7 day itinerary for China

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in China:

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Check into your hotel and rest for a bit after your flight.
• In the afternoon, visit the iconic Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, which is just across the street.
• For dinner, try some traditional Peking duck at one of the many restaurants in the area.

Day 2: Great Wall of China

• Take a day trip to the Great Wall of China, one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
• Hike along the wall and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
• On the way back to Beijing, stop by the Summer Palace, a beautiful imperial garden that was once used as a summer retreat for the royal family.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven and Hutongs

• Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important religious buildings in China.
• Afterward, explore the nearby hutongs, narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses.
• You can take a rickshaw tour or simply wander around on foot, stopping at local shops and cafes along the way.

Day 4: Xi'an

• Take a morning flight to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and home to the famous Terracotta Warriors.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the city's historic sites, such as the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter.
• For dinner, try some of the local specialties, such as roujiamo (a type of Chinese sandwich) and biangbiang noodles.

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

• Head to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where you can see thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2,000 years ago.
• In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the Tang Dynasty.

Day 6: Shanghai

• Take a morning flight to Shanghai, one of China's most modern and cosmopolitan cities.
• Spend the day exploring the city's many attractions, such as the Bund (a waterfront promenade), Yu Garden (a traditional Chinese garden), and the Shanghai Tower (one of the tallest buildings in the world).
• For dinner, try some of the local street food or head to one of the city's many upscale restaurants.

Day 7: Departure

• Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time in the morning to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Otherwise, check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your flight home.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good idea of what to expect during your trip to China!