Ultimate 15-Day China Adventure: Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin, and Zhangjiajie Itinerary

Start your day with a panoramic view of the city from the Shanghai Tower (Shanghai Zhongxin Dasha), one of the tallest buildings in the world. Afterward, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at Xiao Fei Yang Hot Pot, a popular spot for authentic Sichuan hot pot.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Xin Tian Di, an area with a perfect blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern lifestyle, offering a wide array of boutiques, bars, and restaurants for a leisurely afternoon. For lunch, try the hand-pulled noodles at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao (Jin Mao Tower) with a view of the famous Pearl Tower.

Experience the dynamic nightlife of Shanghai with a visit to the French Concession, known for its tree-lined avenues, historic European villas, and an array of trendy bars and restaurants. Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at M on the Bund, offering stunning views of the Pudong skyline and the best of European cuisine.

Escape the city and explore the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, known as the "Venice of Shanghai." Stroll along the canals, visit traditional Chinese houses, and take a boat ride to experience the town's unique charm. For breakfast, savor the local specialty, shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), at Yang's Fry-Dumpling.

Return to Shanghai and spend your afternoon at Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Explore the exquisite architecture and the two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma. For lunch, enjoy the flavors of Hunan cuisine at Guyi Hunan Cuisine (Nanjing West Road).

Conclude your day with a cultural performance at the Shanghai Acrobatic Show, showcasing the incredible skills of the city's acrobats. After the show, indulge in a dinner of traditional Shanghainese dishes at Jia Jia Tang Bao, famous for its soup-filled dumplings.

Begin your day with a visit to the Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), home to a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. After immersing yourself in history, enjoy a light breakfast at Di Shui Dong (Dongping Road), known for its spicy Hunan dishes.

Explore the vibrant art district of M50 Creative Park (M50 Liuhe), where you can visit galleries, interact with local artists, and witness the contemporary art scene in Shanghai. For lunch, head to The Commune Social by Jason Atherton for a modern European dining experience in a stylish setting.

Experience the energetic nightlife of Shanghai with a guided 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour. Cycle through the city's illuminated streets, visit popular local hangouts, and sample a variety of street foods and drinks. End the night with a visit to a lively bar in the heart of the city.

Discover the lesser-known side of Shanghai with a Shanghai Like a Local Customized Guided Tour. Your local guide will take you to hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, and share insider tips about the city. Enjoy a breakfast of traditional Suzhou-style noodles at Fu Chun Xia Long Bao (Wujiang Road).

After the tour, continue your exploration with a visit to the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, where you can learn about a fascinating period of Chinese history through a unique collection of propaganda posters. For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Italy at Mercato Centrale Shanghai, a vibrant food hall with a wide range of Italian delicacies.

Relax and unwind at the Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with flavors from China's Xinjiang region while cruising along the Huangpu River, taking in the glittering skyline of Shanghai by night.

Take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, silk industry, and ancient canals. Upon arrival, visit the serene Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan), one of the finest classical gardens in China. For breakfast, enjoy the famous Suzhou-style mooncakes at Suzhou-style Mooncake Shop.

Explore the historic Suzhou Silk Museum to learn about the city's silk production and history. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the Shantang Street (Seven-Li Shantang), a well-preserved ancient street with traditional architecture and local shops. For lunch, savor the delicate flavors of Suzhou cuisine at Local Suzhou Restaurant.

Return to Shanghai in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at Whampoa Club at Three on the Bund, offering a sophisticated blend of Cantonese and Western cuisines in a stylish setting.

Begin your day with a visit to the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observatory. For breakfast, head to Jean Georges Shanghai at Three on the Bund for a luxurious dining experience with a mix of French, American, and Asian influences.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Pudong, the modern business district of Shanghai. Explore the futuristic architecture, visit the Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu Ta), and take a walk on the Lujiazui Central Greenland to enjoy the open space and city views. For lunch, try the innovative dishes at The House of Roosevelt - 'T' Dining Room.

Experience the magic of Shanghai Disneyland, where you can enjoy thrilling rides, live entertainment, and the enchanting world of Disney. Dine at one of the park's many restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines to suit every taste.

Arrive in 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. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses. For breakfast, enjoy a traditional Xi'an-style meal at Xiao Yang Sheng Jian, famous for its pan-fried pork buns.

After the Terracotta Army, visit the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Qin Shi Huang Ling), where the emperor's tomb is located. Explore the surrounding area and learn about the history of the first imperial dynasty of China. For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Xi'an cuisine at Liang Pi King (Liang Pi Wang), known for its cold noodle dishes.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Great Mosque (Da Qingzhensi), an architectural gem that blends traditional Chinese and Islamic styles. Take a leisurely walk in the nearby Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie), where you can sample a variety of local snacks and street food. For dinner, try the spicy delights at Spicy Joint (Xiang Liao) (Jiefang Road).

Begin your day with a visit to the Ancient City Wall (Chengqiang), one of the best-preserved city walls in China. You can rent a bicycle and ride along the top of the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the city. For breakfast, head to Da Hu Chun, a local favorite known for its traditional Xi'an dishes.

