Shanghai, Xian & Beijing Culture Trip

China 10 days Starting from

This shortened version of our 14-day culture itinerary covers the three most important urban hubs of China, both in the modern day and in ancient history. Throughout this 10-day exploration, students will have the chance to examine the intersectionality of culture, history, demography and how it all fits into China’s modern reinvention.

Each of the 3 destinations on the trip is a unique cultural hub: Shanghai, the world’s most populated metropolis, Xian, the starting point of the Silk Road, and Beijing, China’s political center.

Additional Destinations & Itineraries that are available for this theme are… Shaolin, Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Shandong, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Yunnan… Ask for more information from our specialists now.

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Day 1: China’s Consumer Culture Arrive in one of the world’s most developed cities and take a tour of two famous hot spots, People’s Square & Nanjing Road. Check out the world’s biggest Starbucks where you can learn how they make their signature blends! Finish the day with a welcome dinner in the evening.

Day 2: Old & New City Encounter Old Shanghai as you visit the Yu Yuan Gardens and the City God Temple Bazaar. Try Shanghai’s famous Xiao Long Bao dumplings, before venturing into the financial districts for a trip to the top of the Pearl Tower. Walk around The Bund with your guide before taking an evening cruise along the river.

Day 3: Urban Schooling Learn about the life of Chinese students with a half day school exchange, where you can tour the hallways and take part in lessons. In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum and learn how one of the highest populated cities is run. Hop on a night train as you make your way to Xian!

Day 4: Origins of the Silk Road Venture outside the city as you pay a visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors. Later, check out the hustle and bustle of the historic Muslim Quarter market. Sample the unique flavours of Hui Muslim food, before taking a stroll to the Drum and Bell tower which is beautifully lit at night.

Day 5: Ancient Culture Capital Pay a visit to the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, before taking a calligraphy lesson at a local museum. Zoom along Xian’s ancient City Walls by bike and witness the old and new city. In the evening, board the night train as you head to the city’s capital, Beijing!

Day 6: Beijing Start the day at the Summer Palace as you explore its gorgeous grounds. Take a wooden boat across the lake for the best views of the palace. Put your bargaining skills to the test at the Pearl Market before sampling Chinese delicacies at the Wangfujing Night Market.

Day 7: Palaces, Parks, and Temples Put your body to the test with a Kungfu lesson in a local park. Later, relax as you explore the Temple of Heaven and experience the art of a traditional tea ceremony within the temple’s grounds. Get your historical fix as you explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park.

Day 8: The Great Wall Go back in time with a trip to a secluded and beautiful section of the Great Wall. Hike along the wall and take in the scenic view of rural China. Return to the city and finish the evening with an acrobatic and theatrical performance show.

Day 9: A Bird's Eye View Start the day with ‘bird’s eye’ view from the top of the Olympic stadium, the Birds Nest. Venture into the ancient city with a tour of the hutongs before visiting the Lama Temple. Next stop is the Confucius temple, built in the 1300s in honour of its namesake. Finish the day with a delicious Chinese hot pot dinner.

Day 10: Continue the Learning Adventure at home It’s time to say goodbye to our guides and trip leaders. Make your way to the airport and leave excited to apply what you’ve learned on your trip, back at home!

Highlights

Students come face to face with no less than 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Experience the contrasts between urban and rural, modern, and ancient as well as the different customs & cultures of the north and south.

Engaging in Kungfu, cooking, and calligraphy lessons as well as tea ceremonies and hikes guarantee in-depth experiential learning.

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