Shake hands with one of the world’s most developed cities as you explore one of its most iconic areas, The Bund. Take a walk around the waterfront and soak up some in-depth info about China’s rapid urban development from your expert guide. Immerse yourself in hidden communities, engage with the locals and capture the most Instagrammable shots.
Prepare to be adventurous! This morning, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves with an authentic Chinese cooking class. Reward yourself with your well-earned food for lunch.
In the evening, take advantage of the city’s beautiful night lights with an evening cruise on the Huangpu River.
Day 3: Old Shanghai
Morning
This is your last day in Shanghai, so seize the moment! Take a chilled morning, strolling around the Yu Yuan Gardens to learn more about Chinese garden art. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying – and you’ll see why. Think lush greenery, serene waters and ornate pavilions. Then, try local delicacies or pick up some last-minute souvenirs at the Yu Yuan Bazaar, the heart of old Shanghai. For lunch, we recommend Shanghai’s famous Xiao Long Bao dumplings. Tweet us a photo if you want to be on the receiving end of some serious food envy!
Afternoon
Your last activity in Shanghai is a trip back in time. Once you’ve fueled up, make sure you’ve got some comfy shoes on. You’re taking a 2-hour walking tour of the former French Concession’s art street to learn all about colonial Shanghai. Discover colonial mansions and hear the who-what-where-when-why of the formation of the French Concession. Visit quirky cafés and hip restaurants, concept bars and eclectic breweries, pop-up boutiques and experimental art galleries.
Evening
Wave goodbye to this incredible city and catch a 3-hour flight to the next leg of your adventure: Chengdu.
Day 4: Leshan Giant Buddha
Morning/Afternoon
Spend your day in Leshan, Chengdu’s neighbouring city, to marvel at the Leshan Giant Buddha, the tallest stone Buddha in the world. It’s 71m tall, which means you can climb up and down it to see its architectural details up close.
Evening
It’s been an active day, so relax at a traditional teahouse to see the Sichuan Opera and the famous face-changing act. Tea originated in China, so learn about its past and enjoy sipping on history.
Day 5: Pandas!
Morning
You’re in for a treat this morning – check out Chengdu’s Panda Breeding Research Centre to see China’s national animal and learn about conservation efforts.
Afternoon
After lunch, participate in a Chinese fan painting class. Then stock up on gifts in Jinli old streets.
Evening
This is a serious must-try. For dinner, try traditional hotpot, a boiling, fragrant broth used for self-cooking an assortment of meats and vegetables.
Day 6: Shake Hands with Xi’an
Morning
Hop on the 3-hour fast train to Xi’an this morning. Once you’ve arrived in the afternoon, take a bike ride around the top of Xi’an’s ancient city walls. Look out onto the views of the city and pick out the spots you’ll be visiting over the next few days.
Afternoon
Soak up some history in the Muslim Quarter market. This is where traders from across the Silk Road first settled in China. Sample the unique flavours of Hui Muslim food.
Evening
Finish off the day with a stroll to see the Drum and Bell tower lit up at night.
Day 7: Terracotta Warriors
Morning
No trip to Xi’an is complete without popping out of the city and venturing into China’s ancient past with the Terracotta Warriors. Thousands of terracotta warriors were buried with the emperor, as there was a belief that they would come alive and protect him in the afterlife.
Afternoon
Been inspired by the ancient artwork? Try a calligraphy lesson in the local museum.
Evening
In the evening, walk through Datang Music Street. Listen to the locals performing on traditional Chinese instruments. This is street music with a difference.
Day 8: Forget Pisa, This Is Pagoda
Morning
Forget the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this morning Xi’an presents you with the Great Wild Goose Pagoda. It’s a Buddhist holy place that leans to the West.
Afternoon
Discover one of four of China’s ancient inventions in a shadow play lesson.
Evening
Rest up on a 13-hour night train to Beijing.
Day 9: Authentic Beijing
Morning
Once you’re settled into you’re accommodation, say hello to Beijing with a 2-hour guided walking tour through one of the city’s ancient hutong areas. Hutongs are the traditional courtyard-based residential streets of Beijing, where you can understand more about local life. Next, visit a teahouse and experience an authentic Chinese tea ceremony.
Afternoon
Yesterday, you got a taste of China’s ancient inventions. Today, unearth China’s “four new inventions” in a lecture.
Evening
Finish off your first day in Beijing with some delicious Xinjiang food. Eat up!
Day 10: Imperial China
Morning
Start the day with a busy morning. First, have fun and test out your skills at a kung fu lesson, then continue on to the Temple of Heaven to see classic imperial Chinese architecture.
Afternoon
You’ve seen imperial architecture, now learn about China’s fascinating imperial history at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is the world’s largest imperial palace and has been the home of 24 emperors! Stroll out to the former Imperial gardens, Jingshan Park, for spectacular panoramic views of Beijing.
Evening
Refuel with a delicious Peking roast duck dinner – Peking is the romanized name for Beijing.
Day 11: School Visit
Morning
Make lifelong friends at a local Chinese school, specially matched to meet your school’s curriculum and students’ educational Interests. Typically, you’ll take a school tour, join in with some lessons, play sports and eat lunch. If you want to be popular, prepare gifts and a performance for the welcome ceremony in advance.
Afternoon
Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Summer Palace. Walk through the spectacular grounds and take a wooden boat across the palatial lake.
Day 12: The People
Morning/Afternoon
There’s plenty of famous landmarks and secret cultural spots, but it’s the people who really make China. Spend a full day interacting with local students. You could be visiting Sun Village, a children centre, talking to kids and planting trees. Alternatively, participate in a seal-carving lesson, or have fun on a scavenger hunt in Chuandixia village.
Day 13: The Great Wall, minus the crowds
Morning/Afternoon
Make your way to the outskirts of the city and take a 2-3-hour hike to a secluded and fantastically beautiful section of the Great Wall. This is one of the most famous sites in the world – but we know China’s ins and outs, so today we’re sidestepping the big tourist crowds.
Evening
Rest your legs in the evening with an amazing acrobatic show (3rd class tickets).
Day 14: Home Time
Morning
It’s home time but it’s not over. China’s rich culture will follow you back to the classroom…and beyond.
