How many days do you need in China?

This itinerary covers 6 days in China, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for China?

Plan your perfect 6 days trip to China. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

6-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of China: Beijing to Shanghai

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Beijing, China on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Qingfeng Steamed Dumpling Shop

Start your day with traditional Beijing-style steamed dumplings and soy milk, a popular local breakfast spot serving fresh dumplings since 1993.

CNY20, 1h0m

9:30am

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

Explore Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace that offers insight into China's imperial history. The Forbidden City is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.

CNY60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Enjoy Beijing’s famous Peking duck at Da Dong, renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat, open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

CNY200, 1h30m

3:00pm

Temple of Heaven Park

Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site where emperors historically prayed for good harvests. Open from 6:00am to 10:00pm, it offers beautiful architecture and gardens.

CNY35, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Indulge in modern Chinese cuisine with a focus on Beijing delicacies, located in The Opposite House hotel and open until 10:30pm.

CNY250, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 2: Great Wall Trek

Beijing, China on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of outdoor adventure at the Great Wall.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

Travel to Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall. The section is less crowded and features a cable car for ascent. The wall is open from 7:30am to 6:00pm.

CNY45 + Cable Car 100, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse Restaurant near Mutianyu

Eat Western and Chinese dishes in a cozy setting near the Great Wall, serving from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

CNY150, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Beijing, Rest

Travel back to Beijing and take some rest at your hotel.

Included, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wangfujing Snack Street

Experience local street food delicacies such as lamb skewers, scorpions, and fried buns until 10:00pm.

CNY50, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Beijing

Day 3: Historical Xi'an

Xi'an, China on June 3, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel to Xi'an

Have a quick breakfast before catching a morning high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an, approximately a 5.5 hour journey.

CNY553, 6h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant

Taste traditional Shaanxi dumplings with varied fillings in a historic restaurant open until 8:00pm.

CNY60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Ancient City Wall

Cycle or walk atop the ancient city wall for panoramic views of Xi’an. The wall is open until 9:00pm, allowing a leisurely exploration.

CNY54, 2h0m

5:30pm

Muslim Quarter Food Stalls

Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter for snacks and street food, open till late evening, perfect for an early dinner experience with local flavors.

CNY40, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors Experience

Xi'an, China on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the Terracotta Army visit.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum

Explore the vast archaeological site showcasing thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. The museum is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

CNY150, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Jade Garden Restaurant

Dine at this restaurant near the museum that offers traditional Shaanxi dishes, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

CNY120, 1h0m

2:00pm

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Visit this iconic Buddhist pagoda built in the Tang dynasty, open until 6:00pm with beautiful grounds to explore.

CNY50, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at First Noodle Under the Sun

Sample famous biangbiang noodles and other Shaanxi specialties in this popular local eatery, open till 9:00pm.

CNY40, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Xi'an

Day 5: Vibrant Shanghai

Shanghai, China on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Travel to Shanghai

Enjoy breakfast at hotel and board a morning high-speed train to Shanghai, approximately 6 hours journey.

CNY553, 6h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Relish exquisite Shanghai cuisine and famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at this well-known Taiwanese chain, open until 9:00pm.

CNY150, 1h0m

3:30pm

The Bund Walk

Stroll along The Bund waterfront to admire Shanghai’s iconic skyline and colonial-era architecture, open access anytime.

Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Shanghai Museum

Visit the Shanghai Museum to explore Chinese art, ceramics, and calligraphy. It closes at 5:00pm on weekdays but is open on weekends till 9:00pm, so check accordingly.

Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Dine on Yunnan and other southwestern Chinese dishes in a beautifully decorated setting, open till 11:00pm.

CNY300, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 6: Modern Exploration

Shanghai, China on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your last day with a comfortable hotel breakfast before heading out for city exploration.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Yuyuan Garden

Discover classical Chinese garden beauty with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. The garden opens at 8:30am and closes at 5:30pm.

CNY40, 2h0m

11:30am

Shopping and Lunch at Nanjing Road

Explore China's premier shopping street with numerous eateries offering Shanghai cuisine, a great spot for lunch and souvenirs.

Varies, 2h0m

2:00pm

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Visit the world's second tallest building and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck, open from 8:30am to 9:30pm.

CNY180, 1h30m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Relish authentic soup dumplings that are a local favorite, perfect to end your culinary journey, open till 3:00pm to 8:00pm.

CNY50, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Step 1 Outline Preview:

6-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of China: Beijing to Shanghai

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

Day 2: Great Wall Trek

7:00am

8:00am

1:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Historical Xi'an

6:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:30pm

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors Experience

8:00am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

6:30pm

Day 5: Vibrant Shanghai

7:00am

2:00pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

Day 6: Modern Exploration

8:00am

9:00am

11:30am

2:00pm

5:00pm

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