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15-Day Comprehensive China Itinerary: From Beijing to Shanghai

Viewed by 1.5K travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Start

Beijing, China on April 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Beijing style breakfast focusing on Peking duck and other local delights in an upscale setting.
CNY120, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace complex dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Offers deep insight into Chinese history and architecture.
CNY60, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Siji Minfu Restaurant

Sample authentic Beijing cuisine with specialties like braised pork and noodles in a highly rated local eatery.
CNY80, 1h

3:30pm

Walk at Tiananmen Square

Visit the world’s largest public square, witnessing important historical landmarks and soaking in the atmosphere of Beijing.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Temple of Heaven

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Open until 6:00pm.
CNY35, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at TRB Hutong

Savor contemporary European fusion cuisine in a restored traditional courtyard, ideal for a relaxed night dining experience.
CNY350, 1h30m
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Day 2: Great Wall Exploration

Beijing, China on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick buffet breakfast at your hotel to start the day early for outdoor activities.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Visit Great Wall at Mutianyu

Hike one of the best-preserved and less crowded sections of the Great Wall with scenic views and cable car options. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY45, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Enjoy Western and local dishes in a relaxed atmosphere near the Great Wall.
CNY120, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Beijing and rest

Relax at your hotel and freshen up after the hike.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Wangfujing Street Night Market

Taste local street foods and shop for souvenirs at Beijing’s famous market, open until 11pm.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Wangfujing Snack Street

Try exotic snacks like scorpion skewers and lamb ribs for an adventurous dining experience.
CNY50, 1h
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Day 3: Cultural and Modern Beijing

Beijing, China on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast served at your hotel.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Summer Palace

Visit the vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces in Beijing and explore historical royal retreat open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
CNY60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lao She Teahouse

Enjoy traditional Beijing cuisine alongside cultural performances including opera and tea ceremonies.
CNY150, 1h30m

2:30pm

798 Art District

Discover Beijing’s contemporary art scene in this vibrant area filled with galleries, cafes, and boutiques.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Migas BBQ

Savor delicious grilled meats and casual dining in the artistic 798 District.
CNY120, 1h
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Day 4: Travel and Explore Xi'an

Xi'an, China on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick hotel breakfast before departure to railway station.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Take High-Speed Train to Xi'an

Travel approx. 5.5 hours via bullet train for a comfortable scenic ride to Xi'an.
CNY550, 5h30m

2:30pm

Check-in and rest at hotel

Freshen up and relax after the train journey.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore the Ancient City Wall

Cycle or walk along the well-preserved city wall offering panoramic views of historic Xi'an.
CNY54, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant

Try a variety of handmade dumplings in a renowned local favorite spot.
CNY100, 1h
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Day 5: Terracotta Army Visit

Xi'an, China on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel buffet breakfast to prepare for the day.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum

Explore the iconic archaeological site displaying thousands of life-size warrior statues guarding Qin Shi Huang's tomb. Open 8:30am to 6:00pm.
CNY150, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Worker’s Cultural Palace Restaurant

Dine on local Shaanxi specialties in a comfortable restaurant near the museum.
CNY80, 1h

2:00pm

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Visit this historic Buddhist pagoda famous for architecture and surrounding gardens open 8:00am to 5:30pm.
CNY50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Muslim Quarter exploration

Wander this vibrant neighborhood famous for street food, traditional architecture, and Muslim culture.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Muslim Quarter street stalls

Try local delicacies like lamb skewers and persimmon cakes in a lively open-air environment.
CNY50, 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Chengdu

Chengdu, China on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Buffet breakfast to start your day.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Fly from Xi'an to Chengdu

Morning flight approx. 1.5 hours arriving in Sichuan’s capital known for spicy cuisine and giant pandas.
CNY600, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and rest

Settle into hotel and relax before sightseeing.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Enjoy authentic Sichuan spicy dishes, especially Mapo tofu, in this famous local restaurant.
CNY100, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

See giant pandas in a naturalistic habitat, open 7:30am-6:00pm, best to visit in afternoon for lower crowds.
CNY58, 2h

5:00pm

Walk around Jinli Ancient Street

Explore this picturesque pedestrian street with food stalls, artisan shops, and traditional architecture.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot

Experience the spicy and numbing flavors of Chengdu hotpot in a popular local setting.
CNY150, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cultural Chengdu Day

Chengdu, China on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a pleasant breakfast before a full day of cultural sightseeing.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Wuhou Shrine

Visit the shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang and the Three Kingdoms period, offering lush gardens and historic relics. Open 8:00am-6:00pm.
CNY60, 2h

11:30am

People’s Park and Tea House

Relax and observe local life in this vibrant park, enjoy traditional Sichuan tea at Heming Teahouse.
CNY20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Long Chao Shou

Try authentic Sichuan snacks including wontons and dumplings in a casual environment.
CNY80, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Sichuan Opera and Face-Changing Show

Experience the famous face-changing performance combining masks and storytelling; show timings usually 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
CNY150, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yu’s Family Kitchen

Fine dining that elevates Sichuan cuisine with innovative dishes in an intimate setting.
CNY300, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Guilin

Guilin, China on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Buffet breakfast to energize for travel day.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Fly from Chengdu to Guilin

Flight approx. 1.5 hours into a city known for stunning karst landscapes.
CNY700, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and rest

Settle into hotel, relax before afternoon activity.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at McFound Restaurant

Try local Guilin rice noodles and other specialties in a popular eatery.
CNY70, 1h

