Day 1: Beijing – Discover China’s Historic Capital
Beijing is the perfect introduction to China. Start your trip by visiting one of the most iconic sites in the world: the Forbidden City. As you explore the palace complex, take time to absorb all the imperial history within its walls.
Afterward, head to Tiananmen Square. It’s right next door, and it’s one of the largest public squares in the world. Spend time walking around, observing the mix of modern politics and historical monuments.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Temple of Heaven. It’s one of Beijing’s most important religious sites. The park around it is great for people-watching too.
End your day with some local Peking duck for dinner. Many restaurants serve it, but a popular spot is Da Dong. The crispy skin and tender meat are really worth trying.
Where to Stay
Try to stay around the Dongcheng District. It’s central and gives you easy access to all the major sights. Hostels like Peking Station Hostel are budget-friendly and a perfect base.
Day 2: Beijing – The Great Wall and More
No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall. The Mutianyu section is about 1.5 hours from central Beijing. It’s less crowded and has beautiful views.
You can hike up or take a cable car to the top, depending on how energetic you feel. Taking the toboggan ride down is a fun experience if you want something a little different.
When you return to the city, spend the late afternoon in the hutongs, the traditional alleyways of Beijing. These narrow streets are packed with small shops and local eateries. You can easily get lost wandering around, but that’s part of the fun.
For dinner, why not grab something at a local dumpling shop? The hutongs are full of tasty, cheap bites.
Pro Tip
If you want to avoid the crowds at the Great Wall, visit early in the morning. The wall opens around 7:30 AM.
Day 3: Xi’an – Home of the Terracotta Warriors
Today, take an early morning high-speed train to Xi’an. The journey will take around 4.5-5 hours, but the trains are fast and comfortable. Once there, head directly to see the famous Terracotta Warriors.
The site is enormous, and thousands of life-sized soldiers have been unearthed here. Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring this archaeological marvel.
Afterward, head back to Xi’an’s city center and visit the Muslim Quarter in the evening. The street food here is incredible. Don’t miss the local favorite: roujiamo, a Chinese-style burger.
Where to Stay
Stay near the Bell Tower in central Xi’an. It’s convenient for getting around and close to the main attractions. Many affordable guesthouses and hotels are around this area.
Day 4: Xi’an – Explore the Ancient City
Start your day with a walk along Xi’an’s ancient city wall. You can even rent a bike and cycle around the top of it. The views of the city from the wall are fantastic, and it’s a fun way to see the layout of the city.
In the late morning, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This Buddhist pagoda has a lot of historical significance and the surrounding gardens are a nice escape from the bustling city.
Spend your afternoon at the Shaanxi History Museum. This place is packed with relics from Xi’an’s rich history as the starting point of the Silk Road and as one of China’s ancient capitals. It’s free to enter, but you’ll need to show your passport, so don’t forget to bring it.
For dinner, find a local restaurant to try some Xi’an-style noodles. Biang biang noodles are a favorite here; large, flat noodles served with various sauces.
Day 5: Chengdu – Relax with Pandas and Hot Pot
Hop on another high-speed train to Chengdu. The journey will take around 3-4 hours. Once you arrive, get ready to meet China’s most famous animal: the giant panda.
Chengdu’s Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is where you’ll get the chance to see these amazing animals. It’s best to visit in the early morning if you want to catch them when they’re most active (they tend to nap later in the day).
After your panda visit, head into the city and take a relaxing stroll through People’s Park. You can join in on some local tai chi, sip tea at one of the traditional teahouses, or watch a spontaneous match of street chess.
End the day by diving into Chengdu’s spicy food culture. Try a Sichuan-style hot pot for dinner. It’s a fiery experience, but it’s what Chengdu is known for.
Pro Tip
If the hot pot sounds a little too spicy, you can also ask for a milder broth to balance out the heat.
Day 6: Chengdu – Cultural Highlights and National Parks
Start your morning with a visit to Wuhou Shrine. This temple is a must-see for history buffs, as it’s dedicated to Zhuge Liang, one of the most important figures in Chinese history.
Then head to Jinli Ancient Street for some shopping and snacking. It’s a lovely street filled with vendors selling souvenirs, local crafts, and delicious street food.
In the afternoon, consider a trip outside the city to Mount Qingcheng. This is one of the principal Daoist mountains in China and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery offer a great way to unwind after days of city exploration.
Back in Chengdu, finish your day with a more relaxed meal. Chengdu is famous for its dumplings and noodles, so why not try one of the numerous local spots serving up these classics?
Where to Stay
The Chunxi Road area in Chengdu is lively and has plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. Plus, it’s an ideal location for exploring the city.
Day 7: Shanghai – China’s Modern Metropolis
For your final stop, take a flight or high-speed train to Shanghai. Once you arrive, head straight for The Bund. This waterfront area offers some of the best views of Shanghai’s famous skyline. On one side, you’ll see sleek modern skyscrapers, and on the other, colonial-era buildings.
Next, take a stroll through the neighboring streets and visit Yu Garden. This classical Chinese garden offers a tranquil escape from the busy city.
In the afternoon, head up the Shanghai Tower for a bird’s eye view of the city. At 632 meters, it’s the tallest building in China and has an observation deck with jaw-dropping panoramic views.
End your trip with dinner at a restaurant overlooking the waterfront. Shanghai is known for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), so make sure to try them before you leave.
Pro Tip
If you want a great view of the city, visit The Bund in the evening when the entire skyline is illuminated. It’s the perfect final sight to end your trip.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day itinerary gives you a mix of history, culture, and modern-day China. You can adjust it easily to suit your pace. The high-speed trains between cities make intercity travel smooth and efficient, so don’t let the distances intimidate you.
Pace yourself, and don’t feel pressured to see everything. With such a wide variety of experiences, this trip will leave you with a deeper understanding of China while also inspiring you to come back for more.
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