Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and complete immigration and luggage collection before your private transfer to a central hotel in Dongcheng or Chaoyang. Take a relaxed first morning to recover from travel—unpack, enjoy a hotel breakfast, and stroll the nearby area to get your bearings, perhaps visiting a local bakery or convenience store to sample a warm jianbing or soy milk.
After a short rest, head out for a gentle orientation walk to Tiananmen Square to view the expansive plaza and the exterior of the Great Hall of the People, then continue to the peaceful grounds around Jingshan Park for your first panoramic vista of the Forbidden City rooftops. If energy allows, visit a nearby tea house (such as Lao She Teahouse) to sample Chinese teas and a short introduction to Beijing’s tea culture.
As dusk falls, explore a nearby hutong neighborhood—Nanluoguxiang or the quieter lanes around Drum and Bell Towers—where you can wander narrow alleys, peek into courtyard homes, and shop for small handicrafts. Finish the evening with a casual dinner at a local restaurant offering Peking duck (for example, Quanjude or a well-reviewed neighborhood roast duck spot) and a leisurely riverside or hotel-area stroll to settle into Beijing time.
Start early at Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony and take in the vast civic space before the crowds arrive, then enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate to explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Gardens, and the Palace Museum’s main galleries with an audio guide or escorted commentary. Pause for tea and a light snack at a courtyard teahouse inside or just outside the palace grounds to reflect on the grandeur of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
After lunch at a nearby noodle house or dumpling restaurant, stroll across to Jingshan Park for a higher vantage point and a panoramic photo of the Forbidden City’s golden roofs, then visit the historic National Museum of China on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square if you’d like deeper context on China’s cultural and revolutionary history. Allow time to wander the adjacent pedestrian avenues and shops for calligraphy scrolls or silk souvenirs before returning to your hotel for a short rest.
For dinner, enjoy a refined Peking duck experience at a classic restaurant such as Quanjude or Da Dong to taste the city’s signature dish, then take an atmospheric after-dinner walk around the illuminated Drum and Bell Towers and through nearby hutongs to observe daily life and late-night snack stalls. If you’re not too tired, finish with a short performance at Lao She Teahouse or a relaxed cup of tea while listening to traditional music to round out your imperial day.
Depart early after breakfast for a scenic drive to the Great Wall — choose Mutianyu for fewer crowds and restored, picturesque watchtowers, or Badaling for its classic, easily accessible ramparts. At Mutianyu, ride the cable car or take the gentler chairlift up, then wander along the restored ramparts, climb the crenellated towers for sweeping views of wooded ridges, and pause for photos and a thermos of hot tea or a snack from the summit kiosks.
After descending (consider the toboggan ride at Mutianyu for a playful return), enjoy a countryside lunch at a nearby farmhouse-style restaurant serving Beijing-style noodles and sautéed seasonal greens, or return toward the city and stop at the Ming Tombs for a brief visit to the Sacred Way and the Dingling Mausoleum if time permits. Alternatively, pause en route at a local village market to glimpse rural life and pick up small souvenirs such as hand-carved trinkets or local honey.
Back in Beijing, relax with an early evening visit to the peaceful Olympic Park lakeside to see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube lit subtly at night, then enjoy a comforting dinner in the hotel neighborhood featuring northern specialties like zhajiangmian or a hand-pulled noodle shop. If energy allows, take a short hutong stroll near your hotel to savor a street-food snack — roasted sweet potato, skewers, or sugar-coated hawthorn — and reflect on the day’s expansive mountain panoramas.
Begin the day with a guided walking tour through the historic hutongs around the Drum and Bell Towers or the quieter lanes of Qianmen, stopping at a family-run courtyard to learn about siheyuan life and sample a freshly made jianbing or steamed buns with a local tea. Continue to a rickshaw or pedicab ride that threads narrow alleys to visit a traditional craftsman—such as a paper-cutting or shadow-puppet studio—where you can try a simple hands-on craft and meet neighborhood residents.
After lunch at a nearby noodle or dumpling house in a hutong courtyard, head to the Temple of Heaven park to watch or join the morning exercisers and tai chi practitioners, then tour the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the surrounding altars to learn about Ming and Qing imperial rituals. Wander the park’s winding cypress avenues for a peaceful contrast to the city, and if time allows, visit the nearby Hongqiao Pearl Market or a local tea shop to sample and purchase a few tea leaves to take home.
