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#1. First-Time Traveler: 8 Days in China's Golden Triangle
For first-time visitors who want to see the top China attractions, then the Golden Triangle route is perfect for you. The route includes Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai.
| 8 Days in China Itinerary | What to See |
|---|---|
| Day 1-4 in Beijing | Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube. |
| Day 5-6 in Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum |
| Day 7-8 in Shanghai | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road. |
Starting in Beijing, you can contrast imperial grandeur with local life: wander the Forbidden City's crimson halls, weave through hutongs. Conquer the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Snap photos of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube (2008 Olympic icons), then unwind at the Summer Palace's lakeside pavilions.
Another highlight is Xi'an. Start with the Terracotta Army's 2,000-year-old warriors. Cycle atop the Ancient City Wall for panoramic skyline, taste local food in the Muslim Quarter, and decode China's dynastic saga at the Shaanxi History Museum.
The final stop is Shanghai. You can admire ancient bronzes at the Shanghai Museum, stroll through the Yu Garden, then relax at Nanjing Road's neon bustle and the Bund's glittering skyline.
#2. Special Tibet Train Trip from Beijing - 8 Days
For travelers who favor unique travel experiences, taking the train from Beijing's landmarks to mysterious Tibet is a distinctive choice. The route covers Beijing, Xining, and Lhasa.
| 8 Days in China Itinerary | What to See |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 in Beijing | Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube. |
| Day 4 from Xining to Tibet | Admire beautiful train view along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. |
| Day 5-8 in Lhasa | Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Barkhor Street. |
Starting in Beijing, you will experience some of China's top attractions on a journey combining culture and nature. These include popular sights such as the Forbidden City, the Mutianyu Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Bird's Nest, and the Water Cube.
Then, reach to Tibet via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. From the train window, you can see snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, grasslands dotted with yaks, and barren deserts.
The train's final destination is Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. You will visit Jokhang Temple, a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. Observe the monks engaging in debates at Sera Monastery, and delve into the daily life of Tibetans on Barkhor Street.
Next, travel to the Potala Palace, the world's highest palace, to admire its paintings, sculptures, and decorations. Finally, you will visit Drepung Monastery, famous for its annual Shoton Festival.
Import: A Tibet Travel Permit is required for entry. Asia Odyssey Travel is a qualified agency and can process your permit application at no cost. Contact us to discuss your Tibet travel plans.
#3. Enjoy Culture and Nature of Tibet - 8 Days in China
This 8-day China itinerary is suitable for travelers seeking an in-depth Tibet trip, especially those who want to see Mt. Everest. This route covers Lhasa, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp (EBC).
| China 8 Days Itinerary | Attractions |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 in Lhasa | Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street. |
| Day 4 from Lhasa to Shigatse | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier. |
| Day 5 Shigatse to Mt. Everest | Gyawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Mt. Everest Base Camp. |
| Day 6-8 Return to Lhasa | Tashilunpo Monastery |
Lhasa is the starting point for most Tibet tours. You can't miss the world heritage Potala Palace (with its delicate architecture and art), the Buddhist pilgrimage site Jokhang Temple, the bustling Barkhor Street (a center of Tibetan daily life), and the Sera Monastery (known for its monks' debates).
Beyond the stunning scenery, you can also experience traditional Tibetan crafts like incense making, calligraphy, and block printing.
On your way to Shigatse, home to Mt. Everest, you will encounter the stunning view of Yamdrok Lake and visit the one of the most beautiful glaciers, Karola Glacier.
Reach the foot of Mt. Everest, where you can catch a glimpse of the world's highest peak from Gyawu La Pass. At EBC, not far from the mountain, visit Rongbuk Monastery.
