7-Day Cultural and Historical Exploration of China

Day 1: Historic Beijing

Beijing, China on April 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Mei Yi Tian Green Tea Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Chinese breakfast dishes such as steamed buns and soy milk, a great way to start your day.
CNY50, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace with a rich history dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties; open 8:30am-5:00pm, last entry 4:10pm.
CNY60, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant

Savor Beijing's famous Peking duck in a stylish setting, known for its crispy skin and tender meat.
CNY150, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Tiananmen Square

Walk through the world's largest public square, home to historical monuments and government buildings.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

Experience Beijing’s lively food street famous for spicy Sichuan cuisine and diverse eateries.
CNY100, 2h
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Day 2: Great Wall & Culture

Beijing, China on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby local cafe

Light breakfast with local teas and pastries to prepare for the day.
CNY40, 1h

8:30am

Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu

Hike and explore this less crowded but well-preserved section of the Great Wall, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY45 plus CNY100 for cable car return, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Enjoy fresh Western and Chinese fusion cuisine with great views near the Great Wall area.
CNY120, 1h

3:30pm

Visit the Temple of Heaven

Experience this Imperial complex of religious buildings and park open from 6:00am to 8:00pm.
CNY40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Refined dining focused on traditional Beijing-style dishes including Peking duck.
CNY180, 2h
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Day 3: Ancient Xi'an

Xi'an, China on April 27, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast to prepare for travel and sightseeing day ahead.
CNY40, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Xi'an by morning flight

Approx. 2-hour flight from Beijing to Xi'an; enjoy views of central China from above.
CNY800, 2h

11:30am

Visit the Ancient City Wall

Walk or cycle on the well-preserved ramparts offering panoramic city views; open 8:00am-10:00pm.
CNY54, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant

Taste an assortment of famous Xi’an dumplings with flavors that have been perfected over many years.
CNY80, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Shaanxi History Museum

Explore extensive collections of ancient Chinese artifacts; closed Mondays, open 9:00am-5:30pm.
Free (reservation required), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lao Sun Jia

Enjoy authentic Shaanxi cuisine, famous for noodles and local delicacies in a traditional setting.
CNY90, 1.5h
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Day 4: Terracotta & Train to Shanghai

Xi'an to Shanghai, China on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day early with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for a full day of sightseeing.
CNY40, 1h

8:30am

Visit the Terracotta Army Museum

Witness the famous life-sized terracotta sculptures, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY150, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch near the museum at the Terracotta Army Dining Hall

Simple Chinese dishes to refresh before the afternoon travel.
CNY70, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Shanghai by high-speed train

Journey of about 6 hours on a comfortable and fast train connecting Xi’an and Shanghai.
CNY600, 6h

8:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant in Shanghai

Relax with light Chinese dishes near your accommodation after a long day of travel.
CNY120, 1.5h
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Day 5: Modern Shanghai

Shanghai, China on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Start with gourmet coffee and freshly baked pastries in a chic setting.
CNY70, 1h

9:30am

Explore The Bund

Walk along Shanghai’s famous waterfront with stunning views of colonial architecture and the futuristic skyline.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Visit the Shanghai Museum

Discover Chinese art, calligraphy, and cultural relics; open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy world-renowned Shanghai dumplings and Taiwanese cuisine in a popular chain restaurant.
CNY120, 1h

3:00pm

Jade Buddha Temple visit

Explore one of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temples known for its stunning jade Buddha statues; open 8:00am-5:00pm.
CNY20, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Enjoy authentic Yunnan cuisine in a beautiful setting with views of the Huangpu River.
CNY200, 2h
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Day 6: Suzhou Day Trip

Shanghai - Suzhou, China on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to prepare for a day trip outside the city.
CNY40, 1h

8:30am

High-speed train to Suzhou

Approximately 30-minute journey to see the classical Chinese gardens and canals.
CNY50, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden

Explore one of China's most famous classical gardens known for its beautiful landscaping; open 7:30am-5:30pm.
CNY70, 2h

11:30am

Visit Suzhou Museum

Tour this architecturally stunning museum housing important cultural relics; open 9:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Songhelou Restaurant

Taste authentic Suzhou cuisine specializing in sweet and delicate flavors.
CNY100, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Pingjiang Road

Stroll along this historical canal-side street filled with shops, cafes, and traditional architecture.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Train back to Shanghai

Return journey of about 30 minutes to your Shanghai hotel.
CNY50, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Xinjishi Restaurant

Enjoy Shanghai-style dishes in a well-regarded local restaurant.
CNY150, 1.5h
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Day 7: Departure Day

Shanghai, China on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A final light breakfast at your accommodation before departure.
CNY40, 1h

9:30am

Last stroll in Yu Garden Bazaar

Walk through traditional shops and cultural market near the famous classical Yu Garden, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Enjoy famous soup dumplings and local snacks before heading to the airport.
CNY80, 1h

2:00pm

Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Prepare for your onward flight with ample time for check-in and security.
CNY150 (taxi), 1h
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