Best of China in 8 Days: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
The classic first-timer route hitting China's top 3 cities — imperial palaces, ancient warriors, and futuristic skylines
Overview
This itinerary covers China's three most essential cities: Beijing (3 nights) for imperial history, Xi'an (2 nights) for ancient Silk Road culture, and Shanghai (2 nights) for modern China. You'll see the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, and much more.
Days 1-3: Beijing
Beijing Highlights
Beijing Highlights
Arrive & Settle In
Check into your hotel in Dongcheng district. If you arrive early, explore Wangfujing Street for dinner.
Imperial Beijing
Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City (3-4 hours, don't miss Treasury Gallery) → Temple of Heaven → Evening: Peking Duck dinner.
Great Wall & Hutongs
Mutianyu Great Wall (cable car up, toboggan down) → Drive by Bird's Nest → Rickshaw ride through Hutong alleys → Visit a local family in a traditional courtyard house.
Days 4-5: Xi'an
Xi'an Highlights
Xi'an Highlights
Beijing → Xi'an by Train + Summer Palace
Morning: Summer Palace (imperial garden, Long Corridor). Afternoon: 4.5-hour high-speed train to Xi'an. Evening: Explore the illuminated City Wall.
Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City
Morning: Terracotta Army (allow 3 hours). Try making your own mini warrior at the workshop. Evening: Dumpling dinner + Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show.
Days 6-8: Shanghai
Shanghai Highlights
Shanghai Highlights
Xi'an → Shanghai by Flight
Morning: City Wall cycling + Muslim Quarter lunch. Afternoon flight to Shanghai (~2.5 hours). Check into hotel near The Bund.
Shanghai Highlights
Shanghai Museum → Yu Garden & Old Town Bazaar → The Bund waterfront walk → Huangpu River cruise at sunset.
Departure
Free morning for last-minute shopping at Nanjing Road. Transfer to Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) airport.
Budget Estimate (8 Days)
- Transport: ~2,500 CNY (trains + flights)
- Hotels: ~3,500-5,000 CNY (mid-range)
- Attractions: ~800 CNY
- Food: ~1,500 CNY
- Total: ~8,000-10,000 CNY per person
