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7-Day Classic China Loop: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai + Hangzhou Day Trip (Nov 1–7, 2025)

Viewed by 129 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Core

Beijing, China on November 1, 2025

8:00am

Jianbing breakfast at Wangfujing street stalls

Start with a popular Chinese crepe (jianbing) from Wangfujing stalls to fuel up — quick, cheap and iconic street-food for an active sightseeing day.
CNY12, 0h20m

9:00am

Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City

Walk through Tiananmen Square and tour the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) to see imperial halls and learn Ming-Qing history; Forbidden City generally opens 8:30–17:00 (check seasonal times).
CNY60, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck or Quanjude

Try Beijing's world-famous Peking duck at Da Dong (modern, lighter style) or Quanjude (classic) for a memorable culinary introduction.
CNY220, 1h30m

2:30pm

Jingshan Park & Beihai (optional)

Climb Jingshan for panoramic views over the Forbidden City and stroll nearby Beihai Park for a calm palace-lake contrast; Jingshan opens early into evening.
CNY10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Wangfujing snacks and shopping

Sample local snacks (candied fruit, dumplings) and browse shops along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street as you relax before dinner.
CNY50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Donghuamen/Wangfujing eateries

Choose a relaxed dinner near Wangfujing or try a small Sichuan/Beijing restaurant; good night to rest early before the Great Wall excursion.
CNY120, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Great Wall & Hutong Life

Beijing, China on November 2, 2025

7:30am

Depart to Mutianyu Great Wall

Head to Mutianyu section (less crowded than Badaling) early; cable car and toboggan options available — Mutianyu general opening ~8:00–17:00 (seasonal).
CNY145, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch near Mutianyu or back in Beijing

Simple provincial-style lunch near the wall or return to the city for a noodle or dumpling meal.
CNY80, 1h0m

2:00pm

Temple of Heaven & Hutong rickshaw

Visit Temple of Heaven (park and imperial altars) and then take a short Hutong tour by rickshaw to experience traditional courtyard life; Temple of Heaven park open early until evening.
CNY40, 2h0m

5:30pm

Explore Nanluoguxiang or Houhai area

Stroll lively alleys, boutique shops, and lakeside bars in the Houhai/Nanluoguxiang neighborhoods — great for photos and light shopping.
CNY30, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening flight or high-speed train to Xi'an (recommended flight ~2h)

Catch an evening flight (about 2 hours) or overnight high-speed train to Xi'an; flights save time for next-day activities. Book in advance.
CNY600, 2h30m
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Day 3: Terracotta Army

Xi'an, China on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — roujiamo and yangrou paomo

Sample Xi'an specialties: roujiamo (meat sandwich) and yangrou paomo (bread & mutton soup) to prepare for a museum-heavy day.
CNY25, 0h30m

9:00am

Terracotta Army (Museum and pits)

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army museum (Pit 1–3 and museum halls) — site typically open ~8:30–17:30, allow 3+ hours for travel and exploration.
CNY150, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch & stroll in the Muslim Quarter

Return to the city center and eat at the Muslim Quarter — try biangbiang noodles, lamb skewers and sweet pastries amid bustling lanes.
CNY60, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ancient City Wall (bike or walk)

Rent a bike or walk atop Xi'an's restored city wall for sweeping views of the old city; the wall is open into the evening (around 8:30–21:00).
CNY54, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner on Muslin Quarter street food

Return to the Muslim Quarter for evening snacks and local dishes; great chance to try lamb kebabs and specialty sweets.
CNY50, 1h0m

8:00pm

Optional Tang Dynasty show or relax

Attend a Tang Dynasty music-and-dance performance near the Drum Tower (popular cultural show) or have a relaxed evening at a tea house.
CNY200, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 4: Xi'an Museums & Travel East

Xi'an → Shanghai, China on November 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — local noodles

Quick breakfast with local noodle specialties near your hotel, then check out and prepare for a morning museum visit.
CNY20, 0h30m

9:00am

Shaanxi History Museum

Explore the Shaanxi History Museum for rich artifacts tracing Xi'an's imperial past (typically open 9:00–17:00; reservation often required).
CNY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — dumplings at De Fa Chang or local restaurant

