Journeys
One week, three cities, the full arc — empire, ancients, tomorrow. This is the itinerary that has introduced more travellers to China than any other, tuned day by day.
Day 1: Temple of Heaven + hutongs + duck. Day 2: Forbidden City (book 7 days ahead!) + Jingshan sunset. Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall + Olympic-park evening.
Full guide →Morning bullet to Xi'an (~4.5 h) — arrive for the Muslim Quarter's evening: roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, lantern lanes.
Full guide →Terracotta Army till mid-afternoon → city-wall cycling at golden hour → optional Tang Mall lights after dark.
Full guide →Fly (2.5 h) or take the long rail; land into the French-Concession plane trees, Yu Garden at dusk, dumpling dinner.
Full guide →Shanghai Museum morning → Bund golden hour → river cruise or tower deck — depart via the 430 km/h maglev if flying PVG.
Full guide →Rainy Wall day? Summer Palace. Museum fatigue? Tianzifang lanes. Extra energy? Zhujiajiao water town half-day from Shanghai.
Full guide coming soonPrices, opening hours, transport and policy details can change at any time — always verify with official sources before you travel. China Travel Co is an independent travel guide with no affiliation to, or endorsement from, any government body.