Morning: After landing at Pudong Airport, take a taxi to your hotel in the Huangpu District. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a quick bite of local dim sum.
Afternoon: Stroll along the historic Bund to admire the colonial architecture and the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River. Snap photos of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower from the waterfront.
Evening: Dive into the bustling nightlife of Xintiandi, where stylish restaurants and bars blend traditional Shikumen houses with modern design. Sample Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao at a nearby eatery.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the world‑renowned Shanghai Museum in People’s Square to explore ancient Chinese art and ceramics. Continue to the tranquil Yu Garden for a glimpse of classic Ming‑style landscaping.
Afternoon: Explore the avant‑garde Tianzifang arts district, browsing boutique shops and galleries housed in renovated alleyways. Grab lunch at a local noodle shop.
Evening: Take a Huangpu River cruise to see the illuminated skyline, with the dazzling lights of the Jin Mao Tower reflecting on the water. End the night with a cocktail at a rooftop bar in the Lujiazui financial district.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to the futuristic Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center for panoramic city models and the iconic 3D cityscape. Afterwards, wander through the historic French Concession lined with tree‑shaded avenues.
Afternoon: Visit the cutting‑edge Power Station of Art, China’s first state‑run museum of contemporary art. Stop for coffee at a trendy café in the nearby West Nanjing Road area.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional acrobatic show at the famous Shanghai Circus World, followed by dinner at a riverside restaurant in the Huangpu River promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short train ride to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao. Cruise along its historic canals, passing stone bridges and centuries‑old houses.
Afternoon: Sample local snacks like zongzi and explore the quaint Kezhi Garden. Return to Shanghai in the late afternoon.
Evening: Relax with a foot massage in the hotel spa, then have a leisurely dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Huangpu River.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out and board a high‑speed train or short flight to Beijing, enjoying scenic views of the Chinese countryside en route.
Afternoon: Arrive in Beijing, transfer to your hotel in the Dongcheng District, and settle in. Take a brief walk to the nearby Beihai Park for a refreshing stroll.
Evening: Explore the vibrant Wangfujing Street night market, tasting exotic street foods such as candied hawthorn and scorpions.
**Day 6: Beijing – Forbidden City & TiananmenMorning: Dive into imperial history at the sprawling Forbidden City, wandering through Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Garden. Use an audio guide to enrich the experience.
Afternoon: Step onto Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public plaza, and visit the National Museum of China for a deeper cultural insight.
Evening: Dine on authentic Peking duck at the renowned Quanjude restaurant, followed by a leisurely walk around Houhai Lake and its lively bars.
Find HotelsMorning: Walk through the serene Temple of Heaven park, watching locals practice tai chi and marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Afternoon: Take a short subway ride to the expansive Summer Palace, cruising on Kunming Lake and exploring the Long Corridor’s intricate paintings.
Evening: Experience a traditional kung fu performance at the Red Theatre, then unwind with a cup of jasmine tea at a nearby teahouse.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, riding a cable car up to the watchtowers.
Afternoon: Hike along the restored wall, enjoying panoramic views and the famous “toothpick” watchtowers. Descend via the scenic toboggan ride.
Evening: Return to Beijing, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local hutong restaurant, and perhaps catch a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch an early flight from Beijing Capital Airport to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, a 2‑hour journey.
Afternoon: Check into a hotel in the Futian District and explore the nearby Shenzhen Museum for an overview of the city’s rapid transformation.
Evening: Wander through the bustling Dongmen Pedestrian Street, sampling Cantonese street foods like shrimp dumplings and egg tarts.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the iconic Ping An Finance Center, taking the high‑speed elevator to the observation deck for sweeping city vistas.
Afternoon: Explore the futuristic Huawei Headquarters and the adjacent Shenzhen Bay Park for a blend of technology and nature.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Shenzhen River, admiring the glittering skyline of both Shenzhen and neighboring Hong Kong.
Find HotelsMorning: Discover the historic Dafen Oil Painting Village, where artists produce replicas of world‑famous masterpieces.
Afternoon: Head to the tranquil Splendid China Folk Village to experience miniature replicas of China’s landmarks and live ethnic performances.
Evening: Sample fresh seafood at the lively Shekou Sea World promenade, followed by a stroll along the waterfront.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a quick MTR ride across the border to Hong Kong Island, beginning with a visit to the bustling Central district.
Afternoon: Ride the historic Peak Tram to Victoria Peak for panoramic views, then explore the lively streets of Causeway Bay.
Evening: Return to Shenzhen and relax at your hotel, reflecting on the cross‑border adventure.
Find HotelsMorning: Browse the massive electronics markets of Huaqiangbei, a paradise for gadget enthusiasts.
Afternoon: Unwind at the serene Lianhua Mountain Park, enjoying panoramic views of the city and a peaceful tea ceremony.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner at a high‑end restaurant in the Coastal City mall, savoring Cantonese delicacies.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack belongings and enjoy a final stroll around the hotel’s neighborhood, perhaps picking up last‑minute souvenirs at a local market.
Afternoon: Transfer to Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of a vibrant Chinese adventure.
Evening: Flight departure.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider extending your stay in Beijing to explore the lesser‑known Summer Palace’s Kunming Lake islands or adding a day trip to the historic city of Tianjin. Conversely, you can shorten the itinerary by skipping the optional Hong Kong day trip and reducing one night in Shenzhen, which will still give you a rich experience of modern China while saving both time and money.