Exploring China in 5 Days

Day 1: Historical Beijing

Beijing, China

8:00 AM

Visit the Forbidden City

Start your day exploring the ancient imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, marveling at its grand architecture and rich history.
Take a taxi or use the subway to reach the Forbidden City from your accommodation, which takes about 30 minutes.
100 CNY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Walk through Tiananmen Square

After the Forbidden City, take a leisurely stroll through the iconic Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and absorb its political significance.
Tiananmen Square is within walking distance from the Forbidden City.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Hutong

Immerse yourself in Beijing's traditional alleyways and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Hutong, savoring authentic Chinese cuisine.
Hutongs can be found near the city center, easily accessible by taxi or walking.
50 CNY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore the Summer Palace

Spend the afternoon wandering through the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake.
Take a taxi or the subway to reach the Summer Palace, approximately 40 minutes from the city center.
60 CNY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Wangfujing Street

Indulge in a vibrant dining experience at Wangfujing Street, known for its array of street food vendors and local delicacies.
Wangfujing Street is easily reachable by taxi or subway, offering a bustling atmosphere in the evening.
80 CNY, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Beijing

Beijing, China

9:00 AM

Visit the Temple of Heaven

Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests.
Take a taxi or the subway to reach the Temple of Heaven, approximately 30 minutes from the city center.
35 CNY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Qianmen Street

Enjoy a cultural lunch experience at Qianmen Street, a historic commercial street offering a mix of traditional and modern dining options.
Qianmen Street is located near Tiananmen Square, easily accessible by taxi or walking.
70 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Lama Temple

Discover the Tibetan Buddhist architecture and serene atmosphere of the Lama Temple, one of the largest and most important monasteries in China.
Take a taxi or the subway to reach the Lama Temple, approximately 20 minutes from Qianmen Street.
25 CNY, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Shop at Nanluoguxiang

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Nanluoguxiang, a well-preserved hutong area filled with trendy shops, cafes, and traditional architecture.
Nanluoguxiang is a short taxi or subway ride from the Lama Temple, offering a glimpse of old Beijing charm.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Peking Duck Dinner

Indulge in a famous Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant, savoring this iconic Beijing dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat.
Various restaurants in Beijing offer Peking Duck, with some renowned ones located in the city center.
150 CNY, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historic Xi'an

Xi'an, China

9:00 AM

Visit the Terracotta Army

Begin your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
Take a domestic flight from Beijing to Xi'an, which takes about 2 hours. From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, take a taxi to the Terracotta Army site, approximately 40 minutes away.
120 CNY, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Muslim Quarter

Experience the vibrant food scene of Xi'an at the bustling Muslim Quarter, known for its delicious street food and unique culinary offerings.
The Muslim Quarter is a short taxi ride from the Terracotta Army site, offering a gastronomic adventure.
60 CNY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore the Ancient City Wall

Walk or cycle along the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, offering panoramic views of the city.
The Ancient City Wall is within walking distance from the Muslim Quarter, providing a glimpse into Xi'an's historical defenses.
40 CNY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy a dinner feast of traditional Chinese dumplings at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant, known for its variety of dumpling flavors and shapes.
Defachang Dumpling Restaurant is located near the city center, easily accessible by taxi or walking.
80 CNY, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Panda Encounter in Chengdu

Chengdu, China

9:00 AM

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Embark on a memorable experience at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe adorable pandas in a natural habitat.
Take a domestic flight from Xi'an to Chengdu, which takes about 2 hours. From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, take a taxi to the Panda Base, approximately 1 hour away.
60 CNY, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Jinli Ancient Street

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Jinli Ancient Street, a lively pedestrian street lined with traditional Sichuanese architecture, local snacks, and souvenir shops.
Jinli Ancient Street is a short taxi ride from the Panda Base, offering a cultural and culinary experience.
50 CNY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Wuhou Shrine

Immerse yourself in the history of the Three Kingdoms period at Wuhou Shrine, a memorial temple dedicated to the renowned strategist Zhuge Liang.
Wuhou Shrine is located near Jinli Ancient Street, providing insights into ancient Chinese history.
30 CNY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Sichuan Hotpot Dinner

Indulge in a fiery Sichuan hotpot dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing the spicy and flavorful cuisine of Chengdu.
Various restaurants in Chengdu offer authentic Sichuan hotpot, with some popular choices located near Jinli Ancient Street.
100 CNY, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Vibrant Shanghai & Dazzling Hong Kong

Shanghai, China

9:00 AM

Explore the Bund

Start your day by strolling along the iconic Bund waterfront, admiring the blend of historic European architecture and modern skyscrapers in Shanghai's financial district.
Take a domestic flight from Chengdu to Shanghai, which takes about 2 hours. From Shanghai Pudong International Airport, take a taxi to the Bund, approximately 40 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Yuyuan Garden

Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with scenic pavilions, ponds, and tea houses.
Yuyuan Garden is a short taxi ride from the Bund, offering a serene escape in the midst of bustling Shanghai.
80 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Shop on Nanjing Road

Indulge in shopping on Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest and most famous shopping streets, filled with luxury boutiques, department stores, and local shops.
Nanjing Road is easily accessible from Yuyuan Garden, providing a mix of international and local retail experiences.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Travel to Hong Kong

Take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Hong Kong, enjoying the scenic journey and arriving in Hong Kong in approximately 8 hours.
Board the high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Book tickets in advance for a comfortable travel experience.
400 CNY, 8 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Temple Street Night Market

Experience the vibrant night market atmosphere at Temple Street, indulging in street food, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying live performances.
Temple Street Night Market is a short taxi ride from major attractions in Hong Kong, offering a glimpse into the city's bustling nightlife.
50 CNY, 2 hours
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