10 days: Beijing 3 · Xi’an 2 · Shanghai 3 · Hangzhou 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
Day 8 · Shanghai
- Shanghai Museum (People’s Square)
- Fuxing Park · unverified activity idea
- Tianzifang lanes · unverified activity idea
Day 9 · Hangzhou
Travel day. Local visits start at 14:00 or later; change them around your actual transport booking.
- Leifeng Pagoda · unverified activity idea
Day 10 · Hangzhou
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
Day 8 · Shanghai Museum (People’s Square)
For the 2026-07-09 to 2027-11-14 special exhibition, reserve in advance; overseas visitors can book through Trip.com, while visitors with disabilities enter free with valid documents. Check official WeChat announcements for evening hours. Permanent galleries are at Shanghai Museum East. Enter at the Wusheng Road south gate with the original document used to book. Official source ↗ · checked 2026-10-17
Day 10 · Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak
Entry has been free since 1 December 2025 but needs a real-name booking on the official “杭州灵隐飞来峰” mini-program. 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
Shanghai → Hangzhou
Shanghai Hongqiao → Hangzhou East
Sample G/D timetable: fastest 0h 45m; typical 1h 00m. Check your travel date.
Duration source: Aliyun train timetable · 2026-10-19 sample, checked 2026-10-12
Station source ↗ · checked 2026-10-12