2:30pm

Reed Flute Cave

Explore extraordinary limestone formations and colorful illumination in a 240-million-year-old cave. Open 8:00am-6:00pm.
CNY90, 2h

5:00pm

Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area (Night Cruise)

Take a relaxing evening boat cruise to admire Guilin’s illuminated river and lake views from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
CNY120, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Jinjiang Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed meal featuring Guangxi region cuisine near the riverfront.
CNY100, 1h
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Day 9: Yangshuo Scenery

Yangshuo near Guilin, China on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Guilin

Early breakfast before heading out for Yangshuo trip.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Yangshuo by bus

Short transfer approx 1.5 hours south to the charming town famed for limestone peaks and rivers.
CNY30, 1h30m

10:00am

Li River Bamboo Raft Ride

Take a peaceful bamboo raft ride at Yulong River to enjoy spectacular karst landscape scenery.
CNY120, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat Restaurant

Dine with a view of the countryside offering local organic produce dishes.
CNY100, 1h

2:00pm

Bike tour around Yangshuo Countryside

Rent a bike and cycle along scenic country roads to visit rice fields and local villages.
CNY20, 3h

6:00pm

Impression Liu Sanjie Show

Outdoor light and sound show on the Li River showcasing local culture, starting at 7:30pm.
CNY198, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Black Lotus Restaurant

Enjoy relaxed dining featuring western and Chinese fusion cuisine in Yangshuo.
CNY120, 1h
Find Hotels in Yangshuo near Guilin

Day 10: Return to Guilin and Travel Shanghai

Guilin to Shanghai, China on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Yangshuo

Early breakfast to prepare for travel day.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Bus to Guilin Airport

Transfer back to Guilin city and then airport for afternoon flight.
CNY60, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Guilin Airport

Grab light meal or quick lunch before flight.
CNY60, 1h

1:30pm

Fly Guilin to Shanghai

Approx. 3-hour flight to Shanghai, the vibrant economic and cultural metropolis of China.
CNY800, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in and relax at Shanghai hotel

Settle into your hotel and rest after flight.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Savor Yunnan ethnic cuisine in a stylish setting overlooking the Huangpu River.
CNY300, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Guilin to Shanghai

Day 11: Modern Shanghai Highlights

Shanghai, China on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a Western and Chinese buffet breakfast to start the day.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Shanghai Tower

Observe panoramic views from China’s tallest skyscraper and the second tallest in the world. Open from 8:30am to 9:30pm.
CNY180, 2h

11:30am

Explore Yu Garden and Bazaar

Tour beautiful classical Chinese garden with pavilions and rockeries, shop local crafts nearby. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY40, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Taste authentic Shanghainese soup dumplings in a classic spot within Yu Bazaar.
CNY70, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll on The Bund

Walk along the iconic waterfront with views of historic colonial buildings and futuristic Shanghai skyline.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at M on the Bund

Enjoy international and innovative dishes with stunning nighttime views across the river.
CNY400, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 12: Cultural Shanghai

Shanghai, China on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your morning with a full breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Shanghai Museum

Explore extensive collections of ancient Chinese art, ceramics, calligraphy and jade. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h

11:30am

People’s Square and Nanjing Road

Walk through busy shopping area and cultural hub, experience Shanghai’s urban vibe.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy internationally praised Taiwanese dumplings and noodles at this famous chain.
CNY120, 1h

3:00pm

Jade Buddha Temple

Visit this peaceful temple housing two exquisite jade Buddha statues. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
CNY20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Xintiandi District

Experience lively nightlife, cafes, and boutiques in a renovated historic district.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hua’s Restaurant

Try Shanghai specialties like braised pork belly and smoked fish in an elegant setting.
CNY200, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 13: Day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Shanghai, China on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast to prepare for the day trip.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Zhujiajiao

Take a 1-hour taxi or public transport ride to this charming ancient water town known as ‘Venice of Shanghai’.
CNY40, 1h

10:00am

Explore Zhujiajiao Water Town

Walk along canals, admiring ancient bridges, traditional houses, and sample local snacks. Town open all day.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Aju Restaurant

Enjoy fresh river fish and other local specialties in a well-reviewed town restaurant.
CNY120, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Shanghai

Head back to Shanghai city center and rest.
CNY40, 1h

5:00pm

Relax or shopping

Free afternoon for optional shopping or relaxing at hotel.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Experience exquisite cuisine influenced by the Silk Road flavors in a sophisticated atmosphere.
CNY320, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 14: Leisure and Shopping

Shanghai, China on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to prepare for the day.
Included, 30m

10:00am

Visit French Concession

Explore tree-lined streets full of boutique shops, cafes, and historical architecture in this fashionable neighborhood.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Egg (French Concession)

Enjoy modern creative dishes blending Western and Chinese influences.
CNY180, 1h

2:30pm

Nanjing Road Shopping

Spend afternoon shopping at one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in Shanghai.
Varies, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Fu 1088

Savor elegant Shanghainese cuisine in a traditional mansion setting on the edge of the French Concession.
CNY350, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 15: Departure Day

Shanghai, China on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast in Shanghai to prepare for departure.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Visit Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Explore interactive exhibits and themed pavilions showcasing advances in science and technology, open 9:00am to 5:15pm.
CNY60, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Hotel or nearby

Light lunch before heading to airport.
CNY60, 1h

1:00pm

Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Allow at least 2-3 hours before international flight departure.
CNY150, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shanghai
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

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