5-Day Budget Itinerary Across China Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Spend your morning observing these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The base is home to over 80 pandas and offers a unique opportunity to learn about panda conservation efforts.

After lunch at Chengdu Hotpot Paradise, join the Chengdu Evening Food walking tour with locals. This tour will take you through some of Chengdu's best food spots where you can sample local delicacies such as Sichuan hotpot, dumplings, and spicy noodles.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Sichuan opera performance at Shu Feng Ya Yun Sichuan Opera House. The show features face-changing acts, fire-breathing performances, and other traditional Chinese arts that are sure to leave you mesmerized.

Kick off your day with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Army. The site houses thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that were buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. It's an awe-inspiring sight that offers insight into China's ancient history.

For lunch, head over to De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant for some authentic Xi'an dumplings. Afterward, join the Xi'an Highlight Terracotta Warriors Pagoda and Great Mosque tour which includes visits to several key historical sites such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Great Mosque.

Conclude your day by exploring Xi'an's vibrant Muslim Quarter. The area is known for its bustling street markets and delicious street food offerings like lamb skewers and roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers). Enjoy dinner at one of the local eateries before heading back to your accommodation.

Start your day with a visit to The Bund (Waitan). This iconic waterfront area offers stunning views of the city's skyline and is a great place to take a morning stroll. The historic buildings along the Bund provide a glimpse into Shanghai's colonial past.

After lunch at Jesse Restaurant, head over to Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden). This classical Chinese garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. It's an ideal spot to relax and enjoy some tranquility.

In the evening, join the Huangpu River Cruise. This cruise offers spectacular views of Shanghai's illuminated skyline and landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower. After the cruise, enjoy dinner at M on the Bund, which offers delicious cuisine with a view.

West Lake (Xi Hu) is your first stop today. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its scenic beauty and has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake or explore its picturesque surroundings on foot.

Lou Wai Lou is an excellent choice for lunch, offering traditional Hangzhou cuisine with views of West Lake. Afterward, visit Lingyin Temple, one of China's largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples. The temple complex includes numerous halls, pagodas, and grottoes filled with ancient Buddhist statues.

Meijiawu Tea Village will be your final destination for the day. This village is famous for its Longjing tea plantations. Join a tea-tasting session to learn about tea culture and enjoy some freshly brewed tea. For dinner, head to Zhi Wei Guan, known for its delicious local dishes.