Day 1: Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. Check into your hotel in the downtown area. In the afternoon, visit the Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Admire the grandeur of the Tiananmen Gate. Then, enter the Forbidden City. Wander through the numerous palaces and halls, marveling at the exquisite architecture and historical relics. This imperial palace complex showcases the glorious history and splendid culture of ancient China.
Day 2: Beijing
In the morning, go to the Badaling Great Wall. You can choose to hike a certain section of the wall. The magnificent view from the top is breathtaking. After coming back from the Great Wall, head to the Summer Palace. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the man-made lake, pavilions, and corridors. This imperial garden is a perfect place to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature combined with traditional Chinese architecture.
Day 3: Beijing - Xi'an
Take a high-speed train to Xi'an. After arriving in Xi'an, visit the Terracotta Army Museum. The life-sized terracotta warriors and horses are an amazing archaeological discovery. These sculptures vividly present the military might and advanced craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. In the evening, explore the ancient city wall of Xi'an. You can rent a bicycle and ride around the wall to enjoy the night view of the city.
Day 4: Xi'an - Guilin
Fly to Guilin. Once you arrive in Guilin, take a cruise on the Li River. The karst mountains along the river create a fairy-tale-like scenery. The clear water and unique mountain peaks make for a very relaxing and visually stunning experience. In the evening, enjoy the local cuisine in Guilin, especially the famous Guilin rice noodles.
Day 5: Guilin - Yangshuo
Travel to Yangshuo. Here, you can rent a bike or a scooter and ride around the countryside. Visit the Moon Hill, which has a natural arch at the top. You can also take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River. The idyllic scenery along the river is extremely charming. In the evening, experience the local folk performances in Yangshuo.
Day 6: Yangshuo - Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai. In the afternoon, visit the Bund. Admire the colonial architecture on one side of the Huangpu River and the modern skyscrapers on the other side. The contrast between the old and the new is very impressive. Then, go to the Oriental Pearl Tower. You can take the elevator to the observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai.
Day 7: Shanghai
Spend the morning in the Yu Garden. Explore the traditional Chinese garden with its beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. After that, go shopping in the Nanjing Road. There are many famous international and local brands. You can buy some souvenirs here. In the afternoon, prepare for your departure.
This 7-day itinerary allows you to experience the rich history, magnificent natural scenery, and modern charm of different parts of China. Each destination has its own unique features and attractions that will leave you with unforgettable memories.