Be greeted at arrivals by an enthusiastic Adventure Leader, ready to start your Culture in China Trip! After arriving you will be provided with a trip briefing, where your Adventure Leaders will explain details about your travel plans, give advice on how to adapt to the local culture and outline how you will stay safe during your travels.
Embark on a captivating journey through history, culture, and the soul of this vibrant city. Take a guided tour of the Hutongs of Beijing. Hutongs are narrow alleyways that wind their way through traditional courtyard homes, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past. By exploring these ancient streets on foot, you’ll have a chance to truly immerse yourself in the authentic charm and unique atmosphere that can only be found in the hutongs.
Embark on an enriching linguistic journey and unlock the door to one of the world’s most widely spoken languages by enrolling in a Mandarin class in Beijing. As the capital of China and a cultural powerhouse, Beijing offers an ideal environment to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Mandarin.
Unlock the extraordinary artistry and grace of the written word by enrolling in a calligraphy class in Beijing. As the birthplace of this ancient art form, Beijing is a haven for aspiring calligraphers.
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary delight that perfectly captures the essence of Beijing’s rich culinary heritage—the legendary Peking duck. Renowned worldwide for its succulent meat and crispy skin, Peking duck is a must-try dining experience that will tantalise your senses and leave you craving for more.
Day 3: Chinese Culture & Art
Head to the serene gardens of the Temple of Heaven where you will come together to practice some traditional tai chi exercises. Then head deeper into the temple complex, stopping for a group photo in front of the blue-tiled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.
Learn about China’s imperial history at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City stands as a symbol of China’s rich history and imperial power.
Experience a world of vibrant colours, captivating melodies, and rich cultural heritage at the Peking Opera show. Peking Opera, with its origins dating back over two centuries, is hailed as one of China’s most celebrated art forms. Experience the sheer elegance and grace of the performers as they bring to life captivating stories from Chinese history, mythology, and literature.
Day 4: The Great Wall of China
Travel to the outskirts of the city and hike to a secluded and incredibly beautiful section of the Great Wall, avoiding the crowds. The Great Wall of China stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, stretching majestically across mountains, valleys, and breathtaking landscapes.
Embark on an overnight sleeper train journey from Beijing to Xi’an, an adventure that promises unforgettable memories and a truly authentic travel experience.
Day 5: Hello Xi’An!
Prepare to be awestruck and transported back in time as students’ venture into a world of ancient majesty at the legendary Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are an astonishing underground army that was created over two millennia ago to accompany 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.
Participate in a terracotta warrior making workshop. Channel creativity and craftsmanship while gaining firsthand knowledge of the intricate techniques employed by the masterful artisans of the Qin Dynasty. With guidance from skilled instructors, student’s will learn the time-honoured art of clay sculpting, transforming a lump of clay into a magnificent replica of a terracotta warrior.
Explore the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an—a mesmerizing fusion of history, religion, and culinary delights. The Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Street, is a captivating enclave that harmoniously blends Chinese and Islamic influences, creating a unique and vibrant ambiance.
Day 6: Exploring Xi’An
Unlock a thrilling and picturesque adventure by biking on the ancient city wall of Xi’an—an experience that combines exhilaration, breathtaking views, and a deep connection with the rich history and culture of this magnificent city.
Experience the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an—a mesmerizing architectural masterpiece that embodies the rich cultural heritage and ancient wisdom of China. The Great Wild Goose Pagoda, standing tall against the Xi’an skyline, holds profound historical and spiritual significance.
Travel by overnight train to Shanghai. Trains provides a unique opportunity to mingle with locals, soak up the ambiance, and get a real sense of China’s diverse culture.
Day 7: Shanghai’s Hot Spots
Take a guided tour of People’s Square, visit Shanghai Museum before walk down to The Bund to Learn about China’s rapid urban development
On the way back, stop by the Olympic Stadium to pose for a seriously Instagram-worthy photo.
Embark on a Huangpu River cruise. Sit back and take in the panoramic views of the Bund—a waterfront promenade lined with majestic buildings that reflect the city’s history of international trade and colonial past. Watch as the lights dance upon the water, illuminating the skyline and casting a magical glow over the city—a truly mesmerizing sight that showcases Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit.
Day 8: Yu Yuan Garden
Transport yourself to a realm of tranquility, beauty, and rich Chinese heritage as you explore the Yu Yuan Garden in Shanghai. Allow me to immerse you in the enchantment of this meticulously designed oasis, where history, architecture, and nature converge to create a truly remarkable experience.
Step into the heart of Shanghai’s modernity and marvel at the awe-inspiring skyline on a Lujiazui tour—an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the vibrant energy and architectural wonders of this iconic financial district.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Shanghai through the sizzling delight of hotpot. Hotpot is more than just a meal—it’s a social gathering, a celebration of togetherness, and a cherished tradition that has been embraced by generations of locals and visitors alike.
Day 9: Cooking Class
Embark on a culinary adventure in the vibrant city of Shanghai and immerse yourself in the art of Chinese cooking through a memorable cooking class. Shanghai is renowned for its diverse cuisine—a harmonious blend of regional flavours, fresh ingredients, and culinary craftsmanship.
Embark on a picturesque journey and discover the enchanting water town of Zhujiajiao, nestled just outside the bustling city of Shanghai. One of the highlights of the journey in Zhujiajiao is undoubtedly the opportunity to indulge in a local specialty—the Shengjian dumpling. Renowned throughout China, these pan-fried dumplings are a heavenly combination of crisp bottoms, fluffy dough, succulent meat fillings, and aromatic flavors that burst in your mouth with each bite.
Visit Cheng Huang Temple, also known as the Temple of City Gods, a traditional Chinese temple that is dedicated to the worship of the city’s protective deities. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and colourful decorations, and is often filled with the aroma of incense that is lit to pay homage to the protective deities.
Day 10: Home Time
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!
