Day 1 :
Start Tour
- Flight to China:
Relax and enjoy your scheduled flight from North America.
Day 2 :
Ni Hao Beijing
- Welcome to Beijing:
Meet your Tour Director and check into hotel.
Day 3 :
Beijing
- Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City:
- 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.)
- Peking Duck Dinner:
Treat yourself to the sumptuous dish that northern China is famous for: Peking duck! During this special feast, learn about the ritual preparation and savory side dishes that accompany this regional specialty.
LEAP Activity | 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 classrooms you are accustomed to at home.
Day 4 :
Beijing to Xi’an
- Temple of Heaven:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven is an Imperial sacrificial alter located in Beijing. The complex includes the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven.
- LEAP Tai Chi:
Discover the history of the Chinese martial art, Tai Ji. Learn the moves from an experienced instructor, then practice what you’ve been taught.
- Great Wall of China:
Stretching from Korea to the Gobi Desert, the Great Wall of China reaches 1,500 miles along old imperial borders. The wall was built mainly by millions of slaves, repairing and lengthening existing defensive walls throughout the centuries (the oldest dating back to the 5th century BC), until the massive structure was complete. Sentries posted at the stone watchtowers along its length could use smoke to signal an imminent attack.
- Dinner:
Enjoy dinner on your own.
- Travel to Xi’an:
Hop on an overnight train and wake up in Xi’an.
LEAP Activity | Tai Chi
Discover the history of the Chinese martial art, Tai Ji. Learn the moves from an experienced instructor, then practice what you’ve been taught.
Day 5 :
Xi’an
- Terra Cotta Warriors Museum:
See the 8th wonder of the world—the life-size Terra-cotta Warriors.
- Bell Tower:
Visit one of the largest and most well-preserved bell towers remaining from ancient China. Legend has it that a boisterous dragon in the nearby river caused a series of earthquakes, leading government officials to use the tower to restrain the dragon. Since then, no earthquakes have occurred in the city!
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda:
Step inside the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda built in 652. It now stands 210 feet tall and, from the top, offers views over the city of Xi'an. A statue of translator and traveler Xuanzang greets travelers in front of the temple area.
Day 6 :
Xi’an to Chengdu
- Travel to Chengdu:
Take the high-speed train to Chengdu.
- Jinli Culture Street:
Lined with food stalls, souvenir shops, teahouses, and more, this bustling street is the perfect introduction to the city of Chengdu.
- Sichuan Opera Performance:
Watch as performers wear brightly colored masks portraying different emotions, and to the sounds of the music, change their masks in the blink of an eye.
Day 7 :
Chengdu
- Panda Research Base:
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.
- Optional hot pot dinner:
Day 8 :
Chengdu to Shanghai
- Fly to Shanghai:
Board your plane to Shanghai, China’s largest city.
- Leshan Buddha:
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 People’s Park in the heart of Shanghai, built on the grounds of the former Shanghai Race Club and the site of numerous protests throughout China’s history.
Day 9 :
Shanghai
- 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:
This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai, including the colonial Bund, the French Concession, and People's Square, a spectacular space in the heart of the city.
- Yu Garden and Market:
Built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, this five-acre park is divided into six sections, each separated by exquisitely detailed dragon walls.
- Acrobatic Show:
Forget Cirque de Soleil—Shanghai's Acrobatic Troupe has been performing for more than 50 years, and their combination of superb acrobatics, juggling, magic, and more has made them the world's best acrobatic ensemble.
LEAP Activity | Cook Chinese Cuisine
Create an authentic Chinese dish as professional chefs guide you through a traditional recipe. Savor your delicious creation.
Day 10 :
End Tour
- Final Farewells:
Board your flight home to the United States.
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