Beijing 15-Day Trip Itinerary

Depart from Milan

Begin your journey from Milan Malpensa Airport (LIN) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Enjoy the start of your adventure to China!

Continuing Flight

Spend the day in transit as you fly towards Beijing.

Relax and prepare for your arrival in China.

Arrive in Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

After clearing customs and immigration, transfer to your hotel for check-in and some rest.

Explore Temple of Heaven

Visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests.

Witness locals practicing Tai Chi or dancing in the surrounding park.

Wear comfortable shoes. The complex is quite large.

Beijing Walking Food Tour

Embark on a walking food tour with a local friend, discovering hidden culinary gems and tasting authentic Beijing snacks and dishes. This is a great way to immerse yourselves in local culture and taste new flavors.

Mutianyu Great Wall Hike

Embark on a guided hike of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its beautiful scenery and well-preserved watchtowers.

This tour includes an uphill cable car ride, offering stunning panoramic views.

Wear layers as weather can change. Bring water and snacks. Consider the toboggan ride down for an extra thrill!

Dinner at Wangfujing Street

After a day at the Great Wall, enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the many restaurants around Wangfujing Street, famous for its shopping and diverse eateries.

Visit Tiananmen Square

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a significant historical landmark in Beijing.

Expect security checks. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Explore The Forbidden City

Step into China's imperial past with a visit to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace for 24 emperors.

Wander through its vast courtyards, opulent halls, and intricate temples.

Book tickets in advance online, especially during peak season. Closed on Mondays.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Explore the Panjiayuan Antique Market, Beijing's largest and most famous outdoor market for antiques, arts, crafts, and curiosities.

A perfect spot for souvenir hunting and experiencing local market life.

Haggling is expected! The best days to visit are weekends, but it's open daily.

Local Beijing Dinner

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Beijing for this first leg of your trip, perhaps trying some Peking duck or other regional specialties.

High-Speed Train to Xi'an

Travel by comfortable high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi'an North Railway Station.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the Chinese countryside.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Xi'an and settle in after your journey.

Xi'an City Wall

Walk, cycle, or take an electric cart along the ancient Xi'an City Wall, the most complete city wall that has survived in China, offering panoramic views of the city.

Rent bicycles at the wall for a fun way to explore the full 13.7 km circuit. Entry ticket required.

Muslim Quarter Food Tour

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, sampling delicious street food like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), lamb skewers, and persimmon cakes.

A true culinary adventure!

A fantastic experience for food lovers. Don't be afraid to try new things! Many stalls offer small portions perfect for tasting.

Terracotta Army Visit

Journey to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China's most significant archaeological discoveries. Explore the three pits and the bronze chariots.

Consider hiring a local guide at the site for deeper insights into its history. It's about an hour's drive from Xi'an city center, typically accessed by tourist bus or private transfer.

Xi'an Museum

Discover Xi'an's rich history and cultural heritage through the extensive collections at the Xi'an Museum, located near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

The museum often requires advance booking for free entry; bring your passports. Combine with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda if time permits.

Traditional Paper Cutting Workshop

Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting.

Create your own unique souvenirs to remember your trip.

Many small studios offer short workshops. This is a great way to engage with local culture and learn a new skill.

Flight to Zhangjiajie

Fly from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG).

This is the most efficient way to travel between these two distant cities.

Hotel Check-in & Relax

Arrive in Zhangjiajie, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Take some time to relax after your journey.

Explore Local Market

Take a stroll through a local market in Zhangjiajie, experiencing the regional produce, snacks, and local life.

A great opportunity to find unique souvenirs.

Local Hunan Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Hunan dinner, known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine.

Sample dishes like 'Dong'an Chicken' or 'Steamed Fish with Chopped Chili'.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Embark on a full-day exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the 'Avatar' movie. Take cable cars and elevators to experience breathtaking views from Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Golden Whip Stream.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The park is vast, so plan your route efficiently. There are many viewing platforms and hiking trails. Use the eco-buses inside the park for transportation between scenic areas.

Dinner after Hiking

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner after a day of hiking and sightseeing in the national park.

Try some local specialties again.

Evening Relaxation

Relax at your hotel or take a leisurely evening stroll to unwind after an active day.

Tianmen Mountain National Park

Visit Tianmen Mountain, known for its stunning natural arch (Tianmen Cave) and thrilling glass skywalks.

