China Discovery

DAY 1: DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES (FOR THOSE WHO OPT TO TAKE THE GROUP FLIGHT)

DAYS 2-4: SHANGHAI

Your adventure begins in Shanghai, a cutting edge vibrant city that retains its old-world character. We will explore the Bund with its spectacular array of art-deco style buildings, the narrow winding lanes of the Nongtang or the European influenced French Concession. The area’s treelined avenues and their many Tudor mansions still retain an air of the ‘Paris of the East’. Enjoy a birds-eye view from the Jingmao observation deck in the Pudong Financial district, and explore the tranquil Yuyuan Gardens. At night catch a performance of the world renowned Shanghai Acrobats.

DAYS 4-6: SHAOLIN & LUOYANG

Next we will journey to the legendary Shaolin Temple, home of Kung Fu. Watch a spectacular show put on by some of the students and their masters at the Shaolin Temple Wushu Training Centre and even have the chance to take part in a kung fu lesson. Along with its beautifully painted halls, adorned with deities and smoky with incense, see the Shaolin Temple’s Pagoda Forest, one of the largest in China. Upon returning to Luoyang, we will visit the Longmen Grottoes UNESCO World Heritage Site to view more than 100,000 Buddha images that were carved into the side of a mountain some 1,500 years ago.

DAYS 6-9: XI'AN

Catching an evening high speed bullet train brings us to Xi’an, the imperial center of China for 2,000 years & the start of the famous ancient trading route of the Silk Road. Bike around the city walls, bargain in the markets and climb to the top of the Bell or Drum Towers.Visit Xi’an’s most famous site - the Terracotta Warriors - to stare in awe at the 10,000 clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all standing in battle formation commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty.

DAYS 9-13: CHENGDU AND THE SICHUAN COUNTRYSIDE

After the bustling city life of Xi’an we will begin our transition into the pristine Sichuan countryside. We will spend our first two days earning 15 hours of community service credit while working at the Giant Panda Breeding Chengdu Research Base where we are able to witness and assist with the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing endangered species. There are about 50 giant and red pandas at the base, and we may even be lucky enough to see newborns taking their first steps in the nursery! In the afternoons, we will have hands-on cooking lessons and get to explore Chengdu itself. Our last day in the Sichuan province, we will travel to the countryside of Shangli, we’ll get to experience the slower pace of life of an authentic countryside village.

DAYS 13-17: BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL

Our final stop will be the massive capital of Beijing. At 22 million people, it’s still not the biggest city in the county but it sure does feel like it. Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favor of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation’s ancient past as well as sights which showcase China’s contemporary culture. Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. The Forbidden City is the former home to China’s imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Our last day in Beijing will bring us outside the city to trek along a breathtaking section of the Great Wall. The experience of walking along this ancient fortification is a real highlight for our travelers. Our final night will feature a sumptuous feast of Peking duck and other specialties before we bid this beautiful country farewell.