Overview
The dichotomy of ancient alongside modern makes China the ultimate cultural backdrop for your next performance tour to one of the largest countries in the world. Perform in Beijing at one of the many temples or significant historical sites, then give your students the chance to try their hand at a traditional Chinese skill like calligraphy or Tai Chi in a lesson from experienced instructors. Take your seats in the audience of a Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe show before taking the stage for one more performance in this vibrant country.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to China (Beijing)
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
Beijing guided sightseeing tour
Explore Beijing with a local guide, beginning in Tiananmen Square, the vast public plaza and political heart of modern China, large enough to hold 300,000 people. Step into the Forbidden City, the 9,000-room palace complex once home to emperors, eunuchs, and concubines. Admire its red walls, vermilion roofs, and the famous Nine Dragon Screen. Then visit the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing rulers performed rituals to secure good harvests and imperial prosperity.
Summer Palace visit
Explore the Summer Palace, a vast Qing-era retreat of pavilions, bridges, and gardens along Kunming Lake. Covering more than 700 acres, the park stretches from the lake in the south to Longevity Hill in the north, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and imperial design.
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
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.
LEAP Chinese Calligraphy!
A lesson in traditional Chinese calligraphy, Hanzi, teaches you the history behind this widely respected art form. Afterward try your best to recreate the strokes using an ink brush. Do you have what it takes to master the art?
Beijing performance
Day 5
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.
Hutong tour
A hutong is a traditional Beijing neighborhood made up of narrow lanes running between courtyard homes. Thousands still exist today, many dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, offering a glimpse into centuries of local life and culture.
Lunch with locals
Learn about the daily lives of Beijing citizens and have lunch with a local family.
Yonghe Lamasery visit
It is the largest Buddhist temple of the Yellow-sect in Beijing and has been completely preserved. Built in 1694 as the residence of Count Yin Zhen, the fourth son of the Emperor Kangxi, it was called "the Palace of Count Yong." After Yin Zhen became the Emperor, he continued to use it as an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital. In 1744, it was converted into a lamasery. Yonghegong is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in China outside Tibet and holds treasures of both the Han and Tibetan cultures.
Overnight train to Xi'an
Day 6
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.
Banpo Village Ruins & Museum visit
Tang Dynasty singing and dancing show
Day 7
Xi'an city walk
Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower visit, Greater Wild Goose Pagoda visit
Fly to Shanghai
Shanghai city walk
Shanghai French Concession, The Bund, People's Square
Day 8
Shanghai museum 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.
Shanghai performance
Day 9
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
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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.