Beijing-Xi\'an-Shanghai: The Classic China Route
The essential first-timer\'s route through China\'s three iconic cities — imperial Beijing, ancient Xi\'an, and futuristic Shanghai — connected by high-speed rail.
Route Overview
This is the classic Golden Triangle — the route 80% of first-time visitors take. It covers China\'s three most iconic cities: Beijing\'s Forbidden City and Great Wall, Xi\'an\'s Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai\'s futuristic skyline. All three cities are connected by 4-6 hour high-speed trains, making logistics straightforward.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3: Beijing
Fly into Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX). Day 1: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (book tickets 7 days ahead on WeChat). Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall — less crowded than Badaling, with a toboggan ride down. Day 3: Temple of Heaven at sunrise for the pensioners' tai chi, then the hutongs near Gulou for lunch. Evening: Peking duck at Dadong or Siji Minfu.
Days 4-5: Xi'an
Take the 4.5-hour high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North (¥550). Day 4: Terracotta Warriors — go early (8:30am) to beat the crowds. The museum is 40 km east of the city. Day 5: Xi'an City Wall — rent a bike and cycle the full 14 km loop. Evening: Muslim Quarter for lamb skewers, biangbiang noodles, and persimmon cakes.
Days 6-8: Shanghai
Take the 6-hour high-speed train from Xi'an to Shanghai (¥670). Day 6: The Bund at dusk for the Pudong skyline. Walk Nanjing Road to People's Square. Day 7: Former French Concession — Fuxing Road, Tianzifang, and a coffee at Manner. Day 8: Shanghai Museum or a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town (1 hr by metro). Fly out from Pudong (PVG).
Planning This Route
Getting Between Cities
Beijing → Xi\'an: 4.5 hrs by high-speed train (¥550). Xi\'an → Shanghai: 6 hrs by high-speed train (¥670). All trains depart hourly. Book on Trip.com or 12306.cn (Chinese-only).
Where to Stay
Beijing: Stay near Wangfujing or the hutongs around Gulou ($60-120/night). Xi\'an: Inside the city walls near the Bell Tower ($40-80/night). Shanghai: Former French Concession or Jing\'an ($80-150/night).
When to Go
April-May and September-October are ideal — pleasant temperatures (15-25°C), clear skies. Avoid Golden Week (first week of October) and Chinese New Year (late January/February) — attractions are packed and prices double.
Want a custom China itinerary?
We work with a licensed Guangzhou travel agency to build personalized routes — whether it's your first time in Beijing, an off-the-beaten-path Silk Road trip, or a Xinjiang small-group tour with a local guide.
No obligation. Just tell us your dates and interests — we'll send you a free proposal within 48 hours.
Ready for the next step?
Here's what to sort out next for your China trip.