China Itinerary 5 Days: Great Wall, Forbidden City & Modern Marvels
Experience China's extraordinary blend of ancient imperial history and futuristic modernity. From the Great Wall's majestic stretches to Shanghai's glittering skyline, from the Forbidden City's imperial splendor to authentic culinary adventures, AI-optimized routes, cultural insights, and unforgettable memories.
Why Choose This China Itinerary 5 Days?
This perfectly balanced 5 days China itinerary captures the essence of this vast civilization where 5,000 years of history meet cutting-edge modernity. From ancient imperial wonders to futuristic skylines, traditional tea ceremonies to bullet train adventures, experience China's incredible diversity in five unforgettable days.
Our AI-optimized China itinerary 5 days ensures seamless transitions between imperial landmarks and modern marvels with strategic timing, avoiding crowds while maximizing experiences. Discover why 5 days is the ideal duration to experience China's imperial heritage, cultural treasures, and technological achievements.
Your Complete China Itinerary 5 Days
This comprehensive China itinerary 5 days spans Beijing's imperial treasures and the Great Wall to Shanghai's futuristic skyline and traditional water towns, perfectly balancing ancient history with modern innovation.
Day 1: Beijing's Imperial Heart & Ancient Wonders
Begin your China itinerary 5 days with Beijing's most magnificent imperial treasures and ancient architecture.
Forbidden City
Imperial Palace & Chinese Heritage
Massive imperial palace complex with 9,999 rooms, golden roofs, and centuries of Chinese imperial history spanning Ming and Qing dynasties.
Why You Should Visit:
Walk through the world's largest palace complex and experience the grandeur of Chinese imperial power. The Forbidden City represents the pinnacle of Chinese architecture and imperial authority.
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Metro to Tiananmen East
4-5 hours
How to Reach:
Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East station. The Forbidden City entrance is north of Tiananmen Square.
Insider Tip:
Book tickets online in advance as they sell out quickly. Start early morning to avoid crowds. Don't miss the Treasure Gallery for imperial jewels.
Tiananmen Square
World's Largest Public Square
Enormous historic square surrounded by important government buildings, museums, and Mao's mausoleum, witnessing China's modern history.
Why You Should Visit:
Stand at the political and cultural heart of modern China where history unfolds. The square represents China's revolutionary journey and national identity.
All day
Metro to Tiananmen East/West
1-2 hours
How to Reach:
Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West station. The square is easily accessible from both.
Insider Tip:
Visit early morning for the flag-raising ceremony (sunrise). Be respectful when taking photos, especially around government buildings.
Day 1 Dining: Imperial Beijing Cuisine
Experience authentic imperial Beijing cuisine in the capital's most prestigious locations.
Quanjude Roast Duck
Legendary Peking duck restaurant with imperial recipes dating back to 1864.
Liqun Roast Duck
Traditional courtyard restaurant serving authentic Beijing roast duck in historic hutongs.
Day 2: Great Wall of China & Ancient Defenses
Experience China's most iconic landmark and ancient defensive architecture in your China itinerary 5 days.
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)
Ancient Wonder of the World
Magnificent restored section of the Great Wall with watchtowers, stunning mountain views, and cable car access for easier exploration.
Why You Should Visit:
Walk along one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements stretching across mountains. The Great Wall represents Chinese ingenuity, perseverance, and imperial defense.
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tour bus or private car
4-5 hours
How to Reach:
Located 70km from Beijing, best reached via organized tour (2 hours) or private car.
Insider Tip:
Visit Mutianyu section - less crowded than Badaling with better views. Take cable car up, walk down, or try the toboggan slide for fun descent. Wear comfortable shoes!
Summer Palace
Imperial Garden & Lake Retreat
Stunning imperial garden with Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, traditional pavilions, and the famous Marble Boat for royal summer retreats.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience imperial leisure and garden design at its finest. The Summer Palace represents Chinese landscape architecture and royal lifestyle harmony with nature.
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Metro to Beigongmen
3-4 hours
How to Reach:
Take Line 4 to Beigongmen station (North Palace Gate). The entrance is a short walk away.
Insider Tip:
Rent a boat on Kunming Lake for beautiful views. Don't miss the Long Corridor with its thousands of painted scenes. Combine with Great Wall tour for full day.
Day 2 Dining: Traditional Beijing Flavors
Enjoy authentic Beijing street food and traditional dishes near the Great Wall.
Mutianyu Village Restaurants
Local farmhouse restaurants serving fresh mountain vegetables and traditional Beijing dishes.
Dadong Roast Duck
Modern twist on traditional Peking duck with innovative cooking techniques.
Day 3: Beijing Cultural Immersion & Bullet Train to Shanghai
Deep dive into Beijing's cultural heart before experiencing China's high-speed rail innovation in your China itinerary 5 days.
Temple of Heaven
Sacred Imperial Worship Site
Beautiful temple complex where emperors prayed for good harvests, featuring stunning architecture and the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience the spiritual center of imperial China and witness traditional Chinese cosmology in architecture. The temple represents harmony between heaven and earth.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Metro to Temple of Heaven
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
Take Line 5 to Temple of Heaven East Gate station. The main entrance is nearby.
Insider Tip:
Visit early morning to see locals practicing tai chi, calligraphy, and traditional dances. The Echo Wall has amazing acoustics - whisper and hear it across the circle.
Hutongs (Traditional Alleyways)
Ancient Beijing Neighborhoods
Traditional narrow alleyways with courtyard homes, offering glimpse into old Beijing life, rickshaw rides, and local culture.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience authentic Beijing neighborhood life and traditional courtyard architecture. The hutongs represent everyday Chinese culture and community living.
