China Trip Itinerary – 7 Nights / 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Morning: Fly into Beijing Capital International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check‑in.

Afternoon: Rest after the flight, then take a leisurely walk around Wangfujing Street to sample street snacks.

Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring famous Peking Duck at a traditional restaurant.

Day 2: Beijing – Historical Core

Morning: Explore the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City for a guided tour of the imperial palaces.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Temple of Heaven, watching locals practice tai chi and marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Evening: Stroll through the bustling Qianmen area and sample local delicacies at night markets.

Day 3: Great Wall – Mutianyu

Morning: Depart early for the Mutianyu Great Wall, ride the cable car up and walk the restored sections surrounded by forest.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the wall, take the toboggan slide down, and enjoy a tea break at the watchtower café.

Evening: Return to Beijing and relax with a cultural acrobat show at the Chaoyang Theatre.

Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an

Morning: Fly to Xi'an, check in to the hotel, and freshen up.

Afternoon: Rent a bike to circle the ancient Xi'an City Wall, stopping at the Drum Tower for panoramic views.

Evening: Wander the lively Muslim Quarter, tasting kebabs, biangbiang noodles, and local sweets.

Day 5: Xi'an – Terracotta Warriors

Morning: Travel to the world‑famous Terracotta Army site, exploring the three pits and the museum.

Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the tranquil Big Wild Goose Pagoda, strolling through its surrounding gardens.

Evening: Experience a vibrant Tang Dynasty performance with music, dance, and a dinner buffet.

Day 6: Xi'an → Shanghai

Morning: Fly to Shanghai and settle into a hotel in the Bund district.

Afternoon: Walk along the iconic The Bund, then explore the classical Yu Garden and its bustling bazaar.

Evening: Enjoy a romantic Huangpu River cruise with skyline lights reflecting on the water.

Day 7: Shanghai – Modern Marvels

Morning: Ascend the Shanghai Tower observation deck for breathtaking views from the world’s second‑tallest building.

Afternoon: Discover the artistic lanes of Tianzifang, browsing boutique shops and galleries.

Evening: Dine and mingle in the upscale Xintiandi area, known for its historic shikumen architecture and nightlife.

Day 8: Departure

Morning: Take time for last‑minute shopping in Nanjing Road, then check out and transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport for your flight home.

Afternoon: Travel onward.

Evening: Arrive back home with wonderful memories of China.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Tiananmen Square – Approx. 0.5 hour – $0
• Forbidden City – Approx. 3 hours – $20
• Temple of Heaven – Approx. 2 hours – $10
• Mutianyu Great Wall – Full day – $45
• Peking Duck Dinner – 1.5 hours – $30
• Xi'an City Wall (bike) – 2 hours – $15
• Muslim Quarter Food – 2 hours – $20
• Terracotta Army – 3 hours – $30
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda – 1.5 hours – $10
• Tang Dynasty Show – 2 hours – $25
• The Bund – 1 hour – $0
• Yu Garden – 1.5 hours – $8
• Huangpu River Cruise – 1 hour – $25
• Shanghai Tower – 1.5 hours – $30
• Tianzifang – 2 hours – $0
• Xintiandi – 2 hours – $0
• Domestic Flights (Beijing‑Xi'an, Xi'an‑Shanghai) – – $250
• Accommodation (7 nights) – – $490
• Local Transportation (metros, taxis) – – $50
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,058

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, add a day in Chengdu to see the giant pandas or a weekend in Hangzhou for the scenic West Lake. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the evening acrobat show in Beijing and combine the Huangpu River cruise with a quick night walk on the Bund, saving one evening without missing major sights.