11 Days
China
Beijing (3), Xi'an (2), Chengdu (3), Shanghai (2)
Experience the incredible country of China! On this 11-day journey, you’ll explore the cities of Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. From walking along the Great Wall and visiting the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to volunteering with pandas and experiencing the vibrant energy of Shanghai, this trip offers a unique blend of ancient history, hands-on learning, and modern exploration. Experience China’s iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems while engaging with local communities and learning about conservation efforts along the way.
Arrive in Beijing and meet your GEC at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in downtown Beijing for check-in. After settling in, relax and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Overnight: Beijing
Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the political heart of China. Next, visit the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace that served as the seat of power for over 500 years. After lunch, head to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. End the day with a Hutong tour, featuring a rickshaw ride and activities like Chinese calligraphy and Beijing Opera facial painting.
Overnight: Beijing
Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, known for being less crowded. Take a cable car up and enjoy hiking along the wall before descending by toboggan. After lunch, visit the Sacred Road of the Ming Tombs and view Beijing’s Olympic stadiums, the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, from the outside. Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Beijing
In the morning, visit the Summer Palace and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake, weather permitting. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight: Xi’an
Explore the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, where thousands of life-sized statues guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. After lunch, visit the Grand Mosque and Gao’s Grand Courtyard to see a shadow puppet show. End the day with a stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter.
Overnight: Xi’an
Spend the morning cycling on Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, followed by a Tai Chi lesson on the wall. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional hot pot dinner.
Overnight: Chengdu
Participate in the Dujiangyan Panda Volunteer Program, where you’ll help care for giant pandas by cleaning their enclosures, preparing their food, and learning about conservation efforts. After lunch, return to Chengdu and visit Wenshu Temple and Jinli Old Street.
Overnight: Chengdu
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe pandas in their natural habitat. Later, explore the Sanxingdui Museum, where you’ll learn about the ancient Shu Kingdom’s fascinating history.
Overnight: Chengdu
Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai. After checking into your hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own.
Overnight: Shanghai
Start your day with a visit to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with intricate rockeries and pavilions. Explore the Chenghuangmiao Bazaar, followed by a visit to the Shanghai Museum. Stroll along the Bund and Nanjing Road before embarking on a night cruise along the Huangpu River.
Overnight: Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your departure. We hope you had an incredible time in China!
Overnight: Flight home
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