7-Day Itinerary: Chengdu & Beijing

Monday, September 4: Arrival in Chengdu

Start your trip in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. In the morning, visit the adorable giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Jinli Ancient Street, filled with traditional architecture, local snacks, and souvenir shops. For the evening, enjoy a Sichuan-style hotpot dinner, known for its spicy and flavorful broth.

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Estimated cost - ¥58 ($9) per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Jinli Ancient Street: No admission fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Sichuan-style Hotpot Dinner: Estimated cost - ¥100-150 ($15-23) per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Chengdu to Leshan

Take a day trip to Leshan, known for its giant Buddha statue carved into the cliffside. In the morning, visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha in the world. Take a boat tour to appreciate the Buddha from a unique angle. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Wuyou Temple and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature. Return to Chengdu in the evening.

• Leshan Giant Buddha: Estimated cost - ¥90 ($14) per person, Time spent - 2-4 hours
• Boat Tour: Estimated cost - ¥70-100 ($11-15) per person, Time spent - 30-60 minutes
• Wuyou Temple: Estimated cost - ¥20 ($3) per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Chengdu to Beijing

Take a morning flight from Chengdu to Beijing. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its imperial architecture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, a famous Beijing delicacy.

• Tiananmen Square: No admission fee, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Forbidden City: Estimated cost - ¥60 ($9) per person, Time spent - 2-4 hours
• Peking Duck Dinner: Estimated cost - ¥150-200 ($23-31) per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, September 7: Great Wall of China

Embark on a day trip to the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the Mutianyu section, known for its stunning scenery and well-preserved architecture. Hike along the wall and capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, explore the charming Mutianyu Village and learn about local customs and traditions.

• Great Wall (Mutianyu section): Estimated cost - ¥45 ($7) per person (admission fee), Time spent - 4-6 hours
• Mutianyu Village: No admission fee, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, September 8: Beijing's Cultural Highlights

Immerse yourself in Beijing's rich cultural heritage. Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex dedicated to prayers for good harvests. Explore the beautiful Summer Palace, a royal retreat with stunning gardens and a serene lake. In the evening, watch a Chinese opera performance or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

• Temple of Heaven: Estimated cost - ¥30 ($5) per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Summer Palace: Estimated cost - ¥60 ($9) per person, Time spent - 2-4 hours
• Chinese Opera Performance/Tea Ceremony: Estimated cost - ¥100-200 ($15-31) per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, September 9: Beijing's Modern Side

Experience the modern side of Beijing. Start your day with a visit to the futuristic Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. Explore the fascinating 798 Art District, filled with contemporary art galleries, trendy shops, and cafes. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the bustling Wangfujing Street and indulge in shopping and street food.

• Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest): Estimated cost - ¥50 ($8) per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• 798 Art District: No admission fee, Time spent - 2-4 hours
• Wangfujing Street: No admission fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, September 10: Departure

On your last day, take some time to relax or explore any missed attractions. Bid farewell to Beijing and depart for your next destination.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the early morning for a chance to participate in the panda feeding program. In Beijing, venture to the lesser-known Beihai Park, a tranquil oasis with beautiful gardens, a lake, and historic pagodas. Join the locals for a morning tai chi session in the park to start your day off in a peaceful and traditional way.

For more information on hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.com.