Ultimate 10-Day China Adventure: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Itinerary

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of this iconic structure. Take a memorable walk along the ancient ramparts and marvel at the breathtaking views.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu, a restaurant with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients. Afterward, explore the Ming Tombs (Ming Shisan Ling), the final resting place of 13 Ming emperors, set in a serene valley.

In the evening, relax and unwind at the Gubei Water Town, a charming ancient village at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. Take a boat ride on the canals and admire the traditional architecture. For dinner, try the local specialties at one of the town's quaint restaurants.

Begin your day with a visit to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Explore the pavilions, temples, and the iconic Longevity Hill.

For a unique dining experience, have lunch at Fangshan Restaurant inside the Summer Palace, where you can enjoy authentic imperial cuisine. After lunch, take a relaxing boat ride on Kunming Lake.

In the evening, witness the spectacular The Legend of Kung Fu Show, a fusion of traditional martial arts and modern theater. After the show, enjoy a traditional Beijing hot pot dinner at Haidilao Hot Pot.

Immerse yourself in the charm of old Beijing with a Beijing Hutong Walk Food & Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants. Explore the narrow alleyways, visit a local market, and sample a variety of traditional snacks.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Dali Courtyard, a hidden gem in the hutongs known for its Yunnan cuisine. Afterward, visit the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.

For dinner, experience the flavors of Sichuan cuisine at Dianke Dianlai, a popular restaurant in the hutongs. After dinner, take a stroll around the Back Lakes (Hou Hai) and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the historic area.

Explore the contemporary art scene in Beijing with a visit to the 798 Art Zone, a thriving artistic community in a former factory complex. Discover galleries, studios, and street art in this unique space.

For lunch, enjoy a vegetarian feast at King's Joy Vegetarian Restaurant, a high-end dining establishment with a focus on organic ingredients. Afterward, visit the National Museum of China (NAMOC) to learn about the history and culture of the country.

Dine at TRB Hutong, a fine dining restaurant located in a historic courtyard, known for its French cuisine with a Chinese twist. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Legation Quarter and soak in the ambiance of this diplomatic district.

Indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience at The Bulgari Spa, located in the heart of Beijing. Enjoy a range of luxurious treatments and take some time to unwind in the tranquil surroundings.

For a healthy and delicious lunch, head to Green T. House Living, a wellness-focused restaurant with a menu of organic and sustainable dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely walk in the Chaoyang Park, one of the largest and most popular parks in the city.

Enjoy a peaceful evening with a meditation session at The Temple of the Sun, a hidden gem in Beijing. Afterward, have a light dinner at Element Fresh, a restaurant known for its fresh and healthy cuisine.

Take a morning flight to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses.

Enjoy a traditional Shaanxi lunch at Defachang Restaurant, known for its authentic local cuisine. Afterward, explore the Xi'an City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Rent a bike and cycle along the ramparts for panoramic views of the city.

For dinner, savor the famous Yang Rou Pao Mo (crumbled unleavened bread in lamb soup), a traditional Xi'an dish, at De Fa Chang Restaurant. After dinner, take a leisurely walk in the Muslim Quarter and experience the vibrant street food scene.

Begin your day with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an and an important Buddhist pagoda. Explore the surrounding temple complex and learn about the history of Buddhism in China.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Lao Sun Jia, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Xi'an cuisine. Afterward, visit the Shaanxi History Museum to see a vast collection of artifacts that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

Dine at Qin Ji Roast Duck, a local favorite for its delicious roast duck. After dinner, take a relaxing stroll in the Tang Paradise, a large-scale theme park that recreates the splendor of the Tang Dynasty.

Take a high-speed train to Shanghai, the bustling metropolis known for its futuristic skyline. Start your day with a visit to the The Bund, a historic waterfront area with iconic colonial buildings.

For lunch, enjoy a variety of local dishes at Din Tai Fung, a popular restaurant with a reputation for its soup dumplings. Afterward, explore the Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the heart of the city.

Dine at Lost Heaven, a restaurant that offers a unique blend of Yunnan and Western cuisine. After dinner, take a night cruise on the Huangpu River to see the dazzling lights of the city skyline.

Spend your last morning in China exploring the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.

For a memorable final meal, have lunch at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, a unique dining experience that combines food, art, and technology. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier shopping street.

Conclude your China adventure with a visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, another iconic symbol of the city. Enjoy a farewell dinner at M on the Bund, a restaurant with stunning views of the Bund and Pudong skyline.