China Travel, Customised · AI-Generated Itinerary
Beijing · Xi'an · Shanghai — 8-Day Golden Triangle
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
Overview
The classic first-trip route: imperial Beijing, Terracotta-Warrior Xi'an and neon Shanghai — linked by high-speed rail.
Route map
© Esri · OpenStreetMap contributors
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested hourly plan — times are flexible and your trip designer fine-tunes every detail.
DAY
1
1
Beijing
Arrival & first look
09:00Arrive in Beijing; private transfer to your hotel and check-in.
12:30Welcome lunch — Peking duck.
14:30Gentle orientation: a guided stroll through Beijing's old quarter with short photo stops.
17:30Return to the hotel to rest; activate your eSIM and set up Alipay / WeChat Pay.
19:00Dinner — zhajiang noodles.
20:30Easy evening: a night view or free time. Brief for tomorrow.
Daily reminders · applies every day
- Carry your passport (plus a visa copy) — hotels and sites may check ID.
- Confirm the next day's driver pickup time each evening.
- Keep cash and a topped-up Alipay / WeChat Pay app.
- Charge your phone and power bank before heading out.
- Download the offline map for the day's area.
- Pre-book timed-entry tickets and wear comfortable shoes.
DAY
2
2
Beijing
Full-day exploration
08:00Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00Morning: explore the Summer Palace.
11:30Continue at the Temple of Heaven.
12:30Lunch — copper hot pot.
14:30Afternoon: the hutongs & 798 art district.
17:00Free time — cafés, a park stroll or shopping street.
19:00Dinner — Peking duck (your guide's pick).
20:30Evening: night market, a show or a quiet rooftop.
DAY
3
3
Beijing
Full-day exploration
08:00Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00Morning: explore the Temple of Heaven.
11:30Continue at the hutongs & 798 art district.
12:30Lunch — Peking duck.
14:30Afternoon: the Forbidden City.
17:00Free time — cafés, a park stroll or shopping street.
19:00Dinner — zhajiang noodles (your guide's pick).
20:30Evening: night market, a show or a quiet rooftop.
DAY
4
4
Xi'an
Settle in & explore
08:00Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00Morning: explore the Ancient City Wall.
11:30Continue at the Muslim Quarter.
12:30Lunch — roujiamo.
14:30Afternoon: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
17:00Free time — cafés, a park stroll or shopping street.
19:00Dinner — a dumpling banquet (your guide's pick).
20:30Evening: night market, a show or a quiet rooftop.
DAY
5
5
Xi'an
Full-day exploration
08:00Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00Morning: explore the Muslim Quarter.
11:30Continue at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
12:30Lunch — a dumpling banquet.
14:30Afternoon: the Terracotta Army.
17:00Free time — cafés, a park stroll or shopping street.
19:00Dinner — biangbiang noodles (your guide's pick).
20:30Evening: night market, a show or a quiet rooftop.
DAY
6
6
Shanghai
Settle in & explore
08:00Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00Morning: explore Yu Garden.
11:30Continue at the Lujiazui skyline.
12:30Lunch — scallion-oil noodles.
14:30Afternoon: the French Concession.
17:00Free time — cafés, a park stroll or shopping street.
19:00Dinner — Shanghai-style braised pork (your guide's pick).
20:30Evening: night market, a show or a quiet rooftop.
DAY
7
7
Shanghai
Full-day exploration
08:00Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00Morning: explore the Lujiazui skyline.
11:30Continue at the French Concession.
12:30Lunch — Shanghai-style braised pork.
14:30Afternoon: Zhujiajiao water town.
17:00Free time — cafés, a park stroll or shopping street.
19:00Dinner — xiaolongbao (your guide's pick).
20:30Evening: night market, a show or a quiet rooftop.
DAY
8
8
Shanghai
Final morning & departure
07:30Breakfast at the hotel and pack.
09:00Final stroll or souvenir shopping near the hotel in Shanghai.
11:00Check out and settle any incidentals.
12:00Private transfer to the airport / station; guide assists with check-in.
—End of services. Safe travels — thank you for travelling with WingPhoenix!
Getting around
| Leg | Distance | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing → Xi'an | 905 km | Domestic flight |
| Xi'an → Shanghai | 1221 km | Domestic flight |
Practical tips
- April–May & Sept–Oct have the best weather; avoid the Oct 1–7 National Day crowds.
- Book Forbidden City and Terracotta tickets in advance (real-name).
- Set up Alipay / WeChat Pay and a China eSIM before landing.
- Emergencies: Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Tourism hotline 12301 · WingPhoenix 24/7 WhatsApp +86 180 3801 6100.
Plan this trip
Want this as a fully bookable itinerary — hotels, private car, English guides & live pricing? Build it in the WingPhoenix AI trip planner, or WhatsApp +86 180 3801 6100.
WingPhoenix — inbound China travel: AI trip planning · private charter · bespoke tours · eSIM · small-group departures.
wingphoenix.com · WhatsApp +86 180 3801 6100 · AI-generated plan, final details confirmed by your trip designer.
wingphoenix.com · WhatsApp +86 180 3801 6100 · AI-generated plan, final details confirmed by your trip designer.