Seven days across China’s signature cities: walk the Great Wall, stand before the Terracotta Warriors, meet giant pandas, and finish beneath Shanghai’s skyline. This private loop pairs deep history with straightforward logistics for first-time visitors.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Walking out of a Beijing hotel at dawn, the city feels like a history book still warm from the printer: red lacquer roofs, wide avenues, and the occasional vendor steam. Over seven days you move from imperial courtyards to a buried clay army, from panda enclosures to a skyline that dares you to keep up.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can walk 3–5 miles (5–8 km) per day, navigate stairs and busy urban environments.
Wildlife
History
The itinerary touches key eras: imperial Beijing’s Ming and Qing courts, Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum guarded by the Terracotta Army, and Shanghai’s rapid rise as a 19th–20th century treaty-port and global city.
Conservation
The Chengdu Panda Breeding Center focuses on captive breeding and rewilding research; choose responsible operators, avoid single-use plastics, and follow park rules to reduce visitor impact.
Reserve your spot on the China Spree: 7-Day Tour of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Shanghai today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Carry Passport Copies
Bring your passport and two photocopies; originals are needed for hotel check-in and some tickets, copies help if the original is misplaced.
Wear Supportive Shoes
Expect cobblestones, steps at the Great Wall, and long museum walks—sturdy, broken-in shoes reduce fatigue.
Pace Your Meals
Sichuan cuisine is spicy and rich—drink water and eat small portions if you’re sensitive to heat or spice.
Allow Transit Buffers
Domestic flight and airport security times vary—build in extra time between activities and flights.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes handle uneven paving, wall steps, and long museum days.
Passport & photocopies
Required for hotels and some attractions; copies speed up replacements if lost.
Light waterproof jacket
Spring and summer showers are common—pack a compact rain layer.
spring
Small daypack
Carry water, snacks, camera, and layers comfortably while sightseeing.