12-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey Through Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong

Day 1: Explore Beijing

Beijing, China on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Beijing Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Beijing breakfast featuring crispy duck and savory pancakes at this well-known restaurant, open from 7am to 10am.
CNY120, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore this vast imperial palace complex, rich in history and architecture. It opens at 8:30am and offers a deep dive into Ming and Qing dynasty culture.
CNY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Enjoy their famous Peking Duck with various side dishes. The restaurant is a perfect place for authentic cuisine open until 3pm for lunch.
CNY200, 1h

2:30pm

Tiananmen Square Visit

Walk around the iconic Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing’s political history, open to visitors any time of day.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Temple of Heaven Park

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy the peaceful gardens and unique architecture, open until 5pm.
CNY35, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant

Savor another take on Beijing’s famous Peking Duck at Quanjude, an institution in the city open until 10pm.
CNY180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Great Wall & Culture

Beijing, China on July 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hotel buffet to fuel up before the day trip to the Great Wall.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Mutianyu Great Wall

Visit the less crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for breathtaking views and a cable car ride; open from 7am to 6pm.
CNY48 + Cable car CNY100, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Relax with a western-style meal near the Great Wall, open until 3pm for lunch.
CNY120, 1h

6:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Rest after an active day, prepare for an evening cultural experience.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Beijing Opera Show at Liyuan Theatre

Experience traditional Beijing opera in an intimate setting; shows generally start at 7:30pm.
CNY280, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: History and Markets

Beijing, China on July 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yonghe Lama Temple Café

Enjoy a vegetarian and traditional breakfast close to Lama Temple, opening from 7am.
CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Lama Temple Visit

Visit this colorful Tibetan Buddhist temple known for its statues and decorations, open from 9am to 4:30pm.
CNY25, 1h30m

11:30am

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Explore this bustling market for antiques and local crafts, perfect for souvenirs; open until 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jing-A Taproom

Try craft beer and contemporary local dishes at this popular spot near the market, open for lunch.
CNY100, 1h

3:00pm

Summer Palace visit

Walk through the imperial gardens and lake, with open hours from 6:30am to 7pm.
CNY60, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at DaDong Roast Duck Restaurant (if missed)

A final dinner to savor Beijing delicacies and Peking duck, open until 10pm.
CNY200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Shanghai Arrival and Sightseeing

Shanghai, China on July 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight from Beijing to Shanghai

Take a morning flight (~2 hours) to Shanghai for efficient travel.
CNY600, 2h

11:00am

Check-in and rest

Check into hotel in central Shanghai and freshen up.
Included, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung Restaurant

Try world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at this popular restaurant open from 11am-10pm.
CNY100, 1h

2:00pm

The Bund Walk

Explore the waterfront promenade with iconic colonial architecture and views of Pudong skyline; open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Yuyuan Garden

Visit this classic Chinese garden, featuring beautiful pavilions and ponds. Open until 5:30pm.
CNY40, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Enjoy Yunnan cuisine in a charming setting with views of the Huangpu River, open until 10pm.
CNY180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Culture and Shopping

Shanghai, China on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hotel buffet before a full day of exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shanghai Museum

Visit the renowned museum with its diverse collection of ancient Chinese art, open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Enjoy authentic soup dumplings at this popular local eatery, open until 3pm for lunch.
CNY40, 1h

1:30pm

Nanjing Road Shopping

Explore one of the world’s busiest shopping streets with international and local brands, open all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Jade Buddha Temple

Admire the serene temple with its two precious jade Buddha statues, open 8:30am to 5pm.
CNY20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund

Enjoy contemporary French cuisine with city views, reservations recommended; open till 10pm.
CNY300, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Modern Shanghai

Shanghai, China on July 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a full breakfast before a day in Pudong.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shanghai Tower visit

Visit the world’s second tallest building and enjoy panoramic city views; open 8:30am to 9:30pm.
CNY180, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung in IFG Mall

Enjoy a familiar favorite with great views, the mall restaurant opens from 11am to 9pm.
CNY100, 1h

1:30pm

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Explore interactive exhibitions focused on science and technology, open 9am to 5pm.
CNY60, 2h

