Community and Culture in 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

Arrive in Beijing and begin to explore this exciting capital city.

Day 3: Beijing

Start your day joining locals in their Taiji exercises before visiting the majestic Temple of Heaven. After lunch, visit the precious relics of the Forbidden City, a maze of buildings that was off-limits to the public for 500 years, and historic Tiananmen Square. In the evening, experience one of the country's most noted culinary specialties with a Peking Duck dinner.

Day 4: Beijing

This morning's excursion takes you to the impressive Great Wall, the world's largest man-made structure, with a view of the Olympic Site en route. Take a cable car and hike a section of the wall. Then return to Beijing to meet and interact with disadvantaged children during a service activity at a local school. After dinner enjoy a spectacular Kung Fu show, highlighting one of China's oldest martial arts.

Day 5: Xi'an

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. In the afternoon you'll improve the environment and give back through participation in a community tree planting eco-activity around the local neighborhood.

Day 6: Xi'an

In the morning, discover a section of Xi'an's imposing City Wall, built in 1370 by the Ming Dynasty. Then visit the lively Muslim Quarter to learn about the city's Hui community and enjoy a traditional Shadow Puppet show, one of China's earliest forms of theater. In the afternoon you'll experience 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.

Day 7: Shanghai

Fly to bustling Shanghai this morning. After arrival and lunch, visit a school for less fortunate urban students. Meet the children, learning about the hardships they have endured as you share and contrast their typical daily customs and activities with those in the United States.

Day 8: Shanghai

Today tour many of the city's unique sights including Yuyuan Garden, the only fully restored classical Chinese garden in Shanghai, the business district called the Bund, a symbol of modern Shanghai, and Jade Buddha Temple. Later explore Xin Tian Di, a pedestrian district popular with the locals, known for shopping, dining and entertainment. Then tonight's final dinner is followed by the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (Pending availability, a circus show may be substituted.)

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.