10-Day Epic China Travel Itinerary Covering Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu

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Day 1: Explore Historic Beijing

Beijing, China on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Beijing imperial-style breakfast featuring dim sum and northern Chinese delicacies in a beautiful courtyard setting.
CNY98, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the massive imperial palace complex that served as China's imperial palace for almost 500 years, a must-see for history and architecture lovers. Open 8:30am-5pm.
CNY60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Famous for its Peking duck, this restaurant offers a delectable and authentic Beijing dining experience.
CNY200, 1h

2:30pm

Tiananmen Square Walk

Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a symbol of modern Chinese history.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Temple of Heaven Visit

Discover the temple complex where emperors performed annual ceremonies for good harvests, renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful parklands. Open 8am-5pm.
CNY35, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

A cozy spot known for exquisite Beijing cuisine, including dumplings and other northern Chinese specialties.
CNY150, 1h
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Day 2: Great Wall & Summer Palace

Beijing, China on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a complimentary or nearby breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventures.
Included in accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

Journey to the scenic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for fewer crowds and magnificent views. Open 7:30am-6pm.
CNY45, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu

Enjoy western and Chinese dishes with a view after your hike at this charming café near Mutianyu Great Wall.
CNY120, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Summer Palace

Wander the vast imperial gardens, lakes, and palaces at the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open 6:30am-7pm.
CNY60, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant (optional revisit)

Relax with more traditional dishes in an imperial atmosphere if desired.
CNY100, 1h
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Day 3: Shanghai Urban Adventure

Shanghai, China on June 17, 2025

6:30am

Travel to Shanghai by high-speed train

Board the morning high-speed train from Beijing South Railway Station to Shanghai Hongqiao; journey takes about 4h30m.
CNY553, 4h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Taste some world-famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) in this popular restaurant in Shanghai.
CNY120, 1h

1:00pm

The Bund Walk

Stroll along the famous waterfront promenade to admire Shanghai's impressive skyline and colonial-era buildings.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Shanghai Museum

Explore extensive collections of Chinese art, ceramics, and historic artifacts in this well-curated museum open 9am-5pm (closed Mondays).
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Yu Garden and Bazaar

Enjoy traditional Chinese gardens and shop for souvenirs in the adjacent bazaar. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY40, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Savor Yunnan cuisine in a stylish setting with views of the Huangpu River.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 4: Modern Metropolis Experience

Shanghai, China on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast in your hotel to prepare for an active day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Jade Buddha Temple Visit

Visit this peaceful Buddhist temple housing two magnificent jade Buddha statues. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
CNY20, 1h

10:30am

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Experience breathtaking city views from the world’s second tallest building’s observation deck open 8:30am-10pm.
CNY180, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at M on the Bund

Enjoy international cuisine with spectacular views of The Bund.
CNY250, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Xintiandi

Stroll through this trendy pedestrian street filled with restaurants, boutiques, and historical Shikumen architecture.
Free to explore, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Huangpu River Cruise

Take a spectacular night cruise to view illuminated skyline landmarks of Shanghai. Cruises run from 6pm–10pm.
CNY120, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung or similar

Light dinner or snack options after the cruise in the city center.
CNY100, 1h
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Day 5: South to Guangzhou

Guangzhou, China on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Fly to Guangzhou

Catch an early morning flight from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (approx. 2.5h).
CNY800, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast in Guangzhou’s Qingping Market Area

Sample local Cantonese-style dim sum and tea at a popular local spot near the traditional market.
CNY60, 1h

11:30am

Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Explore this exquisite example of Cantonese architecture and folk art, famous for detailed carvings and sculptures. Open 8am-5pm.
CNY10, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Panxi Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine in a beautiful garden setting featuring classical architecture.
CNY150, 1h

3:00pm

Pearl River Promenade

Take a leisurely walk along the Pearl River to enjoy city views, passing landmarks like Canton Tower. Best in the afternoon and evening.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on Pearl River Cruise

Experience dinner while cruising the Pearl River at night, admiring illuminated cityscapes.
CNY200, 1h30m
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Day 6: Shenzhen Modern Marvels

Shenzhen, China on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Guangzhou to Shenzhen by train

