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Discovering China in 7 Days

Viewed by 77 travelers

Day 1: Historic Beijing

Beijing, China

8:00 AM

Visit the Forbidden City

Begin your journey in Beijing by exploring the ancient Forbidden City, once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Take a taxi or subway to the Forbidden City. It's located in the heart of Beijing and will take about 30 minutes to get there.
50 CNY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Walk through Tiananmen Square

Stroll through Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and witness the historical significance of this iconic landmark.
Tiananmen Square is within walking distance from the Forbidden City.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at a local dumpling restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Chinese dumplings at a nearby local restaurant.
Walk to a recommended dumpling restaurant nearby.
80 CNY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore the Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Take a taxi to the Temple of Heaven. It's a short ride from the city center.
35 CNY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Peking Duck restaurant

Indulge in a classic Peking Duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant to end your day with a culinary delight.
Take a taxi or subway to the Peking Duck restaurant.
200 CNY, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Ancient Xi'an

Xi'an, China

8:00 AM

Visit the Terracotta Army

Begin your day by exploring the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Take a domestic flight from Beijing to Xi'an. The Terracotta Army site is a short drive from the Xi'an airport.
120 CNY, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a local noodle shop

Savor the famous Xi'an Biang Biang noodles for lunch at a nearby authentic noodle shop.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to a recommended noodle shop.
40 CNY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore the Ancient City Wall

Walk or cycle along the well-preserved Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
The Ancient City Wall is within walking distance from the noodle shop.
60 CNY, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit the Muslim Quarter

Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of the bustling Muslim Quarter, known for its street food and cultural diversity.
Walk from the Ancient City Wall to the Muslim Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at a local street food market

Enjoy a variety of delicious street food options for dinner at the lively street food market in the Muslim Quarter.
Walk to the nearby street food market in the Muslim Quarter.
100 CNY, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 3: Panda Paradise in Chengdu

Chengdu, China

8:00 AM

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Start your day by visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe adorable pandas in a natural habitat.
Take a high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu. The panda base is a short taxi ride from the train station.
60 CNY, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Sichuan hotpot restaurant

Treat yourself to a traditional Sichuan hotpot lunch, known for its spicy and flavorful broth with a variety of ingredients.
Take a taxi to a recommended Sichuan hotpot restaurant nearby.
80 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Jinli Ancient Street

Stroll through Jinli Ancient Street, a lively marketplace with traditional architecture, local snacks, and souvenir shops.
Take a taxi or bus to Jinli Ancient Street from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Wuhou Shrine

Discover the historical Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the renowned military strategist Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms period.
Walk from Jinli Ancient Street to Wuhou Shrine.
30 CNY, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at a local Sichuan restaurant

Indulge in authentic Sichuan cuisine for dinner at a local restaurant, known for its bold flavors and diverse dishes.
Take a taxi or bus to the recommended Sichuan restaurant.
150 CNY, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 4: Scenic Guilin

Guilin, China

8:00 AM

Cruise along the Li River

Embark on a picturesque Li River cruise to witness the stunning karst landscapes and rural life along the riverbanks.
Take a domestic flight from Chengdu to Guilin. The Li River cruise pier is a short taxi ride from the Guilin airport.
300 CNY, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch on the cruise

Enjoy a delightful lunch onboard the cruise while taking in the breathtaking views of Guilin's limestone peaks and lush greenery.
Lunch will be served on the cruise ship.
100 CNY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Reed Flute Cave

Discover the enchanting beauty of Reed Flute Cave, known for its colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations illuminated by lights.
Take a taxi from the cruise pier to Reed Flute Cave.
60 CNY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a local riverside restaurant

Relish a dinner by the riverside, enjoying Guilin's famous local dishes with a scenic view of the Li River at night.
Take a taxi to a recommended riverside restaurant for dinner.
120 CNY, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Guilin

Day 5: Vibrant Shanghai

Shanghai, China

9:00 AM

Visit the Bund

Start your day by exploring the iconic Bund, a waterfront promenade showcasing Shanghai's blend of colonial and modern architecture.
Take a high-speed train from Guilin to Shanghai. The Bund is a short walk from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Tour the Yu Garden

Immerse yourself in the traditional Chinese garden charm of Yu Garden, featuring classical architecture, scenic ponds, and intricate landscaping.
Walk from the Bund to Yu Garden.
40 CNY, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at a local dim sum restaurant

Enjoy a delightful lunch of authentic Shanghai dim sum at a nearby restaurant known for its variety of steamed and fried dumplings.
Walk to a recommended dim sum restaurant nearby.
80 CNY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Tianzifang

Wander through the maze-like alleyways of Tianzifang, an artsy district filled with boutiques, galleries, and quaint cafes.
Take a taxi or subway to Tianzifang from the dim sum restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with city views

Dine at a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Shanghai's skyline, combining delicious cuisine with a stunning cityscape.
Take a taxi to the rooftop restaurant for dinner.
200 CNY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 6: Picturesque Hangzhou

Hangzhou, China

9:00 AM

Visit West Lake

Begin your day with a visit to the scenic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its natural beauty, pagodas, and gardens.
Take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou. West Lake is a short taxi ride from the train station.
30 CNY, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a lakeside teahouse

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a lakeside teahouse, savoring traditional Hangzhou cuisine while overlooking the serene waters of West Lake.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to a recommended lakeside teahouse.
100 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Lingyin Temple

Discover the ancient Lingyin Temple, one of the largest and most renowned Buddhist temples in China, nestled amidst lush greenery and rock carvings.
Take a taxi to Lingyin Temple from West Lake.
45 CNY, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Stroll along Hefang Street

Take a leisurely walk along the charming Hefang Street, lined with traditional shops, local snacks, and cultural performances.
Walk from Lingyin Temple to Hefang Street.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a local restaurant by the lake

Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant by the lake, sampling fresh seafood and regional specialties of Hangzhou cuisine.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the recommended lakeside restaurant.
150 CNY, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hangzhou

Day 7: Dynamic Hong Kong

Hong Kong

9:00 AM

Explore Victoria Peak

Start your day with a tram ride to Victoria Peak, offering panoramic views of Hong Kong's skyline and Victoria Harbour from the highest point on the island.
Take a flight from Hangzhou to Hong Kong. Then, take a taxi or public tram to Victoria Peak.
100 HKD, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Shop at Ladies' Market

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Ladies' Market, a vibrant street market offering a wide array of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Take a taxi or subway to Ladies' Market in Mong Kok.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at a local dim sum restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dim sum lunch at a local restaurant, sampling Hong Kong's famous dumplings and tea.
Walk to a recommended dim sum restaurant in Mong Kok.
100 HKD, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Wong Tai Sin Temple

Explore the colorful Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple known for its fortune-telling practices and beautiful architecture.
Take a taxi or subway to Wong Tai Sin Temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Shop at Temple Street Night Market

Experience the lively atmosphere of Temple Street Night Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, enjoy street food, and witness local culture.
Walk from Wong Tai Sin Temple to Temple Street Night Market.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Sai Kung

Savor a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant in Sai Kung, known for its fresh seafood dishes and picturesque seaside setting.
Take a taxi to Sai Kung from Temple Street Night Market.
200 HKD, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hong Kong
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