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Prepare for evening departure to Guangzhou next day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Xintiandi

Experience vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options at this pedestrian street area, open all evening.
Varies, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Guangzhou

Guangzhou, China on July 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your journey.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Guangzhou

Fly from Shanghai to Guangzhou, approximately 2.5 hours.
CNY700, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at hotel restaurant

Relax and try Cantonese dim sum specialties available at the hotel restaurant, open until 2pm.
CNY120, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Explore this beautifully preserved traditional building showcasing Cantonese art and architecture, open until 5:30pm.
CNY15, 1h30m

4:30pm

Shamian Island walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this historic area known for colonial architecture and riverside views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bingsheng Pinwei

Dine at one of Guangzhou’s renowned Cantonese restaurants, famous for fresh seafood and dim sum, open until 10pm.
CNY200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Cantonese Culture

Guangzhou, China on July 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a variety of local and international options offered at the hotel buffet.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Canton Tower

Experience panoramic views from one of the tallest towers in the world; open 9am to 11pm.
CNY150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tao Tao Ju Restaurant

Taste traditional Cantonese cuisine in a famed historic venue, open for lunch from 11am to 3pm.
CNY150, 1h

2:00pm

Pearl River Cruise

Enjoy an afternoon scenic cruise along the Pearl River showing the city’s skyline, available daily with departures around 2pm and 4pm.
CNY100, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Huacheng Square and Guangdong Museum

Explore the beautiful urban park and museum focusing on Guangdong’s history and art; open until 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lei Garden Guangzhou

Savor high-end Cantonese and dim sum delicacies at this Michelin-starred restaurant, open until 10pm.
CNY250, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Local Markets & Temples

Guangzhou, China on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for your day with a fresh breakfast buffet.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Qingping Market

Explore traditional Chinese medicine, seafood and local products at this lively market; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Temple of the Six Banyan Trees

Visit this historic Buddhist temple known for its beautiful Flower Pagoda; open from 8am to 5pm.
CNY10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Guangzhou Restaurant

Taste traditional Cantonese dim sum and dishes in this iconic restaurant, open till 3pm for lunch.
CNY140, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Shop and enjoy historic architecture and street food in this famous commercial area; open all day.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Panxi Restaurant

Dine in a beautiful garden setting with authentic Cantonese cuisine, open until 9pm.
CNY180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Travel to Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China on July 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Hong Kong.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train or Flight to Hong Kong

Take a direct high-speed train (about 2 hours) or a short flight from Guangzhou to Hong Kong.
CNY200 (train) / CNY450 (flight), 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Hotel

Settle into your hotel and enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant specializing in fusion cuisine, open till 3pm.
HKD150, 1h

1:30pm

Victoria Peak Visit

Take the Peak Tram for panoramic views of Hong Kong; the Peak Tram operates 7am to midnight.
HKD99 (tram + Sky Terrace), 2h

4:00pm

Walk through Central District

Explore the vibrant business and historic district with colonial architecture.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tim Ho Wan

Enjoy Michelin-starred dim sum in the city center, open until 10pm.
HKD150, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Hong Kong Islands

Hong Kong, China on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day well with a hotel buffet.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Lantau Island and Tian Tan Buddha

Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (open 10am to 6pm) to see the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
HKD235, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal near the Big Buddha, open until 3pm.
HKD120, 1h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax after a cultural day on Lantau Island.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mak’s Noodle

Savor famous wonton noodles in Central, open till 9:30pm.
HKD60, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Final Day Highlights

Hong Kong, China on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hong Kong with a variety of options.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Man Mo Temple

Explore this historic temple dedicated to the gods of literature and war, open 8am-6pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shopping at Ladies Market

Shop for souvenirs and clothing at this popular street market open most of the day.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Yat Lok Roasted Goose

Enjoy Hong Kong’s famous roasted goose at this Michelin-starred eatery, open till 2:30pm for lunch.
HKD120, 1h

3:00pm

Star Ferry Ride

Take a classic ferry ride from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, scenic and affordable; operates frequently all day.
HKD3, 30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or airport transfer

Prepare for departure or enjoy some final Hong Kong leisure time.
Free, Variable
View Hotel Availability