Morning: Land at Beijing Capital International Airport and transfer to your hotel to freshen up. Enjoy a brief stroll around the nearby Wangfujing shopping street for a snack.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, then explore the historic Forbidden City where imperial history comes alive.
Evening: Dine on authentic Peking duck at a renowned restaurant and take a leisurely walk through the illuminated Houhai lakeside area.
Book a HotelMorning: Embark on a guided tour to the Mutianyu Great Wall, climb its restored watchtowers, and ride the cable car for sweeping vistas.
Afternoon: Return to Beijing and unwind in the tranquil gardens of the Summer Palace, cruising on Kunming Lake.
Evening: Experience a traditional “Kung Fu” show at the Red Theatre followed by a night market visit for street food.
Book a Hotel **Day 3: Beijing’s Cultural Core** *Morning:* Explore the majestic halls of the Forbidden City (if not fully covered day 1) and learn about imperial ceremonies. *Afternoon:* Wander through the historic alleys on a Hutong Bike Tour, stopping at local courtyards and tea houses. *Evening:* Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Beijing River with views of the illuminated cityscape. **Day 4: Journey to Xi’an** *Morning:* Fly to Xi’an and settle into your hotel. *Afternoon:* Walk atop the ancient Xi’an City Wall and rent a bike for a panoramic ride. *Evening:* Stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter, tasting local snacks like roujiamo and yangrou paomo. **Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Pagoda** *Morning:* Visit the world‑famous Terracotta Army, marveling at the life‑size soldiers and horses. *Afternoon:* Return to the city to explore the serene Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding gardens. *Evening:* Attend a Tang Dynasty music and dance performance at the Shaanxi History Museum. **Day 6: High‑Speed to Shanghai** *Morning:* Board a high‑speed train to Shanghai, enjoying scenic views along the way. *Afternoon:* Arrive and walk along the iconic The Bund, admiring colonial‑era architecture opposite the futuristic skyline. *Evening:* Shop and dine on Nanjing Road, China’s premier commercial street, illuminated by dazzling neon. **Day 7: Classical Shanghai** *Morning:* Explore the classical beauty of Yu Garden and the surrounding Old City. *Afternoon:* Visit the award‑winning Shanghai Museum for a deep dive into Chinese art and history. *Evening:* Experience nightlife in the stylish Xintiandi district, filled with trendy bars and restaurants. **Day 8: Departure** *Morning:* Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and last‑minute souvenir shopping at a local market. *Afternoon:* Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of China.Total Estimated Cost: $1,607
To extend your adventure, add a day in Chengdu to visit the giant pandas or a cruise on the Yangtze River for a scenic finale. If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping the high‑speed train to Shanghai and fly directly from Xi’an, or combine Day 6 and Day 7 by focusing on the Bund and Yu Garden only, saving both time and transportation costs.