#4. Start China Family-Friendly Trip to Beijing, Xi'an - 8 Days
This 8-day Beijing Xi'an itinerary is ideal for families with kids and seniors, offering convenient transportation and a relaxed pace. See top things to do in China with kids >>
| 8 Days in China Itinerary | What to See |
|---|---|
| Day 1-5 in Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, Hutong. |
| Day 6-8 in Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Family Visit, Ancient City Wall, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum. |
Beijing and Xi'an, both ancient capitals of China with long histories, are ideal for family trips, offering rich cultural experiences, delicious food, and memorable tourist activities.
In Beijing, must-see attractions include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Mutianyu Great Wall. Moreover, exploring the Hutongs and interacting with locals provides additional insight into Beijing life.
Your Xi'an visit concludes your family trip. Here, you can marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, the eighth wonder of the world. Learn to make Xi'an noodles with a local family. And more, cycle atop the ancient city wall for panoramic views and visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
A bike ride around the city wall combines nature and culture. Plus, you can also try Chinese calligraphy and Hanfu with your family. And, the Shaanxi History Museum, with its 130,000 artifacts, is also a must-see.
#5. Head to Eastern China Around Shanghai - 8 Days
This itinerary, covering Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, is perfect for travelers planning a trip to the most modern and bustling city in China, Shanghai, and its surrounding areas.
| China 8 Days Itinerary | What to See |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 in Nanjing | Zhongshan Ling, Xiao Ling, the Confucius Temple, Ancient City Wall, Niushoushan Forest Park. |
| Day 4 in Suzhou | Lingering Garden, Pingjiang Ancient Street, Tiger Hill, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory. |
| Day 5 in Hangzhou | West Lake, China National Tea Museum, Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, Lingyin Temple. |
| Day 6 in Wuzhen | Wuzhen Water Town |
| Day 7-8 in Shanghai | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road. |
Beginning in Nanjing, the ancient capital of six dynasties, you will explore the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China, and the Xiaoling Mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. These are not merely tombs, but rather large-scale cultural architectural complexes.
Visit the Confucius Temple, a thousand-year-old ancient temple, to learn about Confucianism. You can also choose to explore Nanjing's history in the Qinhuai River area, stroll along the ancient city walls, and visit Niushoushan Forest Park to admire the Buddha's Relic.
Another portion of your journey takes you to Suzhou. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Lingering Garden, one of China's most exquisite classical gardens. Stroll along Pingjiang Ancient Street. And, enjoy the scenic views at Tiger Hill, home to precious cultural relics, pagodas, and more. Gain in-depth knowledge of Suzhou, the Silk Capital, at the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Factory.
Next, travel to Hangzhou. Visit the China National Tea Museum to experience Chinese tea culture, enjoy a cup of the famous Longjing tea at Meijiawu Tea Culture Village, and encounter Buddhist culture at Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou's oldest temple. Relax by West Lake, a landmark of Hangzhou.
Then travel to Wuzhen Water Town, where you can experience the charm of a traditional southern Chinese water village in one of China's last remaining ancient water towns.
Finally, head to Shanghai to visit the Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, the Bund, and Nanjing Road.
Unlike rigid, pre-packaged tours, Asia Odyssey Travel customizes itineraries to match your travel needs. Contact us to plan your trip to Shanghai and its surrounding areas!
#6. Get Miraculous Nature Trip from Chengdu - 8 Days
This 8-day China itinerary, covering Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Zhangjiajie, perfectly fulfills the expectations of panda and unique landscape enthusiasts.
| 8 Days in China Itinerary | What to See |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 in Chengdu | Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu People's Park, Wenshu Monastery, Jinli Old Street. |
| Day 3 in Guilin | Li River Cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave. |
| Day 4-5 in Yangshuo | Yangshuo Countryside, West Street, Yangshuo Countryside Cycling, Bamboo Raft along the Yulong River. |
| Day 6-8 in Zhangjiajie | Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Gallery, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake, Tianmen Mountain. |
Chengdu goes first. If seeing numerous pandas is on your travel list, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must-visit for observing pandas of all ages. Beyond pandas, explore Wenshu Monastery, Renmin Park, and Jinli Old Street to experience a well-preserved Buddhist monastery, Chengdu's leisurely lifestyle, and the ancient Shu Kingdom's rich culture.
