China 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Beijing

  • Place to Go: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section)

Morning: Start your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of China. Then head to the nearby Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex used to pray for good harvest. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude or Bianyifang, famous Beijing Roast Duck restaurants.

Evening: Rest and prepare for the next day’s journey.

Things to Know:

  • Beijing weather can be unpredictable. Carry layers of clothing and a light raincoat.
  • Bargaining is common in markets but not at official shops or restaurants.
  • Taxis do not use meters, so agree on the price before starting your journey.

Visa Requirements: Tourist Visa (L-visa) is required for most foreigners. Application can be done online or at the Chinese embassy/consulate in your home country.

Transportation: Subway is the best way to get around Beijing. Taxi and ride-hailing services like Didi are also available.

Day 2: The Ancient Capital - Xian

  • Place to Go: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, and City Wall

Morning: Take a flight to Xian. After arriving, visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the 20th century.

Afternoon: Explore the Muslim Quarter, famous for its Islamic food street and the Great Mosque. Don’t miss the Bell Tower and City Wall, two iconic symbols of Xian.

Evening: Rest and prepare for the next day’s journey.

Things to Know:

  • Xian’s weather is hot and humid in summer, so carry sunscreen and a hat.
  • Haggle for the best prices in the Muslim Quarter markets.
  • Some attractions may have an additional fee for taking photos.

Transportation: Taxis and ride-hailing services are available. Xian also has a metro system but it’s not as extensive as Beijing’s.

Day 3: The Pearl of the Orient - Shanghai

  • Place to Go: The Bund, Yu Garden, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Nanjing Road

Morning: Take a flight to Shanghai. Start your day with a walk along The Bund, a famous waterfront area with impressive buildings from the 1920s and 30s.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Yu Garden, an elegant classical Chinese garden, and then head to the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street.

Evening: Return to your accommodation and prepare for departure the next day.

Things to Know:

  • Shanghai is known for its vibrant nightlife. Explore the bars and clubs in the French Concession area.
  • Bargaining is less common in shops in Shanghai compared to other cities in China.
  • Shanghai metro is the most efficient way to get around the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available.

Transportation: High-speed trains connect Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai. Flights are also available but may be more expensive.