Overview
Travel to China on an immersive educational tour to learn about the history and culture of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Students will explore the remarkable Forbidden Palace and walk along the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world. See the life-size Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an, visit a panda research center in Chengdu, and stroll through Shanghai’s picturesque Yu Garden. Plus, students will cook an authentic Chinese meal and try Tai Chi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to China
Day 2
Arrive in Beijing
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Temple of Heaven visit
Visit the Temple of Heaven, an enormous park and altar directly to the south of the Forbidden City. Each winter solstice, the Ming and Qing emperors would lead a procession here to perform rites and make sacrifices designed to promote the next year’s crops and curry favor with Heaven for the general health of the empire.
LEAP Tai Chi
Discover the history of the Chinese martial art, Tai Chi. Learn the moves from an experienced instructor, then practice what you've been taught.
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Peking duck dinner
Enjoy a feast of Peking duck, the signature dish of northern China. During this special meal, learn about its traditional preparation and the savory side dishes that make this regional specialty so famous.
Day 4
LEAP Chinese School Visit
A visit to a local school introduces you to Chinese students. Learn the similarities and differences found in their classroom and the classroom you are accustomed to at home. (Please note that school visits will not be possible on certain dates due to schools not being in session. WorldStrides will update you as early as possible.)
Lunch
Great Wall of China visit
The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, stretches about 13,170 miles across deserts, mountains, and grasslands. Built more than 2,700 years ago, parts have crumbled, yet it remains one of the world’s most iconic landmarks for its scale, engineering, and historic significance.
Dinner on your own
Overnight train to Xi'an
Day 5
Terracotta Warriors Museum visit
Uncover the legacy of the Qin Dynasty at the Terracotta Army. First discovered in 1974, this vast army of more than 6,000 life-size warriors was buried with China’s first emperor in 210–209 BCE to protect him in the afterlife. It remains one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries ever made.
Bell Tower visit
Visit the Bell Tower, originally constructed in the 17th year of Emperor Hong Wu’s reign during the Ming Dynasty, and moved to its current location in the 10th year of Wanli. The architecture is grand and the art is superb. The highlight of the visit will be an Ascent of the Tower, which offers a magnificent panoramic view over the city.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda visit
Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, built after the translation of the Buddhist scriptures, is square in shape and stands 64 meters high, with a spiral staircase leading to the top. Bodhisattva images are delicately carved on the lintels on four sides and the lower part of the pagoda features two stone tablets engraved with the Preface of Holy Teachings.
Day 6
High speed train to Chengdu
Jinli Culture Street visit
Sichuan Opera performance
During this performance, performers will wear brightly colored masks portraying different emotions, and to the sounds of the music, they will change their masks in the blink of an eye.
Hot Pot Dinner
Day 7
Leshan Buddha visit
Built during the Tang Dynasty between the 7th and 9th centuries, this 233 foot Buddha was carved directly into the rocks facing Mount Emei. In 1996, the statue was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
People's Park visit
Day 8
Panda research base visit
In this vast research complex, which includes a veterinary lab, a park, a panda habitat, and a zoo, you will have one of the best opportunities to see Giant Pandas.
Fly to Shanghai
Day 9
LEAP Cook Chinese Cuisine
Create an authentic Chinese dish as professional chefs guide you through a traditional recipe. Savor your delicious creation.
Shanghai city walk
Shanghai French Concession, The Bund, People's Square
Yu Garden & market visit
Acrobatic show
With over five decades of excellence, Shanghai's Acrobatic Troupe presents a captivating blend of acrobatics, juggling, and magic. This immersive experience not only entertains but also enhances understanding of physical artistry and cultural expression, aligning with curriculum standards in performing arts and physical education. Educators can inspire students to explore the physics of movement and the artistry of performance, making connections that extend beyond the stage.
Day 10
Flight home from Shanghai
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
Scenes from China
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.