5-Day Itinerary in China: Discover the Best of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai

Morning:

• Tiananmen Square: Begin your journey at Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, where you can see the iconic Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
• Forbidden City: Walk through the magnificent Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex that was home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years. Marvel at the intricate architecture and vast courtyards.

Afternoon:

• Temple of Heaven: Head to the Temple of Heaven, known for its stunning circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The park is also a great spot to see locals practicing Tai Chi.
• Summer Palace: Visit the Summer Palace, a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. Enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake and stroll through the beautiful gardens.

Evening:

• Peking Duck Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant. This crispy, flavorful duck is a must-try dish in Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing to Xi’an – The Ancient Capital

Morning:

• Great Wall of China: Start your day with a trip to the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling. Hike along this historic fortification and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon:

• Train to Xi’an: Take a high-speed train to Xi’an. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic ride.

Evening:

• Xi’an City Wall: Arrive in Xi’an and visit the ancient City Wall. You can walk or bike along the top of the wall, which offers great views of the city.

Day 3: Xi’an – Gateway to Ancient China

Morning:

• Terracotta Army: Visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Explore the three pits filled with thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots.

Afternoon:

• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist pagoda that was built to house sutras and relics brought from India.

Evening:

• Muslim Quarter: Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter of Xi’an. Enjoy street food and shop for local handicrafts.

Day 4: Xi’an to Shanghai – The Modern Metropolis

Morning:

• Flight to Shanghai: Fly to Shanghai, China’s bustling financial hub. The flight is about 2 hours.

Afternoon:

• The Bund: Walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront. Admire the historic buildings and enjoy views of the modern skyline across the Huangpu River.
• Nanjing Road: Stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street. Explore the numerous shops and boutiques.

Evening:

• Oriental Pearl Tower: Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a dinner in the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower.

Day 5: Shanghai – Culture and Modernity

Morning:

• Yuyuan Garden: Explore Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden located in the old city. The garden features beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds.
• Jade Buddha Temple: Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, renowned for its two magnificent jade Buddha statues.

Afternoon:

• Shanghai Museum: Spend time at the Shanghai Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection of Chinese art, including ancient ceramics, calligraphy, and jade.

Evening:

• Cruise on the Huangpu River: End your trip with a relaxing evening cruise on the Huangpu River. Enjoy stunning views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline and landmarks.