I. Core Itinerary (12 Days & 11 Nights)
Day 1-3: Beijing - Touch the Profound Heritage of the Millennium Imperial Capital
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, check into a downtown hotel. In the evening, stroll around Tiananmen Square and feel the solemnity of the Monument to the People's Heroes and Tiananmen Rostrum in the twilight. Have Peking duck for dinner to start the food tour.
Day 2: Visit the Palace Museum all day (reservation in advance is recommended). Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit core buildings such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony in sequence, listening to the legendary stories of the Ming and Qing courts. In the afternoon, go to Jingshan Park, climb the Wanchun Pavilion to overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City and feel the symmetrical beauty of the "central axis". In the evening, wander around Wangfujing Pedestrian Street to experience the hustle and bustle of the market.
Day 3: In the morning, go to Badaling Great Wall and climb the "First Pass Under Heaven" to feel the heroism of "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero". In the afternoon, visit Dingling Tomb among the Ming Tombs to explore the architectural mystery of the imperial mausoleum. Have old Beijing hot pot for dinner.
Day 4-6: Shanghai - Encounter the Fashion and Romance of a Modern Metropolis
Day 4: Take the high-speed rail from Beijing to Shanghai (about 4.5 hours), check into a hotel near the Bund. In the afternoon, stroll along the Bund and enjoy the international buildings and skyscrapers on both sides of the Huangpu River. In the evening, take a ferry across the Huangpu River and climb the Oriental Pearl Tower to overlook the night view of Shanghai.
Day 5: In the morning, visit Yu Garden to appreciate the exquisiteness of classical gardens, wander around Yu Garden Old Street and taste Shanghai snacks such as Nanxiang xiaolongbao (steamed buns) and shengjianbao (pan-fried buns). In the afternoon, go to Tianzifang to feel the literary atmosphere in the Shikumen buildings and check in at characteristic stores. In the evening, go to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to experience the bustling business district of the magic city.
Day 6: In the morning, visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum to explore the mysteries of science and technology. In the afternoon, go to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to feel the quiet charm of the Jiangnan water town and take a covered boat to tour the ancient town. Have local Shanghai dishes for dinner, such as braised pork in brown sauce and eel in soy sauce.
Day 7-9: Xi'an - Dream Back to the Prosperity of the Qin, Han and Tang Dynasties
Day 7: Take the high-speed rail from Shanghai to Xi'an (about 6 hours), check into a hotel near the ancient city wall. In the afternoon, visit the Shaanxi History Museum (reservation in advance is required) to appreciate precious cultural relics such as the Terracotta Army and Tang tri-colored glazed pottery, and feel the cultural accumulation of the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties. In the evening, stroll along the Xi'an Ancient City Wall and experience the unique fun of cycling on the wall.
Day 8: Visit the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum all day, watch the grandeur of the "Eighth Wonder of the World" up close and listen to the archaeological stories of the Terracotta Army. In the afternoon, go to Huaqing Palace to visit the imperial garden of the Tang Dynasty and enjoy the real-scene performance "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" (in the evening, tickets need to be booked in advance).
Day 9: In the morning, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Dacien Temple to feel the prosperity of Buddhist culture in the Tang Dynasty. In the afternoon, wander around the Muslim Street to taste Xi'an snacks such as roujiamo (pork sandwich), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with steamed bread) and zenggao (glutinous rice cake), and buy characteristic handicrafts. In the evening, enjoy the musical fountain performance at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day 10-12: Yunnan - Indulge in the Nature and Customs of the "South of the Clouds"
Day 10: Take a flight from Xi'an to Kunming (about 2.5 hours), then transfer to Dali (about 1 hour). Check into a hotel near Dali Ancient City. In the afternoon, visit Dali Ancient City, stroll along Yangren Street and feel the Bai ethnic customs. In the evening, go to the west bank of Erhai Lake to enjoy the sunset.
Day 11: In the morning, take a cruise on Erhai Lake to visit scenic spots such as Nanzhao Style Island and Xiaoputuo, and appreciate the clear blue of Erhai Lake. In the afternoon, go to Xizhou Ancient Town to visit Bai ethnic dwellings, taste Xizhou Baba (a kind of pancake) and experience Bai ethnic tie-dye craftsmanship. Return to Dali Ancient City in the evening to enjoy the night view.
Day 12: Take a flight back from Dali and end the journey.
II. Folk Custom Experience
1. Beijing: Visit temple fairs (during the Spring Festival), enjoy traditional operas such as Peking Opera and shadow puppetry, and experience intangible cultural heritage crafts such as paper-cutting and dough figurine making. Walk into hutongs, visit courtyard houses and feel the "Beijing-style" life of old Beijing.
2. Shanghai: Participate in the Yu Garden Lantern Festival (during the Lantern Festival) to enjoy lanterns and folk performances. Experience Shanghai Pingtan (story-telling and ballad-singing in Suzhou dialect) and feel the Jiangnan culture in the soft singing. Walk into Shikumen alleys to understand the daily life of Shanghai people.
3. Xi'an: Participate in the Xi'an City Wall International Marathon (every November) to feel the collision between the ancient city and sports. Experience Qinqiang Opera and feel the northwest passion of "roaring out". Experience the dietary culture and religious customs of the Hui people in Muslim Street.
4. Yunnan: Experience the Bai ethnic "Three-Course Tea" etiquette in Dali, feeling the philosophy of life of "first bitter, then sweet, and finally aftertaste". Participate in the Yi ethnic Torch Festival (on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month) and sing and dance with local villagers. Walk into Lijiang Ancient Town, feel the Naxi ethnic Dongba culture and enjoy Naxi ancient music.
III. Notes
1. Document Preparation: Carry a valid passport and apply for a Chinese visa in advance. Make copies of important documents for backup and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
2. Reservation: Popular attractions such as the Palace Museum, Shaanxi History Museum and Terracotta Army require online reservation 1-3 days in advance, which can be done through official mini-programs or travel platforms.
3. Transportation: China has a developed high-speed rail network. Buy tickets in advance on the 12306 official website or APP, and passports can be used to buy tickets. For urban travel, you can use online car-hailing services (such as Didi Chuxing) or apply for a transportation card to take buses and subways conveniently.
4. Dietary Taboos: Inform the restaurant of your dietary taboos in advance. Chinese restaurants generally support taste adjustments such as "less spicy" and "no spicy". Pay attention to drinking water hygiene and it is recommended to drink bottled water.
5. Cultural Etiquette: When visiting temples, palaces and other places, abide by regulations such as "no photography" and "quiet visit". When communicating with local residents, respect their customs, such as asking in advance about taboos before entering a Hui family.
6. Weather and Clothing: Prepare clothes according to the travel season. Beijing is cold and dry in winter, and Yunnan has a large temperature difference between day and night, so it is recommended to bring a coat. Pay attention to sun protection and bring rain gear in summer.