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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
View Hotel Availability