Take the world's longest cable car up the mountain and explore the scenic pathways.

This park is separate from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Book tickets in advance, especially for the cable car. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for crowds.

Lunch in Zhangjiajie City

Enjoy a final lunch in Zhangjiajie before preparing for your onward journey.

Travel Preparation

Use this time to pack, organize your belongings, and confirm details for your journey to Shanghai/Shenzhen tomorrow.

Farewell Zhangjiajie Dinner

Savor a final dinner in Zhangjiajie, perhaps revisiting a favorite dish or trying a new local eatery.

Travel to Shanghai

Take a morning flight from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Shanghai and freshen up after your travel.

Stroll The Bund

Walk along The Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade, to admire the historical colonial buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other.

Best experienced in the late afternoon for both daylight and evening views of the city lights.

Explore Nanjing Road

Continue your walk to Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, filled with shops, restaurants, and historical architecture.

Dinner with a View

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near The Bund or Nanjing Road, offering a variety of cuisines and potentially stunning night views of the cityscape.

Yu Garden & Old City

Visit the beautiful classical Chinese Yu Garden, a tranquil oasis in the bustling Old City.

Afterwards, explore the surrounding traditional market streets.

Yu Garden is often crowded; try to arrive early. Enjoy traditional tea houses and snack stalls in the Old City.

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Explore the Shanghai Natural History Museum (Jing'an), a modern museum showcasing a vast collection of natural history specimens and interactive exhibits.

A great way to spend an afternoon, especially if you have an interest in science and nature. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g308272-d9732101-Reviews-Shanghai_Natural_History_Museum_Jing_an-Shanghai.html

Local Shanghai Food Tour

Embark on a guided food tour to discover Shanghai's diverse culinary scene.

Sample local delicacies, street food, and traditional dishes while learning about the city's food culture.

This is a great way to try authentic local food in a safe and informative way. Many tours focus on specific districts.

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Ascend to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings, for breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai's futuristic skyline.

Book tickets online in advance to save time. Weather can affect visibility, so check forecasts.

Tianzifang Arts & Crafts

Explore Tianzifang, a charming arts and crafts enclave nestled within a maze of renovated traditional Shikumen alleyways.

Discover unique boutiques, galleries, cafes, and workshops.

Perfect for finding unique souvenirs and experiencing a blend of old Shanghai charm with a bohemian vibe. Many small shops offer local crafts.

Dongmen Fabric Market Visit

Visit a local market like the Dongmen Fabric Market.

Even if you're not looking to buy, it's a fascinating experience to see the vast array of textiles and observe local commerce.

A great spot to see local commerce and perhaps find unique textiles or get custom clothing made if you have time. Haggling is expected if you purchase.

Dinner in Xintiandi

Enjoy dinner in Xintiandi, a car-free area of restored traditional Shikumen architecture.

It offers a mix of international and local restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Travel to Shenzhen

Take a flight from Shanghai to Shenzhen, China's innovative tech hub.

This domestic flight will transfer you from the east coast to the south.

Hotel Check-in Shenzhen

Check into your accommodation in Shenzhen.

Take some time to settle in before exploring.

Futian CBD Exploration

Explore the Futian Central Business District, admiring its impressive skyscrapers, modern architecture, and vibrant urban environment that symbolizes Shenzhen's rapid development.

Huaqiangbei Tech Market

Wander through a section of the famous Huaqiangbei Electronic Market, a bustling hub for all things tech. Even if you're not buying, it's an incredible sensory experience.

Can be overwhelming but fascinating. Be prepared for crowds and an energetic atmosphere.

Dinner in Shenzhen

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Shenzhen, sampling Cantonese cuisine or other regional Chinese dishes.

Splendid China Folk Village

Visit Splendid China Folk Village, a theme park featuring miniature replicas of China's most famous landmarks and cultural performances representing various ethnic groups.

A good way to see many of China's highlights in one place, especially useful for a quick visit to Shenzhen. Ideal for culture and history lovers.

Last Shenzhen Lunch

Enjoy a final lunch in Shenzhen before heading to the airport for your flight back to Beijing.

Flight to Beijing for Departure

Take a domestic flight from Shenzhen to Beijing.

This positions you for your international departure from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) back to Milan.

Check into Beijing Airport Hotel

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), check into a nearby airport hotel to prepare for your international flight back to Milan on Day 16.