Ultimate 15-Day Adventure in China: Beijing, Shanghai, and More Itinerary

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), where you can witness locals practicing tai chi and other traditional activities. Have a light breakfast at a local teahouse, such as Lao She Teahouse.

Afterward, visit the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. For lunch, head to Jing Yaa Tang for delectable roast duck and other Northern Chinese delicacies. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque gardens and pavilions of the Summer Palace.

In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Red Theater Beijing Acrobatic Show With Transfer (Option), a thrilling performance showcasing the agility and skill of Chinese acrobats. Conclude the day with a dinner at King's Joy Vegetarian Restaurant, known for its innovative vegetarian cuisine.

Begin your day with a visit to the Ming Tombs (Ming Shisan Ling), the final resting place of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Afterward, head to the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.

For lunch, try the authentic Beijing cuisine at Dali Courtyard, known for its courtyard setting and traditional flavors. Then, explore the vibrant Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market), where you can shop for pearls, jewelry, and other souvenirs.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of China with a visit to the The Legend of Kung Fu Show, a spectacular performance that tells the story of a young monk's journey to enlightenment through martial arts. After the show, enjoy a dinner at Capital M Beijing, offering contemporary European cuisine with panoramic views of the city.

Explore the modern side of Beijing with a visit to the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest," and the Great Hall of the People. Then, indulge in a delightful brunch at Green T. House Living, known for its fusion of art, food, and architecture.

Afterward, visit the National Museum of China (NAMOC), where you can explore the rich history and culture of China through its extensive collection of artifacts. For a unique art experience, head to the 798 Art Zone, a thriving artistic community with galleries, studios, and cafes.

Conclude your day with a traditional Chinese hot pot dinner at Haidilao Hot Pot, known for its excellent service and high-quality ingredients. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the Olympic Park and enjoy the illuminated structures.

Embark on a day trip to the Gubei Water Town, a picturesque ancient town with a rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at a local teahouse and explore the charming canals, bridges, and traditional architecture.

For lunch, savor the local specialties at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant, known for its roast duck and other traditional dishes. Then, take a guided tour of the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai, a less crowded section of the Great Wall with stunning views.

Return to Beijing and enjoy a dinner at Black Sesame Kitchen, a hidden gem offering a unique dining experience with a set menu of seasonal dishes. Afterward, relax and reflect on your day's adventures.

Take a high-speed train to Shanghai and start your day with a visit to the iconic The Bund (Wai Tan), a waterfront promenade with stunning views of the city's skyline. Enjoy a breakfast at Yi Cafe & Bar, offering a mix of Western and Chinese cuisine.

Afterward, explore the historic Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. For lunch, try the famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung, known for its exquisite dim sum.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu), one of the world's busiest shopping streets. Then, enjoy a dinner at Lost Heaven, offering a fusion of Yunnan and Western cuisine in a stylish setting.

Start your day with a visit to the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observatory. Have a delightful breakfast at Hatsune Japanese Restaurant & Bar, known for its authentic Japanese cuisine.

Afterward, visit the Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), home to a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. For lunch, head to Mr. Shi's Dumplings for a variety of dumplings and other Chinese specialties.

In the evening, experience the unique dining concept of Dark Restaurant Dining Experience in Shanghai, where you'll enjoy a meal in complete darkness, heightening your other senses. Conclude your day with a stroll along the Xintiandi, a stylish entertainment district with a mix of historic and modern architecture.

Take a day trip to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East," and visit the Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan), one of the finest classical gardens in China. Enjoy a breakfast at a local teahouse in Suzhou.

Afterward, explore the Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the history and production of silk in China. For lunch, try the local specialties at Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu (Baoyuan Dumpling House), known for its dumplings and other traditional dishes.

Return to Shanghai and enjoy a dinner at Godly Vegetarian Restaurant, offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Afterward, relax and reflect on your day's adventures.

Start your day with a visit to the Power Station of Art, a contemporary art museum housed in a former power station. Enjoy a breakfast at 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, offering a mix of Italian and Chinese cuisine.

Afterward, explore the M50 Creative Park, a thriving arts district with galleries, studios, and cafes. For lunch, try the innovative Chinese cuisine at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, a unique dining experience that engages all the senses.

In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, one of the city's premier cultural venues. Then, savor a dinner at Flair Rooftop, Ritz-Carlton, offering panoramic views of the city and a menu of international dishes.

Take a high-speed train to Xi'an and start your day with a visit to the Terracotta Army (Bing Ma Yong), one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Enjoy a breakfast at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant, known for its variety of dumplings.

Afterward, explore the Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang), one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. For lunch, try the local specialty of Jia San Soup Dumplings, a unique version of the traditional xiaolongbao.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie), a vibrant neighborhood known for its street food and lively atmosphere. Then, enjoy a dinner at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant, offering a variety of dumplings and other local dishes.

Start your day with a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum, where you can explore the rich history and culture of the Shaanxi province. Enjoy a breakfast at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant, known for its variety of dumplings.

Afterward, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), a well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda. For lunch, try the local specialty of Jia San Soup Dumplings, a unique version of the traditional xiaolongbao.

In the evening, experience the Tang Dynasty Show, a spectacular performance that showcases the music, dance, and costumes of the Tang Dynasty. Then, enjoy a dinner at Defachang Dumpling Restaurant, offering a variety of dumplings and other local dishes.

Take a high-speed train to Chengdu and start your day with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe these iconic animals in a natural habitat. Enjoy a breakfast at Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Afterward, explore the Wuhou Shrine (Wuhouci), a temple dedicated to the memory of Zhuge Liang, a famous military strategist of the Three Kingdoms period. For lunch, try the local specialty of Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy mapo tofu and other Sichuan dishes.

In the evening, experience the traditional Sichuan Opera, known for its unique face-changing performances. Then, enjoy a dinner at Chen Mapo Tofu, offering a variety of Sichuan dishes and a lively atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to the Wenshu Monastery (Wenshu Yuan), a well-preserved Buddhist temple with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Enjoy a breakfast at Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Afterward, take a day trip to the Leshan Giant Buddha (Dafo), the largest stone Buddha in the world. For lunch, try the local specialty of Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy mapo tofu and other Sichuan dishes.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner, a communal dining experience where you can cook a variety of meats, vegetables, and other ingredients in a flavorful broth. Then, relax and reflect on your day's adventures.

Take a high-speed train to Chongqing and start your day with a visit to the Dazu Rock Carvings (Dazu Shike), a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of intricate Buddhist sculptures. Enjoy a breakfast at Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Afterward, explore the Ciqikou Old Town, a historic neighborhood with traditional architecture, narrow streets, and local crafts. For lunch, try the local specialty of Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy mapo tofu and other Sichuan dishes.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Chongqing Hot Pot Dinner, a fiery and flavorful dining experience that is a must-try in Chongqing. Then, relax and reflect on your day's adventures.

Start your day with a visit to the Hongya Cave (Hongyadong), a unique complex of stilted buildings with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy a breakfast at Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Afterward, take a leisurely cruise along the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang), one of the longest rivers in the world. For lunch, try the local specialty of Chen Mapo Tofu, known for its spicy mapo tofu and other Sichuan dishes.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at Chen Mapo Tofu, offering a variety of Sichuan dishes and a lively atmosphere. Then, take a leisurely walk along the riverfront and enjoy the illuminated skyline of Chongqing.