8 days
Destinations Visited
BeijingGreat Wall of ChinaShanghai
Local Conditions
66℉ Current Temp
Current Time

Highlights

Travel Route

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Your Adventure, Day by Day

Day 1 Depart from North America
  • Journey to China Fly from the United States to Beijing, our base for the next three nights.
Day 2 Beijing - The Big Picture
  • Arrive in Beijing Meet our Tour Director at the airport with a private coach to transfer us to our hotel in Beijing.
  • Begin Exploring Beijing Founded in the 13th century, and home to Ming and Qing dynasty emperors, the capital city of Beijing is one of China's true ancient citadels. After a period of isolation, the modern city is undergoing significant reform and change, embodying all the fascinating contradictions of modern China.
  • Welcome Dinner Enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 3 Beijing and its People
  • Tiananmen Square Explore Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and site of many historical events.
  • Forbidden City Discover the home of Chinese emperors, a massive complex of red-walled buildings and pavilions topped by a sea of glazed vermilion tile.
  • Temple of Heaven Visit this enormous park and altar directly to the south of the Forbidden City.
  • School Visit and Exchange Visit a local school and interact with your peers through activities that may include roundtable discussions about the similarities and differences between US and Chinese culture, special seminars in Chinese language, martial arts, and traditional instruments, or playing games to share the unique culture of the US and China. Learn about the lives, hopes, and dreams of real Chinese students, and share your understanding of the US with those eager for international experience.
  • Enjoy a Gala Dinner or the Beijing Opera
Day 4 Outside Beijing's Walls
  • Great Wall of China Climb one of the world's most impressive man-made structures, which snakes its way east to west for nearly 4,000 miles.
  • Ming Tombs Visit this most extensive emperor burial complex of any Chinese dynasty.
  • Martial Arts Demonstration or Acrobatic Show Immerse yourself in the arts by choosing one of these action-packed activities.
  • Peking Duck Dinner Say farewell to Beijing with a famous Peking Duck dinner.
Day 5 Introducing Shanghai!
  • Fly to Shanghai Travel to the largest and most dynamic city in China. A dramatic mix of both ancient and modern, the recent explosion of economic and industrial development in this autonomous municipality has made it one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
  • Huangpu River Cruise Take one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai.
  • Nanjing Road Stroll along China's premier shopping street, which starts at the famous waterfront Bund and ends at the junction of Jingan Temple and Yan'an West Street.
  • Jin Mao Tower Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 88th floor "Skywalk" of the Jin Mao Tower to enjoy magnificent views over the city.
  • Evening Meal at a Local Restaurant Enjoy our evening meal together in a local restaurant as we settle into our Shanghai home for the next three nights.
Day 6 Shanghai - Meet the Students
  • School Visit and Exchange Visit a second local school and students in Shanghai or a surrounding area, including fast-growing cities such as Suzhou and Nanjing that are just a quick high-speed rail trip away. Take a tour of the school and enjoy activities such as taking a class together, visiting local historical sites, or just hanging out at a pizza party with your new friends. Many of your new Chinese friends may be studying in the US after they graduate, so be sure to keep in touch!
  • Shanghai Metropolitan Area Explore this metropolitan area, such as the French Concession, or even outlying communities. (time permitting)
  • Evening Meal at a Local Restaurant
Day 7 A Dive into Shanghai Culture
  • Spend Time Exploring Shanghai Museums and Cultural Sites Explore the Yu Yuan (meaning Garden of Peace and Comfort) classical Chinese garden.
  • Visit the Shanghai Museum, one of the most important museums in China, featuring over 120,000 historic artifacts. Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its jade Buddha statues.
  • Farewell Dinner Enjoy a final celebration meal together in a local restaurant.
Day 8 Return Home
  • Depart Shanghai for Home Our rewarding and enjoyable tour comes to an end as our Tour Director accompanies us to the airport on our final day.
Three Free College Credits Included with this Program

Students traveling on a WorldStrides Perspectives program have the opportunity to earn three free college credits through our Discovery for Credit program.  Students who receive college credit gain a competitive advantage on college applications, are distinguished as savvy travelers and online learners, and get a jump start on their path to successful completion of higher education.  Students completing applicable coursework receive an official transcript, issued by our university partner, the University of California – San Diego.  Click here for more details.

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