Oct 1‑7, 2027 Multi‑City Mainland China Itinerary

Day 1: Shenzhen → Wuhan

Morning: Board the high‑speed train from Shenzhen North to Wuhan (≈4½ h). The journey is comfortable and budget‑friendly, letting you relax or catch up on work.

Afternoon: After checking in, visit the iconic Yellow Crane Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River. The historic tower offers insight into ancient poetry and local legends.

Evening: Stroll along the illuminated riverbank, sampling street‑food snacks and watching the lights reflect on the water.

Day 2: Wuhan Exploration

Morning: Rent a bike and explore the scenic East Lake park, winding through gardens and lakeside pavilions.

Afternoon: Head to the Hubei Provincial Museum to see the ancient bronze chime bells (free entry with ID).

Evening: Dine in the bustling Jianghan Road area, trying local specialties such as hot‑dry noodles.

Day 3: Wuhan → Xi'an

Morning: Depart Wuhan on a high‑speed train to Xi'an (≈4 h). Enjoy the countryside views as you cross central China.

Afternoon: After arrival, walk the well‑preserved Ancient City Wall, renting a bike to circle the historic fortification.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, tasting lamb skewers, biangbiang noodles, and other street foods.

Day 4: Xi'an Highlights

Morning: Take a short bus ride to the world‑famous Terracotta Army, spending a few hours marveling at the buried warriors.

Afternoon: Return to the city centre to visit the serene Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding gardens.

Evening: Attend a traditional Tang‑dynasty music and dance show for cultural immersion.

Day 5: Xi'an → Shanghai

Morning: Board the high‑speed train to Shanghai (≈5½ h), watching the landscape transition from the Loess Plateau to the Yangtze Delta.

Afternoon: Arrive and wander the historic Bund, admiring the contrasting colonial façades and modern skyline.

Evening: Shop and people‑watch along bustling Nanjing Road, enjoying the neon‑lit atmosphere.

Day 6: Shanghai Exploration

Morning: Visit the elegant Yu Garden and the surrounding Old City, soaking in Ming‑dynasty garden design.

Afternoon: Explore the free Shanghai Museum in People’s Square, which showcases Chinese art across millennia.

Evening: Take a leisurely Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s skyline glitter from the water.

Day 7: Shanghai → Shenzhen (Return)

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed walk through Tian Zi Fang, browsing boutique shops and cafes.

Afternoon: Catch the high‑speed train back to Shenzhen (≈9 h), arriving at the Pingshan campus by evening.

Evening: Unwind after a week of travel and settle back into campus life.

Time and Cost Estimates

• High‑speed train Shenzhen → Wuhan – 4½ h – €45
• Yellow Crane Tower – 2 h – €9
• East Lake bike rental – 2 h – €4
• Hubei Provincial Museum – 2 h – €0
• High‑speed train Wuhan → Xi'an – 4 h – €39
• Ancient City Wall (bike) – 3 h – €7
• Terracotta Army – 4 h – €20
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda – 2 h – €6.5
• Tang‑dynasty show – 2 h – €15.5
• High‑speed train Xi'an → Shanghai – 5½ h – €71
• The Bund – 2 h – €0
• Nanjing Road – 2 h – €0
• Yu Garden – 2 h – €5.2
• Shanghai Museum – 2 h – €0
• Huangpu River cruise – 1.5 h – €15.5
• High‑speed train Shanghai → Shenzhen – 9 h – €104
• Total estimated cost: €342

Tips

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider dropping either Xi'an or Shanghai and spending an extra full day in the remaining city; this reduces travel time and cuts the total cost by roughly €130. Conversely, adding a quick stop in Chengdu (via a short flight) after Xi'an would give you a taste of Sichuan cuisine and pandas, but it would increase both budget and travel time. Use China’s 12306 app to book high‑speed tickets in advance for the best fares, and keep an eye on student discounts where applicable.