7-10 Days Classic Route Planning: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai

This route covers three core experiences of Chinese history, culture, and modern urban life, suitable for first-time visitors to China. Below is a detailed itinerary divided into a 7-day compact version and a 10-day in-depth version.

I. Overview and Time Allocation

II. Detailed Itinerary

(1) Beijing (3-4 days)
1. Day 1: Historical Classics
- Morning: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City Museum (need to book online in advance, ticket 60 yuan)
- Afternoon: Jingshan Park (overlook the entire Forbidden City) → Beihai Park (experience royal gardens)
- Evening: Wangfujing Pedestrian Street (dinner recommendation: Quanjude Roast Duck)

1. Day 2: Great Wall & Hutongs
2. Morning: Badaling Great Wall (suggest starting at 7 a.m. to avoid crowds; can take direct bus or high-speed rail)
3. Afternoon: Nanluoguxiang (Hutong culture) → Shichahai (boat ride or bar street night view)

4. Transport Tip: After returning from the Great Wall, take a taxi to the subway station (about 100 yuan), or use the "Beijing Bus" app to check real-time schedules.

5. Day 3: Culture & Art

6. Morning: Summer Palace (suggest entering from the North Gate to avoid group tourists)
7. Afternoon: Old Summer Palace → Tsinghua University/Peking University (need to book visits in advance)

8. Optional: 798 Art District (modern art exhibitions)

9. Day 4 (Extra for In-depth Version):

10. Temple of Heaven → National Museum (free, need reservation) → Qianmen Street (time-honored snacks)

(2) Xi'an (2-3 days)
1. Day 1: Terracotta Warriors & History
- Morning: Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum (suggest renting an electronic guide, ticket 120 yuan)
- Afternoon: Huaqing Hot Spring Palace (Tang Xuanzong and Yang Guifei's palace) → Eternal Regret performance (strongly recommended, nightly live-action performance)
- Transportation: Subway Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, transfer to bus 613 directly to the Terracotta Warriors.

1. Day 2: Ancient City Charm
2. Morning: Xi'an City Wall (cycling recommended between Yongning Gate and Anding Gate) → Stele Forest Museum
3. Afternoon: Muslim Quarter (food recommendation: Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo) → Bell and Drum Tower Square

4. Evening: Tang Dynasty Unsleeping City (light show + unsteady performer, starts at 19:30)

5. Day 3 (Extra for In-depth Version):

6. Shaanxi History Museum (free, need to reserve 3 days in advance) → Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Xuanzang culture) → Small Wild Goose Pagoda (less crowded and peaceful)

(3) Shanghai (2-3 days)
1. Day 1: Classic Landmarks
- Morning: The Bund (suggest shooting photos before 8 a.m. when there are fewer people) → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
- Afternoon: Yu Garden (classical garden) → Chenghuang Temple (snack recommendation: Nanxiang steamed bun)
- Evening: Huangpu River Night Cruise (cruise ticket 150-300 yuan, bookable on Ctrip)

1. Day 2: Modern Metropolis
2. Morning: Lujiazui (Observatory Deck on the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower, ticket 180 yuan)
3. Afternoon: Tianzifang (art district) → Xintiandi (combination of Shikumen architecture and fashion)

4. Evening: Bund Source or Jing'an Temple night view

5. Day 3 (Extra for In-depth Version):

6. Disneyland (requires a whole day, suggest purchasing Early Reservation Card) or Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (water town experience)

III. Transportation and Accommodation Suggestions

1. Inter-city Transportation:
2. Beijing→Xi'an: Second-class seat on high-speed rail 515 yuan (recommend G87 train, departs at 9:00); economy class flight approximately 500-800 yuan (Capital Airport→Xianyang Airport).

3. Xi'an→Shanghai: Second-class seat on high-speed rail 669 yuan (G360 train, departs at 7:45); economy class flight approximately 600-1000 yuan.

4. Accommodation Recommendations:

5. Beijing: Wangfujing/Qianmen area (convenient for visiting the Forbidden City); budget recommendation: Beijing Lijun Hotel (high-end), Qiuguo Hotel (mid-range).
6. Xi'an: Around the Bell Tower/South Gate (such as Xi'an Junle Castle Hotel); budget recommendation: Mercure Hotel (good value for money).
7. Shanghai: Bund/Nanjing Road East (such as Peace Hotel); budget recommendation: Hanting Hotel (Jing'an Temple branch).

IV. Budget Reference (per person)

V. Precautions

1. Visa & Policies: Ensure your passport has more than 6 months validity, apply for a tourist visa (L visa) in advance, which allows a stay of up to 30 days.
2. Payment Methods: Bind Alipay/WeChat Pay (need a Chinese bank card or TourCard prepaid card for foreign visitors).
3. Pitfall Avoidance:
4. Avoid "illegal taxis" when visiting the Great Wall in Beijing, choose official buses or high-speed rail.
5. Be cautious when buying jade products in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter.
6. Take care of your phone while taking pictures at The Bund in Shanghai, beware of crowded areas.
7. Useful Tools:
8. Gaode Map (navigation+ride-hailing), Ctrip (ticket booking), Dianping (restaurant search).
9. Rent portable WiFi at airports/high-speed rail stations (approximately 30 yuan per day).