Shanghai and Beijing 7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Start your day with traditional Shanghainese breakfast at this iconic restaurant famous for its soup dumplings.
Walk 5 minutes from your accommodation to the restaurant.
¥30, 1 hour

10:00AM

Yu Garden

Explore the classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Walk 15 minutes from Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
¥30, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yang's Fried Dumplings

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal of delicious fried dumplings at this local favorite.
Walk 10 minutes from Yu Garden.
¥20, 1 hour

2:00PM

The Bund

Stroll along the waterfront to admire the historic buildings and skyline of Shanghai.
Walk 20 minutes from Yang's Fried Dumplings.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Tianzifang

Get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.
Take a 30-minute walk or a short metro ride from The Bund.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Jia Jia Tang Bao

End your day with more delicious soup dumplings at this popular spot.
Take a 15-minute walk from Tianzifang.
¥40, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Shanghai

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai Museum

Marvel at ancient Chinese art, bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and more at this renowned museum.
Walk 10 minutes from your accommodation or take a short metro ride.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

People's Square

Relax in the heart of the city among locals, visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Center, or go shopping.
Walk 15 minutes from Shanghai Museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dagu Rice Noodle

Try Yunnan-style rice noodles at this affordable eatery near People's Square.
Take a 10-minute walk from People's Square.
¥25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Propaganda Poster Art Center

Discover a unique collection of Chinese propaganda posters from the mid-20th century.
Take a 20-minute walk or a short metro ride from Dagu Rice Noodle.
¥20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Jing'an Temple

Visit this Buddhist temple in the heart of the city for a peaceful retreat.
Take a 15-minute walk or a short metro ride from the Propaganda Poster Art Center.
¥50, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Yangzhou Fan Dian

Enjoy Yangzhou cuisine at this budget-friendly restaurant with a long history.
Walk 10 minutes from Jing'an Temple.
¥35, 1 hour
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Day 3: Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Shanghai, China

8:30AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up for the day trip to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao.
Prepare a packed lunch and take a bus or taxi to the Zhujiajiao bus station.
¥10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Zhujiajiao Water Town

Wander through narrow streets, stone bridges, and traditional buildings by the water.
Walk from the bus station to the town center.
¥80 (entrance ticket), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Try local specialties like sweet and sour fish or rice wine in one of the town's eateries.
Select a restaurant along the main canal.
¥50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Boat Ride

Take a relaxing boat ride along the canals to see the town from a different perspective.
Purchase tickets at the dock near the town center.
¥100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Shanghai

Head back to Shanghai and rest after a day of exploration.
Take a bus or taxi back to the city center.
¥10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yang's Dumplings

Savor more dumplings at this affordable spot for a satisfying end to the day.
Walk to the nearest Yang's Dumplings branch from your accommodation.
¥30, 1 hour
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Day 4: Shanghai Exploration

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Breakfast at Fu Chun Tea House

Start your day with traditional Chinese tea and breakfast dishes at this cozy tea house.
Walk 10 minutes from your accommodation.
¥40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Shanghai French Concession

Stroll through tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and boutique shops in this historic area.
Walk or take a short metro ride to the French Concession.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kommune

Enjoy a casual meal at this communal dining space with a variety of food options.
Walk 15 minutes from the French Concession.
¥50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tianzifang Art Market

Explore local artists' studios, boutique shops, and handicrafts in this vibrant market area.
Take a 30-minute walk or a short metro ride from Kommune.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

Visit the center to learn about China's history through a unique collection of propaganda art.
Take a 20-minute walk or a short metro ride from Tianzifang.
¥20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Yang's Fried Dumplings

End your day with more delicious dumplings at this budget-friendly eatery.
Walk to the nearest Yang's branch from the Propaganda Poster Art Center.
¥30, 1 hour
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Day 5: Arrival in Beijing

Beijing, China

Morning

Travel to Beijing

Take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Beijing (approximately 4.5 hours journey).
Head to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and board the train to Beijing South Railway Station.
¥600, 4.5 hours

Afternoon

Check-in to Accommodation

Settle into your accommodation in Beijing and rest after the journey.
Take a taxi or walk from Beijing South Railway Station to your lodging.
¥20, 1 hour

Evening

Dinner at Dong Lai Shun Hot Pot

Relish Beijing's famous hot pot experience at this popular and budget-friendly restaurant.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from your accommodation to the restaurant.
¥60, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Historical Beijing

Beijing, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mr. Shi's Dumplings

Start your day with a variety of dumplings at this local favorite.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from your accommodation.
¥30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tiananmen Square

Visit the iconic square, the largest public square in the world, with historical significance.
Walk from your accommodation or take a short metro ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Forbidden City

Explore the imperial palace complex that housed Chinese emperors for centuries.
Walk from Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City entrance.
¥40, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bai He Yuan

Enjoy traditional Beijing cuisine at this restaurant known for its historic ambiance.
Walk from the Forbidden City to Bai He Yuan.
¥50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Temple of Heaven

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and explore the ancient religious complex.
Take a short taxi ride or metro from Bai He Yuan.
¥30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zhang Mama

Indulge in spicy Sichuan-style dishes at this affordable and popular restaurant.
Take a short taxi ride or walk from Temple of Heaven.
¥40, 1 hour
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Day 7: Beijing Exploration

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Summer Palace

Discover the vast imperial garden and palace complex with temples, pavilions, and a beautiful lake.
Take a taxi or metro to the Summer Palace.
¥30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grandma's Home

Enjoy homestyle Chinese dishes at this cozy restaurant near the Summer Palace.
Walk from the Summer Palace to Grandma's Home.
¥40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Houhai Lake

Relax by the lake, stroll through hutongs, or rent a paddleboat for a leisurely afternoon.
Take a short taxi ride from Grandma's Home to Houhai Lake.
¥20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Yonghe Lama Temple

Explore the colorful Tibetan Buddhist temple and learn about its history and architecture.
Take a taxi or metro to the Lama Temple.
¥25, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Jin Ding Xuan

Feast on a variety of dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes at this popular restaurant.
Take a short taxi ride or walk from Yonghe Lama Temple.
¥45, 1 hour
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