Take a high-speed train from Guangzhou South to Shenzhen (approx. 1 hour).
CNY80, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Yifang Fruit Tea Café

Enjoy refreshing fruit teas and local breakfast snacks in this popular chain in Shenzhen.
CNY40, 30m

10:00am

Visit Window of the World Park

See miniatures of world-famous landmarks and enjoy themed shows in this popular cultural theme park. Open 9am-6pm.
CNY180, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Huacheng Seafood Restaurant

Delight in fresh seafood dishes in Shenzhen’s upscale area Huacheng Square.
CNY150, 1h

3:00pm

Explore OCT Loft Creative Culture Park

Relax in this refurbished industrial area filled with art galleries, shops, and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Baia Burger Concept

Opt for gourmet Western-style burgers and craft beers in trendy Futian district.
CNY120, 1h
Book a Hotel

Day 7: Journey to Chongqing

Chongqing, China on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Fly from Shenzhen to Chongqing

Board a morning flight to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport lasting around 1 hour 40 minutes.
CNY700, 1h40m

10:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have a refreshing breakfast upon arrival to prepare for exploring Chongqing's unique mountainous cityscape.
CNY50, 1h

11:30am

Ci Qi Kou Ancient Town

Walk through this historic town with traditional buildings, teahouses, and local crafts. Open 9am-6pm.
Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Lao Ma Tou Hotpot

Experience authentic Chongqing spicy hotpot, a culinary highlight for adventurous eaters.
CNY150, 1h30m

4:00pm

Yangtze River Cable Car Ride

Take a scenic cable car ride over the Yangtze River to see panoramic city views. Operating hours 7am-10pm.
CNY20, 1h

6:30pm

Walk along Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street

Explore the bustling downtown area with shopping, lights, and street food vendors.
Free, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Chuan Guo Yan Yi

Relish spicy Sichuan-style hotpot specializing in flavor punches Chongqing is famous for.
CNY200, 1h
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Day 8: Chengdu Panda Experience

Chengdu, China on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Chongqing to Chengdu by high-speed train

Board a fast train for a scenic 2-hour journey to Chengdu.
CNY150, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Huangcheng Laoma Restaurant

Enjoy a nourishing local breakfast with specialties like Sichuan spicy noodles and steamed buns.
CNY50, 1h

10:30am

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

See giant pandas up close and learn about conservation efforts at this famous panda reserve. Open 7:30am-6pm.
CNY58, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu Restaurant

Try iconic Sichuan dishes including the spicy tofu stew that originated here.
CNY100, 1h

3:30pm

Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street

Visit the historic temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang and stroll the vibrant nearby street filled with shops and snacks. Open 8:30am-6pm.
CNY60, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yu’s Family Kitchen

A highly recommended spot for modern Sichuan cuisine offering refined flavors and ambiance.
CNY250, 1h30m
Book a Hotel

Day 9: Cultural Chengdu

Chengdu, China on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

A relaxed start with hotel breakfast before day’s sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Qingyang Palace

Explore this beautiful Taoist temple showcasing Qing dynasty architecture and gardens. Open 8am-6pm.
CNY10, 1h

10:30am

Visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Tour the tranquil former residence and memorial park dedicated to one of China's greatest poets. Open 8am-6pm.
CNY60, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Heming Tea House

Enjoy tea and light Sichuan-style snacks while experiencing local teahouse culture.
CNY80, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at People’s Park

Watch locals engage in Tai Chi, dance, and socialize in this vibrant city park.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Shopping at Chunxi Road

Explore Chengdu’s premier shopping district with fashion boutiques, cafes, and street food.
Free to browse, 2h

7:00pm

Sichuan Opera and Face Changing Show

Experience traditional Sichuan opera with dramatic face-changing performances at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse. Show times usually 7:30pm.
CNY170, 2h

9:30pm

Late dinner at Huangcheng Laoma Hotpot

Indulge in one last memorable spicy hotpot dinner before departure.
CNY150, 1h
Book a Hotel

Day 10: Departure Day

Chengdu, China on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Chengdu, reflecting on your incredible China journey.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Check out and travel to Chengdu Airport

Prepare for your departure flight home or onward travel.
Taxi approx. CNY100, 1h
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed