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7-Day Best of China: Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai — Great Wall, Terracotta Army & Modern Shanghai (Oct 25–31, 2025)

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Day 1: Arrival & Classics

Beijing, China on October 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Street Jianbing

Grab a freshly made jianbing (savory crepe) from a trusted street vendor near your hotel — fast, iconic Beijing breakfast to fuel a big day.
CNY10, 0h20m.

9:00am

Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City

Walk across Tiananmen and tour the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) to see imperial architecture and Ming/Qing history; confirm ticket time as slots sell out. Typical opening 8:30am–5:00pm; reserve ahead.
CNY60, 3h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Da Dong Roast Duck

Sit down for refined Beijing roast duck at Da Dong (Nanyuan or Wangfujing branch) — excellent for first-day dining and a local classic.
CNY200, 1h15m.

3:00pm

Jingshan Park Viewpoint

Climb Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the Forbidden City and central Beijing; park open roughly 6:00am–6:00pm.
CNY2, 0h45m.

4:30pm

Wangfujing Snack Street

Stroll Wangfujing shopping street and sample snacks (sweet and savory) while exploring shops — great for people-watching and quick bites.
CNY50, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Quanjude Roast Duck (Qianmen)

Enjoy a classic Peking duck dinner at Quanjude near Qianmen — historic restaurant and reliably good duck preparations.
CNY250, 1h30m.
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Day 2: Great Wall

Beijing, China on October 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or Local Baozi Shop

Light breakfast of baozi (steamed buns) and soy milk before leaving the city; fuel for the Great Wall hike.
CNY30, 0h30m.

8:00am

Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall

Drive ~1–1.5 hours to Mutianyu section (less crowded, well-restored); arrive early to avoid peak crowds. Site opens roughly 7:30am–5:30pm.
CNY0, 1h30m.

10:00am

Hike Mutianyu & Cable Car

Hike along the restored Mutianyu towers; optional round-trip cable car or toboggan for descent. Expect panoramic views and photo opportunities.
CNY220, 2h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Local Restaurant near Mutianyu

Hearty countryside lunch at a nearby restaurant with simple homestyle Beijing cuisine; good chance to rest after the hike.
CNY80, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

Return to Beijing to visit the Summer Palace — expansive imperial gardens and lakeside pavilions; open roughly 6:30am–6:00pm.
CNY30, 2h0m.

6:00pm

Dinner — Siji Minfu (Beijing cuisine)

Try Siji Minfu or a reputable local restaurant for Beijing specialties — good spot for duck or noodle dishes after a long day.
CNY200, 1h30m.
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Day 3: Hutongs & Transit

Beijing → Xi'an, China on October 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Houhai Area

Casual breakfast around Houhai: yogurt, soy milk, or noodle soup while enjoying lakeside vibes.
CNY35, 0h30m.

9:00am

Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven complex and watch or join locals in morning tai chi; open roughly 6:00am–7:00pm (main sites 8:00/8:30am onwards).
CNY15, 1h30m.

11:00am

Hutong Rickshaw & Nanluoguxiang

Take a rickshaw tour through narrow hutongs, then explore Nanluoguxiang for boutiques and snacks — atmospheric slice of old Beijing.
CNY120, 1h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Local Dumpling/Noodle Spot near Hutongs

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local dumpling or noodle shop in the hutong area for authentic flavors.
CNY60, 1h0m.

3:30pm

High-speed Train to Xi'an (Beijing West → Xi'an North)

Board a G-class high-speed train to Xi'an (approx 4.5–6 hours) — comfortable and scenic; evening arrival into Xi'an.
CNY550, 5h0m.

8:30pm

Dinner — Muslim Quarter Snacks

Arrive & head to the Muslim Quarter for Xi'an street food: lamb skewers, roujiamo, liangpi — lively and open late.
CNY80, 1h0m.
Find Hotels in Beijing → Xi'an

Day 4: Terracotta Army

Xi'an, China on October 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Rougamo & Soy Milk

Sample Xi'an staples like rougamo (meat sandwich) and warm soy milk at a local shop to start the day.
CNY30, 0h30m.

9:00am

Terracotta Army Museum

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army (museum open ~8:30am–5:30pm) to see ancient life-sized figures guarding Emperor Qin's tomb; allow time for the museum and three pits.
CNY120, 3h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy a banquet-style dumpling meal at De Fa Chang, a Xi'an institution showcasing regional dumpling varieties.
CNY120, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Xi'an City Wall — Bike Ride

Rent a bike atop the well-preserved city wall for panoramic city views; wall rental typically open 8:00am–8:00pm.
CNY54, 1h30m.

