7-Day Immersive China Travel Itinerary: Discover Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai

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Day 1: Beijing Exploration

Beijing, China on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Quanjude Roast Duck

Start your day with a traditional Beijing breakfast featuring their famous roast duck pancakes, offering an authentic taste of the city.
CNY60, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, a UNESCO World Heritage Site open from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Marvel at the ancient architecture and royal artifacts.
CNY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Enjoy delicious soup dumplings and other Shanghainese delicacies at this well-known restaurant in Beijing, open till 9:00pm.
CNY80, 1h

2:30pm

Tiananmen Square Visit

Walk around Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, and experience its historical significance. Open 24 hours, best visited in daylight.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Temple of Heaven

Visit this grand complex of religious buildings where emperors prayed for good harvests. Open from 8:00am to 5:30pm, it's perfect for a late afternoon visit.
CNY35, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dadong Roast Duck

Savor Beijing’s iconic Peking duck at Dadong, known for its tender meat and crispy skin. Reservations recommended.
CNY200, 1.5h
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Day 2: Great Wall & Summer Palace

Beijing, China on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Fuel up with a simple Chinese breakfast of congee and steamed buns before a long day.
CNY30, 45m

9:00am

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its scenic views and fewer crowds. Open from 7:30am to 6:00pm. Take a cable car for easier access.
CNY40, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Relax and enjoy western-style dishes at this charming restaurant near the Great Wall entrance.
CNY100, 1h

4:30pm

Summer Palace

Explore the beautiful gardens, lakes, and palaces of this imperial retreat. Open from 6:30am to 6:00pm.
CNY60, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Indulge in exquisite Peking duck and northern Chinese cuisine in a stylish setting.
CNY180, 1.5h
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Day 3: Beijing to Xi'an

Beijing to Xi'an, China on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your morning train to Xi'an.
Included, 1h

8:30am

High-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an

Board the G-series high-speed train for a comfortable 5.5-hour ride to historic Xi'an.
CNY553, 5h30m

2:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant

Try a variety of traditional Chinese dumplings in Xi'an’s famed restaurant, open till 9:30pm.
CNY80, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Ancient City Wall

Bike or walk atop the well-preserved city wall, offering panoramic views of Xi'an. Open 8:00am to 9:00pm.
CNY54, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lao Sun Jia

Sample hearty Shaanxi noodles and local Xi'an dishes in this popular eatery.
CNY70, 1h
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Day 4: Terracotta Warriors

Xi'an, China on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a light breakfast ahead of a morning tour.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Terracotta Army Museum

Visit the world-renowned site featuring thousands of life-sized warriors and horses guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. Open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY150, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Museum Restaurant

Convenient lunch option near the Terracotta Warriors site.
CNY70, 1h

3:00pm

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Return to downtown Xi'an and visit this iconic Buddhist pagoda founded in 652 AD. Open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
CNY50, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy a second round of varied dumplings and local Xi'an specialties.
CNY80, 1h
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Day 5: Xi'an to Shanghai

Xi'an to Shanghai, China on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast before traveling to Shanghai.
Included, 45m

9:30am

Fly from Xi'an to Shanghai

Catch a direct flight to Shanghai, approximately 2.5 hours flight time.
CNY600, 3h including airport formalities

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Sample the famed Shanghai soup dumplings at this highly rated but affordable local spot.
CNY50, 1h

3:00pm

Visit The Bund

Stroll along the waterfront promenade showcasing colonial-era buildings and views of Pujiang skyline. Open all day.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Nanjing Road Shopping

Explore Shanghai's premier shopping street with a mix of modern shops and traditional stores.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Enjoy Yunnan cuisine in an atmospheric setting near the Bund.
CNY180, 1.5h
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Day 6: Shanghai Sightseeing

Shanghai, China on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before you start the day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Yu Garden

Visit this classical Chinese garden featuring elegant pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
CNY40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Famous for its soup dumplings and local Shanghai snacks, located near Yu Garden.
CNY60, 1h

1:30pm

Shanghai Museum

Explore excellent displays of ancient Chinese art, pottery, and calligraphy. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Jade Buddha Temple

Visit this active temple known for its beautiful jade Buddha statues. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
CNY20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

End with sumptuous Taiwanese and Shanghainese dishes at this international favorite.
CNY150, 1.5h
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Day 7: Modern Shanghai & Departure

Shanghai, China on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Shanghai.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shanghai Tower Visit

Visit the second tallest building in the world, featuring an observation deck with sweeping views of Shanghai. Open 8:30am to 9:00pm.
CNY180, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercato by Jean-Georges

Upscale Italian dining with a Shanghai twist to enjoy your farewell meal.
CNY250, 1.5h

2:00pm

Leisure time and shopping in Xintiandi

Explore Xintiandi’s refurbished traditional shikumen houses, cafes and boutiques before heading to the airport.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Departure to airport

Leave for Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward flight.
CNY150, 1h
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed