10-Day Adventure Through China: Explore Culture, History, and Cuisine on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Beijing, China on March 26, 2025

10:00AM

Tiananmen Square

Start your journey at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, rich in Chinese history. This site is essential to understanding modern China.
CNY0, 1 hour

11:30AM

Forbidden City

Explore the sprawling Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to emperors for over 500 years. Be prepared for stunning architecture and vast courtyards.
CNY60, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy a famous steamed dumpling experience at Din Tai Fung, a popular spot near the Forbidden City known for its xiaolongbao.
CNY100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. The architecture and surrounding park add tranquil beauty to your day.
CNY35, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Peking Duck Restaurant

Indulge in the culinary specialty of Beijing with a delicious Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude, famed for centuries.
CNY300, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Great Wall Day

Beijing, China on March 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Great Wall.
CNY50, 1 hour

8:30AM

Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)

Hike the less crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its breathtaking views and well-preserved structure.
CNY40, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Schoolhouse

Refuel at The Schoolhouse, an eco-friendly restaurant near the wall serving wholesome Northern Chinese dishes.
CNY120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Summer Palace

Visit the Summer Palace, a stunning royal garden that showcases traditional Chinese landscaping and architecture.
CNY50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nuage Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine at the highly rated Nuage Restaurant overlooking the lakes.
CNY150, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Travel to Xi'an

Xi'an, China on March 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast at your hotel.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Xi'an via High-Speed Train

Take a scenic high-speed train ride to Xi'an, the ancient capital. Enjoy the beautiful countryside views along the way.
CNY400, 5 hours

3:00PM

Xi'an City Wall

Explore the ancient City Wall, a significant defensive structure that offers stunning views and the option to rent bikes.
CNY54, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at De Fa Chang

Savor a dumpling banquet at De Fa Chang, famous for its elaborate dumpling dishes and unique presentation.
CNY200, 2 hours

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors

Xi'an, China on March 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a morning meal with both Eastern and Western options at your hotel.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Terracotta Army

Visit the world-renowned Terracotta Army, an archaeological marvel with thousands of life-sized figures buried with China's first emperor.
CNY150, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at First Noodle Under The Sun

Grab a quick lunch of delicious hand-pulled noodles at a local favorite that reflects Xi'an's rich food culture.
CNY60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shaanxi History Museum

Explore the Shaanxi History Museum, which showcases artifacts from the ancient civilizations of the Shaanxi region.
CNY0 (Free Entry), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Lao Sun Jia

Experience local flavors with a specialty dish of Xi'an, the Yangrou Paomo, at Lao Sun Jia.
CNY80, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Travel to Chengdu

Chengdu, China on March 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hotel breakfast to energize for your travels.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Chengdu via Train

Board a train to Chengdu, a city known for its rich culinary traditions and panda conservation.
CNY250, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chengdu Taste

Relish in Sichuan flavors with spicy dishes at Chengdu Taste, a popular restaurant that captures the essence of local cuisine.
CNY80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Interact with cute pandas and witness the conservation efforts at this leading panda research center.
CNY58, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Spicy Lobster

Try the famous spicy lobster at The Spicy Lobster, known for its exceptional seafood dishes.
CNY200, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Chengdu Local Culture

Chengdu, China on March 31, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before starting the day.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Wuhou Shrine

Visit Wuhou Shrine dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms period, rich in history and cultural significance.
CNY60, 2 hours

11:30AM

Jinli Ancient Street

Stroll along Jinli Ancient Street, a vibrant pedestrian street filled with food stalls, shops, and traditional architecture.
CNY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Savor the original Mapo Tofu at Chen Mapo Tofu, a renowned local eatery serving spicy Sichuan dishes.
CNY60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Sichuan Opera Show

Witness the unique Bianwen (face-changing) performance at a traditional Sichuan opera theater.
CNY180, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yu's Family Kitchen

Dine at Yu's Family Kitchen, a popular spot featuring homestyle Sichuan dishes focused on flavor.
CNY250, 2 hours

Day 7: Travel to Guilin

Guilin, China on April 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel before your trip.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Guilin via Train

Take a scenic train ride to Guilin, famous for its karst mountains and serene rivers.
CNY220, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Guilin Rice Noodles Restaurant

Try authentic Guilin rice noodles at a local restaurant, a staple dish of the region.
CNY30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Elephant Trunk Hill

Explore Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, and enjoy picturesque views from its summit.
CNY40, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Li River Restaurant

Experience local delicacies while dining at the Li River Restaurant, famous for its scenic views of the river.
CNY120, 2 hours

Day 8: Li River Cruise

Guilin, China on April 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel your day with a breakfast buffet at your hotel.
CNY50, 1 hour

8:30AM

Li River Cruise

Take a breathtaking boat cruise along the Li River, renowned for its stunning karst landscapes.
CNY400, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch onboard

Enjoy a light lunch during your cruise soaking in marvelous views.
CNY80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Yangshuo Village

Arrive at Yangshuo village, where you can explore local shops and enjoy the natural beauty.
CNY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Cloud 9 Restaurant

Savor Asian cuisine at Cloud 9 Restaurant, known for its mountain views and tranquil atmosphere.
CNY150, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Travel to Shanghai

Shanghai, China on April 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your final days with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Shanghai via Train

Journey to Shanghai, China's bustling metropolis known for its modern skyline and rich history.
CNY800, 6 hours

4:00PM

The Bund

Stroll along The Bund, the iconic waterfront area showcasing colonial architecture and stunning city views.
CNY0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at M on the Bund

Dine at M on the Bund, known for its fine European cuisine and panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline.
CNY400, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Explore Shanghai

Shanghai, China on April 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final buffet breakfast before departing for your last day of exploration.
CNY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, to enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck.
CNY180, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at J1 Restaurant

Taste authentic Shanghai dishes at J1 Restaurant, famous for its local favorites.
CNY100, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Yuyuan Garden

Explore the classical Chinese garden, Yuyuan, with rock formations and beautiful pavilions.
CNY40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Celebrate your final night with dinner at Lost Heaven, offering exquisite cuisine from Yunnan Province.
CNY250, 2 hours