Amazing Details
BEIJING
Day 1
Travel to China
Day 2
We are greeted in Beijing by our local guides for our welcome orientation.
Day 3
Walk in Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in the world, which served as witness to extraordinary events in China’s history. Marvel at The Forbidden City, home to emperors for over 500 years with more than 980 buildings. Ride a paddle boat along the Hutong where you will visit towers and tombs. Feast on a Chinese delicacy – Peking Duck Dinner (vegetarian options available).
Day 4
Meet the students at the Children’s Center and participate in Kung Fu and Calligraphy lessons. Ice skate in summer and visit the Lama Temple. Take the stage and compete in our Karaoke sing along.
Day 5
Ride by cable car to the 5000 mile long Great Wall, protective barrier of Chinese safety and culture for over 11 centuries. Visit the Ming Tombs and check out the 2008 Olympic Site including the Bird Cage and Water Cube.
Day 6
Join locals in Tai Chi on the property of the picturesque Summer Palace. Bargain for goods in the Hong Qiao Market. Enjoy a cup of tea and see how it is made in the Tea House.
XI'AN
Day 7
After our comfortable overnight train arrive in the largest city in the northwest, one of China’s four ‘Great Ancient Capitals’. Cycle along the ancient city fortress wall and spend the evening watching the spectacular Dancing Falls.
Days 8 and 9
Meet, teach and play with the young and eager children of The Yule School. They await your visit in anticipation of learning something about you and your life in the West and they will offer you a glimpse into their world. Join local families as they host you for meals and a further peak into their daily lives and learn the art form of paper cutting.
Day 10
Witness the awe inspiring Terracotta army. Built to enable the Emperor Qin to protect himself and fight battles in the afterlife, these 4 chambers, containing over 8000, individually sculpted and unique, figures, along with 520 horses, 130 chariots and 150 cavalry were discovered by farmers by accident only in 1974 and remain in a pristine state. Each figure has its own exclusive features.
CHENGDU & YA'AN/BI FENG XIA
Day 11
Fly to Chengdu and then travel by bus to the Bi Feng Xia gorge to prepare for your Panda Bear Project.
Days 12 and 13
Visit the Panda Research Center and join the full time team of volunteers in feeding, cleaning and learning about these amazing creatures threatened by extinction.
Day 14
Volunteer at The Children’s Welfare Center Orphanage and provide companionship, day camp activities and laughter to children who have tragically lost their parents in the recent 2008 earthquake. Visit the Old Town area of Jin Li and walk through the lanes checking out the vendor kiosks. Feel right at home at China’s premier amusement park – the Floral park.
GUILIN/YANGSHUO
Day 15
Visit 1000 tigers and hundreds of black bears at this animal reserve. Travel to Yangshuo and board a boat to visit an authentic fishing village along the Li River.
Day 16
Travel along side the Yulong River by bicycle and then by bamboo raft. Explore incredible caves and enjoy a mud bath. Spend the evening shopping and eating on West Street and enjoy a live street performance.
Day 17
Rock climb with professional guides to incredible view points in Yangshuo – one of the most scenic areas in all of China. Learn to cook dumplings, noodles and other Chinese dishes at your cooking class.
Day 18
Explore Silver Cave and see the stalagmites and stalactites that make up this underground world. Hike to a waterfall and reflect on the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Day 19
Take a boat ride to the rice terraces where locals farm for their livelihood and roll up your sleeves and give them a hand. Finish your day with a relaxing foot massage.
SHANGHAI
Day 20
Enjoy this last day in Guilin riding a cable car, an alpine slide and viewing the awesome Elephant Trunk Hill by boat before flying to Shanghai, China’s largest city and its financial hub.
Day 21
The Chinese have incredible respect for the elderly and we make another cultural connection with our visit to a seniors’ home to bring laughter and learn from our hosts. Tour the Old City and take in all of the remarkable architecture, the exquisite plants and flowers of Yu Yuan Gardens and the sculptures made of Jade at Jade Temple. Visiting China would not be complete without witnessing a daring and unbelievable Shanghai Acrobatic show this evening.
Days 22 and 23
Spend two days visiting all of the pavilions and rides at the World Expo – over 70 million tourists are expected to participate in this historic event. (Did you know the World Expos are the 3rd largest world events after the Olympics and World Cup?)
Day 24
We wind down our incredible journey today with a walk along the famous Bund area known for its remarkable architecture and beautifully laid out pedestrian center along the water. Bargain for your souvenirs and gifts in the Taikang Lu area and view all of Shanghai from the tallest observation tower in the world – The Shanghai World Financial Center. Sing your favorite tunes at our final karaoke banquet. Ride the Magnetic train – the fastest in the world to your airport departure.
Your tour of China will surely be a once in a lifetime experience that will provide you with lasting memories of a country rich in culture, tradition and colorful people.
Day 25
Fly Home
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