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Temple of Heaven, Beijing

The Thompsons' US family trip: 14 days across China

A 14-day mid-range trip through Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Hong Kong, budgeted at $11,800 (≈ $843/day).

real-trip-budgets2026-10-27
Shanghai Disneyland castleVictoria Harbour skyline from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

At a glance

Traveler
The Thompsons
Nationality
United States
Travel style
mid-range
Month of travel
December 2025
Total cost
$11,800
Per day
$843
Days
14

Visa note

All four US passport holders needed L visas. Applied together at the Chinese consulate in Chicago, 6 business days, $185 × 4 = $740 total.

Paying your way

Chase Sapphire Reserve linked to Alipay covered 95% of merchants. Kid-friendly chains (McDonald's, Starbucks) all accepted the card directly.

Highlights

  • Family of 4 (kids aged 9 and 12): Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong
  • Universal Beijing Resort day ($110/person, kid ticket $80)
  • Terra Cotta Warriors with a private English guide ($180 for the family)
  • Shanghai Disney evening show — book the night ticket combo

Cost breakdown

Flights$3,200
Accommodation$4,800
Meals$1,600
Transit$1,100
Attractions$800
Misc$300

Day by day

  1. Day 1 — Beijing

    ≈ $843
    • Arrived in Beijing
    • Family of 4 (kids aged 9 and 12): Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong

  2. Day 2 — Beijing

    ≈ $843
    • Universal Beijing Resort day ($110/person, kid ticket $80)

  3. Day 3 — Beijing

    ≈ $843
    • Forbidden City complex visit

  4. Day 4 — Beijing

    ≈ $843
    • Hutong walk

  5. Day 5 — Xi'an

    ≈ $843
    • HSR/transit from Beijing to Xi'an
    • Family of 4 (kids aged 9 and 12): Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong

  6. Day 6 — Xi'an

    ≈ $843
    • City Wall cycling

  7. Day 7 — Xi'an

    ≈ $843
    • Terra Cotta Warriors with a private English guide ($180 for the family)

  8. Day 8 — Xi'an

    ≈ $843
    • Muslim Quarter food street evening

  9. Day 9 — Shanghai

    ≈ $843
    • HSR/transit from Xi'an to Shanghai
    • Family of 4 (kids aged 9 and 12): Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong

  10. Day 10 — Shanghai

    ≈ $843
    • Yu Garden area stroll

  11. Day 11 — Shanghai

    ≈ $843
    • The Bund evening walk

  12. Day 12 — Shanghai

    ≈ $843
    • Shanghai Disney evening show — book the night ticket combo

  13. Day 13 — Hong Kong

    ≈ $843
    • HSR/transit from Shanghai to Hong Kong
    • Family of 4 (kids aged 9 and 12): Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong

  14. Day 14 — Hong Kong

    ≈ $843
    • Victoria Peak visit
    • Departed Hong Kong