12-Day China Adventure: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Shenzhen Itinerary

Fuel up for the day with a breakfast at Black Sesame Kitchen, offering a unique farm-to-table dining experience. Post-breakfast, embark on a journey to the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall (6:30 AM - 6:30 PM) with a private transfer, allowing you to witness one of the most iconic wonders of the world. Spend the morning walking along the ancient fortifications and enjoying the panoramic views.

After descending from the Great Wall, enjoy a traditional Chinese meal at Jing Yaa Tang, known for its contemporary Beijing cuisine. Following lunch, visit the tranquil Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) (6:30 AM - 6:00 PM), where you can explore the beautiful gardens, pavilions, and the famous Long Corridor.

Dine at Dali Courtyard, set in a traditional Beijing courtyard, and indulge in Yunnan cuisine. Cap off the evening with an enthralling performance at the Red Theater Beijing Acrobatic Show With Transfer (Option), where you'll witness the agility and skill of the performers.

Start your day with a breakfast at Mr. Shi's Dumplings, offering a wide variety of delectable dumplings. Post-breakfast, take a guided tour to the Ming Tombs (Ming Shisan Ling) (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), the royal burial complex of the Ming Dynasty, and explore the fascinating history and architecture.

Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors. Afterward, visit the Beijing National Stadium (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), also known as the "Bird's Nest," and the Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), iconic structures from the 2008 Olympics.

For dinner, experience the vegetarian delights at King's Joy Vegetarian Restaurant, offering a serene and elegant dining environment. Conclude your evening with a visit to the Lama Temple (Yonghegong) (9:00 AM - 4:30 PM), one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world, where you can witness the evening prayers.

Begin your day with a visit to the National Museum of China (NAMOC) (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM), where you can explore a vast collection of Chinese cultural relics and art. Afterward, enjoy a delightful breakfast at Green T. House Living, known for its fusion of art, food, and nature.

Post-breakfast, take a guided tour to the 798 Art Zone (Dashanzi Art District) (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM), an area filled with contemporary art galleries, unique shops, and avant-garde exhibitions. For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Hatsune Japanese Restaurant & Bar, offering a wide range of authentic Japanese dishes.

As the day winds down, enjoy a serene evening at Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan) (6:00 AM - 9:00 PM), where you can witness a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the surrounding area. For dinner, head to Capital M Beijing, located in the heart of the city, offering modern European cuisine with a stunning view of the Qianmen Gate.

Start your day with a breakfast at Lost Heaven, offering a unique blend of Yunnan flavors. After breakfast, explore the hidden alleys and traditional courtyard homes (hutongs) of Beijing on a Beijing Hutong Half-Day Walking Tour with Yinding Bridge Visit (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM), gaining insight into the local way of life.

For lunch, enjoy the flavors of TRB Hutong, set in a historic hutong and offering a contemporary dining experience. Post-lunch, visit the Imperial Garden of the Palace Museum (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM), also known as the "Yuhuan Garden," and explore its classical Chinese garden landscape.

Dine at Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu (Baoyuan Dumpling House), a popular spot for dumpling lovers, and savor a variety of dumplings. Conclude your evening with a visit to the Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts (National Grand Theater), also known as "The Giant Egg," and admire its futuristic architecture.

Arrive in Xi'an and kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant, known for its traditional dumplings. Afterward, visit the iconic Terracotta Army (Bing Ma Yong) (8:30 AM - 5:30 PM) with a private transfer, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring army of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses.

Enjoy a local Xi'an cuisine lunch at Jia San Soup Kitchen, offering a variety of savory soups and dishes. Post-lunch, explore the ancient City Wall (Chengqiang) (8:00 AM - 10:00 PM) on a guided bike tour, cycling along the ramparts and enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Dine at Defachang Restaurant, a renowned spot for traditional Shaanxi cuisine, and then take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie), immersing yourself in the local street food, bustling markets, and historical architecture.

