Dynastic China

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Beijing

Welcome to China. Arrive in Beijing, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and travel to your hotel in China's capital city. Beijing, a massive, eclectic mix of the new and old is a compelling introduction to the world’s most populous country. All meals are included on this tour.

Day 3: Beijing

This morning visit the Forbidden City, a maze of buildings also known as the Imperial Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was off-limits to the public for 500 years and includes nearly 1,000 buildings spread out over 200 acres. Next, we’ll see Tiananmen Square, site of the 1989 pro-democracy protests that captured the world’s attention. Then delve into old Beijing and tour the Hutong area by rickshaw. You'll see how some Chinese live in an enclosed community and learn about their daily lifestyle. In the evening, we’ll introduce you to Beijing’s most famous meal with a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Day 4: Beijing

Start your day with the popular Taiji exercises with locals before visiting the majestic Temple of Heaven. This iconic complex of religious buildings has an intriguing medieval history and distinctive architecture. You’ll want your camera ready. In the afternoon, visit the Great Wall, the world’s largest manmade structure. This ancient line of defense is so large it can be seen from space. We’ll also get to see the Olympic Park site of 2008 Games en route. After dinner, enjoy a spectacular Kung Fu show highlighting one of China’s oldest martial arts.

Day 5: Xi'an

This morning enjoy time to experience more of vibrant Beijing at your own pace, perhaps by shopping for souvenirs or trying a relaxing reflexology foot massage. Then transfer to the airport for a flight to Xi'an.

Day 6: Xi'an

In the morning, discover the eighth wonder of the world, the Terracotta Warriors. Our guided tour with a local expert will cover the fascinating history of these 8,000 life-size statues of soldiers with their horses and chariots. View the Bronze Chariot and see a Circle Vision movie. After lunch visit the Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda to see the Shadow Show and, later, the Muslim Quarter to learn about China's minority cultures.

Day 7: Shanghai

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Shanghai. After lunch, visit a local school to participate in a cultural exchange with local students and learn about the Chinese educational system (if not available, another cultural visit will be substituted). This evening, get a feel for the energy and vibrancy of Shanghai with a visit to Xin Tian Di, a pedestrian district popular with the locals, known for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Day 8: Shanghai

Enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Shanghai, visiting the business district called the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, the only fully restored classical Chinese garden in Shanghai, and the Jade Buddha Temple. At a silk shop you will observe the process for making this luxurious textile. For lunch your guide will share some simple Chinese phrases you can then use to purchase local dishes. In the afternoon browse for souvenirs along Taikang Road, winding through a restored traditional shikumen neighborhood. We celebrate our final day in China with dinner followed by the dramatic Shanghai Acrobatic Show.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Discover China's former British colony on a two-night extension to the world financial center of Hong Kong, including the opportunity to see Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and Victoria Peak.