Continue your visit to Guilin to see its unique hills and karst landscapes. Get a close-up view of the lifelike Elephant Trunk Hill, which resembles an elephant drinking water, and gaze in wonder at the rare karst landforms of the Reed Flute Cave.
Head to Yangshuo to enjoy a Li River cruise, where you'll witness winding rivers, verdant limestone karst peaks, and hardworking local farmers. The tranquil villages of the Yangshuo countryside offer a soul-soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Plus, don't miss the vibrant nightlife of prosperous West Street.
Your final stop is Zhangjiajie. Traverse the Wulingyuan's over 3,000+ quartz sandstone peaks and explore Yuanjiajie, the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains. Challenge yourself on the 430-meter-long Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.
Ride the world's longest mountain cable car, the 7,455-meter Tianmen Mountain Cableway, stroll along the cliffside glass walkway, and discover the mystical Tianmen Cave, shrouded in mist.
#7. Discover Culture & Nature of Yunnan - 8 Days in China
This 8-day itinerary, covering Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, is a great fit for travelers fascinated by Yunnan’s snow-capped mountains, canyons, lake and diverse ethnic cultures.
| China 8 Days Itinerary | What to See |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 in Kunming | Stone Forest, Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park. |
| Day 3-4 in Dali | Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng Village & Tie-dye. |
| Day 5-6 in Lijiang | Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pond Park, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley, Baisha Village. |
| Day 7-8 in Shangri-La | First Bend of the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park. |
Your journey begin in Kunming. Explore the Stone Forest's karst landscapes and Yi culture, including a "Journey to the West" filming site. Visit a unique descending water temple named as Yuantong Temple and stroll through Green Lake Park.
Next stop, Dali. At the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, you'll experience the locals' hopes for warding off natural disasters with these pagodas. Cycle along Erhai Lake, a plateau lake, and admire the mountains and blue waters.
For those interested in exploring traditional Bai ethnic life and residences, visit Xizhou Ancient Town. Experience tie-dye making at Zhoucheng Village.
Your third stop is Lijiang. Visit Lijiang Old Town, the "Forbidden City of the South," and explore Naxi culture and the Mu family history. Gaze at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Black Dragon Pond Park or Blue Moon Valley. Visit Baisha Village to see the Baisha Murals and get a glimpse into Naxi history.
The final stop is Shangri-La. Witness the Yangtze's First Bend and Tiger Leaping Gorge's power. Explore Dukezong Ancient Town's Tibetan culture. Immerse in Songzanlin Monastery's grandeur and enjoy Pudacuo National Park's pristine nature and wildlife.
#8. China Food Trip to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai - 8 Days
Of course, Chinese cuisine is an essential part of any trip, and the Golden Triangle trip offers the chance to sample the most popular Chinese food.
| 8 Days in China Itinerary | What to Eat |
|---|---|
| Day 1-4 in Beijing | Peking Roasted Duck, Zhajiangmian, Dumplings, Hotpot. |
| Day 5-6 in Xi'an | Liangpi, Rou Jia Mo, Biangbiang Noodles. |
| Day 7-8 in Shanghai | Xiaolongbao, Sweet and Sour Ribs, Deep-fried Shrimp. |
Beyond the attractions overlapping with the first Golden Triangle trip, you can savor the amazing flavors of duck, pork, and shrimp in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. The noodles also vary in thickness.
Contact Asia Odyssey Travel for more China food tours beyond these three cities.
Plan 8 Days in China Itinerary with Asia Odyssey Travel
There are many options for your 8 Days in China trip. With the help of Asia Odyssey Travel, headquartered throughout China, you can confidently choose the itinerary that interests you or create your own personalized itinerary.
We have qualified and professional tour guides, as well as transportation emergency plans. Whether it's a classic trip to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, a tour of Tibet, or a popular journey starting from Chengdu or Yunnan, we are here waiting to set off with you!
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