Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Exploring China's Adventure, Educational, and Nature Wonders

Viewed by 56 travelers

Day 1: Historical Beijing

Beijing, China

8:00 AM

Visit the Forbidden City

Start your adventure in Beijing by exploring the stunning Forbidden City, an architectural marvel representing ancient Chinese history.
Take a taxi or subway to the Forbidden City. Travel time is around 30 minutes.
50 CNY, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Hutong

Savor traditional Beijing delicacies like Peking duck in a charming hutong alley, immersing in the local culture.
Take a short taxi ride or walk to a nearby hutong. Allocate 1 hour.
100 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu

Embark on a memorable journey to the awe-inspiring Great Wall at Mutianyu, offering panoramic views of the historic structure.
Travel by private car or join a tour for a 1.5-hour drive to the Great Wall.
120 CNY entrance fee, 400 CNY for transport, 4 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Relish in a delicious dinner featuring authentic Beijing cuisine at a well-loved local eatery.
Return to the city center for dinner. Plan for 1 hour of travel.
80 CNY, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Cultural Xi'an

Xi'an, China

8:00 AM

Visit the Terracotta Army

Explore the renowned Terracotta Army, an archaeological wonder showcasing intricate sculptures and ancient history.
Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an (approximately 5 hours). Afterward, travel by taxi to the Terracotta Army site (1-hour journey).
150 CNY entrance fee, 400 CNY for train, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Market

Indulge in a variety of local Xi'an dishes at a bustling market, including Roujiamo and Xi'an noodles.
Explore the market area for lunch, setting aside 1 hour.
80 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Cycle on the Ancient City Wall

Discover Xi'an's history with a leisurely bike ride along the ancient city wall, offering panoramic city views.
Walk or take a short taxi to the city wall's entrance for bike rental.
40 CNY bike rental, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner and Dumpling Banquet

Delight in a traditional dumpling banquet dinner, sampling an array of delicious dumpling flavors with a cultural performance.
Head to a local restaurant for the dumpling banquet. Plan 1 hour for dinner.
200 CNY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 3: Panda Encounter in Chengdu

Chengdu, China

8:00 AM

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Interact with adorable giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base, gaining insights into panda conservation efforts.
Take a domestic flight from Xi'an to Chengdu (around 2 hours), then use a taxi to reach the research base.
80 CNY entrance fee, 800 CNY for flight, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Sichuan Restaurant

Savor authentic Sichuan delights for lunch, known for their bold flavors and use of spicy peppers.
Head to a nearby Sichuan eatery for lunch. Time required is 1 hour.
60 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street

Immerse in Chengdu's history at Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, and meander through Jinli Ancient Street for souvenirs.
Taxi to Wuhou Shrine and enjoy a stroll to Jinli Ancient Street.
60 CNY Wuhou Shrine entrance fee, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Sichuan Hotpot Dinner

Conclude the day with a flavorful Sichuan hotpot dinner, a must-try experience featuring a variety of cook-at-your-table ingredients.
Head to a local hotpot restaurant for dinner, allocating 1.5 hours.
100 CNY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chengdu

Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise - Boarding

Yangtze River Cruise, China

8:00 AM

Embark on Yangtze River Cruise

Begin your mesmerizing Yangtze River adventure by boarding the cruise ship and settling into your comfortable cabin.
Travel from Chengdu to Chongqing by high-speed train (around 2 hours). Transfer to the cruise ship dock for boarding.
300 CNY for train, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a delectable buffet lunch on board as you cruise along the Yangtze River, taking in the picturesque scenery.
Lunch will be provided on the cruise ship.
Included, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Relaxation and Scenic Views

Spend the afternoon admiring the stunning landscapes of the Three Gorges region from the deck of the cruise ship.
Enjoy the leisurely cruise along the river, exploring the ship's facilities and soaking in the sights.
Included, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner on board

Savor a sumptuous dinner on the cruise, featuring a mix of Chinese and international cuisines as you sail on the Yangtze.
Head to the ship's dining area for dinner. Allow 1.5 hours.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Yangtze River Cruise

Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise - Three Gorges

Yangtze River, China

8:00 AM

Exploring Three Gorges

Embark on shore excursions to explore the Three Gorges region, visiting cultural sites and experiencing the natural beauty.
Participate in guided tours from the cruise ship to the designated Three Gorges attractions.
Included, Full day

12:00 PM

Lunch with Scenic Views

Enjoy a delightful lunch on the cruise, taking in the breathtaking views of the Three Gorges as you feast on onboard specialties.
Lunch will be provided on the cruise.
Included, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Cultural Activities on board

Participate in onboard cultural activities and entertainment programs, immersing in the rich heritage of the Yangtze River region.
Engage in the scheduled cultural activities on the cruise ship.
Included, Afternoon

7:00 PM

Dinner with Live Entertainment

Indulge in a gourmet dinner accompanied by live music and performances, adding to the magical ambiance of the Yangtze River voyage.
Head to the dining area for dinner and entertainment. Allocate 2 hours.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Yangtze River

Day 6: Yangtze River Cruise - Three Gorges Dam

Yangtze River, China

8:00 AM

Visit Three Gorges Dam

Disembark for a guided tour of the monumental Three Gorges Dam, learning about its engineering marvels and ecological impact.
Join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam with the cruise's organized tour group.
Included, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch with fellow Travelers

Enjoy a communal lunch with fellow travelers, sharing stories and experiences from the Yangtze River cruise journey.
Lunch will be provided on the cruise ship.
Included, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Cruise through Xiling Gorge

Marvel at the breathtaking scenery as the cruise navigates through the stunning Xiling Gorge, the longest and most scenic of the Three Gorges.
Relax on deck or in the ship's observatory areas to witness the picturesque landscapes.
Included, Afternoon

7:00 PM

Farewell Gala Evening

Celebrate the conclusion of the Yangtze River cruise with a festive gala evening, featuring special performances and farewell festivities.
Participate in the gala evening celebrations on board the cruise ship. Allow 2 hours.
Included, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Yangtze River

Day 7: Vibrant Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00 AM

Visit the Bund

Begin your day exploring the iconic Bund, a historic waterfront area with colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers.
Take a high-speed train from Chongqing to Shanghai (approximately 7 hours). Explore the Bund area on foot.
500 CNY for train, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Dim Sum Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Shanghainese dim sum for lunch, sampling a variety of steamed buns, dumplings, and savory delights.
Head to a nearby dim sum restaurant for lunch. Anticipate 1 hour for the meal.
80 CNY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Yuyuan Garden

Immerse in the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden, a classic Chinese garden featuring pavilions, rockeries, and lush landscapes.
Walk from the Bund to Yuyuan Garden in the Old Town area.
40 CNY entrance fee, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Shop at Nanjing Road

Enjoy shopping therapy along Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest streets brimming with luxury boutiques and traditional shops.
Walk or take the metro to Nanjing Road for shopping.
Variable based on shopping, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant

Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Shanghai's skyline, relishing a blend of traditional Chinese and international flavors.
Head to a city center rooftop eatery for dinner with a view.
200 CNY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Shanghai
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About China

Trip Packing List: 2–13 May — Sanya, Hainan, China (handbag-only, essentials)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Nanning, China — 23 Apr to 27 Apr 2026 (2 adults)
Packing List
China Weather in June: Meiyu Season and Summer Peaks
Weather Guide
Hangzhou Weather Guide: Mid-April Climate & Conditions
Weather Guide
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your China Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go