5-Day Cultural and Historical Exploration of China: Beijing to Shanghai

Day 1: Beijing Arrival

Beijing, China on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Beijing breakfast including savory dumplings and steamed buns at this popular spot famous for its Peking duck.
CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast palace complex that was home to Chinese emperors for almost 500 years. Open 8:30am to 5pm, it offers a rich dive into Ming and Qing dynasty history.
CNY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Enjoy the world-renowned Peking duck and traditional Beijing dishes in a historic restaurant dating back to 1864.
CNY150, 1.5h

2:45pm

Visit Tiananmen Square

Walk around the world's largest public square, a symbol of modern Chinese history and culture. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Discover one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. Open 9am to 5pm.
CNY25, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Indulge in contemporary Chinese cuisine with an emphasis on northern flavors and lamb dishes.
CNY200, 1.5h
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Day 2: Great Wall Adventure

Beijing, China on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a buffet breakfast at your accommodation to fuel for the day ahead.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

Travel to and hike along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, praised for its beautiful scenery and restored watchtowers. Open 7:30am to 6pm.
CNY45, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Enjoy a western-style lunch in a cozy spot near the Great Wall, offering fresh and organic dishes.
CNY120, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Beijing and rest

Travel back to the city and relax before evening activities.
Included, 1.5h

5:00pm

Evening Walk at Houhai Lake Area

Explore the lively lakeside area with quaint alleys, bars, and shops. Open 24 hours, a great place to blend culture with nightlife.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing dynasty-style mansion, enjoying imperial cuisine and a cultural ambiance.
CNY180, 1.5h
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Day 3: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors

Xi'an, China on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Beijing

Early breakfast before taking the high-speed train to Xi'an.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Xi'an by high-speed train

Enjoy a fast, comfortable journey covering approximately 1,200 km in about 6 hours.
CNY553, 6h

2:30pm

Check-in and lunch at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant

Savor Xi'an’s famous dumplings with a variety of fillings in this popular local eatery.
CNY80, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Terracotta Army Museum

Explore the vast archaeological site of Qin Shi Huang's life-sized Terracotta Warriors and horses. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY150, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tangs Palaces Restaurant

Experience classic Shaanxi cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles and lamb dishes in a traditional setting.
CNY120, 1.5h
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Day 4: Shanghai Modernity

Shanghai, China on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Xi'an

Fuel up before catching your morning flight to Shanghai.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Shanghai

Take a 2.5-hour flight from Xi'an to Shanghai for a glimpse of China's vibrant metropolis.
CNY600, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung Shanghai

Enjoy world-class xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese specialties in this well-loved chain.
CNY150, 1h

1:30pm

Visit The Bund

Stroll along the historic waterfront promenade with stunning views of Shanghai's skyline. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Shanghai Tower

Visit the world's second-tallest building and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck. Open 9am to 9pm.
CNY180, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Sample Yunnan ethnic cuisine in a stylish and atmospheric setting.
CNY220, 1.5h
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Day 5: Shanghai Cultural Tour

Shanghai, China on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax with a buffet breakfast before a day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Yuyuan Garden

Wander through the classical Chinese garden with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY40, 1.5h

11:30am

Old Shanghai City God Temple Bazaar

Explore bustling markets filled with local crafts, snacks, and souvenirs near Yuyuan Garden.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Taste authentic steamed buns (xiaolongbao) famous across Shanghai.
CNY80, 1h

2:30pm

Shanghai Museum

Discover rich collections of ancient Chinese art and artifacts in this world-class museum. Open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll and shopping at Nanjing Road

Experience Shanghai's premier shopping street with a dazzling array of stores and lively atmosphere. Open until 10pm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at M on the Bund

Enjoy fine dining with spectacular views of the illuminated skyline along the Huangpu River.
CNY350, 1.5h
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