Return toward central Beijing for an intimate dinner at a well-regarded hutong restaurant serving homestyle Beijing fare—try a plate of zhajiangmian or braised pork with steamed buns—and follow with an atmospheric visit to Nanluoguxiang at dusk to browse boutique shops and snack stalls. If you’d like a cultural finish, attend a short traditional music performance at a nearby teahouse or catch an evening show at the Drum Tower to round out a day steeped in local life and living history.
After breakfast and a final stroll through a nearby Beijing hutong, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for the high-speed G- or D-series train to Xi'an (about 4.5-6 hours depending on service). Enjoy countryside views from your comfortable seat, then arrive at Xi'an North or Xi'an Railway Station and take a short private transfer to a centrally located hotel near the Bell Tower to check in and freshen up.
Begin your Xi'an introduction with a walk around the imposing Bell and Drum Towers, then wander into the adjacent Muslim Quarter where fragrant street-food stalls tempt you with roujiamo, yangrou paomo, and biangbiang noodles—perfect for a casual lunch and people-watching. Afterward, stroll a section of the restored Xi'an City Wall (rent a bike if you prefer) to take in the city’s layered history and sweeping skyline from the ramparts.
As dusk falls, sample more flavors in the Muslim Quarter and browse local handicrafts and mosque-side markets, then return to the hotel for a short rest before a relaxed evening walk along the illuminated South Gate and the lively streets around the Drum Tower. If energy allows, catch a Tang Dynasty music-and-dance performance at a reputable venue nearby for a vivid introduction to Shaanxi's cultural heritage.
Set out after an early hotel breakfast for the short drive to the Museum of the Terracotta Army (Lintong District), arriving before the main tour buses. Wander through Pit 1, Pit 2 and the smaller Pit 3 with a guide to learn about the discovery, restoration techniques and the astonishing life-size figures; pause at the museum’s viewing platform for a sweeping look at the pits and listen as your guide explains differences in ranks, armaments and original paint traces.
After a hearty lunch at a nearby restaurant serving Shaanxi specialties—try yangrou paomo or liangpi—visit the adjacent Banpo Neolithic Site Museum if time allows for a contrast between ancient local cultures, then continue to the Mausoleum area to see the reconstructed bronze chariot exhibits and interpretive displays about Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb complex. If available, step into the onsite excavation center to observe conservation work and hear about archaeological plans, then return toward central Xi'an at a relaxed pace.
Back in the city, refresh at your hotel before an evening in the Muslim Quarter where you can sample more street-food favorites—roujiamo, skewered lamb, and candied hawthorn—while browsing the Lantern-lit alleys and local craft stalls. Cap the night with a gentle stroll up onto the City Wall at the South Gate to appreciate the illuminated skyline and reflect on the day’s discoveries of imperial ambition and remarkable archaeological preservation.
Begin the day with a brisk breakfast near the Bell Tower, then head to the South Gate of the Xi'an City Wall to walk or rent a bike and cycle the restored ramparts for panoramic views of the old city and the modern skyline; pause to inspect the arrow slits and Ming-era battlements at prominent towers such as the South and East Turrets. This active morning builds on yesterday’s Terracotta discoveries by letting you experience the city’s defensive heart and imagine life within its ancient walls.
After returning to the city center, wander deeper into the bustling Muslim Quarter around Beiyuanmen for a guided food tour—sample local favorites like roujiamo (Xi'an-style meat sandwich), yangrou paomo (crumbled flatbread in lamb broth), liangpi cold noodles, and sesame flatbreads from respected stalls and family vendors. Between tastings, visit the Great Mosque’s serene courtyard to contrast sacred architecture with the market’s lively flavors and pick up hand-painted calligraphy or local snacks to take home.
As evening falls, continue to explore the lantern-lit alleys of the Muslim Quarter, stopping at a teahouse or roasted-skewer stall to linger over tea and people-watching, then climb a section of the City Wall near the Drum Tower to see the illuminated old town from above. Cap the night with a relaxed dinner at a nearby restaurant offering Shaanxi specialties or, if you’re interested, attend a short Tang Dynasty music-and-dance show to enjoy the region’s performing arts and close the day with cultural resonance.
After breakfast and a final stroll near your Xi'an hotel, transfer to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport for a mid-morning flight to Chengdu; on arrival at Chengdu Tianfu/ Shuangliu, take a private transfer to your central hotel in Jinjiang or Qingyang and check in to freshen up. If time allows, explore the nearby Chunxi Road pedestrian area for a quick coffee and an introduction to Chengdu’s relaxed pace before lunch.