5:00pm

Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Square

Visit the pagoda and the lively surrounding square; evening performances/fountains sometimes occur after dark — check local schedule.
CNY50, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Muslim Quarter Continued

Return to the Muslim Quarter for more local specialties; try biangbiang noodles or sweet persimmon cakes.
CNY80, 1h0m.
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Day 5: Museums & Flight

Xi'an → Shanghai, China on October 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or Local Cafeteria

Light breakfast and pack; prepare for a morning museum and afternoon flight to Shanghai.
CNY30, 0h30m.

9:00am

Shaanxi History Museum

Explore Shaanxi's archaeological treasures and Silk Road artifacts; museum typically open 9:00am–5:30pm — ticketed/reservation may apply.
CNY30, 1h30m.

11:30am

Lunch — Local Shaanxi Noodles

Enjoy a final Xi'an noodle or dumpling meal close to the museum — quick and comforting before transit.
CNY60, 1h0m.

1:30pm

Flight to Shanghai (Xi'an → Shanghai)

Take an early-afternoon flight (~2 hours) to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao; arrival late afternoon gives time for an evening stroll.
CNY600, 2h0m.

6:00pm

Stroll Nanjing Road & The Bund

Check into your Shanghai hotel then walk Nanjing Road and the Bund at sunset to admire the illuminated skyline.
CNY0, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Lost Heaven on the Bund

Dine at Lost Heaven (Yunnan cuisine) near the Bund for bold flavors and a scenic setting; reservations recommended for dinner service.
CNY200, 1h30m.
Find Hotels in Xi'an → Shanghai

Day 6: Shanghai Classics

Shanghai, China on October 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Jia Jia Tang Bao

Head to Jia Jia Tang Bao for some of Shanghai's best soup dumplings (xiao long bao); popular so expect a short queue. Typical opening ~7:30am.
CNY30, 0h30m.

9:00am

Yu Garden & City God Temple Bazaar

Visit classical Yu Garden and wander the adjacent bazaar for souvenirs and snacks; garden open roughly 8:30am–4:30pm.
CNY40, 1h30m.

11:00am

Shanghai Museum (People's Square)

Explore world-class Chinese art and antiquities; museum usually open 9:00am–5:00pm and free with reservation — check to book in advance.
CNY0, 1h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Din Tai Fung (Xintiandi)

Enjoy reliably excellent dumplings and a relaxed lunch at Din Tai Fung in Xintiandi or a nearby branch.
CNY120, 1h0m.

3:00pm

French Concession & Tianzifang

Wander tree-lined streets of the French Concession, boutique shops, and the creative alleys of Tianzifang for local design and cafés.
CNY0, 1h30m.

7:00pm

Huangpu River Evening Cruise

Take an evening river cruise to see Pudong and the Bund lit up; typical departures in the evening — reserve tickets ahead.
CNY120, 1h0m.

8:30pm

Dinner — Haidilao Hot Pot

Finish the day with a social hot-pot dinner at Haidilao (excellent service and broad menu); open late for convenience.
CNY200, 1h30m.
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Day 7: Modern Shanghai & Departure

Shanghai, China on October 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Hotel

Relaxed hotel breakfast and pack for onward travel; leave some time for last-minute packing or quick shopping.
CNY30, 0h30m.

9:30am

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Ascend Shanghai Tower for sweeping city views from one of the world's tallest buildings; observation deck open roughly 9:00am–9:00pm — reserve timed tickets.
CNY180, 1h0m.

11:30am

Lujiazui & IFC Shopping

Stroll the Lujiazui financial district and Shanghai IFC for last-minute shopping and views across the Huangpu River.
CNY0, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Mercato by Jean-Georges (IFC) or Local Option

Treat yourself to a stylish lunch at Mercato (IFC) with international options, or choose a local restaurant for a final taste of Shanghai.
CNY200, 1h0m.

3:00pm

M50 Art District or Final Shopping

Visit M50 contemporary art complex or use remaining time for souvenirs and quick museum stops depending on flight/train time.
CNY0, 1h30m.

6:00pm

Dinner & Departure Prep

Early dinner near your departure hub (airport/train station) — choose a convenient noodle or hotpot spot before heading to the airport or station.
CNY80, 1h0m.
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