Explore the Shaanxi History Museum (Shaanxi Lishi Bowuguan), which houses a vast collection of artifacts that showcase the rich history and culture of the Shaanxi province. Afterward, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), an iconic Buddhist pagoda with a history of over 1,300 years. For lunch, enjoy the flavors of Sichuan cuisine at Chen Mapo Tofu (Jiefang Road), known for its spicy mapo tofu.

Experience the traditional art of Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Banquet in Xi'an. Enjoy a performance of music and dance that reflects the vibrant culture of the Tang Dynasty, followed by a feast of various dumplings with different fillings at the theater. After the show, take a leisurely walk around the South Gate (Yongningmen) area to soak in the evening atmosphere.

Embark on a day trip to Mount Hua (Huashan), one of China's five sacred mountains and known for its breathtaking natural scenery and challenging hiking trails. Take the cable car to the North Peak and start your hike from there. For breakfast, enjoy a hearty meal at Hua Shan Tea House (Huashan Lu), where you can fuel up with local specialties before your adventure.

Spend the afternoon exploring the mountain, visiting its peaks, temples, and enjoying the stunning views. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take the famous Plank Walk (Xian Yu) for an exhilarating experience. For lunch, there are various small eateries and stalls along the trails where you can grab a quick bite and rest.

Descend from the mountain and return to Xi'an in the evening. Relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at Lao Sun Jia (Beilin District), a popular spot for traditional Shaanxi cuisine, known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes.

Arrive in Guilin, known for its stunning karst landscape. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Guilin Rice Noodles Shop, where you can enjoy the local specialty. Afterward, take a relaxing walk along the Li River (Li Jiang), soaking in the natural beauty and fresh air.

For lunch, head to Four Lakes Ice Cream Bar (Si Hu Bing Jia), a unique spot where you can enjoy delicious ice cream with a view of the city's four lakes. Afterward, visit the Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan), one of Guilin's most famous landmarks, resembling an elephant drinking from the river.

Enjoy a tranquil evening cruise on the Li River (Li Jiang), watching the sun set behind the karst peaks. After the cruise, savor a dinner of local flavors at Guilin Renmian Jia (Zhengyang Pedestrian Street), a popular noodle shop known for its variety of noodle dishes.

Begin your day with a visit to the Longji Rice Terraces (Longji Titian), also known as the Dragon's Backbone Terraces, where you can witness the stunning landscape of terraced fields. For breakfast, enjoy a picnic with local snacks and fruits, surrounded by the natural beauty.

Explore the Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan), a fascinating underground world with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. Afterward, visit the Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes Resort (Guilin Shi Wai Tao Yuan) to enjoy the serene environment and take a leisurely boat ride. For lunch, try the vegetarian dishes at Guilin Laozhai Rice Noodle (Zhengyang Pedestrian Street), a popular spot for local flavors.

Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Impression Sanjie Liu Show, a spectacular outdoor performance set on the Li River. After the show, enjoy a dinner of Guilin specialties at Guilin Mifen Jia (Zhengyang Pedestrian Street), where you can taste different variations of rice noodles.

Arrive in Zhangjiajie, known for its otherworldly landscapes that inspired the movie "Avatar." Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Zhangjiajie Tujia Flavored Restaurant, where you can enjoy local delicacies. Afterward, take a walk in the Bailong Elevator (Hundred Dragons Elevator), the highest outdoor elevator in the world, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

For lunch, head to Zhangjiajie Baofeng Lake Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the beautiful Baofeng Lake. Afterward, visit the Baofeng Lake (Baofeng Hu) and take a boat ride to admire the crystal-clear waters and the surrounding karst peaks.

Conclude your day with a visit to Xibu Street, a lively area with traditional Tujia architecture, local snacks, and cultural performances. Enjoy a dinner of Tujia cuisine at Zhangjiajie Tujia Flavored Restaurant, where you can taste dishes unique to the region.

Begin your day with a visit to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, also known as the "Avatar Mountains" due to its appearance in the movie. Explore the stunning rock formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. For breakfast, enjoy a picnic with local snacks at the scenic spot.

After Yuanjiajie, visit the Tianzi Mountain (Tianzishan), another iconic area with towering peaks and lush vegetation. Take a cable car ride to the top and enjoy the expansive views. For lunch, head to Zhangjiajie Tianzi Mountain Restaurant, where you can dine with a view of the mountains.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge. Walk across the bridge and admire the deep canyon below. For dinner, return to the city and enjoy a meal at Zhangjiajie Baofeng Lake Restaurant, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

On your final morning in Zhangjiajie, take a moment to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Zhangjiajie Tujia Flavored Restaurant, savoring the local flavors and reflecting on your journey. After breakfast, you may have some free time to explore the city or pick up any last-minute souvenirs.

As your time in Zhangjiajie comes to an end, transfer to the airport or train station for your departure to your next destination or back home. Carry with you the memories of the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality you experienced in Zhangjiajie.

Depart from Zhangjiajie, marking the end of your 15-day adventure through China's diverse and captivating cities and natural wonders. Reflect on the iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and culinary delights you've encountered, and cherish the memories of this unforgettable journey.