China is a huge and exciting country, full of culture, history, and amazing sights. You’ll find ancient palaces sitting next to modern skyscrapers, and every city has its own unique feel. A week might not seem like much, but with the right plan, you can still see some of the top highlights, enjoy local traditions, and taste incredible food.

This 7-day trip takes you from the historic charm of Beijing and Xi’an, to the pandas in Chengdu, and the bright city lights of Shanghai. It’s a nice mix of history, food, architecture, and local experiences, perfect for first-time visitors who want a bit of everything.

Let’s explore China in one unforgettable week—hotels, flights, and transfers all made easy with Traveloka!

Welcome to Beijing! Once you land, you’re right in the middle of China’s rich history. Start your day with a walk through Tiananmen Square, one of the biggest public squares in the world. Just nearby is the Forbidden City, a huge palace that used to be home to Chinese emperors, it’s full of amazing old buildings and stories from the past.

For a great view of the palace’s golden rooftops, take a short walk up Jingshan Park, just behind the palace. If you’ve got more energy, try a ride on a rickshaw and explore the Hutongs, the narrow old streets where you can see how locals lived in the past.

When evening comes, enjoy a tasty bowl of Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) or some fresh dumplings at a local eatery. For a comfy place to stay, try somewhere near Wangfujing, like Novotel Beijing Peace. After dinner, take a walk through the lively night market nearby, the lights, smells, and sounds are a great way to end your first day in China!

Start your day early and head out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, it’s less crowded than other parts and surrounded by beautiful mountains. You can take a cable car up for amazing views, or if you’re feeling adventurous, ride a toboggan down for a bit of fun!

After exploring, stop by a cosy countryside restaurant nearby and enjoy a big, tasty lunch, the setting is peaceful, with a real rustic feel.

Once you’re back in Beijing, it’s time for a special treat: a delicious Peking Duck dinner. Head to the famous Quanjude for a classic experience, or try Da Dong for a more modern take.

End the day with a relaxed walk through the Wangfujing Night Market. The colourful food stalls offer all sorts of local snacks, from sweet candied hawthorns to smoky grilled squid. It’s a fun way to soak up the buzz of Beijing at night!

Hop on a high-speed train to Xi’an, a city full of history that was once the starting point of the famous Silk Road. The journey takes about five hours, and it’s a comfy and scenic ride.

Once you arrive, head to the lively Muslim Quarter, a buzzing area packed with street food and local snacks. Try the tasty Roujiamo (a Chinese-style burger) and the warming Yangrou Paomo, a mutton soup served with pieces of bread you tear yourself. It’s a fun way to try something new and get a feel for Xi’an’s unique mix of cultures.

For your stay, pick a hotel near the South Gate or Bell Tower, Grand Park Xi’an is a great option and close to everything. In the evening, why not catch a Tang Dynasty show? With colourful outfits, traditional music, and graceful dancing, it’s a lovely way to experience a bit of China’s golden age.

Best Things to do in Xi'an

Start your day with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that have been standing guard for over 2,000 years. It’s a truly impressive sight and one of China’s greatest historical treasures. You’ll be amazed by the details in each statue!

After lunch, it’s time to head to Chengdu, you can get there by flight or high-speed train, depending on what suits your schedule.

Once you arrive, slow things down with a walk along Jinli Ancient Street. This charming area is full of glowing lanterns, traditional architecture, and delicious Sichuan snacks. It’s the perfect place to get a feel for Chengdu’s laid-back vibe.

Look for a hotel near Wuhou Shrine if you love history, or in the trendy Taikoo Li area for stay if you enjoy shopping and modern cafes. Both are great spots to base yourself while exploring this lively city.

Kick off the day with a trip to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Go early, that’s when the pandas are most active and playful! You’ll get to see these adorable animals up close in a lovely, green setting.

For lunch, treat yourself to some Sichuan food, it’s famous for being spicy! But don’t worry, there are milder dishes too, like simple street noodles if you prefer something gentler on the taste buds.

In the afternoon, take it slow at People’s Park. Locals come here to play mahjong, sip tea, and enjoy music. Grab a cup of jasmine tea, find a comfy seat, and soak up the chill vibes.

In the evening, try a classic Chengdu hotpot. You can pick how spicy you want it, even go for the famous "split pot" that has both spicy and plain broth. If you're up for a little show after dinner, check out the Sichuan face-changing opera, it’s fun, colourful, and totally unique!

Time to head to Shanghai, a super modern city where old traditions still shine. Once you land, take a walk along The Bund, this riverside spot is full of grand old buildings from the past, with amazing views of the city’s shiny skyscrapers across the river.

Hop over to Pudong to see the city from up high at Shanghai Tower, or take a relaxing river cruise and enjoy the skyline from the water, both are great ways to take it all in.

In the evening, stroll along Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in Asia. Whether you want to shop, try tasty street snacks, or just people-watch, there’s loads going on here.

For the night, stay near People’s Square or the fancy Lujiazui area. Hotels like The Langham or Radisson Blu are comfy, convenient, and offer brilliant views of the city lights.

Activities to Enjoy Shanghai

On your last day, take it slow with a visit to Yu Garden, a peaceful spot full of pretty pavilions, ponds, and rock gardens right in the heart of Old Town. It’s a lovely place to soak up some calm before you leave the city. While you're there, pop into the Old Town Bazaar for some souvenir shopping, from local teas and silk scarves to hand fans and calligraphy sets.

For lunch, don’t miss the famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) at the original Nanxiang restaurant nearby, a true Shanghai classic! After that, depending on your flight, head to Pudong or Hongqiao Airport and get ready to fly home with a suitcase full of memories and maybe some dumplings in your heart.

Seven days might only give you a glimpse of all that China has to offer, but it’s just enough to travel through history, different regions, and time zones, from the Forbidden City to panda reserves and dazzling skyscrapers. With a bit of planning, every day will bring new flavours, stories, and unforgettable sights.

Ready to discover the best of China in one week? Plan your 7-day trip and book flights, hotels, trains, and tickets all in one place with Traveloka!