Itinerary
- Day 1
Shanghai
You'll arrive in Shanghai and can explore at your own pace. Start with a walk along The Bund promenade where you'll see the skyline and historic architecture up close. The Custom House with its illuminated bell tower makes a good spot for evening photos if you want to head back later in the day.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Walk along The Bund promenade
- View Custom House and bell tower illuminations
Landmarks/POIs The Bund Custom House - Day 2
Shanghai
Head to People's Square in Shanghai's heart, surrounded by futuristic skyscrapers. After that, you'll check out the Shanghai Museum to see antique treasures and ancient artifacts. Plan to pay admission when you arrive at the museum.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit People's Square
- Explore Shanghai Museum (admission payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs People's Square Shanghai Museum - Day 3
Shanghai
Start early and head to Yu Garden for a peaceful walk among pagodas and water lily ponds. From there, make your way to Shanghai Tower and ride up to the 121st floor observation deck for views across the whole city. The tower access costs extra, but the panoramic perspectives are worth it.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Yu Garden
- Shanghai Tower observation deck on 121st floor (costs money)
Landmarks/POIs Yu Garden Shanghai Tower - Day 4
Shanghai
Visit Jing'an Temple, which sits among Shanghai's skyscrapers and has three main halls and a giant Buddha statue (pay admission at the entrance). Later, you can either spend time shopping on Nanjing Road or walk through the artsy Tianzifang district. Wrap up the evening with a drink at Ritz-Carlton Rooftop Bar.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Jing'an Temple (admission payable on site)
- Shop on Nanjing Road
- Explore Tianzifang artsy district
- Drink at Ritz-Carlton Rooftop Bar
Landmarks/POIs Jing'an Temple Nanjing Road Tianzifang - Day 5
Shanghai to Xi'an
You'll board the high-speed train from Shanghai for a direct trip to Xi'an, China's former capital. Once you arrive, the day is pretty open. Wander through the narrow lantern-lit alleyways in the old town, check out local shops selling everything from silk to ceramics, or find a quiet courtyard somewhere to sit with tea and just take things in. The city has this interesting mix of ancient history and modern energy, so you'll feel like you're moving between different time periods as you walk around.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Included Activities
- High-speed train journey from Shanghai to Xi'an in 2nd class
- Transfer to accommodation upon arrival
Optional Activities
- Evening food tour in the Muslim Quarter
- Walking tour of narrow alleyways and historic neighborhoods
- Tea and people-watching in courtyard cafes
Landmarks/POIs Xi'an City Walls Muslim Quarter - Day 6
Xi'an
In Xi'an, you'll see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower first, then walk along the 14-kilometer intact City Wall. After that, head out to visit the Wild Goose Pagoda outside the city. The wall is particularly beautiful when illuminated after dark if you decide to return in the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Bell Tower
- Visit Drum Tower
- Walk or explore City Wall (14 kilometers)
- Visit Wild Goose Pagoda
Landmarks/POIs Bell Tower Drum Tower City Wall Wild Goose Pagoda - Day 7
Xi'an
Start at Hanyangling Mausoleum where you can look through glass floors into 2,000-year-old tombs (admission payable on site). Later, explore the Muslim Quarter for street food like Roujiamo and lamb skewers, and check out the Great Mosque. End your day with an optional tea ceremony in a local courtyard café.
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Hanyangling Mausoleum with underground tombs (admission on site)
- Explore Muslim Quarter street food
- Visit Great Mosque
- Attend tea ceremony with local vibes (costs extra)
Landmarks/POIs Hanyangling Mausoleum Muslim Quarter Great Mosque - Day 8
Xi'an to Chengdu
Take the high-speed train to Chengdu and settle into Sichuan's relaxed atmosphere. You'll walk through People's Park to see teahouse culture and street scenes. Later in the evening, head to Jinli Ancient Street for street food, dumplings, grilled tofu, and candied fruit.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- High-speed train journey Xi'an to Chengdu (2nd class)
Optional Activities
- Stroll through People's Park
- Tea at Heming Tea House
- Explore Jinli Ancient Street
Landmarks/POIs People's Park Heming Tea House Jinli Ancient Street - Day 9
Chengdu
Visit the Panda Base early morning when the giant and red pandas are most active (pay admission when you arrive). Later, explore Kuanzhai Alley for street food and concept stores. Consider finishing with an optional hotpot dinner where you cook your own vegetables and tofu in chili oil right at the table.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Panda Base (admission payable on site)
- Explore Kuanzhai Alley
- Try Rabbit Head delicacy
- Hotpot dinner (approximately €10-15 per person)
Landmarks/POIs Panda Base Kuanzhai Alley - Day 10
Chengdu to Beijing
Take the high-speed train to Beijing. After you check in, walk through Qianmen Street, one of the oldest shopping streets with stores, snacks, and retro Chinese lifestyle vibes. Cross over to see the Zhengyangmen city gate, which looks particularly nice lit up in the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- High-speed train journey Chengdu to Beijing (2nd class)
Optional Activities
- Walk Qianmen Street
- Visit Zhengyangmen city gate
Landmarks/POIs Qianmen Street Zhengyangmen - Day 11
Beijing
Explore Beijing's UNESCO World Heritage Sites starting with the Forbidden City (optional, can be booked online) and its massive halls, pavilions, and red and gold roof art. Next, climb Jingshan Park's coal hill for overview views of the area. Then walk through authentic hutongs on foot or book a rickshaw ride if you prefer.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Forbidden City (optional, bookable online)
- Climb Jingshan Park coal hill
- Explore hutongs on foot
- Hutong rickshaw tour (optional, bookable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Forbidden City Jingshan Park Hutongs - Day 12
Great Wall of China
Head to the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, known for green landscapes and fewer crowds. You'll grab tea and snacks at Mubus Center before taking the shuttle to the wall. From there, you can enjoy views that stretch across hills and mountains in all directions.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Great Wall of China at Mutianyu Section - transfer and entrance fee included
- Shuttle transport to the wall
Landmarks/POIs Great Wall of China - Mutianyu Section Mubus Center - Day 13
Beijing
Visit the Summer Palace (optional, payable on site) with its beautiful architecture, painted corridors, and Kunming Lake. You'll stroll through the Hall of Benevolence, explore the endless corridor's painted stories, and see gardens with the iconic marble boat and fantasy-like bridges throughout.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Summer Palace (optional, payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Summer Palace Kunming Lake - Day 14
Beijing
On your final day in Beijing, you'll have time to do what you'd like: stroll through colorful hutongs, grab some last street food snacks, hunt for souvenirs at local markets, or simply relax and reflect on your China journey before heading to the airport.
Optional Activities
- Explore hutongs
- Street food sampling
- Souvenir shopping at markets
