7 days: Beijing 3 · Xi’an 2 · Shanghai 2
Underlying dated data last checked 2026-09-28 · oldest checked record shown; individual ideas may be unverified.
An illustrative route generated with the same balanced pace and Culture / Nature interests as the planner. This is not a booking or a live transport schedule.
Open in planner →Day by day
Day 1 · Beijing
- The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
- A hutong walk around Shichahai · unverified activity idea
Day 2 · Beijing
Day 3 · Beijing
Day 4 · Xi’an
Travel day. Local visits start at 14:00 or later; change them around your actual transport booking.
Day 5 · Xi’an
Day 6 · Shanghai
Travel day. Local visits start at 14:00 or later; change them around your actual transport booking.
Day 7 · Shanghai
Book ahead
Day 1 · The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
No same-day tickets: book on the official Palace Museum channel, which opens 7 days ahead at 20:00. Enter only through the Meridian Gate (Wumen) with your passport. Booking channel: Palace Museum official mini program; 7 days before, 20:00 China time. Official source ↗ · checked 2026-09-28
Day 3 · Temple of Heaven
Book a timed real-name ticket via the official “天坛” WeChat account; the combined ticket includes the Hall of Prayer. Official source ↗ · checked 2026-09-28
Day 5 · Terracotta Warriors
Reserve through the museum’s official website or named WeChat account with your passport details; check the live booking page for the current release window. Allow time for the trip to Lintong. Official source ↗ · checked 2026-10-17
Day 7 · Yu Garden
Book a morning or afternoon slot online with your passport; weekends are busy. Official source ↗ · checked 2026-09-28
Between cities
Beijing → Xi’an
Beijing West → Xi’an North
Sample G/D timetable: fastest 4h 10m; typical 4h 15m–5h 45m. Check your travel date.
Duration source: Aliyun train timetable · 2026-10-19 sample, checked 2026-10-12
Station source ↗ · checked 2026-10-12
Xi’an → Shanghai
Xi’an North → Shanghai Hongqiao
Journey time not verified in this direction. Check 12306 for your travel date.
Station source ↗ · checked 2026-10-14