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

Viewed by 105 travelers

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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