10 days
Journey into China to experience the Forbidden City, walk the Great Wall of China and discover an excavated mausoleum of terracotta warriors. Centuries of preserved history are uncovered on tours of palaces, temples and city fortifications. Explore holy places for Buddhists, full of architectural marvels, artifacts and ancient artworks. Participate in cultural experiences, such as seeing traditional music and dance performances, eating local cuisine and visiting historic landmarks.
At the Forbidden City, learn about Chinese dynasties and see collections of art, relics and treasures all throughout the complex. Discover the beauty of China, from the scenic countryside to landscaped gardens. Venture just outside of Beijing for a day to explore the Great Wall of China. On a guided tour of the ancient fortification structure, learn about the wall’s construction throughout the centuries and how it functioned as a border protection system. Take some time to reflect while at the resting place of emperors from the Ming Dynasty. Enjoy a day of relaxation at the Summer Palace, where students walk through gardens, tour the structures and go boating on Kunming Lake.
All throughout the journey, there are opportunities to immerse in Chinese culture and history. Interact with local residents of Hutong neighborhoods while on a tour by rickshaw. Visit significant sites in Xi’an, including the Xi’an City Walls, Bell Tower of Xi’an, Da Ci’en Temple and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. At the Terracotta Army Museum, go on a guided tour of the archaeological site and experience firsthand the incredible collection of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots and other figures that were buried with emperor for protection in the afterlife. Continue to Shanghai, where students gain a deeper understanding of China’s development as a country. Let time float by on a sightseeing cruise through the city and while strolling along Nanjing Road. Discover centuries of art and artifacts with visits to the Shanghai Museum and the Jade Buddha Temple. During the trip, watch a Chinese acrobats performance, attend a Tang Dynasty music and dance show and perhaps see a Beijing opera production.
Fly overnight to Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing, meet up with the Tour Director and travel by motorcoach to the hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before settling in for the evening.
Start the day at Tiananmen Square, a significant public square that has been the location of many notable political events and protests. Continue with a visit to China’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex, the Forbidden City. For almost 500 years, the Forbidden City was the home of emperors and the imperial family, and now it is recognized for its conservation of traditional Chinese architecture, along with dynastic art and history. While there, explore some of the palace’s iconic features, including the Inner Court, Hall of Mental Cultivation, Nine Dragon Screen, Hall of Jewelry, Cixi’s Theater and Hall of Clocks. Discover the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped at with a visit to the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding park. End the day with a gala dinner or a Beijing opera performance.
Spend the day on a guided tour of the Great Wall of China. Learn about its history as a military defense system and take in the Chinese countryside while walking along the top of the incredible structure. On the way back, visit the Ming Tombs and discover the scenic area where 13 Ming Dynasty emperors are laid to rest in individual mausoleums. In the evening, watch a Chinese acrobatic show.
On a guided tour at the Summer Palace, take in the royal park’s elaborate gardens, pavilions and buildings. Go boating on Kunming Lake and stroll down the Suzhou Market Street to explore the selection of traditional shops. Experience the history and culture of Beijing with a Hutong tour by rickshaw, mingling with local residents along the way. Enjoy authentic Peking duck for dinner.
In the morning, fly from Beijing to Xi’an, the cultural and political center of ancient China. Embark on a bicycle tour of the Xi’an City Walls and learn about the historical fortifications of the city, including the watchtowers, moats, city gates and tower entrances. Visit the Bell Tower of Xi’an and ascend to the top for incredible views of the city. Built in 1384, this symbol of Xi’an features beautiful art, architecture and cultural relics.
Go on a guided tour of the Terracotta Army Museum, considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. This life-sized collection of terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots gives insight into historical Chinese culture and practices, along with the science behind the excavation site. Afterwards, students journey to the Huaqing Hot Springs where they discover its history as a royal resort and palace. Enter the Da Ci’en Temple to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This architectural marvel is a holy place for Buddhists, famous for its construction, relics and engraved statues. Attend the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show in the evening.
Fly from Xi’an to Shanghai. Go on a sightseeing Huangpu River Cruise, one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai. Venture to Nanjing Road for a guided walk along the premier shopping street and the iconic Bund area. After dinner, students take the high-speed elevator to the 88th-floor observation deck of the Jin Mao Tower for an evening view of Shanghai.
Begin the day at the Yu Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar for a tour of the classic garden and traditional Chinese market. After, explore centuries of ancient Chinese art and artifacts at the Shanghai Museum. See pavilions and halls constructed in the Song Dynasty style, along with rare cultural relics at the Jade Buddha Temple.
Filled with fun memories and educational experiences, students depart Shanghai to travel home.
Experience centuries of Chinese history and culture on this educational journey. Tour historical sites to gain direct insight into ancient China’s customs, philosophy and religion. With visits to the Forbidden City, famous temples and scenic gardens, learn about traditional Chinese art and architecture. Discover the scientific processes behind archaeological excavations at the Terracotta Army Museum. Learn about the construction of the Great Wall of China and how it functioned as a fortification system. Gain a deeper understanding of China’s development as a society, from Imperial China to the 21st century. With a curated curriculum for educators to apply with the program, students are empowered to put their learning into practice before, during and after the trip.
Quality, safe hotels with twin or triple occupancy corresponding to the destination.
All transportation is provided throughout the program.
Airfare covers round-trip flights from major airports.
All three meals are provided daily, featuring local cuisine.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand educational and career goals.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
Scheduled activities, experiences and guided tours are all included.
Full-time Tour Directors are on site for the duration of the trip, for an all-inclusive experience.
Tips for bus drivers, guides, Tour Directors and meals.
International travel insurance is provided for protection in case of accidents, illness, flight interruptions or baggage loss.
Advanced student security software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting students every step of the way.
