiananmen Square and then step into the historic Forbidden City, exploring its grand halls and ancient artifacts.
Evening: Dive into the culinary buzz of Wangfujing Snack Street, sampling treats like fried scorpions, candied fruit, and steaming dumplings.
Find HotelsMorning: Start the day at the serene Temple of Heaven, watching locals practice tai‑chi and admiring the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Afternoon: Wander the sprawling grounds of the Summer Palace, cruising the Kunming Lake and climbing the Longevity Hill for panoramic views.
Evening: Savor an authentic Peking duck dinner at the renowned Quanjude, enjoying the perfectly crisp skin and traditional side dishes.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, take the cable car up and begin a leisurely hike along the ancient battlements.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the wall’s watchtowers, then descend via the toboggan slide for a fun finish before returning to Beijing.
Evening: Relax at the hotel, perhaps enjoying a soothing foot massage to unwind after a day of climbing and walking.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch a short flight to Xi'an, check into a boutique courtyard hotel, and freshen up for the afternoon.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, tasting street foods and admiring the intricate architecture of the Great Mosque of Xi'an.
Evening: Experience the colorful Tang Dynasty Show, a dinner performance that brings ancient music, dance, and storytelling to life.
Find HotelsMorning: Journey to the world‑famous Terracotta Army, marveling at the life‑size warriors and their astonishing detail.
Afternoon: Return to the city and rent a bike to circle the historic Xi'an City Wall, pausing at watchtowers for sweeping city views.
Evening: Dine on Xi’an’s signature biangbiang noodles and local dumplings at a bustling night market.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly to Shanghai, settle into a modern hotel in the Pudong district, and enjoy a quick coffee with skyline views.
Afternoon: Meander through the classical Yu Garden and its surrounding Old City, discovering rockeries, pavilions, and teahouses.
Evening: Stroll along the illuminated The Bund, taking in the contrasting silhouettes of historic colonial buildings and futuristic skyscrapers.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the expansive Shanghai Museum at People's Square, admiring its impressive collection of ancient bronzes and ceramics.
Afternoon: Ascend the soaring Shanghai Tower observation deck for breathtaking 360° views of the metropolis.
Evening: Embark on a romantic Huangpu River Cruise, watching the city lights dance across the water as you glide past iconic landmarks.
Find HotelsMorning: Wander the artsy lanes of Tianzifang, browsing boutique shops, galleries, and cozy cafés.
Afternoon: Pack up, enjoy a final Shanghai lunch, and transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add an extra day in Xi'an to visit the Huaqing Hot Springs and the ancient city of Luoyang, or spend a full day in Hangzhou to explore West Lake. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 4 and Day 5 in Xi'an by taking a night train back to Beijing and skip the evening show, or fly directly from Beijing to Shanghai and omit the Great Wall day for a more relaxed pace.