The Classic First-Timer
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai — the triangle that explains China: imperial capital, ancient capital, future capital.
- Pace
- Fast but humane: 3 cities, 3+ nights each, one high-speed hop per leg.
- Budget
- ¥600–1000 (mid-range hotels, mix of street food and restaurants, all tickets).
- Best for
- First visit, 7–12 days, wants the postcard China plus comfort.
- Day 1–3Beijing
Imperial Beijing
Day 1: Forbidden City (reserved ahead — see the reservations guide) + Jingshan park sunset view. Day 2: Great Wall at Mutianyu (tour or DiDi+taxi; skip Badaling crowds). Day 3: Temple of Heaven at 7am with the morning dancers, then hutongs around Nanluoguxiang, Peking duck at night.
- Day 4Beijing → Xi'an
High-speed hop
Morning G-train (4.5h). Afternoon: Muslim Quarter street food crawl, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda fountain show at night.
- Day 5–6Xi'an
Ancient capital
Day 5: Terracotta Army (book ahead, morning slot) + city wall by bicycle at golden hour. Day 6: Shaanxi History Museum (free but reserved), dumpling banquet, night market.
- Day 7Xi'an → Shanghai
Longest hop
Morning flight (2h) or bullet train (6h if you want the countryside). Evening: the Bund at night, skyline across the river.
- Day 8–10Shanghai
Future China
Day 8: Yu Garden + French Concession walk + Tianzifang. Day 9: day trip to a water town (Zhujiajiao, 1h by metro) or Disneyland. Day 10: Pudong observation deck, coffee in the former Jewish quarter, fly out.
Before you lock this in
Read the visa guide (entry rules), thetrain booking guide (15-day booking window), and thereservations guide (Forbidden City sell-outs). Then run thepre-flight checklist.