History in China

Day 4: Nanjing

Morning

Spend the morning at Nanjing Massacre Museum to find out about the atrocities of war.

Afternoon

Then, head outside after lunch to explore the ancient city walls, Zhonghua Gate and the Confucius temple.

Evening

Take a leisurely walk along the serene waters of the Qinhuai river, also known as the mother-river of Nanjing.

Day 5: Ancient Xi’an

Morning/Afternoon

Jet off on a 2-hour flight. 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.

Evening

At dinner, sample the unique flavours of Hui Muslim food, before finishing the day off with a Tang Dynasty dance and music performance.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

Morning

No trip to Xi’an would be complete without heading out of the city and delving into the ancient past of 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
Spend the rest of your afternoon taking a calligraphy lesson at a local museum and exploring the Muslim Quarter market.

Evening

That’s it, tick Xi’an off your bucket list! Take advantage of the 13 hours on the night train to get some rest so that you’re ready to start Beijing right.

Day 7: Authentic Beijing

Morning

Save the tourist hotspots for later. First, you’re learning about Beijing through the eyes of a local. Go on a 2-hour guided walking tour through one of Beijing’s ancient hutong areas. Hutongs are the traditional courtyard-based residential streets of Beijing and will give you a real insight into local life.

You’ve been up and about the whole morning, so take it easy at a teahouse where you can experience a Chinese tea ceremony.

Afternoon

Treat yourself to lunch at a Mao-era themed restaurant, complete with propaganda posters, communist imagery and, of course, great food.

Once you’ve eaten your weight in Chinese food, 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.

Day 8: 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

It’s been an active day, so sit back and relax. It’s time to get inspired at a spectacular acrobatics show.

Day 9: Imperial China

Morning

Start the day bright and early with a kung fu lesson in the park. Then continue on to the Temple of Heaven to admire classic imperial Chinese architecture.

Afternoon

After lunch, check out the Old Summer Palace, a unique imperial garden with a troubled history. It was destroyed by the British and French armies during the Second Opium war, and now, only ruins remain.

Evening

There’s no better goodbye to Beijing than a magnificent Peking roast duck banquet for dinner – Peking is the romanized name for Beijing.

Day 10: Bye, Beijing!

Morning

It’s home time, but it’s not over. China’s history will follow you back to the classroom….and beyond.