This 8-day journey takes you through China’s three iconic cities, blending ancient history, imperial grandeur, and modern dynamism—perfect for experiencing the country’s past and present.

Day 1-3: Beijing – Imperial History & Cultural Heritage

Arrive in Beijing, check into your hotel, and rest to beat jet lag.
Afternoon: Visit Tiananmen Square (China’s political heart) and the Forbidden City (UNESCO site, former imperial palace with 600+ years of history).
Evening: Dine on Peking duck, a Beijing culinary classic.

Morning: Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall (less crowded than Badaling, with well-preserved sections and cable car access).
Afternoon: Explore the Ming Tombs (UNESCO site, burial grounds of 13 Ming emperors, featuring the Sacred Way and Changling Tomb).
Evening: Return to downtown Beijing and stroll around Wangfujing Street (famous for shopping and local snacks).

Morning: Visit Temple of Heaven (UNESCO site, where emperors prayed for good harvests, known for its circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests).
Afternoon: Tour the Summer Palace (UNESCO site, imperial garden with lakes, bridges, and pavilions—ideal for leisurely walks).
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese opera performance (optional) or relax at a hutong (ancient alley) café.

Morning: Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (≈4.5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Terracotta Army (UNESCO site, 2,000-year-old life-sized warrior statues—one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries).
Evening: Wander around Muslim Quarter (try local snacks like roujiamo “Chinese hamburger” and lamb soup) and see the illuminated Giant Wild Goose Pagoda at night.

Morning: Cycle or walk along the Xi’an City Wall (the best-preserved ancient city wall in China, built during the Ming Dynasty, 13.7km long).
Afternoon: Explore Shaanxi History Museum (houses 370,000+ cultural relics spanning 3,000 years, showcasing Xi’an’s role as 13 dynasties’ capital).
Evening: Take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Shanghai (≈6 hours; overnight option available for flexibility).

Arrive in Shanghai, check into your hotel.
Morning: Stroll along The Bund (waterfront promenade with 52 historic European-style buildings, offering stunning views of Pudong’s skyline).
Afternoon: Shop or wander on Nanjing Road (one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, blending luxury brands and local boutiques).
Evening: Take a Huangpu River cruise to admire Shanghai’s night views (Pudong’s Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower light up beautifully).

Morning: Visit Yu Garden (classical Chinese garden built in the Ming Dynasty, with rockeries, ponds, and ancient pavilions) and the surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar (for traditional crafts and snacks like xiaolongbao “soup dumplings”).
Afternoon: Explore Pudong New Area—visit the Shanghai Tower (China’s tallest building, observation deck with panoramic city views) or the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Evening: Dine in Xintiandi (restored shikumen “stone-gate” houses with trendy restaurants and bars).

Morning: Wander the Former French Concession (tree-lined streets, colonial-era villas, and cozy cafes—perfect for photos and relaxation).
Afternoon: Visit the Shanghai Museum (houses rare Chinese artworks like bronzes, porcelains, and calligraphy) or do last-minute shopping.
Evening: Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight.

High-speed trains between cities are comfortable and on time—book tickets in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking (many sites involve extensive sightseeing).
Respect local customs: cover shoulders/knees at religious sites, and avoid loud talking in public.