Start your day with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyanta) (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM), an elegant and historic Buddhist pagoda. Afterward, enjoy a breakfast at Haidilao Hot Pot, known for its interactive dining experience and flavorful hot pot dishes.

Post-breakfast, delve into the history of the Shaanxi History Museum (8:30 AM - 6:00 PM), where you can explore a vast collection of cultural relics and artifacts. For lunch, head to De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant and indulge in a variety of traditional dumplings.

Dine at Jia San Soup Kitchen for a taste of local Xi'an soups and dishes. Cap off your evening with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM), a well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda and a symbol of Xi'an.

Arrive in Shanghai and start your day with a delightful breakfast at Din Tai Fung, known for its exquisite steamed dumplings. After breakfast, take a morning stroll along the iconic The Bund (Wai Tan) (24/7), admiring the historic buildings on one side and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other.

For lunch, enjoy the flavors of Hatsune Japanese Restaurant & Bar, offering a wide range of authentic Japanese dishes. Post-lunch, visit the Yu Garden (Yuyuan) (8:30 AM - 5:30 PM), a classical Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, providing a serene escape from the bustling city.

Dine at Lost Heaven, offering a unique blend of Yunnan flavors in a stylish setting. After dinner, experience the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai with a cruise on the Huangpu River Night Cruise (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM), where you can enjoy the stunning views of the illuminated skyline.

Start your day with a breakfast at TRB Hutong, set in a historic hutong and offering a contemporary dining experience. Post-breakfast, visit the Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si) (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, housing two exquisite jade Buddha statues.

For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Green T. House Living, known for its fusion of art, food, and nature. Afterward, explore the trendy and artistic district of Tianzifang (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM), with its narrow alleyways filled with boutiques, galleries, and cozy cafes.

Dine at Capital M Beijing, located in the heart of the city, offering modern European cuisine with a stunning view of the Qianmen Gate. After dinner, enjoy a captivating performance at the The Legend of Kung Fu Show (7:30 PM - 8:45 PM), showcasing the skill and artistry of Chinese martial arts.

Begin your day with a visit to the Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan) (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM), where you can explore a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Afterward, enjoy a delightful breakfast at Mr. Shi's Dumplings, offering a wide variety of delectable dumplings.

Post-breakfast, take a leisurely walk along the Shanghai French Concession (24/7), admiring the charming tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and boutique shops. For lunch, savor the famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung, an experience not to be missed.

Dine at Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu (Baoyuan Dumpling House), a popular spot for dumpling lovers, and then enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Xintiandi (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM), a stylish and modern entertainment district with a mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Begin your day with a breakfast at Hatsune Japanese Restaurant & Bar, offering a wide range of authentic Japanese dishes. After breakfast, visit the Shenzhen Museum (Shenzhen Bowuguan) (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM), where you can learn about the history and development of the city.

For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Green T. House Living, known for its fusion of art, food, and nature. Post-lunch, explore the innovative and futuristic exhibits at the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum (Shenzhen Keji Bowuguan) (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM), a great place for both adults and kids.

Dine at Capital M Beijing, located in the heart of the city, offering modern European cuisine with a stunning view of the Qianmen Gate. After dinner, take a leisurely walk in Shenzhen Bay Park (Shenzhen Wan Gongyuan) (24/7), enjoying the sea breeze and the beautiful views of the city skyline.

Start your day with a visit to the Dafen Oil Painting Village (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM), where you can witness the creativity of local artists and even get a custom painting. Afterward, enjoy a delightful breakfast at Mr. Shi's Dumplings, offering a wide variety of delectable dumplings.

Post-breakfast, explore the Window of the World (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM), a theme park with replicas of famous landmarks from around the world. For lunch, head to Din Tai Fung and indulge in the famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Dine at Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu (Baoyuan Dumpling House), a popular spot for dumpling lovers, and then enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Huaqiangbei Commercial Street (24/7), one of the world's largest electronic markets, where you can find all kinds of gadgets and gizmos.