Ease into Chengdu life with a visit to People’s Park to watch locals practicing tai chi and to join tea-drinking at the park’s famous Heming Teahouse, where you can sip jasmine or Sichuan green tea and sample local snacks like dandan noodles and tea eggs. Wander the park’s pavilions and the nearby Wide and Narrow Alley (Kuan Zhai Xiangzi) to feel the city’s blend of historic lanes and contemporary cafés.
For dinner, enjoy a gentle introduction to Sichuan cuisine at a well-regarded local restaurant—order mild-mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and a vegetable dish to taste the regional flavors without overwhelming spice—and then return to a traditional teahouse such as Shufen Old Teahouse to listen to Sichuan folk songs or a short face-changing (bian lian) performance. Finish the night with a relaxed stroll along the riverside or the illuminated lanes of Kuan Zhai, soaking up Chengdu’s unhurried evening atmosphere.
Rise early and head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to catch the most active hour when pandas are feeding and playing; wander the shaded paths past nursery enclosures and the Caoshengtan pond, learn about conservation efforts at the visitor center, and enjoy watching clumsy cubs tumble while your guide explains breeding and reintroduction work. Afterward, pause for a leisurely tea and light snack at the base’s on-site café to reflect on the experience before returning toward the city.
Back in town, visit Wuhou Shrine to trace Three Kingdoms history amid quiet courtyards and lacquered memorial halls, then stroll across to nearby Jinli Ancient Street where restored Qing-style facades house artisans, tea shops, and Sichuan snack stalls; sample local specialties such as guokui, spicy rabbit head (if adventurous), and sweet rice cakes while browsing handicrafts like Shu embroidery. Take time in a teahouse on Jinli to watch craftsmen at work — paper-cutting or shadow puppetry — linking Chengdu’s relaxed tea culture with its living folk traditions.
As dusk falls, let Jinli glow with lantern light and settle for dinner at a restaurant serving classic Sichuan dishes—try a milder mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and a cold cucumber salad to balance flavors—then enjoy a short evening performance of Sichuan opera with face-changing (bian lian) near the street. Finish the night with a gentle riverside stroll or a last cup of jasmine tea at a teahouse, savoring Chengdu’s unhurried atmosphere before tomorrow’s Leshan day trip.
Depart early from Chengdu after breakfast for the 1.5-2 hour drive or high-speed train to Leshan, arriving at the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area to descend the stone steps for a close-up view of the 71-meter Tang-dynasty statue carved into the cliff face; pause at the viewing platforms near the Buddha’s feet for sweeping photos and listen as your guide explains the monument’s history and hydraulic engineering. After exploring the riverside terraces, take a short boat cruise on the confluence of the Min and Dadu rivers for a dramatic, full-frontal perspective of the Buddha and surrounding red-rock scenery.
Enjoy a riverside lunch at a local restaurant sampling Sichuan river specialties—try a mild fish stew or xiangcao-style dishes—then visit nearby attractions such as the Lingyun Temple complex perched above the Buddha and the tranquil Mahao Ancient Village to glimpse local temple architecture and carved grottoes. If time allows, stroll the scenic trails along the cliff top for different vantage points and stop at the Leshan Museum to view artifacts and models explaining the Buddha’s restoration and conservation efforts.
Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and freshen up at your hotel before an evening of relaxed Chengdu pleasures: dine in the lively Chunxi Road or Jinli area with a selection of Sichuan classics (order a milder hotpot or twice-cooked pork if you prefer less heat) and finish at a traditional teahouse such as Heming to sip jasmine tea and watch locals play mahjong. If you’re not too tired, take a gentle nighttime stroll along the Jin River or through Kuan Zhai Alley to absorb Chengdu’s mellow nightlife and reflect on the day’s monumental sights.
After breakfast and a last stroll near your Chengdu hotel, transfer to Chengdu Tianfu/ Shuangliu Airport for a morning flight to Shanghai; arrive at Pudong or Hongqiao and take a private transfer to your centrally located hotel in the Bund or People’s Square area to check in and freshen up. Use the remaining morning to orient yourself with a short walk along Nanjing Road East or a coffee at a nearby café, feeling the shift from Chengdu’s relaxed pace to Shanghai’s brisk energy.
Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Bund waterfront and the adjacent Huangpu riverside promenades, pausing at the Garden Bridge and the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel entrance for photos and river views, then cross to the conserved colonial-era buildings to learn about Shanghai’s treaty-port history. Continue to the nearby Shanghai Museum in People’s Square or the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center for context on the city’s rapid transformation, and warm up with lunch at a local Shanghainese restaurant—try xiaolongbao and braised pork belly—before a short rest back at the hotel.
