China is rich in culture and traditions. Not only that, but this country is also full of historical places that are fascinating to learn about. In just eight days, you may see China’s three most visited cities and five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here's the full itinerary and budget for your eight-day China trip!

The Forbidden City used to be a “palace city,” meaning commoners weren’t allowed there. After its completion in 1420, it served as the imperial residence of China's Ming and Qing dynasties, housing 24 emperors.

Over 8,000 rooms, all lavishly decorated and painted in red and yellow, showcase the finest in ancient Chinese architecture beneath a canopy of golden roofs. Many historical and cultural artifacts from China are now housed in the palace complex, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the longest wall in the world, the Great Wall of China is an impressive example of ancient defense architecture and a well-known emblem of China. It winds through a beautiful landscape, passing through rough terrain and steep mountains. It is rightfully listed as one of China’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.”

About 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) long, the wall stretches from the western border to the eastern coast of China. The Mutianyu, one of the best preserved sections of the wall, is located within the city limits of Beijing. It is what is commonly referred to when the Great Wall of China is mentioned.

The Great Wall of China is best experienced on foot. Traverse the tower's crumbling remains and tread on hundreds of years old bricks. Relax and let the past come alive before your very eyes.

The Terracotta Warriors, one of Xi'an's top attractions and sometimes referred to as the eighth "Wonder of the World," are every bit as impressive as you’ve probably heard. In 1987, it was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Terracotta Warriors were painstakingly crafted to follow Qin Shihuang into the afterlife, and their existence was accidentally uncovered by a local farmer around 40 years ago. About an hour outside Xi’an city, the location was chosen for the Emperor’s burial because it was close to a mountain with jade deposits (a symbol of health) and a river with gold deposits (signifying wealth).

Many mysteries surround the Terracotta Army, but your local guide will help you decipher them. Visit the site to learn about the ancient art of making life-size warrior statues, warrior training, and traditional cave dwelling.

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Pudong’s huge, shiny financial towers can be seen from the Bund, which runs along the Huangpu River. This scenery represents the forward-thinking spirit of Shanghai and is so iconic at this point that it represents China itself. A photography mecca, as described in the guidebooks.

In fact, tourists’ first order of business upon arriving in Shanghai is to make their way to the Bund for some souvenir photos. You can get your picture taken by a professional and have a copy printed right away at any of the numerous photo booths.

You can also bring your own camera and get a comprehensive view of the Bund from the Pudong Binjiang Avenue, a cruise along the Huangpu River, or atop one of the Pudong skyscrapers like the Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, or Shanghai Tower.

Yading Nature Reserve in Daocheng has been dubbed “the last pure area on earth” and “the last Shangri-La” due to its pristine environment. Aside from the breathtaking scenery, experiencing Tibetan culture is another highlight of a visit to Yading Nature Reserve. You'll pass a number of historic monasteries and Tibetan-style homes on your way here.

In 2010, the Li River was included among the “World’s Top Ten Watery Wonders” by National Geographic. The most picturesque portion of the Li River is the 83 kilometers from Guilin to Yangshuo. Surprising slopes, sheer cliffs, and farming communities dot the river panorama framed by bamboo trees.

The breathtaking karst landscape along the Li River has inspired generations of creatives, from poets to painters. It's no surprise that it's one of the first places Chinese tourists think of when looking for a scenic getaway.

There are plenty of exciting places to see in China in eight days. If you plan to spend your next holiday in this country, you can prepare an estimated budget of CNY 10,822 (excluding flight tickets). Make the most of your travel experiences by booking flights and hotels with Traveloka!