Oct 1‑7, 2027 Multi‑City Adventure: Shanghai & Xi'an

Day 1 – October 1: Travel to Shanghai

Morning: Board the G‑series high‑speed train at Shenzhen Pingshan, transfer at Guangzhou South and continue to Shanghai Hongqiao (≈10 h total, €80, 2nd‑class seat).

Afternoon: Arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao, take the metro to your friend’s apartment in the French Concession and drop off luggage.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the illuminated The Bund to soak in the skyline.

Day 2 – October 2: Shanghai Highlights

Morning: Visit the historic Yu Garden and its bustling bazaar (≈2 h, €5 entry).

Afternoon: Explore the free Shanghai Museum in People’s Square, then wander the lively Nanjing Road shopping street.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Xintiandi district, admiring the mix of Shikumen architecture and modern lights.

Day 3 – October 3: Modern Shanghai

Morning: Ascend the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views (≈1 h, €12).

Afternoon: Choose between the futuristic Shanghai Science & Technology Museum or a leisurely walk in People’s Park.

Evening: Take a Huangpu River cruise to see the skyline from the water (≈1 h, €15) and return to your friend’s place.

Day 4 – October 4: Travel to Xi’an

Morning: Catch the G‑series high‑speed train Shanghai Hongqiao → Xi’an (≈5.5 h, €60). Enjoy on‑board Wi‑Fi and scenery.

Afternoon: Check in at a budget guesthouse near the City Wall, then explore the aromatic Muslim Quarter for snack‑tasting.

Evening: Walk along the illuminated Xi’an City Wall and optionally rent a bike for a short ride.

Day 5 – October 5: Xi’an Heritage

Morning: Take the tourist shuttle to the world‑famous Terracotta Army (≈2 h visit, €12).

Afternoon: Return to the city centre and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its gardens (≈1 h, €4).

Evening: Enjoy a traditional dumpling banquet in the Muslim Quarter, sampling local specialties.

Day 6 – October 6: Return Journey

Morning: Board a high‑speed train Xi’an → Guangzhou South (≈6 h, €55).

Afternoon: Transfer to the intercity train Guangzhou → Shenzhen (≈1 h, €15) and arrive at Pingshan by late afternoon.

Evening: Rest at the campus or explore nearby local markets for souvenirs.

Day 7 – October 7: Final Day in Shenzhen

Morning: Light sightseeing around Shenzhen – visit the Splendid China Folk Village or take a walk in Lianhua Mountain Park.

Afternoon: Prepare for departure; any last‑minute shopping at Luohu Commercial City.

Evening: Ensure you are back at the Pingshan campus by nightfall, concluding the trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• High‑speed train Shenzhen → Shanghai – 10 h – €80
• Yu Garden – 2 h – €5
• Oriental Pearl Tower – 1 h – €12
• Huangpu River cruise – 1 h – €15
• High‑speed train Shanghai → Xi’an – 5.5 h – €60
• Terracotta Army – 2 h – €12
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda – 1 h – €4
• High‑speed train Xi’an → Guangzhou – 6 h – €55
• Intercity train Guangzhou → Shenzhen – 1 h – €15
• Local transport & meals (average €20 / day × 7) – 7 days – €140

Total estimated cost: €383

Tips

If you need more time in Shanghai, add a half‑day on Oct 3 and shorten the Xi’an stay, or replace the Xi’an City‑Wall bike ride with a quick visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. To cut costs, consider a budget flight Shanghai → Xi’an (often cheaper than the high‑speed ticket) and a night train from Xi’an to Guangzhou, saving a night’s accommodation. Both cities have excellent cheap hostels if you prefer not to stay with friends.