As dusk falls, return to the Bund to watch the skyline light up and take an evening river cruise for panoramic views of Pudong’s illuminated towers including the Oriental Pearl and Shanghai Tower, or stroll the promenade to admire the art-deco facades and neon reflections. Finish with dinner at a riverside or French Concession bistro—sampling modern Shanghainese or international cuisine—and a leisurely walk through the tree-lined lanes of the French Concession to soak up Shanghai’s cosmopolitan nighttime atmosphere.
Start the day with a stroll into the Old City and enter the classical Yu Garden to admire its winding pavilions, moon gates and koi-filled ponds—pause at the Exquisite Jade Rock and sip tea in the garden’s traditional teahouse for a peaceful moment before the crowds arrive. From there, wander the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar to browse lacquerware, silk trinkets and delicate tea sets while sampling a steaming basket of xiaolongbao from a recommended stall such as Nanxiang Mantou Dian.
After lunch, walk through the restored lanes of the Old City to visit the City God Temple complex and its serene courtyards, then explore the Shanghai Urban History Gallery nearby to trace the city’s evolution from a riverside market to a treaty-port metropolis; along the way, stop at a family-run snack shop to try shengjian buns or sweet lotus seed pastries. Continue across to the narrow alleys of the North Bund side or the historic Qibao-style streets for contrasting local scenes and photography opportunities that link today’s heritage sites with yesterday’s Bund and museum visits.
As daylight fades, return to Yuyuan and settle into a classic teahouse or a refined Shanghainese restaurant in the Old City to enjoy braised pork belly (hong shao rou) and translucent soy-braised dishes while lanterns begin to glow. Finish the night with a gentle riverside walk toward the Bund or an evening visit to the nearby antique arcades for last-minute souvenirs, feeling the continuity from your earlier Shanghai skyline views to the city’s intimate historic heart.
After breakfast, cross the Huangpu River to Pudong and start at Lujiazui with panoramic views from the Shanghai Tower observation deck or the Oriental Pearl TV Tower’s glass-floor spheres—arrive early to beat crowds and enjoy coffee with a skyline vista. Pause for a stroll through the landscaped grounds around the Shanghai World Financial Center to photograph the soaring skyscrapers and the contrast between gleaming glass and the Bund across the river, continuing the city narrative from yesterday’s historic Old City to Shanghai’s modern pulse.
Spend the afternoon exploring world-class museums: visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum for interactive exhibits or the recently expanded Power Station of Art for contemporary Chinese art, then head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center if you’d like deeper insight into the city’s dramatic transformation. Break for lunch at a stylish Lujiazui brasserie or the IFC mall food hall and, time permitting, ride the river ferry back toward the Bund for a different vantage point of Pudong’s skyline to link your morning views with the city’s evolving urban story.
As dusk falls, return to the Bund for the iconic nightscape—enjoy a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar such as the Waldorf Astoria’s terrace or a riverside café to watch Pudong light up, echoing earlier evening river cruises. Finish with dinner at a modern Shanghainese restaurant in Xintiandi or the French Concession offering contemporary takes on classics like xiaolongbao and hong shao rou, then take a leisurely after-dinner walk along the tree-lined lanes to reflect on the week’s journey from ancient capitals to this gleaming global metropolis.
Begin your final morning with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, then stroll nearby through the tree-lined lanes of the French Concession to pick up any last-minute souvenirs—stop at a boutique on Anfu Road for Shanghai-designed homeware or at Tianzifang for independent art shops and lacquered trinkets. If you prefer food souvenirs, visit the restored Yuyuan Bazaar stalls or a specialty tea shop near People’s Square to buy premium Longjing or jasmine tea before returning to the hotel to finish packing and complete hotel check-out formalities.
After checking out, enjoy a leisurely lunch of Shanghainese favorites—xiaolongbao and hong shao rou at a well-known spot such as Din Tai Fung or a local favorite in Xintiandi—then make time for a final visit to the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square for a calm cultural finish, or wander through the nearby Nanjing Road East for duty-free shopping and gifts. Around mid-afternoon your private transfer will collect you; allow buffer time for traffic and airport procedures at Pudong or Hongqiao, and keep travel documents and boarding passes handy for a smooth departure.
If your flight is later in the evening, settle into the airport lounge for one last cup of Chinese tea and a light snack while reviewing photos and memories from the trip, or enjoy a relaxed meal at an airport restaurant serving regional specialties before boarding. As you depart, reflect on the layered journey from imperial Beijing and ancient Xi'an to Chengdu’s tea houses and Shanghai’s skyline—carry home the tastes, sights and stories of China’s vivid contrasts.