A 7-Day Journey Through Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai

Day 1 - 3: Beijing - The Ancient Capital

Day 1: Arrival and the forbidden city

We arrived in Beijing, the ancient capital of China, and were immediately greeted by the city's vibrant energy. IntoTravelChina, our trusted tour agency, had arranged a smooth pick - up from the airport.

After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to The Forbidden City. This magnificent imperial palace is a must - see. Walking through the grand gates and along the red - walled corridors, we felt like we were stepping back in time. The intricate carvings on the pillars and the beautiful roof decorations were truly awe - inspiring.

Food Break: For lunch, we tried the famous Peking duck at a local restaurant recommended by our guide. The crispy skin and tender meat, wrapped in thin pancakes with some hoisin sauce, were absolutely mouthwatering.

Avoid the Pit: Be careful of the street vendors near the Forbidden City who might overcharge you for souvenirs. It's better to buy gifts at the official stores inside the palace or in well - known shopping areas.

Day 2: The Great Wall and Hutongs

The second day was all about the Great Wall. We chose the Mutianyu section, which is less crowded but still offers stunning views. Climbing the wall was a bit challenging, but the sense of achievement when we reached the top was priceless.

In the afternoon, we explored the traditional hutongs. These narrow alleys are full of old - world charm. We took a rickshaw ride through the winding streets, visiting local families and learning about their daily lives.

Food Break: In the hutongs, we had a bowl of hot and sour soup and some jiaozi (dumplings) at a small family - run restaurant. The flavors were authentic and delicious.

Avoid the Pit: When taking a rickshaw in the hutongs, make sure to agree on the price before the ride to avoid any disputes later.

Day 3: Temple of Heaven and Departure

On our last day in Beijing, we visited The Temple of Heaven. This is where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests. The circular altar and the beautiful Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are architectural marvels.

After the visit, we had some time to shop for souvenirs at the nearby market. We bought some traditional Chinese handicrafts, such as paper - cuts and silk scarves.

Then, we bid farewell to Beijing and took a high - speed train to Xi'an.

Day 4 - 5: Xi'an - The Ancient City of the Terracotta Warriors

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors

Xi'an is famous for the Terracotta Warriors, and we couldn't wait to see them. As we entered the museum, we were amazed by the life - sized soldiers and horses arranged in battle formation. Each warrior has a unique facial expression and posture, which is truly remarkable.

Food Break: For lunch, we tried the local speciality, Yangrou Paomo (lamb stew with broken bread). The rich broth and tender lamb were a perfect combination.

Avoid the Pit: Some tour guides might try to sell you expensive jade or other souvenirs. Be cautious and only buy from reputable stores.

Day 5: Xi'an City Wall and Muslim Quarter

We spent the morning cycling on the Xi'an City Wall. The wall is well - preserved, and cycling along it offers a great view of the city.

In the afternoon, we explored the Muslim Quarter. This lively area is full of street food stalls and traditional shops. We tried various snacks, such as roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and persimmon cakes.

Food Break: The roujiamo here is a must - try. The crispy bread and the spicy meat filling are a perfect match.

Avoid the Pit: Be careful when eating street food. Make sure the food is fresh and cooked well to avoid stomach problems.

Day 6 - 7: Shanghai - The Modern Metropolis

Day 6: The Bund and Nanjing Road

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new blend harmoniously. We started our day at the Bund, a famous waterfront area. The colonial - style buildings on one side and the modern skyscrapers on the other side of the Huangpu River create a unique view.

Then, we walked along Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in China. There are countless shops, from high - end brands to local boutiques.

Food Break: We had dinner at a restaurant on Nanjing Road and tried some Shanghai - style dishes, such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and hairy crab.

Avoid the Pit: When shopping on Nanjing Road, be aware of the prices. Some stores may have higher prices for tourists.

Day 7: Yu Garden and Departure

On our last day in Shanghai, we visited Yu Garden. This traditional Chinese garden is full of beautiful pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

After the visit, we had some time to buy last - minute souvenirs. Then, we took a taxi to the airport and ended our wonderful 7 - day journey with IntoTravelChina.

Overall Experience: This trip with IntoTravelChina was truly unforgettable. We not only saw the famous attractions but also experienced the local culture and cuisine. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and they took care of all the details, making our trip stress - free.

Final Tips:

1. Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in each city.
2. Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as "xièxie" (thank you) and "duìbùqǐ" (sorry), which can be helpful.
3. Use mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, which are widely accepted in China.
4. Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues.

This journey through Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai has given us a deeper understanding of China's rich history and vibrant culture. We highly recommend IntoTravelChina for anyone planning a trip to China.