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14-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through China

Viewed by 186 travelers

Day 1: Historic Beijing

Beijing, China on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Zhang Mama Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Beijing breakfast including Jianbing (Chinese crepes) and soy milk in a local favorite spot that opens at 7:30am.
CNY20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace and political center of ancient China, open from 8:30am to 5:00pm. You can marvel at historic architecture and priceless artifacts.
CNY60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Savor Beijing's famous Peking Duck in one of the city's top restaurants, known for its crispy skin and flavorful meat.
CNY150, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk through Jingshan Park

Visit Jingshan Park which offers a remarkable panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing skyline. Park closes at 6:00pm.
CNY10, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in an ancient Qing dynasty-style setting serving authentic imperial cuisine with unique ambiance, open till 10:00pm.
CNY180, 2h0m
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Day 2: Great Wall & Local Culture

Beijing, China on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Light Chinese breakfast with congee and dumplings to prepare for a day outdoors.
CNY30, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall

A scenic and less crowded section of the Great Wall, offering cable car rides and hiking, open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY45, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse in Mutianyu

Enjoy Western and Chinese fusion dishes with Great Wall views in a cozy setting.
CNY120, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Beijing - Visit Temple of Heaven

Explore the iconic Temple of Heaven park with its ancient sacrificial structures, open until 5:00pm.
CNY35, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Relish modern takes on traditional Beijing dishes including authentic duck dishes, open until 10:00pm.
CNY160, 2h0m
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Day 3: Cultural Beijing

Beijing, China on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mei Li Fang

Sample traditional Beijing pastries and dim sum in a historic teahouse, opens at 7:30am.
CNY40, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Summer Palace

Stroll through the beautiful gardens, lakes, and palaces of this grand summer retreat open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
CNY50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Autumn Impression

Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes near Summer Palace with elegant ambience.
CNY130, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore the 798 Art District

Explore contemporary Chinese art galleries, shops, and cafes in this popular cultural area.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at TRB Hutong

Experience fine dining featuring European and Chinese fusion cuisine in an intimate courtyard setting.
CNY300, 2h0m
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Day 4: Xi'an Ancient Wonders

Xi'an, China on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local Xi'an eatery

Try the famous Xi'an style Qishan noodles or roujiamo (Chinese burger).
CNY25, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight/train to Xi'an

Travel to Xi'an; consider high-speed train for scenic route lasting about 5-6 hours or flight for 1.5 hours.
CNY350-600, Varies

3:00pm

Visit Ancient City Wall

Cycle or walk along one of the best-preserved ancient city walls, open 8:00am to 9:00pm.
CNY54, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant

Sample a variety of handmade dumplings, a Xi'an specialty, in a traditional setting.
CNY80, 1h30m
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Day 5: Terracotta Army

Xi'an, China on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in hotel or local café

Enjoy a light simple breakfast to prepare for the excavation site tour.
CNY30, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Terracotta Army Museum

Explore the world-renowned archaeological site with thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, open 8:30am to 6:00pm.
CNY120, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at museum restaurant

Convenient dining offering Chinese and Western fast foods near the site.
CNY90, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Shaanxi History Museum

Discover rich regional history and artifacts, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
CNY30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Han Tang Yuan Fang

Indulge in traditional Shaanxi cuisine including Biangbiang noodles and lamb dishes.
CNY110, 1h30m
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Day 6: Pandas & Sichuan Cuisine

Chengdu, China on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local Chengdu café

Sample steamed buns or spicy tofu curd for a Chengdu-style breakfast.
CNY20, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight/train to Chengdu

Travel from Xi'an to Chengdu by high-speed train (about 3.5 hours) or flight (1.5 hours).
CNY200-400, Varies

2:00pm

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Meet giant pandas and red pandas in a naturalistic reserve, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
CNY58, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chen Mapo Tofu

Try authentic spicy Sichuan dishes including the signature mapo tofu in this famous restaurant.
CNY90, 1h30m
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Day 7: Sichuan Culture & Nature

Chengdu, China on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Zhuan Zhuan Cafe

Enjoy artisan coffee and local pastries in a cozy environment.
CNY35, 1h0m

9:30am

Wenshu Monastery Visit

Explore this serene Buddhist temple complex with traditional gardens, open 7:00am to 5:00pm.
CNY10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yu's Family Kitchen

Discover creative Sichuan cuisine made with fresh local ingredients in a stylish setting.
CNY140, 1h30m

2:30pm

Jinli Ancient Street

Stroll along a bustling pedestrian street full of shops, snacks, and cultural performances until 10:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot

Relish a fiery Sichuan hotpot experience, open till 11:00pm.
CNY100, 2h0m
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Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin

Guilin, China on April 28, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to get ready for travel day.
CNY30, 0h30m

7:00am

Flight to Guilin

Catch a morning flight from Chengdu to Guilin, approximately 2 hours.
CNY400, 2h0m

