Beijing and Xi’an

Day 3: Great Wall and Hotpot

• Travel to the outskirts of the city and hike to a secluded and incredibly beautiful section of the Great Wall, avoiding the crowds.
• Try traditional Hotpot, a boiling broth for dipping meat and vegetables. A China must-do! Hotpot, also known as “huǒ guō” in Mandarin, is a traditional Chinese dish that involves cooking a variety of ingredients in a simmering, communal pot of flavorful broth. The broth is usually divided into two sections: a mild side for delicate ingredients and a spicy side for those seeking an extra kick. This customizable aspect of hot pot allows each diner to create their own personal flavor profile by choosing from an extensive array of dipping sauces, such as sesame, garlic, soy, and vinegar.

Day 4: Summer Palace

• Try some traditional breakfast In Beijing! locals and visitors start their day with a satisfying breakfast that may include Jianbing, Douzhi, Baozi, Shao Bing, and a warm bowl of Congee.
• Take a relaxing stroll inside the Summer Palace, where the Emperor’s household would go to escape the heat. Walk through the spectacular grounds and take a wooden boat across the palatial lake.
• Board the overnight train from Beijing to Xian, an exciting and convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities in China. The train departs from Beijing in the evening and arrives in Xian the next morning, allowing you to maximize your time during the day.

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

• When exploring the culinary delights of Xi’an, there are several traditional dishes that students should try. One of the most famous is the Xi’an-style Biang Biang noodles, characterized by their wide, hand-pulled noodles and robust flavors. Another must-try dish is the Roujiamo, often referred to as the “Chinese hamburger.” It consists of tender and flavorful chunks of stewed meat stuffed inside a freshly baked bread roll. For a taste of Xi’an’s Muslim influence, Yangrou Paomo is a popular choice—a hearty lamb stew served with torn pieces of unleavened bread.
• Discover the two-thousand-year-old Terracotta Warriors, an astonishing clay army that was created to accompany China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang into the afterlife. This extraordinary archaeological discovery, sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, is a testament to the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and power of the ancient Qin Dynasty.
• Unleash your creativity in a terracotta warrior workshop. Learn how the clay guardians were made as you make your own replica warrior.
• Explore another side to China in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter. The Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Street, blends Chinese and Islamic influences. Try Chinese cuisine not as you know it, with Middle Eastern influences that arrived in China via the Silk Road.

Day 6: Cycle Xi’an city walls and night market

• Hit the ground running (or cycling) with a bike ride around the top of Xi’an’s ancient city walls. Look over the city and try to spot the next few locations you’re visiting.
• Upon your arrival at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, a remarkable opportunity will unfold before you—an opportunity to engage in the art of calligraphy, specifically on a shanzi- Chinese traditional fan, within the hallowed grounds of this revered structure. By partaking in this immersive experience, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture but also embark on a profound journey of discovery.
• As the sun sets, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda Night Market comes alive with a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavours. Stroll through the vibrant lantern-lit streets, tastefully adorned with colourful stalls that sell a vast array of traditional architectures, local delicacies, handicrafts, clothing, and vibrant trinkets. Engage all your senses as you discover the bustling energy and warm hospitality that radiates from every corner.

Day 7:  Pearl Market and Beijing variety show

• Hop onto a high-speed train to take you back to Beijing.
• Step into a world of exquisite beauty and elegance at the Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market) in Beijing. With its charming atmosphere and an array of shimmering treasures, the market offers a truly unique and captivating shopping experience. A mecca for Chinese souvenirs.
• Enjoy an original Beijing-style variety show that is listed as the first key tourism performance project in Beijing while having Chinese tea. The 90-minute show covers Beijing opera art, Peking opera singing, Chinese kung fu, Sichuan opera face changing, tea art performance, national song and acrobatics.

Day 8: Travel home

• Today, it’s time to head back to the airport for your flight home. The Learning Adventure’s mission is to expand minds through transformative travel experiences, so we hope that as you settle into your seat for the journey home, that all you have experienced during your trip will leave you with a feeling of increased confidence, knowledge, understanding and yearning for your next adventure!