Enjoy local dumpling specialties at a well-known spot like De Fa Chang or similar city-center restaurant.
CNY80, 1h0m

2:30pm

Flight to Shanghai (approx 2–2.5 hours)

Take an afternoon flight to Shanghai to maximize time there this evening; flights take ~2–2.5 hours and arrive in the late afternoon.
CNY650, 2h30m

5:30pm

Check in & The Bund evening stroll

Arrive in Shanghai, check into your hotel, then stroll the Bund for skyline views and sunset reflections on the Huangpu River.
CNY0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner near The Bund (Shanghai cuisine)

Dine at a riverside restaurant or try Shanghainese classics (red-cooked pork, hairy crab in season); enjoy views of Pudong towers at night.
CNY180, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Xi'an → Shanghai

Day 5: Shanghai Cultural Highlights

Shanghai, China on November 5, 2025

8:30am

Xiaolongbao breakfast at Jia Jia Tang Bao (People's Square) or Nanxiang in Yuyuan

Start with Shanghai's iconic soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) at an acclaimed shop — arrive early to avoid queues.
CNY60, 0h45m

9:30am

Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar

Wander Yuyuan Garden's classical pavilions and the adjacent bazaar for souvenirs; garden hours typically 8:30–17:30.
CNY40, 1h30m

11:30am

Shanghai Museum (People's Square)

Visit the Shanghai Museum for superb collections of Chinese ceramics, jade, calligraphy and bronze — open 9:00–17:00 (closed Mon).
CNY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Local Shanghainese restaurant

Try local dishes such as hong shao rou (braised pork) and shengjian steamed buns at a nearby restaurant.
CNY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl observation deck

Head to Shanghai Tower (observation deck) or Oriental Pearl for a bird's-eye view over Pudong and the Bund; observation decks open into the evening (check hours).
CNY180, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Xintiandi or French Concession

Explore the atmospheric lanes of the French Concession or Xintiandi for restaurants and bars; try modern Chinese or fusion cuisine.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hangzhou Day Trip

Hangzhou (day trip from Shanghai), China on November 6, 2025

8:00am

High-speed train Shanghai → Hangzhou (approx 45–60 mins)

Catch an early G-train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East — trains take around 45–60 minutes and run frequently.
CNY55, 1h0m

9:30am

West Lake boat cruise & walk

Take a scenic boat ride on West Lake and walk the lakeside promenades to see Broken Bridge, Su Causeway and Bai Causeway.
CNY45, 1h30m

11:30am

Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak

Visit Lingyin Temple and the ancient grottoes at Feilai Peak — temple hours are typically ~8:00–17:30; it's one of Hangzhou's spiritual highlights.
CNY45, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lou Wai Lou (West Lake specialty)

Dine at Lou Wai Lou for classic West Lake dishes and beautiful views — popular, so expect a short wait during peak times.
CNY150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tea plantation visit — Meijiawu (optional)

Visit nearby Meijiawu longjing tea terraces for a short walk and tea tasting to learn about China's famous green tea.
CNY40, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return by high-speed train to Shanghai

Take an early evening train back to Shanghai so you have time to relax or pack before departure the next day.
CNY55, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Shanghai — light meal

Back in Shanghai, have a light dinner near your hotel or try a specialty you missed earlier.
CNY120, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Hangzhou (day trip from Shanghai)

Day 7: Last-minute shopping & Departure

Shanghai, China on November 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — local cafe in Former French Concession

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the leafy Former French Concession area and do a final stroll through Tianzifang or local boutiques.
CNY60, 1h0m

10:00am

Tianzifang / Nanjing Road shopping

Pick up last souvenirs and gifts at Tianzifang or go to Nanjing Road for department stores and Shanghai specialties.
CNY200, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — final Shanghainese meal

Have a final lunch featuring local favorites (shengjian, xiaolongbao or braised dishes) before your transfer to the airport or train station.
CNY120, 1h0m

3:00pm

Transfer to Pudong or Hongqiao airport / train station

Allow ample time for traffic and security; Pudong typically requires 2–3 hours lead time for international flights, less for domestic.
CNY150, 2h0m

6:00pm

Departure

Depart Shanghai for your onward journey or home with a compact but comprehensive experience of northern, central and eastern China.
CNY0, 0h0m
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