All day
Metro to various points
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
Several hutong areas accessible via metro - Nanluoguxiang (Line 6) or Shichahai (Line 8).
Insider Tip:
Take a rickshaw tour for authentic experience. Visit courtyard homes for tea ceremony. Don't miss the Drum Tower for city views and traditional performances.
Day 3 Dining: Hutong Culinary Adventure
Experience authentic Beijing street food and traditional hutong cuisine.
Nanluoguxiang Street Food
Traditional snacks like jianbing, sugar-coated haws, and Beijing yogurt.
Hutong Courtyard Restaurants
Family-run restaurants serving home-style Beijing dishes in traditional settings.
Day 4: Shanghai's Colonial Heritage & Modern Skyline
Discover Shanghai's blend of colonial architecture and futuristic innovation in your China itinerary 5 days.
The Bund
Colonial Architecture & River Views
Famous waterfront promenade with colonial-era buildings, offering stunning views of modern Pudong skyline across Huangpu River.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience the contrast between colonial Shanghai and futuristic China. The Bund represents China's treaty port history and economic transformation.
All day
Metro to Nanjing East Road
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
Take Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road station. The Bund is a short walk away.
Insider Tip:
Visit at sunset for spectacular skyline views. Take Huangpu River cruise at night for illuminated city views. Don't miss the historic buildings' architectural details.
Pudong Skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower & Shanghai Tower)
Futuristic Financial District
Modern financial district with iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (world's second tallest), and cutting-edge Chinese architecture.
Why You Should Visit:
Witness China's economic miracle and futuristic urban development. The skyline represents Chinese ambition and technological achievement.
9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Metro to Lujiazui
3-4 hours
How to Reach:
Take Line 2 to Lujiazui station. The towers are easily accessible from the station.
Insider Tip:
Go up Shanghai Tower for highest observation deck in world. Oriental Pearl Tower has unique design and historical significance. Visit both day and night for different perspectives.
Day 4 Dining: Shanghai Fusion Cuisine
Enjoy innovative Shanghai cuisine with colonial and modern influences.
Jesse Restaurant
Famous for traditional Shanghai dishes like drunken chicken and braised pork.
Mr & Mrs Bund
Modern French-Chinese fusion with spectacular Bund views and innovative cuisine.
Day 5: Shanghai Traditional Culture & Water Towns
Explore Shanghai's traditional gardens and nearby water towns on your final day.
Yu Garden & Chenghuangmiao Market
Classical Chinese Garden & Traditional Market
Exquisite Ming Dynasty garden with traditional pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, surrounded by bustling traditional market selling souvenirs and snacks.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience classical Chinese garden design and traditional market culture. Yu Garden represents Chinese aesthetics and traditional urban life.
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Metro to Yuyuan
3-4 hours
How to Reach:
Take Line 10 or 14 to Yuyuan station. The garden and market are right there.
Insider Tip:
Visit early morning to avoid crowds in the garden. Don't miss the Exquisite Jade Rock and Grand Rockery. The market offers great souvenir shopping and street food.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Ancient Venice of Shanghai
Well-preserved ancient water town with canals, stone bridges, traditional houses, and boat rides offering glimpse into old China.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience traditional Chinese water town life and Ming Dynasty architecture. Zhujiajiao represents ancient Chinese urban planning and canal culture.
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tour bus or public transport
4-5 hours
How to Reach:
Located 50km from Shanghai, accessible via tourist bus or public transport (1.5 hours).
Insider Tip:
Take a boat ride through the canals for authentic experience. Try local snacks like steamed dumplings and rice cakes. Visit the Kezhi Garden for traditional architecture.
Day 5 Dining: Traditional Shanghai Farewell
Celebrate your China journey with traditional Shanghai cuisine and water town specialties.
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) - Shanghai's most iconic dish.
Zhujiajiao Water Town Restaurants
Fresh water fish, local vegetables, and traditional Jiangnan cuisine in canal-side settings.
Complete Cost Breakdown: China Itinerary 5 Days
Transparent pricing for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers in the Middle Kingdom
Budget Traveler
Total for 5 days
Mid-Range Traveler
Total for 5 days
Luxury Traveler
Total for 5 days
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for 30% better value
- • Eat at local restaurants - authentic meals for £3-8, street food even cheaper
- • Use metro systems in Beijing and Shanghai - efficient and very affordable
- • Book bullet train tickets 15-30 days in advance for best prices
- • Many attractions offer student discounts with international student ID
- • Bargain at markets - start at 50% of asking price, expect 20-30% final discount
- • Download WeChat for payments and translations - essential for modern China travel
Essential China Travel Information
Everything you need to know for your 5-day China adventure
Best Time
Apr-May, Sep-Oct
Airport
Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG)
Stay
Beijing, Shanghai
Transport
Bullet Train, Metro, Taxi
Transport Tips
- • Beijing & Shanghai: Extensive metro systems, buy multi-day passes
- • Bullet trains: Fastest way between cities, book in advance online
- • Didi app: Chinese Uber, essential for city taxi rides
- • Airport express: Fast connection from airports to city centers
- • Bicycles: Available for rent in many cities for local exploration
Seasonal Advice
- • April-May & September-October: Perfect weather (15-25°C), peak season
- • June-August: Hot and rainy, but lush green and fewer crowds
- • November-March: Cold in north, but dry with best prices
- • Chinese New Years: Avoid - massive crowds and price hikes
- • National Day Golden Week: October 1-7, extremely crowded
China Itinerary 5 Days FAQ
Common questions about planning the perfect 5-day China adventure
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