7 days in China: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
The perfect introduction: 3 days of imperial Beijing, 2 days of terracotta warriors and ancient history in Xi'an, and 2 days of modern Shanghai. All connected by comfortable high-speed rail — no flights, no backtracking.
This is the route I recommend to every first-time visitor to China. It hits the three cities that define the country's past, present, and ancient roots, in a geographic order that makes sense: north (Beijing) → central (Xi'an) → east (Shanghai). High-speed G-trains connect all three in comfort.
Route overview
Beijing: The Imperial Capital
Three days to see the essentials without rushing. Base yourself near Dongcheng or Wangfujing for easy access to everything central.
Day 1 — Central axis: Tiananmen → Forbidden City → Jingshan
Arrive in Beijing, get to your hotel, and spend the afternoon on Beijing's famous central axis. Enter Tiananmen Square, then go straight into the Forbidden City at your pre-booked time. Exit north and walk up Jingshan Park for the classic roofline view of the entire palace complex. Have a relaxed dinner in Shichahai/Houhai in the evening.
Day 2 — South axis: Temple of Heaven → Summer Palace (or Great Wall)
Start early at the Temple of Heaven when the park is full of morning exercisers. If you have energy and it's not your third day, head to the Summer Palace in the northwest for the afternoon. If you prefer one big-ticket item, save Day 2 for the Great Wall at Mutianyu.
Day 3 — Great Wall (if not day 2) → hutongs → evening train prep
If you didn't visit the Wall on Day 2, do it today at Mutianyu (the best-preserved, least crowded section for tourists). Spend your final afternoon wandering Nanluoguxiang hutong. Pack your bags this evening — tomorrow is a travel day.
Stay: 3 nights in central Beijing (Dongcheng district recommended). Book first: Forbidden City tickets (7+ days ahead) and Great Wall transport.
High-speed train to Xi'an
Comfortable 4.5 hour G-train from Beijing West to Xi'an North. Book business or first class for the most relaxing ride.
Morning — Check out, take the G-train
Take a morning train (around 9-10am is ideal). Beijing West Station is well-connected by metro. The train ride itself is an experience: 300+ km/h across the North China plain, with comfortable seats and food service.
Afternoon — Xi'an City Wall → Muslim Quarter
Arrive at Xi'an North around 2pm. Check into your hotel near the Bell Tower or City Wall. Walk or cycle the ancient City Wall in the late afternoon when the light is golden. Walk to the Muslim Quarter for dinner — this is one of China's great street food areas: try roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), biangbiang noodles, and cold skin noodles (liangpi).
Transport tip: Book your Beijing→Xi'an train 7-10 days in advance. Seat selection: first class (一等座) gives you wider seats in a 2-2 layout. Stay near the City Wall or Bell Tower for easy walking.
Xi'an: Terracotta Army & Ancient History
The big day: one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, plus Xi'an's other ancient treasures.
Full morning/early afternoon — Terracotta Army
Get an early start (arrive by 8:30am if possible). The Terracotta Army is 45 minutes outside the city. Spend 3-4 hours at the pits: Pit 1 is the largest and most overwhelming, but don't skip Pit 2 (with the cavalry and archers) and the bronze chariots exhibition. You can stop at Huaqing Palace on the way back if you have extra time and energy.
Evening — Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Tang culture
Back in the city, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area. The Tang-style buildings and fountains are especially nice at night. Eat dinner at a Shaanxi restaurant near your hotel — try yangrou paomo (bread soaked in lamb soup), a Xi'an specialty.
Tip: Hire a driver or take the official tour bus (游5/306) from Xi'an Railway Station for the trip to the Terracotta Army. Ignore the fake buses that try to lure you to souvenir shops.
High-speed train to Shanghai
6 hour G-train from Xi'an North to Shanghai Hongqiao. Travel through the heart of China, arriving in the gleaming east coast megalopolis.
Morning — Check out, take the G-train
Take a morning train (around 8-9am) for a comfortable daytime ride. The route crosses the Qinling Mountains, then follows the Yangtze River east through Nanjing before reaching Shanghai. This is a longer train day — bring snacks, download movies, and enjoy the ride.
Afternoon/Evening — Arrive in Shanghai, The Bund at night
Arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao around 2-3pm. Check into your hotel near French Concession or Nanjing Road. Walk to the Bund for the famous skyline view of Pudong at dusk — the lit-up Lujiazui skyline is one of the most recognizable views in modern China. Have dinner nearby or in the French Concession.
Transport tip: This is the longest train leg — business class (商务座) is worth considering for 6 hours. Stay near People's Square or South Shaanxi Road metro station for easy access to everything.
Shanghai: Old & New
Your final day: Yu Garden in the morning, French Concession in the afternoon, departure from Shanghai.
Morning — Yu Garden & Old Town
Start early at Yu Garden (Yuyuan) before the crowds arrive. Wander the classical Chinese garden and the surrounding old-town streets. Walk along the nearby Bund waterfront if you didn't get enough the night before.
Afternoon — French Concession → departure
Head to the French Concession for leafy streets, boutique shops, and a relaxed lunch. If you have an evening flight, you can also visit Tianzifang or Xintiandi before heading to the airport (Pudong PVG is 1 hour by metro/taxi; Hongqiao SHA is much closer).
Departure tips: Allow 3 hours for international flights from Pudong (PVG). Hongqiao (SHA) is 20-30 minutes from the city centre — better if you have a domestic or short-haul international flight.
Essential bookings & preparation
- Visa: Apply for your Chinese tourist visa (L-visa) 1-2 months before departure. See the visas & entry guide.
- Trains: Book Beijing→Xi'an and Xi'an→Shanghai high-speed trains 7-14 days ahead via Trip.com or the official 12306 app. Use passport information to book.
- Forbidden City: Book tickets online 7 days in advance. They sell out fast, especially in peak season (April-October).
- Terracotta Army: Book tickets online in advance to skip ticket lines.
- Payment: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before you leave. See the payment in China guide.
- Internet: Buy a Chinese eSIM or local SIM card before or immediately after landing. You'll need maps, translation, and payment apps. See the internet & apps guide.
- Hotels: Book all hotels before you go — you'll need confirmation prints for visa applications anyway. Use booking.com or Trip.com.
Optional extensions
If you have extra days, consider these add-ons: