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

7-Day Cultural Immersion in China with Shaolin Temple and Shanghai Exploration

Viewed by 71 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Beijing, China

9:00AM

Explore Tiananmen Square

Start your adventures by visiting the impressive Tiananmen Square, a symbol of Chinese history.
Take subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station.
CNY0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Forbidden City

After absorbing the square's vastness, head to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
A short walk from Tiananmen Square.
CNY60, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck

Indulge in the famous Peking Duck at Da Dong, renowned for its preparation and presentation.
Take a taxi approximately 15 minutes.
CNY300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Wander through Beihai Park

Stroll around the scenic Beihai Park, where you can enjoy the serene lake and ancient pagodas.
Take a taxi for about 10 minutes.
CNY10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Quanjude

Experience another iconic spot for Peking Duck; Quanjude is a historic restaurant known for its long-standing tradition.
Taxi ride adjacent to the city.
CNY200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Cultural Excursion

Beijing, China

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Heritage Room

Enjoy authentic Chinese breakfast options like dumplings and rice porridge in a traditional setting.
Walking distance from most hotels.
CNY80, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Great Wall of China

Take a day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall – fewer crowds and spectacular views.
Book a tour or take a private shuttle (approx. 1.5 hours).
CNY60 plus transportation, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Schoolhouse

Refuel with some Western food and delicious local dishes at this restaurant near the Wall.
Walking distance from the Great Wall site.
CNY150, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Cultural Performance in Beijing

In the evening, attend a Peking Opera show to plunge deep into China’s rich theatrical tradition.
Take a taxi to the opera house.
CNY500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Duck de Chine

Savour another take on Peking Duck in this upscale restaurant that combines tradition with modernity.
Taxi or subway ride.
CNY400, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 3: Journey to Shaolin Temple

Dengfeng, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling hotel breakfast with a variety of Chinese and international choices.
Where you are staying.
CNY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Zhengzhou

Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Zhengzhou, the nearest city to the Shaolin Temple.
Walk to Beijing West Railway Station.
CNY500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Travel to Shaolin Temple

Transfer by taxi to the legendary Shaolin Temple, famed for its martial arts and Zen Buddhism.
Taxi ride (approx. 1 hour).
CNY100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a simple lunch featuring local cuisine near the temple.
Nearby restaurant options.
CNY60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Shaolin Temple

Tour through the temple's storied halls and watch mesmerising Kung Fu demonstrations.
Self-guided within the temple grounds.
CNY160, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Shaolin Temple Hotel

Dine at a local hotel while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape.
Walking distance from the temple.
CNY120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Dengfeng

Day 4: Travel to Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Shanghai.
Located in the hotel dining area.
CNY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Shanghai

Board a high-speed train to Shanghai, enjoying the speedy journey.
Travel back to Zhengzhou Railway Station.
CNY300, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Indulge in world-famous soup dumplings for a delightful lunch experience.
10-minute taxi ride from the train station.
CNY150, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Bund

Stroll along the iconic Bund and take in the fusion of Eastern and Western architecture.
Walk from the restaurant.
CNY0, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Experience Yunnan cuisine as a perfect introduction to Shanghai's diverse food scene.
Taxi from the Bund.
CNY250, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 5: Exploring Shanghai

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast options from the buffet to energize for a day in Shanghai.
Dining area at the hotel.
CNY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Yu Garden

Discover the classical beauty of Yu Garden, complete with pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds.
Take a taxi approximately 20 minutes.
CNY40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Bund

Have lunch on the Bund, enjoying the stunning views of the Shanghai skyline.
Return to the Bund area.
CNY200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Shanghai Museum

Delve into Chinese art and history at the highly acclaimed Shanghai Museum.
Take a quick taxi to People's Square.
CNY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Xinjishi

Treat yourself to some authentic dim sum and barbeque specialties at this local favourite.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
CNY150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 6: Shanghai Cultural Day

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a jam-packed day.
Located in the hotel dining area.
CNY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Oriental Pearl Tower

Get stunning views of the city from the observation deck of the iconic radio and TV tower.
Take a taxi to Pudong.
CNY160, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hakkasan

Enjoy modern Cantonese fine dining at this upscale restaurant for lunch.
Nearby in Pudong.
CNY400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Nanjing Road

Shop and experience the bustling atmosphere along one of the world's busiest shopping streets.
Taxi from the restaurant.
CNY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Fu He Hui

Relish exquisite vegan dishes that masterfully utilise seasonal ingredients and local flavours.
Taxi from Nanjing Road.
CNY300, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 7: Departure Day

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before concluding your journey.
Dining area at the hotel.
CNY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shanghai Tower

Get one last panoramic view of the city from the second tallest building in the world.
Take a taxi from your hotel.
CNY180, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at local café

Enjoy some light bites and refreshments at a charming local café.
Within walking distance.
CNY100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Last-minute shopping

Purchase souvenirs at local shops and markets to remember your trip.
Explore nearby local shops.
CNY0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Departure

Head to the airport or train station for your departure, filled with memories of an amazing trip.
Taxi to the airport or train station.
CNY50, 1 hour
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