Chengdu, China
Day 1 (27/12):
Morning
- Train from Xi'an
Afternoon
- Stroll through *Jinli Ancient Street, right next to the shrine, known for its traditional architecture, shops, and street food. Try local snacks like **mapo tofu, **Dan Dan noodles, and **Sichuan spicy hotpot*.
- *Option 1: Sichuan Museum & Wenshu Monastery*
- Visit the *Sichuan Museum*, which showcases a vast collection of artifacts from ancient China, including ceramics, textiles, and historical relics.
- Afterward, head to *Wenshu Monastery*, a beautiful Buddhist temple. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance, tea ceremonies, and the surrounding gardens.
- *Option 2: Chengdu People's Park & Tea Houses*
- Walk around *Chengdu People’s Park*, a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Watch locals practicing tai chi, playing mahjong, or dancing in the park.
- Visit a traditional *teahouse* within the park, such as *Heming Teahouse*, to experience Chengdu’s tea cultur
Evening
- Head to *Chunxi Road*, Chengdu's busiest shopping street, where you can explore department stores, boutiques, and street food stalls.
- Nightlife in Chengdu*
- If you’re up for some nightlife, explore *Lan Kwai Fong* in Chengdu or head to *Jiaozi Night Market*. Enjoy some live music, dance, or just sip on cocktails at trendy bars.
Day 2 (28/12):
Morning/Afternoon
- *Option 1: Giant Panda Breeding Center (Booked GetYourGuide - Meet at 06:50)*
Evening
- *Option 2: Night Market & Street Food*
- After dinner, head to *Kuan Zhai Alley* or *Wuhouci Street, both known for their lively atmosphere and night markets. Taste the famous **Sichuan street snacks, like **Chongqing noodles, **fried dumplings, and **ma la tang*
Day 3 (29/12):
Morning / Afternoon
- *Option 1: Mount Qingcheng (Taoist Mountain)* (Book tour)
- Take a half-day trip to *Mount Qingcheng*, about 1.5 hours from Chengdu.
- This mountain is famous for its lush green landscape, Taoist temples, and peaceful hiking paths. You can take a cable car to the top for panoramic views or hike up if you're up for the challenge.
- Visit *Zhongnan Temple* and *Taoist Shrines*, where you can learn about Taoism and the ancient philosophy behind the mountain's spiritual significance.
Evening
- Sichuan Opera – Face Changing Show*
Day 4 (30/12):
Morning
- Flight to Shanghai
Fit in:
- *Option 2: Wuhou Shrine & Jinli Ancient Street*
- Visit *Wuhou Shrine*, dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a key figure in the Three Kingdoms period.
Shanghai, China
Add Shui Guo Spa
Day 1:
Morning
- Flight from Chengdu
Afternoon
- *Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)*:
- Stroll through this classical Chinese garden with intricate pavilions, rockeries, and ponds.
- Explore the adjacent *Yuyuan Bazaar* for snacks and souvenirs.
- Visit the *Old City God Temple*, a historic Taoist temple nearby.
Evening
- *The Bund*:
- Walk along the waterfront promenade to admire colonial architecture and stunning views of the Pudong skyline.
- Visit the *Bund Sightseeing Tunnel* for a quirky light show experience leading to Pudong.
- Take a ferry across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui for a budget-friendly view of the skyline.
- *Dinner: Dine at a rooftop restaurant or bar with a view of the Bund, such as **Mr. & Mrs. Bund* or *Bar Rouge*.
Day 2:
Morning
- *Shanghai Tower*:
- Visit the observation deck of China’s tallest building for breathtaking views.
- Explore the *Jin Mao Tower* or *Oriental Pearl Tower*, which also offer observation decks and unique attractions (like a glass-bottomed walkway).
Afternoon
- *Tianzifang*:
- Wander through this artsy maze of alleyways filled with boutique shops, cafes, and art studios.
- *Fuxing Park*: Nice park
Evening:
- *Dinner: Try local dishes like soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao) at **Din Tai Fung* or a local Shanghainese restaurant.
- Experience the nightlife at *Xintiandi*, a historic district now transformed into a hub for trendy bars and restaurants
Day 3
Morning
- *Jing’an Temple*:
- Visit this serene Buddhist temple with golden rooftops and an impressive jade Buddha.
- Explore *Longhua Temple*, Shanghai’s oldest temple, for a more traditional experience.
Afternoon
- *Shanghai Museum*:
- Spend a couple of hours viewing exhibits on ancient Chinese ceramics, calligraphy, and bronze artifacts.
- *Tianzifang or South Bund Fabric Market*:
- Pick up custom-made clothes or unique souvenirs.
Evening
- *Dinner*: Have a farewell meal at a local restaurant specializing in Shanghainese cuisine.
- *Optional Night Walk: Take a relaxing stroll around the **Lujiazui area* to soak in the last views of the illuminated skyline.
- Explore **Nanjing Road* for shopping or visit the *Shanghai Circus World* for an acrobatic performance
Day 4
*All Day*
- *Zhujiajiao Water Town* (~1-hour drive):
- Walk along ancient canals and cross picturesque stone bridges.
- Take a boat ride to experience the town from the water.
- Visit traditional sites like the *Ke Zhi Garden* and *Fangsheng Bridge*.
- *Lunch*: Enjoy local specialties like sticky rice dumplings or fresh river shrimp.
Day 5
Morning
- Train to Beijing