10:30am

Check-in at hotel and rest

Settle into your Guilin accommodation and freshen up for afternoon activities.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Gui Lin Impression Restaurant

Try local Guilin rice noodles and Guangxi specialties in a welcoming setting.
CNY80, 1h0m

2:00pm

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Experience stunning karst landscapes on a 4-5 hour daytime cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, departs early afternoon.
CNY200, 5h0m

7:00pm

Dinner in Yangshuo at West Street

Dine at local eateries offering both Chinese and western food on vibrant West Street.
CNY90, 1h30m
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Day 9: Explore Yangshuo

Yangshuo, China on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with fresh fruits and a hot breakfast served at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Cycling tour through countryside

Rent a bike and pedal through picturesque rice paddies, karst hills, and small villages for about 3 hours.
CNY50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moon River Bistro

A popular blend of Western and Chinese dishes with great vegetarian options and a relaxed atmosphere.
CNY100, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Moon Hill

Hike to Moon Hill, a famous natural limestone arch; open daylight hours, allow 2 hours for ascent and descent.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at local noodle house

Try local Yangshuo specialties including beer fish in a casual setting nearby West Street.
CNY70, 1h30m

8:00pm

Impression Liu Sanjie Night Show

Watch a spectacular outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou, using the Li River and mountains as stage, show runs about 1 hour, starts at 8:00pm.
CNY200, 1h0m
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Day 10: Back to Guilin to Shanghai

Guilin to Shanghai, China on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Return cruise or bus to Guilin

Travel back to Guilin city center by bus or arranged transport; morning journey takes about 1.5 hours.
CNY50, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Guilin restaurant near airport

Taste local delicacies before your flight including Guilin spicy chicken.
CNY80, 1h0m

2:30pm

Flight to Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai with a flight duration around 3 hours.
CNY600, 3h0m

6:30pm

Check-in and rest in Shanghai hotel

Relax after your travel and get ready to explore Shanghai.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Enjoy Yunnan cuisine in a stylish, atmospheric restaurant open until 11:00pm.
CNY150, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Guilin to Shanghai

Day 11: Modern Shanghai

Shanghai, China on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Enjoy fresh organic breads and breakfast items in this popular artisanal bakery near the Bund.
CNY60, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore The Bund and Huangpu River promenade

Walk along the iconic waterfront with panoramic views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shanghai Lao Lao Meng

Taste Shanghainese dishes in a family-style restaurant with local favorites like xiao long bao.
CNY100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Shanghai Museum

Discover ancient Chinese art, ceramics, and jade at this world-class museum, open 9am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar

Explore classical Chinese garden and bustling market area with snacks and souvenirs, open until 9:00pm.
CNY40, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy world-famous Taiwanese xiao long bao and dim sum at this reputable chain, open until 10:00pm.
CNY120, 1h30m
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Day 12: Cultural and Artistic Shanghai

Shanghai, China on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maan Coffee

Have a relaxing breakfast with waffles and coffee in this Korean-influenced café, open from 8am.
CNY50, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Tianzifang Art District

Wander through narrow alleys filled with art studios, boutiques, cafes, and craft shops open 10am-9pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Nest

Enjoy trendy international cuisine near the French Concession with excellent cocktails served till late.
CNY150, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Jing’an Temple

Experience this active Buddhist temple with exquisite architecture; open 7am to 5pm.
CNY20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Stroll along Nanjing Road

Shop or window shop on one of the world’s busiest shopping streets which stays lively until late at night.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Enjoy extraordinary Yunnan cuisine with flavors from the Silk Road in an evocative atmosphere.
CNY170, 2h0m
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Day 13: Day Trip to Zhujiajiao

Shanghai, China on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Nutritious breakfast to start your day trip well fueled.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Take a short bus or taxi (approx. 1 hour) to this charming ancient water town known for canals and bridges.
CNY40, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Zhujiajiao

Stroll the canals, visit historical sites, and enjoy local street food, open to visitors all day.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at local water town restaurant

Try river shrimp, lotus root dishes and other regional delicacies.
CNY90, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Shanghai

Head back to Shanghai city center in time to relax at your hotel.
CNY40, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hai by Goga

Taste innovative seafood dishes combining Shanghai flavors with international techniques, open until 10:30pm.
CNY250, 2h0m
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Day 14: Farewell Shanghai

Shanghai, China on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Shanghai with familiar comfort food.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Ascend to the second tallest building in the world for breathtaking views of the city, open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
CNY180, 1h30m

11:30am

Last minute shopping at Super Brand Mall

Shop for souvenirs and luxury brands before departure, mall opens from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
Varies, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Relish one last meal of exquisite Yunnan cuisine to cap your trip.
CNY150, 1h30m

3:30pm

Depart for airport

Travel to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport for your onward journey.
CNY150 (taxi), 1h0m
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